Trichoscopy in Alopecias
March 2014
in “
Turkderm
”
trichoscopy alopecia areata telogen effluvium androgenetic alopecia primary scarring alopecias PSA hair shaft abnormalities yellow dots black dots white dots red dots vascular patterns discoid lupus erythematosus DLE keratotic plugs branching vessels folliculitis decalvans tufts of hair starburst patterns dissecting cellulitis soap bubble yellow dots follicular red dots
TLDR Trichoscopy helps tell different hair loss types apart using specific scalp and hair patterns.
The document from 2014 reviews trichoscopy as a valuable non-invasive diagnostic tool for differentiating between various types of alopecia, including alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, androgenetic alopecia, and primary scarring alopecias (PSA). It details trichoscopic features such as hair shaft abnormalities, yellow dots, black dots, white dots, red dots, and vascular patterns that aid in diagnosis. Specific findings in PSA include the absence of follicular openings and peripilar scaling, while discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) shows large yellow dots with keratotic plugs and branching vessels. Folliculitis decalvans is characterized by tufts of hair and "starburst" patterns, and dissecting cellulitis presents with "soap bubble" yellow dots. The document also notes that follicular red dots are seen in 5-38% of DLE patients, and chronic lesions often lack follicular openings. These trichoscopic signs are crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment of alopecia.
