Transverse Sections for Diagnosis of Alopecia?

In their 2005 article, Almut Böer and Katharina Hoene challenged the notion that horizontal sections are superior to vertical sections for diagnosing alopecias. They argued that a qualitative approach using vertical sections is usually sufficient for precise diagnosis, and that the anagen/telogen ratio, often assessed in horizontal sections, is not as relevant for diagnosis. The authors suggested that specific criteria applied to vertical sections can diagnose most alopecias with specificity. They also mentioned the emergence of non-invasive techniques like computer-assisted phototrichograms, which can assess hair loss severity and treatment effects without the need for repeated biopsies. The conclusion was that vertical sections, using reliable and repeatable criteria, are more precise and correct for diagnosing alopecia than horizontal sections.