A rare form of patchy permanent scalp hair loss, usually diagnosed after excluding other scarring alopecias.
Pseudopelade of Brocq describes smooth, pale, irregular patches of permanent hair loss where follicle openings have disappeared and visible inflammation may be minimal. It is often a diagnosis of exclusion, because end-stage lichen planopilaris or discoid lupus can look similar. A scalp biopsy may be needed to clarify the cause. The goal of management is to identify whether there is active inflammation and prevent further spread; regrowth in scarred areas is usually not expected.
DermNet pseudopelade of Brocq: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/pseudopelade-of-brocq ; DermNet trichoscopy of localised cicatricial hair loss: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/trichoscopy-of-localised-cicatricial-hair-loss