Clinical Significance of Dermoscopy in Alopecia Areata: Analysis of 300 Cases

June 2008 in “ International Journal of Dermatology ”

Shigeki Inui, Takeshi Nakajima, Kōichi Nakagawa, Satoshi Itami

alopecia areata black dots tapering hairs broken hairs yellow dots short vellus hairs dermoscopy AA

TLDR Dermoscopy helps diagnose and manage alopecia areata by showing specific hair changes.

The study analyzed dermoscopic features in 300 Asian patients with alopecia areata (AA) and found that black dots, tapering hairs, broken hairs, yellow dots, and short vellus hairs were characteristic of the condition. These features were useful for diagnosing AA and assessing its severity and activity. Yellow dots and short vellus hairs were sensitive markers for diagnosis, while black dots, tapering hairs, and broken hairs were specific indicators of active disease. The presence of short vellus hairs suggested potential for hair regrowth and a nondestructive nature of AA. The study concluded that dermoscopy is a valuable tool for clinicians in diagnosing and managing AA.

View this study on onlinelibrary.wiley.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

7 / 7 results

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 Guidelines for the Management of Alopecia Areata

182 citations, October 2003 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

The 2003 guidelines suggest that while some treatments can regrow hair in alopecia areata, none alter the disease's progression, and wigs may be the best option for extensive hair loss.

research Approach to the Adult Female Patient with Diffuse Nonscarring Alopecia

67 citations, November 2002 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

The document concludes that careful evaluation is key to diagnose and treat women with hair loss, with tests for thyroid, iron, and hormones as needed.

research Acute Diffuse and Total Alopecia of the Female Scalp

59 citations, January 2002 in “Dermatology”

A new type of sudden, complete female hair loss was found, with most patients fully recovering within 6 months without needing steroid treatment.

research Diffuse Hair Loss: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

83 citations, May 1999 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

Hair loss that spreads out can often fix itself or be treated by finding and handling the cause.

research Alopecia Areata: Diagnosis and Management

48 citations, May 1999 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

Alopecia areata is an unpredictable autoimmune hair loss condition, treated based on severity, with half of patients regrowing hair within a year without treatment.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 1000+ results

community What do these pictures say about my hair and scalp if anything? Miniaturization, inflammation, etc.?

in Research/Science 74 upvotes 2 years ago

Hair loss and scalp issues, with people discussing possible treatments such as Nizoral shampoo, Minoxidil, neem oil, and finasteride.

community My experience and a discourse on “DUPA”

in Chat 46 upvotes 2 years ago

How diffuse unpatterned alopecia (DUPA) is not an invitation to self-diagnose oneself with aggressive AGA and that seeking a specialized dermatologist may help people experiencing hair loss. Treatment options discussed include topical clobetasol propionate, oral minoxidil, and discontinuing finasteride.

community If You Have DUPA, PLEASE READ THIS: Everyone Should Be Scalp Biopsied

in Research 828 upvotes 5 months ago

Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.

community What is this pigmentation around my follicles?

in Chat 29 upvotes 2 weeks ago

The conversation discusses potential causes of pigmentation around hair follicles, suggesting sebum buildup, autoimmune conditions, or dermatitis. Treatments mentioned include finasteride, dutasteride, and an anti-inflammatory diet, with a recommendation to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis.

community 5 months of daily using finasteride and minoxidil

in Progress Pictures 844 upvotes 5 months ago

User shared progress after 5 months of using finasteride, minoxidil foam, and weekly derma rolling. Positive feedback highlights increased hair count and thickness.

community One year of progress (Fin, 1mg)

in Is this regrowth? 281 upvotes 3 weeks ago

The user started finasteride (1mg) a year ago for hair thinning, experiencing stabilization but not significant regrowth. Suggestions included adding minoxidil, microneedling, and considering a hair transplant for improved results.

Related Research

4 / 4 results

research Clinical and Dermatoscopic Features of Temporal Triangular Alopecia in Infants

2 citations, March 2023 in “Skin research and technology”

Temporal triangular alopecia in infants is mostly seen in males at birth, with unique features that help with diagnosis.

Review of Representative Trichoscopic Findings in Androgenetic and Alopecia Areata Patients Visiting Dermatology Outpatient Clinic at University Hospital

research Review of Representative Trichoscopic Findings in Androgenetic and Alopecia Areata Patients Visiting Dermatology Outpatient Clinic at University Hospital

November 2016 in “대한피부과학회지”

The document's conclusion cannot be summarized as it is not provided in a language I can understand.

research Characteristics of Nonbalding Scalp Zones of Androgenetic Alopecia in East Asians

6 citations, December 2014 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology”

Hair density and thickness decrease in all scalp areas for East Asians with AGA.

research Hair Counts from Normal Scalp Biopsy in Taiwan

24 citations, September 2012 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

The conclusion is that normal scalp hair counts for Taiwanese people were established, showing age-related differences but not sex or scalp location differences.