Trichoscopic Features of Androgenic Alopecia and Telogen Effluvium

January 2021 in “ International journal of dermatology, venereology and leprosy sciences ”

Anvitha C, Sujay Srinivas

androgenic alopecia telogen effluvium trichoscopic features yellow dots empty hair follicles peripilar sign vellus hair hair shaft diameter variation frontotemporal areas occipital areas AGA TE

TLDR AGA and TE can be differentiated by specific trichoscopic features, with AGA showing more variation in hair thickness in fronto-temporal areas.

The study conducted by Dr. Anvitha C and Dr. Srinivas S focused on identifying trichoscopic features of androgenic alopecia (AGA) and telogen effluvium (TE) in 100 patients. It found that 69% had AGA and 31% had TE. Key trichoscopic features for AGA included yellow dots (69%), empty hair follicles (65%), peripilar sign (71%), vellus hair (95%), and variation in hair shaft diameter in frontotemporal areas (98%). For TE, the features included peripilar sign (10%), yellow dots (29%), and vellus hair (30%), with variation in hair shaft diameter in fronto-temporal (15%) and occipital areas (65%). The study concluded that AGA and TE can be differentiated by specific trichoscopic features, with AGA showing more variation in hair shaft thickness in fronto-temporal areas.

View this study on dermatologypaper.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 1000+ results

community Diffuse hair loss and scalp biopsies

in Research 692 upvotes 3 months ago

Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.

community I bought a microscope, how does my scalp/hairs look? I've been suffering diffuse thinning and hair loss after covid and never recovered (2 yrs ago) I eat healthy, in shape and workout.

in Progress Pictures 86 upvotes 8 months ago

A person with hair loss since COVID-19 is considering treatments like finasteride and minoxidil but is hesitant due to potential side effects. Suggestions include visiting a dermatologist, using a ketoconazole shampoo, and considering that post-COVID hair loss might be an autoimmune response.

community 9 months on Fin - no progress , should I get on Dutasteride?

in Chat 10 upvotes 2 weeks ago

The user has been using finasteride, minoxidil, and nizoral for hair loss but hasn't seen regrowth, only maintenance. They are considering switching to dutasteride, which is believed to be more effective, but are concerned about potential side effects.

community Here's why you don't assume you have TE, because you likely don't

in Chat 48 upvotes 2 months ago

TE (telogen effluvium) is often misunderstood and is triggered by severe stress or trauma, not minor daily inconveniences. Most hair loss cases are due to male pattern baldness (AGA), and treatments like Minoxidil and finasteride can help.

community How essential is scalp biopsy when dealing with hair loss?

in Treatment 6 upvotes 4 weeks ago

The user experienced hair loss despite using Fin and Min for 12 years and switched to Dutasteride, RU58841, and Keto scalp serum, but shedding and itch persist. They are considering increasing Dutasteride to 2.5mg and questioning the necessity of a scalp biopsy, with mixed opinions on its usefulness.

community CTE and lots of shedding for over a year

in Female 5 upvotes 8 months ago

A female user has experienced severe hair shedding since stopping birth control in late 2022, diagnosed as telogen effluvium with no signs of androgenetic alopecia. Despite healthy living and optimal bloodwork, she continues to shed hair daily but also sees significant regrowth.

Related Research

4 / 4 results

research Trichoscopic Findings in Alopecia Areata: A Cross-Sectional Study

1 citations, June 2020 in “IP Indian journal of clinical and experimental dermatology”

Yellow dots were the most common sign of alopecia areata found using trichoscopy.

research Role of Dermoscopy in the Diagnosis of Alopecia

1 citations, December 2018 in “Journal of Pakistan Association of Dermatology”

Dermoscopy is useful for diagnosing different types of hair loss.

research Trichoscopy of Alopecia Areata: An Update

89 citations, March 2018 in “The Journal of Dermatology”

Trichoscopy helps diagnose and monitor alopecia areata by looking at a combination of specific hair and scalp features.

research Different Trichoscopic Features of Tinea Capitis and Alopecia Areata in Pediatric Patients

32 citations, January 2014 in “Dermatology Research and Practice”

Trichoscopy can effectively tell apart tinea capitis and alopecia areata in children by looking for specific hair shapes.