What is Classic Pseudopelade (Brocq)?

Pseudopelade is a type of scarring hair loss condition. The hair loss in the bald areas is permanent. Both men and women can develop pseudopelade, although it is 3 times more common in women.

Several features lead to this diagnosis, including areas of scarring hair loss, some redness around the hair follicles, depression of the skin, and findings on the biopsy showed very little inflammation, loss of the fat glands and scarring

Pseudopelade is challenging to treat. Even with treatment, some cases to spread, albeit very slowly.

Pills may be used such as Doxycycline, Plaquenil, Isotretinoin (Accutane), Mycophenolate mofetil. Injection of steroids may be advised. Use of topical medicines you apply yourself at home may also be advised (Clobetasol, Protopic, Clobex).

We encourage you to discuss these treatment options with your dermatologist.

Pseudopelade, French for “imitator of alopecia” describes a type of scarring hair loss that at first glance looks like alopecia areata (a non-scarring form of hair loss). But on closer inspection one sees smooth shiny patches of hair loss with loss of follicular openings. The term has been confusing because it can represent either new onset scarring alopecia with no evident inflammation or symptoms, or late-stage lichen planopilaris which is considered ‘burnt-out.” Many have suggested that the term be abandoned in favor of a late stage LPP.

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