Imaging Tools for Noninvasive Hair Assessment

July 2023 in “ Cutis ”

Alexandra Rubin

global photography trichoscopy reflectance confocal microscopy RCM optical coherence tomography OCT alopecia hair growth hair volume hair distribution hair density subcutaneous structures hair diseases histology hair transplantation hair count hair diameter

TLDR New imaging tools help doctors better examine hair and scalp health without surgery.

The document discusses the advancements in noninvasive hair imaging tools, including global photography, trichoscopy, reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM), and optical coherence tomography (OCT). These tools have improved the ability to assess hair and scalp conditions in detail. Global photography, simplified by software analysis and adjustable outlines for standardized views, allows for the analysis of hair growth, volume, distribution, and density. RCM and OCT enable in vivo visualization of subcutaneous structures, providing new insights into the dynamic subclinical changes of alopecia. RCM can be used to study various hair diseases and can distinguish different stages of disease, making it a recommended intermediate step between trichoscopy and histology for diagnosis and management. OCT has the potential to monitor early subclinical responses to alopecia therapies and improve hair transplantation outcomes. Software development paired with trichoscopy can quantify hair growth parameters such as hair count, density, and diameter. Clinicians should be aware of the advantages and limitations of these noninvasive hair-imaging tools.

View this study on cdn.mdedge.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 85 results

community Diffuse hair loss and scalp biopsies

in Research 692 upvotes 4 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 Effect of dutasteride 0.5 mg/d in men who don't respond to finasteride (study)

in Research/Science 30 upvotes 6 days ago

Dutasteride improved hair density and thickness in men who didn't respond to finasteride, with some experiencing transient sexual dysfunction. Users discussed switching from finasteride to dutasteride, noting initial shedding but eventual hair improvement.

community Evidenced Based Meta-Analyses and Systemic Reviews of Androgenic Alopecia and Treatments

in Research/Science 14 upvotes 4 years ago

Evidence-based treatments for androgenic alopecia, such as minoxidil, finasteride, low-level laser light therapy, dutasteride, platelet-rich plasma, and topical ketoconazole. It discusses the efficacy, safety, and mechanism of action of these treatments, as well as future developments in understanding this polygenic condition.

community Vitamin D advice I received after seeing my blood work.

in Research/Science 88 upvotes 3 years ago

The conversation discusses the importance of taking vitamin D with food for better absorption and its potential role in hair loss. Some users also suggest taking vitamin D with K2, getting sunlight, and using finasteride for hair loss treatment.

community Finally Managed to Download Somebody's Alex pdf so try to share it

in Research/Science 70 upvotes 10 months ago

The conversation discusses a shared PDF about hair loss treatments, which might help those not seeing results with Minoxidil, Finasteride, and RU58841. Some users are skeptical about the content's value and the price charged for it.

community Phase II for Technoderma Therepeutic's TDM-105795 set to begin in April tentatively

in Research/Science 41 upvotes 1 year ago

Phase II for TDM-105795 for Androgenic Alopecia is set to begin in April 2023. The study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TDM-105795 in male subjects.

Similar Research

5 / 1000+ results

research American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery - 2018 Late-Breaking Abstracts

1 citations, April 2018 in “Lasers in Surgery and Medicine”

New treatments and technologies in laser medicine show promise for improving skin conditions, fat reduction, cancer treatment, wound healing, and hair restoration.

research Diagnostic Modalities in Trichology: An Update

January 2015 in “Hair therapy & transplantation”

New hair and scalp disease diagnosis methods are important for correct treatment.

research Non-Invasive Techniques for Evaluating Alopecia Areata

June 2023 in “Mædica”

Non-invasive methods can effectively diagnose and manage alopecia areata.

research Trichoscopy and Trichogram: Diagnostic Methods for Hair and Scalp Disorders

May 2017 in “InTech eBooks”

Trichoscopy and trichogram are useful for diagnosing hair and scalp conditions.

research Scalp Imaging Techniques

5 citations, March 2017 in “Laser Physics Letters”

Different scalp imaging methods are important for studying hair and scalp health and require more volunteers for better evaluation.