On 19/6, Doctor Hoang Van Minh from Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital - Campus 3, announced that the hospital recently treated a 26-year-old female patient from Ho Chi Minh City with a unique combination of frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) and a giant blue nevus on her scalp.

According to Doctor Minh, the co-occurrence of these two conditions in one patient is the first case ever documented worldwide. The patient had a history of a blue-colored skin area on her scalp since birth, identified as a giant blue nevus, which had remained stable for many years. This area typically featured thicker hair, though many strands were gray from the roots.

Approximately five months ago, the woman experienced persistent itchy scalp, followed by progressive hair loss that began at the nape and spread to her forehead and temples. The condition significantly worsened in the recent month, with the patient losing hundreds of hairs daily. Even light brushing or shampooing resulted in large clumps of hair falling out.

In addition to hair loss, she also experienced rapid eyebrow loss and developed numerous small papules around hair follicles on her face and nape. She initially dismissed these as common acne, so she did not seek treatment.

The patient had previously consulted another dermatology clinic, where she was diagnosed with alopecia areata. However, the treatment proved ineffective, leading to a more severe progression of her condition.

Upon examination at Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital - Campus 3, doctors observed typical signs of scarring alopecia in the hair loss areas, including a smooth, shiny scalp, complete absence of hair follicles, and a receding hairline along the forehead and temples. Similar lesions were also present on the nape, accompanied by bilateral eyebrow loss.

As the initial scalp biopsy results did not fully align with the clinical presentation and pathological findings, doctors decided to send the samples to the US for specialized analysis. The final results confirmed that the patient was accurately diagnosed with frontal fibrosing alopecia.

Image of the patient with frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) and a giant blue nevus on the scalp. Photo: Hospital provided

Doctor Minh explained that frontal fibrosing alopecia is a rare form of scarring alopecia, belonging to a group of inflammatory diseases that destroy hair follicles. This condition can lead to permanent hair loss if not treated promptly.

The rarity of this case stems from the simultaneous presence of a giant blue nevus on the scalp. Current global medical literature records very few instances of frontal fibrosing alopecia occurring with other forms of pigmented nevi, and there have been no prior reports documenting its combination with a giant blue nevus, as seen in this female patient.

The patient is currently receiving intensive treatment from doctors, following the latest updated protocol specifically designed for frontal fibrosing alopecia syndrome.

Doctor Minh advises individuals who experience symptoms such as persistent itchy scalp, significant unusual hair loss, a receding hairline, or unexplained eyebrow loss to seek early examination at specialized medical facilities. Timely diagnosis is crucial for halting the destruction of hair follicles and minimizing the risk of permanent hair loss.

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