Elastic Tissue in Scars and Alopecia

The study investigated the use of the Verhoeff-Van Gieson (VVG) elastic stain to differentiate scarred from non-scarred dermis and to distinguish between various types of permanent alopecia, including lichen planopilaris (LPP), lupus erythematosus (LE), central progressive alopecia in black females, and idiopathic pseudopelade. Histological sections from surgical scars and scalp biopsies were examined, and the VVG stain reliably differentiated scar tissue from normal dermis. The distinct patterns of elastic tissue observed allowed for correct classification in most cases, demonstrating that the VVG stain is effective for evaluating scarring in permanent alopecia and may aid in the histological assessment of alopecia.