National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Graham-Little-Piccardi-Lassueur syndrome


Other Names:
Graham Little-Piccardi-Lassueur syndrome; Graham Little syndrome; Piccardi-Lassueur-Little syndrome
Categories:
Graham-Little-Piccardi-Lassueur syndrome (GLPLS) is a rare type of scarring hair loss. It is most commonly found in otherwise healthy women between the ages of 30 and 70 years. GLPLS is characterized by three features: progressive patchy scarring hair loss of the scalp (cicatricial alopecia), non-scarring thinning of the hair in the armpits and groin (noncicatricial alopecia), and spiky rough bumps based around hair follicles (follicular lichen planus). Sometimes individuals with GLPLS experience itching around affected areas, which can be severe.[1][2][3] The cause of this condition is not known; however, over the years, researchers have suggested theories that it may develop in relation to genetic factors, viral exposures, hormonal changes, immune system issues, stress, and vitamin deficiencies.[1] Treatment focuses on slowing the progression of hair loss and may include corticosteroids, retinoids (medications related to vitamin A), psoralen plus ultraviolet light A (PUVA), antimalarial medications, and antibiotics.[1][2] 
Last updated: 3/23/2017

This table lists symptoms that people with this disease may have. For most diseases, symptoms will vary from person to person. People with the same disease may not have all the symptoms listed. This information comes from a database called the Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO) . The HPO collects information on symptoms that have been described in medical resources. The HPO is updated regularly. Use the HPO ID to access more in-depth information about a symptom.

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Medical Terms Other Names
Learn More:
HPO ID
80%-99% of people have these symptoms
Alopecia
Hair loss
0001596
Perifollicular hyperkeratosis 0007468
Sparse axillary hair
Limited armpit hair
Little underarm hair
[ more ] 		0002215
Sparse pubic hair
Decreased sexual hair
0002225
Sparse scalp hair
Reduced/lack of hair on scalp
Scalp hair, thinning
Sparse, thin scalp hair
sparse-absent scalp hair
[ more ] 		0002209
30%-79% of people have these symptoms
Lichenification 0100725
Pruritus
Itching
Itchy skin
Skin itching
[ more ] 		0000989
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Last updated: 7/1/2020

Research helps us better understand diseases and can lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment. This section provides resources to help you learn about medical research and ways to get involved.

Clinical Research Resources

  • ClinicalTrials.gov lists trials that are related to Graham-Little-Piccardi-Lassueur syndrome. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials.gov to read descriptions of these studies.

    Please note: Studies listed on the ClinicalTrials.gov website are listed for informational purposes only; being listed does not reflect an endorsement by GARD or the NIH. We strongly recommend that you talk with a trusted healthcare provider before choosing to participate in any clinical study.

Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Supporting this Disease

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

  • DermNet NZ is an online resource about skin diseases developed by the New Zealand Dermatological Society Incorporated. DermNet NZ provides information about this condition.

In-Depth Information

  • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
  • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
  • Orphanet is a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Access to this database is free of charge.

Questions sent to GARD may be posted here if the information could be helpful to others. We remove all identifying information when posting a question to protect your privacy. If you do not want your question posted, please let us know.

  1. Ting PT. Graham-Little-Piccardi-Lasseur Syndrome. Medscape. May 10, 2016; http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1073743.
  2. Dyall-Smith D. Graham Little syndrome. DermNet NZ. 2011; https://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/graham-little-syndrome.
  3. Pai VV, Kikkeri NN, Sori T, Dinesh U. Graham-Little Piccardi Lassueur Syndrome: An Unusual Variant of Follicular Lichen Planus. International Journal of Trichology. 2011; 3(1):28-30. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3129120/.