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Trichotillomania: a histopathologic study in sixty-six patients
1Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. 55905.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
|July 1, 1990
Summary
Scalp biopsies are useful for diagnosing trichotillomania. Key findings include catagen hairs, pigment casts, and traumatized hair bulbs, especially in recent cases.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pathology
Background:
- Trichotillomania is a hair-pulling disorder.
- Diagnosis can be challenging, often relying on clinical presentation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review scalp biopsy findings in patients diagnosed with trichotillomania.
- To assess the diagnostic utility of scalp biopsy for trichotillomania.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of scalp biopsy results from 174 patients with trichotillomania.
- Analysis of histological features including hair cycle abnormalities and follicular damage.
- Correlation of findings with duration of affected areas.
Main Results:
- Catagen hairs (74%), pigment casts (61%), and traumatized hair bulbs (21%) were the most frequent findings.
- Bulbar inflammation and atrophic anagen hairs were absent.
- Characteristic changes were more evident in areas affected for less than 8 weeks.
Conclusions:
- Scalp biopsy is a valuable tool for diagnosing or excluding trichotillomania.
- Careful examination of multiple tissue sections is crucial for identifying characteristic histological changes.