Polarized Microscopy as a Helpful Tool to Distinguish Chronic Nonscarring Alopecia From Scarring Alopecia

    January 2012 in “ Archives of Dermatology ”
    Mariya Miteva, Antonella Tosti
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    TLDR Polarized microscopy is a quick and free method to correctly identify types of hair loss.
    The document reported on a study where polarized light microscopy was utilized to distinguish between chronic nonscarring alopecia and scarring alopecia. The study focused on a 58-year-old woman who had been incorrectly diagnosed with scarring alopecia. The use of polarized light microscopy revealed fibrous streamers, indicating a nonscarring type of hair loss, leading to the correct diagnosis of long-standing chronic androgenetic alopecia. The authors concluded that polarized microscopy is an effective, quick, and cost-free method for accurately diagnosing different types of alopecia, which is essential for appropriate treatment and avoiding the misdiagnosis of conditions that could lead to irreversible hair loss.
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