Treating with lichen planopilaris

Since your integument acts as the first barrier against the harsh environment, then it only makes sense that it is also the organ that will manifest the early physical symptoms of external trauma or, an underlying body condition.

Your scalp and hair are main members of the integument system and function as the thermoregulator and protector of your head, which houses a major organ: your brain.

Now, consider what will happen if you suffer from a major hair and scalp problem that has caused too much damage both in appearance and self-esteem? Today I will continue to discuss matters about cicatrical alopecia, particularly lichen planopilaris (LPP).

Lichen planopilaris is a form of lichen planus, an autoimmune skin rash that occurs usually in the mucous membranes, but may also appear on other parts of your upper and lower extremities.

When you say autoimmune, it means your body is unable to recognise an organic normal cell from a foreign body.

So, your immune system attacks, even your healthy cells and organs, causing inflammation that may or may not be visible to the naked eye. In the case of LPP, which is more prevalent among middle-aged women, the lesions or rashes are confined to the head.

Common signs and symptoms of LPP include significant hair loss, scaling, itching, tenderness and a burning sensation.

It primarily affects the hair follicles, and what makes this a worrisome condition is because of its lesions. If the area continues to be itchy, you will have the tendency to scratch it deliberately, causing more lesions that will inhibit hair development.

Diagnosis of LPP include a scalp biopsy and a series of blood tests.

It is important that you understand that this condi tion only occurs if there is a more serious underlying disorder like lupus. So, if you are experiencing any of the signs, such as excessive hair shedding and itching, you should first seek help from your trichologist.

If an underlying issue is identified, you will be referred to a medical practitioner who will perform several diagnostic procedures to identify the main cause.

Medical treatment of LPP depends on the severity of the rashes and how quickly the condition progresses. Since this is associated with an autoimmune disorder, most of your medications would be anti- inflammatory such as steroids.

You can also do simple home care treatments to alleviate the discomfort.

For example, you must maintain proper hygiene, and be aware that scratching the area with dirty hands may cause infection. Also important, observe proper diet and hydration. This will keep your hair and scalp cells nourished, even under this condition.

The most important thing that you have to consider is to keep your resistance at its optimum. Autoimmune diseases are triggered when your body is weak. So, keep yourself healthy - eat right and do right.

Germaine Williams Beckles is a doctor of trichology (DT) and nutrition consultant (NC) https://www.germainewilliamsbeckles.

com, 627-4659. Email us your questions to info@drgees.com