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'Black dots' seen under trichoscopy are not specific for alopecia areata
E Kowalska-Oledzka1, M Slowinska, A Rakowska
1Department of Dermatology, Central Clinical Hospital, Ministry of the Interior, Warsaw, Poland. elzbieta.oledzka@yahoo.pl
Clinical and Experimental Dermatology
|June 12, 2012
Summary
Black dots, initially thought specific to alopecia areata (AA), are also found in other hair and scalp conditions. This study investigated their presence beyond AA, revealing they are not exclusive to this condition.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Trichology
- Dermatopathology
Background:
- 'Black dots' are macrocomedo-like structures at the follicular ostium.
- Previously considered a specific trichoscopic marker for alopecia areata (AA).
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the features of 'black dots'.
- To determine the presence of 'black dots' in various common hair and scalp disorders.
Main Methods:
- Videodermoscopy (20-70x magnification) was used.
- 107 patients with hair loss (alopecia areata, androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium, other) and 93 healthy controls were examined.
Main Results:
- 'Black dots' were observed in 11% of all hair loss patients.
- Found in 53.3% of alopecia areata cases, severe chemotherapy-induced alopecia, dissecting cellulitis, hypotrichosis simplex, and congenital aplasia cutis.
- Absent in androgenetic alopecia and telogen effluvium.
Conclusions:
- 'Black dots' are not exclusive to alopecia areata.
- Their presence indicates potential involvement in other hair and scalp diseases.
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