Clinical, Histological, and Trichoscopic Correlations in Scalp Disorders

January 2015 in “ Dermatology ”

Alfredo Rossi, Maria Caterina Fortuna, Guglielmo Pranteda, Valentina Garelli, Donato Di Nunno, Elena Mari, Stefano Calvieri, Marta Carlesimo

trichoscopy alopecia areata androgenetic alopecia telogen effluvium lichen planopilaris hair diameter diversity peripilar signs biopsies hair loss scalp disorders

TLDR Trichoscopy helps diagnose hair and scalp problems but isn't always definitive and should be used with other methods.

The document from 2015 reviews trichoscopy, a noninvasive diagnostic tool for hair and scalp disorders, highlighting its role in identifying specific morphologic features that aid in the differential diagnosis of conditions like alopecia areata, androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium, and lichen planopilaris. It explains that while trichoscopy can reveal details such as hair diameter diversity and peripilar signs, which are helpful in diagnosing and monitoring treatment, it is not always conclusive and should be complemented by patient history, physical examination, and sometimes biopsies. The review underscores the need for further research to enhance diagnostic accuracy, but does not provide data on study sizes to determine the strength of the evidence presented.

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Research cited in this study

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research Perifollicular Erythema as a Trichoscopy Sign of Progression in Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia

40 citations, January 2013 in “International journal of trichology”

Perifollicular erythema can indicate active frontal fibrosing alopecia.

research Trichoscopy in Alopecias: Diagnosis Simplified

96 citations, January 2013 in “International Journal of Trichology”

Trichoscopy is a useful, non-invasive way to diagnose different types of hair loss.

research Alopecia Areata: An Update

67 citations, January 2013 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology”

The document concludes that alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease without a definitive cure, but treatments like corticosteroids are commonly used.

research Dermatoscopy of Hair Shaft Disorders

68 citations, August 2012 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

Dermatoscopy is a useful tool for diagnosing hair disorders and can help choose samples for more detailed analysis.

research Hair and Scalp Dermatoscopy

245 citations, March 2012 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Dermatoscopy is useful for identifying different hair and scalp conditions and can reduce the need for biopsies.

research Trichoscopy Update 2011

178 citations, December 2011 in “Journal of Dermatological Case Reports”

Trichoscopy is a useful tool for diagnosing different hair and scalp diseases by their unique visual features.

research Clinical Evaluation of Alopecias Using a Handheld Dermatoscope

66 citations, November 2011 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

A handheld dermatoscope helps diagnose different types of hair loss effectively.

research Videodermoscopy Scalp Psoriasis Severity Index: A Useful Tool for Evaluation of Scalp Psoriasis

12 citations, July 2011 in “European Journal of Dermatology”

The VSCAPSI is a helpful method for evaluating the severity of scalp psoriasis.

research Dermatoscopy: Alternative Uses in Daily Clinical Practice

157 citations, June 2011

Dermatoscopy and videodermatoscopy are useful for diagnosing and monitoring various skin, hair, and nail conditions.

research Histopathology of Alopecia Areata, Acute and Chronic: Why Is It Important to the Clinician?

43 citations, May 2011 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

Recognizing the different stages of alopecia areata is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

research Trichoscopy for Common Hair Loss Diseases: Algorithmic Method for Diagnosis

89 citations, December 2010 in “The Journal of Dermatology”

The conclusion is that an algorithm using trichoscopy helps diagnose different types of hair loss but may need updates and a biopsy if results are unclear.

research Pinpoint White Dots in the Scalp: Dermoscopic and Histopathologic Correlation

60 citations, October 2010 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

Small white dots on the scalp seen with a dermoscope correspond to sweat ducts and vary with different hair disorders.

research Dermoscopic Pattern of Cicatricial Alopecia Caused by Discoid Lupus Erythematosus and Lichen Planopilaris

73 citations, April 2010 in “Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia”

Dermoscopy helps diagnose and monitor treatment for hair loss from scarring conditions like discoid lupus and lichen planopilaris.

research Dermoscopy in Female Androgenic Alopecia: Method Standardization and Diagnostic Criteria

129 citations, January 2009 in “International Journal of Trichology”

Trichoscopy can diagnose female hair loss with high accuracy by looking for specific patterns in hair and scalp appearance.

research Folliculitis Decalvans: A Rare Inflammatory Scalp Disorder

112 citations, July 2008 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

Folliculitis decalvans is a rare scalp condition causing scarring hair loss, treated with long-term antibiotics and other medications, but it often comes back and is hard to manage.

research Dermal Fibrosis in Male Pattern Hair Loss: A Suggestive Implication of Mast Cells

19 citations, February 2008 in “Archives of Dermatological Research”

Mast cells might contribute to hair loss by causing skin thickening.

research Presence and Future of Dermoscopy

11 citations, December 2006 in “Expert Review of Dermatology”

Dermoscopy is becoming essential for diagnosing skin conditions and is expected to be a standard tool for dermatologists.

research Videodermoscopy in the Evaluation of Hair and Scalp Disorders

304 citations, July 2006 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Videodermoscopy improves diagnosis of hair and scalp disorders and may reduce scalp biopsies.

research Histological Features of Peripilar Signs Associated with Androgenetic Alopecia

95 citations, January 2004 in “Archives of Dermatological Research”

Peripilar signs can help diagnose androgenetic alopecia and reveal its cause.

research Structural Abnormalities of the Hair Shaft

126 citations, January 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

The document concludes that understanding hair structure is key to diagnosing hair abnormalities and recommends gentle hair care for management.

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