Follicular Melanocytes in Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: An Immunohistochemical Study With Trichoscopic Correlation

Abstract

Background: 

Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a scarring alopecia that affects the frontotemporal hairline. Clinically, it may develop with cutaneous hypopigmentation of the affected areas, which has been associated with a reduction in the epidermal melanocyte count. In trichoscopy, peripilar white halos can be observed, which have been associated with fibrosis in other scarring alopecias.

Objective: 

To evaluate the trichoscopic, histopathological and immunohistochemical characteristics of the peripilar white halos in FFA patients.

Materials and methods: 

We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study that included 12 patients with FFA presenting peripilar white halos. Two 2-mm punch trichoscopy-guided biopsies were performed in all patients, one fragment for vertical section and another for horizontal section. The vertical sections were stained with Fontana-Mason and Melan-A.

Results: 

On trichoscopic examination, peripilar white halos ≤ 1 mm in size were observed on the affected scalp. In vertical sections, a reduction in basal melanin pigmentation and a decrease in the melanocyte count in the upper segment of the hair follicle were observed with Fontana-Masson staining and Melan-A immunostaining, respectively.

Limitations: 

The small sample size and absence of a control group.

Conclusion: 

This study shows follicular melanocyte involvement in FFA, and this finding may be associated with the peripilar white halos observed in trichoscopy.