Trichoscopy for common hair loss diseases: algorithmic method for diagnosis

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Trichology

Background:

• Trichoscopy (scalp dermoscopy) is increasingly recognized for diagnosing hair loss conditions.
• Understanding characteristic scalp features is crucial for accurate diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the characteristic trichoscopic features of common hair loss diseases.
• To propose an algorithmic method for trichoscopic diagnosis.

Main Methods:

• Utilized DermLite II pro or Epilight eight for trichoscopic examinations.
• Documented specific visual markers for different alopecia types.

Main Results:

• Alopecia areata shows black dots, tapering hairs, broken hairs, yellow dots, and short vellus hairs.
• Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) presents with hair diameter diversity (HDD) and perifollicular pigmentation.
• Cicatricial alopecia (CA) is identified by the loss of follicular orifices, perifollicular erythema/scale, and hair tufting.

Conclusions:

• Characteristic trichoscopic features can differentiate between alopecia areata, AGA, and CA.
• An algorithmic approach can aid in the trichoscopic diagnosis of hair loss.