In Vivo Differentiation of Scarring Alopecia Using Line-Field Confocal Optical Coherence Tomography: A Pilot Study

January 2026 in “ JDDG Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft ”

Marie‐Christine Nutz, Julia Welzel, Daniela Hartmann, L. French, Maximilian Deußing, Elke Sattler

scarring alopecia line-field confocal optical coherence tomography LC-OCT

TLDR LC-OCT can help diagnose different types of scarring alopecia.

The pilot study demonstrates that line-field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC-OCT) can be used to differentiate between subtypes of scarring alopecia using specific criteria. These initial findings suggest potential for LC-OCT in diagnosing scarring alopecia, but further research with larger cohorts and longitudinal studies is needed to explore treatment responses over time.

View this study on onlinelibrary.wiley.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

9 / 9 results

research Line-Field Confocal Optical Coherence Tomography: Characteristic Hints for the Diagnosis of Scarring Alopecia Due to Lupus Erythematosus: A Preliminary Study

3 citations , August 2024 in “Skin Research and Technology”

LC-OCT can help identify lupus-related scarring hair loss by spotting unique features.

research Line-Field Confocal Optical Coherence Tomography: A New Diagnostic Method of Lichen Planopilaris

1 citations , October 2023 in “Skin research and technology”

LC-OCT is an effective new method for diagnosing classic lichen planopilaris.

Confocal Microscopy and Optical Coherence Tomography of Inflammatory Skin Diseases in Hairs and Pilosebaceous Units: A Systematic Review

research Confocal Microscopy and Optical Coherence Tomography of Inflammatory Skin Diseases in Hairs and Pilosebaceous Units: A Systematic Review

May 2023 in “Experimental Dermatology”

RCM and OCT are effective for diagnosing and monitoring hair-related skin diseases but lack standardized protocols and need more research.

research Cicatricial Alopecia: Overview and Treatment Recommendations

23 citations , April 2018 in “Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft”

Permanent hair loss from cicatricial alopecia is treated by reducing inflammation and managing symptoms, but regrowth in scarred areas is unlikely.

research Reflectance Confocal Microscopy for Scarring and Non-Scarring Alopecia Real-Time Assessment

17 citations , May 2016 in “Archives of Dermatological Research”

Reflectance confocal microscopy can help tell apart scarring from non-scarring hair loss.

research Quality of Life and Psychosocial Impact of Scarring and Non-Scarring Alopecia in Women

28 citations , January 2015 in “Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft”

Women with scarring alopecia have a lower quality of life and more anxiety and depression than those with non-scarring alopecia.

research The Human Hair: From Anatomy to Physiology

107 citations , December 2013 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

The document concludes that hair is complex, with a detailed growth cycle, structure, and clinical importance, affecting various scientific and medical fields.

research Dermoscopy-Guided Scalp Biopsy in Cicatricial Alopecia

62 citations , March 2012 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

Using dermoscopy to guide scalp biopsies is an effective way to diagnose cicatricial alopecia.

research Histopathology of Alopecia: A Clinicopathological Approach to Diagnosis

170 citations , December 2009 in “Histopathology”

The conclusion is that accurate diagnosis of different types of hair loss requires good teamwork between skin doctors and lab experts.