Lichen Planopilaris Mimicking Androgenic Alopecia: The Importance of Using a Dermatoscope

Abstract

Scarring alopecia (cicatricial alopecia) affects 7% of patients at hair loss specialty clinics. Clinical findings can be subtle and easily overlooked without a thorough physical examination of the scalp. Scarring alopecia can mimic pattern alopecia or coexist and contribute to thinning, so a high index of suspicion and utilization of a dermatoscope is critical to making the diagnosis. Hair restoration surgeons must be aware of the presentation and perform a thorough physical examination in order to avoid the costly mistake of performing surgery in patients who are potentially doomed to fail.