Lipedematous alopecia

Signs and symptoms

Typically, vertex and occipital regions are where scalp thickening is first observed, and it gradually spreads to the entire scalp. Like a balloon, the lesions can be pushed down to the underlying bone, yet they promptly revert to their original shape. It has been reported that accompanying symptoms include pruritis, discomfort, headaches, and paresthesia.

Causes

As of right now, there is no solid evidence connecting lipedematous alopecia to other symptoms or genetic abnormalities. Medical issues including skin and joint hyperelasticity, kidney failure, scalp psoriasis, and breast cancer have been recorded in cases of lipedematous alopecia. Nevertheless, there is no evidence linking lipedematous alopecia to these illnesses; instead, these conditions appear to be coincidental.

Mechanism

It has been suggested that leptin, a hormone that controls the distribution of adipose tissue, contributes to subcutaneous fat hyperplasia. Adipose tissue displacement and metaplasia are key components of a different explanation of lipedematous alopecia pathophysiology. 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.

Diagnosis

In order to diagnose lipedematous alopecia, one must evaluate the clinical appearance and rule out illnesses such as cutis verticis gyrata.

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. 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.

Treatment

There is little to no treatment for lipedematous alopecia that can stop or slow progression. There have been unsuccessful attempts at treating the condition with hydroxychloroquine and topical and intralesional steroids. After a year, surgical debulking with scalp reduction shows no signs of recurrence, a satisfactory outcome.

References

References

1. Rapini, Ronald P.. (2007). "Dermatology: 2-Volume Set". Mosby.
2. (2018). "Lipedematous scalp and alopecia: Report of two cases with a brief review of literature". Medknow.
3. (2019-01-23). "Lipedematous Alopecia: Clinical, Histopathological, and Trichoscopic Findings of a Single Case and Review of the Literature". Case Reports in Dermatology.
4. (2012-01-05). "Lipedematous diseases of the scalp are not separate entities but part of a spectrum of lipomatous lesions". Wiley.
5. (2012). "Alopecia lipedematosa concomitante con psoriasis del cuero cabelludo". Elsevier BV.
6. (April 2000). "Lipedematous alopecia". Cutis.
7. (2008). "Successful surgical management of lipoedematous alopecia". Wiley.
8. (2019). "Presentation, diagnosis, and management options of lipedematous alopecia". Elsevier BV.
9. (2019). "Distinguishing Lipedematous Scalp, Lipedematous Alopecia, and Diffuse Alopecia Areata". Skin Appendage Disorders.
10. (2008). "Lipedematous scalp: A rare entity". The Journal of Dermatology.
11. (2005). "Lipedematous alopecia: An unusual sequela of discoid lupus, or other co-conspirators at work?". Elsevier BV.