What is the hair condition Graham Little-Piccardi-Lassueur?

Prompted by musician Alex Callier, who suffers from it, Dr Griet Voet explains the rare Graham Little-Piccardi-Lassueur syndrome in HLN. It is a variant of lichen planopilaris, in which inflammation damages the hair follicles. This leads to bald patches on the scalp and eyebrows, later also in the armpits and pubic area, sometimes with scarring, itching or pain. Hair specialist Dr Joren Brassine describes it as an autoimmune condition of unknown cause.

The condition is difficult to treat and cannot be prevented. Dr Voet mentions anti-inflammatory corticosteroids, applied locally or more powerfully via injections or tablets, and, if the effect is insufficient, medication that suppresses the immune system. A hair transplant can be considered once the disease has burnt out, with no guarantee of results. She also points to the importance of stress and the psychological impact.

• Have hair loss with bald patches or scarring examined by a dermatologist.

• Treatment usually starts with anti-inflammatory corticosteroids.

• Look at stress factors too; they can be a trigger.

• Seek support if the hair loss weighs heavily on your well-being.

Want to know more? Read about Hair and scalp disorders at Clinique Dermatologie Gent.