A 45-year-old woman presents with a slowly expanding, solitary patch of hair loss on the scalp. The affected skin shows follicular plugging, central atrophy, and depigmentation with surrounding hyperpigmentation. Which diagnosis best explains these findings?
- A Discoid lupus erythematosus ✓
- B Tinea capitis
- C Alopecia areata
- D Lichen planopilaris
Correct answer: A. Discoid lupus erythematosus
Explanation
Discoid lupus erythematosus of the scalp presents with well-defined plaques showing follicular plugging, dyspigmentation, and atrophy, representing a primary cicatricial alopecia. Alopecia areata and tinea capitis are non-scarring and lack follicular plugging and atrophy. Lichen planopilaris shows perifollicular scaling and erythema rather than central atrophy and plugging.
Reference: Rook's Textbook of Dermatology, 9th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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