Tangled Truths: Unraveling the Link Between Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia and Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Cutis. 2024 Mar;113(3):119-122. doi: 10.12788/cutis.0974.

Abstract

Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is an increasingly common diagnosis, especially in middle-aged women, and has garnered growing attention in the scientific literature. This variant of lichen planopilaris (LPP) is recognized as a progressive scarring alopecia affecting the frontal and temporal regions of the scalp as well as the eyebrows and occasionally other sites. Although its precise etiology remains elusive, various factors such as genetics, medications, hormonal influences, and environmental exposures-including specific chemicals present in sunscreens-have been implicated in its pathogenesis but without evidence of causality. The potential relationship between contact allergy and FFA has been explored, with some suggesting an increased prevalence of contact allergy among patients diagnosed with FFA. This article aims to explore the potential association between contact allergy and FFA, focusing on the current published literature and implicated allergens.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alopecia* / diagnosis
  • Alopecia* / etiology
  • Alopecia* / pathology
  • Dermatitis, Allergic Contact* / diagnosis
  • Dermatitis, Allergic Contact* / etiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lichen Planus* / diagnosis
  • Lichen Planus* / etiology

Supplementary concepts

  • Lichen planus follicularis