Introduction: Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is characterized by chronic scarring alopecia that is progressive and typically refractory to therapy. Current drug treatments are suboptimal and not applicable for long-term use because of the high potential for adverse effects, warranting safer and more effective treatment alternatives.
Methods: Based on our previous success in treating a patient with central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia using a topical botanical formulation (Gashee), we reviewed records of four patients with biopsy-proven LPP treated with the topical formulation alone or in combination with its oral preparation. Three patients had failed previous treatment with intralesional steroid injections, topical minoxidil, tacrolimus, and clobetasol. Physical examination and photographic documentation were also used as outcome measures. Treatment duration with the botanical formulations ranged from 6 weeks to 9.5 months.
Results: All patients showed overall improvement in surrogate indicators of LPP activity as evidenced by the disappearance of symptoms (pruritus, tenderness, scalp irritation, and hair shedding), improvement in hair growth, and reduction in redness. All reported a high satisfaction level and no adverse effects.
Conclusions: Patients with treatment-refractory LPP responded to a novel botanical treatment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first published report of LPP responding to a plant-based natural treatment. Further evaluation of this treatment in a controlled trial with a larger number of patients is warranted.
Keywords: Botanical; Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia; Cosmeceutical; Fibrosing alopecia in patterned distribution; Frontal fibrosing alopecia; Hair loss; Natural treatment; Nutraceutical; Phytoactive; Scarring alopecia.
Lichen planopilaris is a chronic and progressive condition, most commonly affecting middle-aged women. It results in scalp inflammation, scarring, and ultimately permanent hair loss. Treatments are typically ineffective in the long term and are associated with side effects that limit their use. We report success in treating four patients using a new botanical formulation called Dr. UGro Gashee as the sole therapy for a duration ranging from 6 weeks to 9.5 months. The treatment was administered topically or in combination with its oral formulation. All the patients showed cessation of disease progression with significant hair regrowth. They also reported complete resolution of scalp itch, tenderness, and irritation, with no adverse effects. Our report is the first published study of lichen planopilaris responding to a plant-based natural treatment and warrants further evaluation in larger controlled trials.
© 2022. The Author(s).