Lipedematous alopecia
| Lipedematous alopecia | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Lipedematous scalp[1] |
| Specialty | Dermatology |
Lipedematous alopecia is a disorder characterized by a thick boggy scalp and hair loss.
Signs and symptoms
Typically, vertex and occipital regions are where scalp thickening is first observed, and it gradually spreads to the entire scalp.
Causes
As of right now, there is no solid evidence connecting lipedematous alopecia to other symptoms or genetic abnormalities.
Mechanism
It has been suggested that leptin, a hormone that controls the distribution of adipose tissue, contributes to subcutaneous fat hyperplasia.[4][7] Adipose tissue displacement and metaplasia are key components of a different explanation of lipedematous alopecia pathophysiology.[8] Hormones may also be involved because women make up the majority of lipedematous alopecia patients; however, there is not enough data to explain why this phenomenon is seen.[4]
Diagnosis
In order to diagnose lipedematous alopecia, one must evaluate the clinical appearance and rule out illnesses such as cutis verticis gyrata.[8]
A thicker layer of subcutaneous fat with varying disturbance of fatty architecture, the lack of inflammation, normal hair follicles and adnexa, and no apparent lipoma or panniculitis are among the histomorphologic characteristics of lipedematous alopecia.[4] Histopathology, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography scans are examples of diagnostic modalities. Histology typically reveals hyperplasia of the subcutaneous adipose tissue in addition to normal epidermis and dermis.[8]
Treatment
There is little to no treatment for lipedematous alopecia that can stop or slow progression.[9] There have been unsuccessful attempts at treating the condition with hydroxychloroquine and topical and intralesional steroids.[10][11] After a year, surgical debulking with scalp reduction shows no signs of recurrence, a satisfactory outcome.[7]
See also
- Hot comb alopecia
- List of cutaneous conditions
References
Further reading
- Yasar, Sirin; Gunes, Pembegul; Serdar, Zehra Asiran; Tosun, Ilkay (2011). "Clinical and pathological features of 31 cases of lipedematous scalp and lipedematous alopecia". European Journal of Dermatology. 21 (4). John Libbey Eurotext: 520–528. PMID 21659073.
- Cabrera, R; Larrondo, J; Whittle, C; Castro, A; Gosch, M (2015). "Successful Treatment of Lipedematous Alopecia using Mycophenolate Mofetil". Acta Dermato Venereologica. 95 (8). Medical Journals Sweden AB: 1011–1012. PMID 25881615.