Sunscreen and frontal fibrosing alopecia: A review.

Abstract

Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a cicatricial alopecia of unknown etiology. The incidence of FFA appears to be increasing with time, leading to suspicion of a possible environmental trigger. Observational studies have reported a positive correlation between facial sunscreen use and FFA. This finding raises the question of whether sunscreen use plays a role in disease development. In this article, we review the available literature on the association of sunscreen with FFA. There is insufficient evidence to establish a direct causal relationship between sunscreen and FFA. Further studies are required to better characterize the role of sunscreen and the environment in the pathogenesis of this unique disease.

• Authors: Gabrielle Robinson, Amy McMichael, Steve Q Wang, Henry W Lim
• Journal: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (J Am Acad Dermatol) Vol. 82 Issue 3 Pg. 723-728 (Mar 2020) ISSN: 1097-6787 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 31654665 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Chemical References

• Sunscreening Agents

Topics

• Alopecia (chemically induced, complications)
• Cicatrix (chemically induced, complications)
• Forehead
• Humans
• Sunscreening Agents (adverse effects)