The Dermatoscope in the Hair Clinic: Trichoscopy of Scarring and Nonscarring Alopecia

Trichoscopy is a crucial noninvasive diagnostic tool for hair loss, providing detailed visualization of scalp abnormalities. This paper reviews its application in both scarring and nonscarring alopecias, enhancing dermatologist's patient management. In nonscarring alopecias like androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata, trichoscopy identifies patterns such as hair shaft diameter diversity and broken hairs. For scarring alopecias, such as lichen planopilaris and discoid lupus erythematosus, it detects loss of follicular openings and perifollicular scaling. The technique's ability to differentiate alopecia types highlights its clinical significance.