Presentation, diagnosis, and management options of lipedematous alopecia

Lipedematous alopecia (LA) and lipedematous scalp (LS) are 2 rare conditions of unknown etiology that are thought by some to be 2 stages on a spectrum of a single scalp disorder.1 LA was first described by Coskey et al2 in 1961, and in 2007, the term spongy scalp was used to describe LA and LS.3 Both LA and LS conditions are characterized by a localized or diffusely thickened, boggy scalp, but LS lacks alopecia. Associated pruritus and soreness can occur with LA, but most LS patients are asymptomatic.4 Both conditions are characterized pathologically by a measurable hyperplasia of the subcutaneous tissue.5