Corkscrew Hairs in Trichoscopy of Trichotillomania
January 2026
in “
Indian Journal of Dermatopathology and Diagnostic Dermatology
”
Studysummary This report highlights a case where dermoscopic observation of corkscrew hairs in a young woman led to the diagnosis of trichotillomania, emphasizing its role in distinguishing this psychiatric disorder from other forms of non-scarring alopecia and highlighting the importance of timely intervention. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.
A woman in her twenties presented with progressive hair thinning, and after clinical, dermoscopic, and histopathological evaluations, was diagnosed with trichotillomania (TTM), a psychodermatological disorder characterized by recurrent hair-pulling. The study highlights the novel observation of corkscrew hairs in TTM, which are typically associated with tinea capitis, aiding in early diagnosis. The patient was counseled for psychiatric evaluation and started on habit reversal therapy and iron supplementation. TTM is often linked with anxiety or depression and is classified under obsessive-compulsive disorders. Dermoscopy is crucial in differentiating TTM from other alopecias, and management includes addressing psychiatric comorbidities with therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy and habit reversal therapy.
