Lichen Planopilaris

Hi everyone

I recently joined this website to find gain some comfort and support. If I can pass on my story and any experiences during the course of this condition all the better. I am a man of 73 and first noticed the itchy scalp in March 2015. My hair at that time was thick and healthy. My wife had suffered a rare condition prior to me experiencing this problem and I had become very stressed. With the first signs of hair loss I saw my GP. After months of no improvement I bullied the GP to refer me to a Dermatologist. I had a biopsy and it was confirmed as LPP. I did not receive much in the way of help but was referred to a hair and scalp specialist in Gloucester Dr A Takwade in Dec 2016 privately. She prescribed Hydroxychloroquine 400mg daily and using Fexofenadine and Dermax shampoo. I saw this lady on twice more under the NHS the last time in late June 2017. She could see no signs of LPP scarring and the Hydro was reduced by 200mg and finished in October 2017. I was then still losing hair and my scalp was burning and itching. I lost faith with her findings and went private to the London hair and scalp clinic a Dr Wade in Feb 2018. He said I still had LPP and placed me back on Hydro 400 mg. He told me that the treatment should have continued for at least two years. I see him again in 6 months. If you have Hydro treatment remember to take a benchmark on your eyes every year. I would like to have contact with any of you out there. I guess would say has a man it is not so bad but my three years of this has made my life unbearable. Appreciate any comments

George North Devon

Hi Francesca

It is good to hear from you. I am sorry you are suffering from the same condition. As I said mine strarted in March 2015 with the itchiness and gradual hair loss. I chased a solution from day one and I have seen four dermatologists to date. I am in a position to go private and latterly used a dermatologist in Holborn. I guess it should be less painful for me as I am a man of 73 years of age but I had a full head of hair up to the last few years. The preferred treatment appears to be Hydroxychloroquine together with Dermovate. I use Bettamousse for the itching and burning. This condition has made me a bit of a recluse and it makes me depressed. I am considering seeing a professional to help me cope mentally. Please keep in touch and if you have tips on medication or any websites I can visit do let me know. Best wishes, George

Hi Francesca

I have considered using a man who I have used in the past for anxiety issues. Might well go down that path. My doctor is sympathetic but takes the view I am with the right people i.e. a dermatologist. Unfortuately it is a rare condition. I am delving through this website trying to find a local group but being in North Devon there appears to be none. Perhaps I need to go further afield. Perhaps a trip to London I was born in Islington and worked most of my life there. I really appreciate your thoughts. I feel quite alone with this problem. Good luck with that dermatologist visit. Keep in touch

George