Low dose Naltrexone: The Potential Uses are Many

LDN in Scalp Dermatology

Low dose naltrexone (LDN) is a relatively inexpensive medication that may have benefit in many aspects of dermatology including hair dermatology. I have prescribed it to patients with lichen planopilaris, alopecia areata and even the so called scalp dysesthesias (scalp pain syndromes). It is believed that our internal opioid and endorphins have an important effect on the immune system.

It is now understood that various immune system cells also have opioid receptors on their surface. It is the ability to block opioid receptors in the body between 2 am and 4 am that is proposed to give the beneficial effects. Blockade in this manner lead to changes in the immune system and increase in the body’s endorphin and encephalin levels. These are powerful modulators of the immune system.