Dermoscopy of Traction Alopecia in Black Scalp Patients: Insights from a Literature Review

April 2025 in “ Dermatology Practical & Conceptual ”

Thiago Vilas Boas, Rita Fernanda Cortez de Almeida, Violeta Duarte Tortelly, Michela Starace, Daniel Fernandes

traction alopecia trichoscopy Black scalp patients

Studysummary In this study, trichoscopy was highlighted as a valuable diagnostic tool for traction alopecia, particularly in black women, revealing common signs like vellus hair and hair casts, although it requires a suggestive clinical history for effective use. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

The document reviews the use of trichoscopy as a diagnostic tool for traction alopecia in Black scalp patients. Although trichoscopy findings are non-specific, they provide valuable insights into the progression of the disease when combined with a suggestive clinical history. This highlights the importance of trichoscopy in understanding and managing traction alopecia in this patient group.

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Research cited in this study

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research Trichoscopic Evaluation of Frontal Hairline Recession in Egyptian Female Patients

4 citations , February 2020 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

This study found that androgenetic alopecia was the most common cause of frontal hairline recession in Egyptian female patients, supporting the use of trichoscopy as a noninvasive diagnostic tool.

research Traction Alopecia: The Root of the Problem

60 citations , April 2018 in “Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology”

This review discusses the causes and diagnosis of traction alopecia, emphasizing education for high-risk populations as there is currently no cure, and presents no new clinical findings.

research All Hairstyles Are Not Created Equal: What the Dermatologist Needs to Know About Black Hairstyling Practices and the Risk of Traction Alopecia

52 citations , April 2016 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

This review discusses hairstyling practices in the black community linked to traction alopecia, categorizes them by risk, and offers guidance for dermatologists on management and patient education but reports no new clinical results.

research A Systematic Approach to Afro-Textured Hair Disorders

16 citations , April 2014 in “Dermatologic Clinics”

Dermatoscopy helps diagnose hair and scalp disorders in people with Afro-textured hair, but more research is needed for better understanding and treatment.

research Dermoscopic Approach to a Small Round to Oval Hairless Patch on the Scalp

41 citations , January 2014 in “Annals of Dermatology”

This study found that dermoscopy showed distinctive patterns for different types of alopecia, supporting its clinical usefulness for diagnosing diseases with small round or oval hairless patches on the scalp.

research Hair and Scalp Dermatoscopy

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

This review discusses the dermoscopic features of common hair and scalp disorders and reports no new clinical results, aiming to assist dermatologists in diagnosing conditions like tinea capitis and alopecia areata.

research Determinants of Marginal Traction Alopecia in African Girls and Women

94 citations , September 2008 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that traction alopecia risk was higher in adults than children and increased further when traction was combined with chemically relaxed hair.