Association of Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia with Facial Papules and Lichen Planus Pigmentosus in a Caucasian Woman.

Introduction: Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a lymphocytic primary cicatricial alopecia typically involving the frontotemporal hairline. It may be associated with the presence of facial papules (FP) that clinically appear as noninflammatory, monomorphic, white-yellowish papules. Lichen planus pigmentosus (LPPigm) is characterized by the presence of asymptomatic grayish pigmented macules, predominantly in sun-exposed and flexural areas.
Case Report: A 58-year-old, Caucasian, phototype III woman presented with a symmetrical, band-like, frontotemporal alopecia with regression of the hairline; bilateral eyebrow loss; diffuse, symmetrical hyperpigmentation of the face; and some asymptomatic, flesh-colored, monomorphic papules on the chin. Based on clinical, dermoscopic, and histological findings, the diagnosis of FFA associated with FP and LPPigm was established.
Discussion/conclusion: The peculiarity of our report is represented by the triple association of FFA, FP, and LPPigm in a Caucasian skin type III woman, as it has been rarely reported. Clinicians should be aware of this association also in subjects with phototype ≤III, as its recognition may be useful for diagnostic and prognostic purposes: the observation of LPPigm of the face may suggest to check for early FFA, and in case of FFA associated with FP, a poorer FFA prognosis may likely be expected.
Competing Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
(Copyright © 2020 by S. Karger AG, Basel.)