Corkscrew Hairs in Trichoscopy of Trichotillomania

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.