Primary Scarring Alopecias: Review of Histopathological Findings of 37 Patients from the Department of Dermatology at the Hospital das Clínicas, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo from 2000 to 2005

The study reviewed histopathological findings from 37 patients with primary cicatricial alopecias at the Dermatology Department of the Hospital das Clínicas, University of São Paulo, from 2000 to 2005. It reclassified cases based on specific histological criteria, identifying conditions such as discoid lupus erythematosus, lichen planus pilaris, pseudopelade of Brocq, folliculitis decalvans, and dissecting folliculitis. The study concluded that systematic evaluation using routine stains allowed for accurate diagnosis even in late or non-inflammatory phases. It emphasized the complexity of diagnosing cicatricial alopecias and the importance of thorough scalp examination and biopsy, highlighting the need for multiple biopsy techniques to capture comprehensive diagnostic information.