Bad Hair Days: A Clinical and Trichoscopic Evaluation of Scalp Lesions

June 2025 in “ Cureus ”

Abinayaa Rajkumar, Krishnakanth Muralidhar, Sai Preethi P, Adikrishnan Swaminathan, Murugan Sundaram, Sudha Rangarajan

trichoscopy alopecia scarring alopecia non-scarring alopecia psoriasis seborrheic dermatitis papulosquamous disorders

TLDR Trichoscopy is a valuable tool for accurately diagnosing scalp conditions without invasive procedures.

The study evaluated 200 patients with scalp lesions using trichoscopy, a non-invasive diagnostic tool, over 20 months. It found that trichoscopy significantly improved diagnostic accuracy for various scalp disorders, including papulosquamous disorders (39%), alopecia (31.5%), and infections (16%). Psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis were the most common diagnoses, with distinct trichoscopic features aiding in differentiation. Trichoscopy effectively distinguished between scarring and non-scarring alopecia, reducing the need for invasive procedures like biopsies. The study concludes that trichoscopy should be an essential part of dermatological evaluations for scalp conditions due to its ease of use and diagnostic value.

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Research cited in this study

12 / 12 results

research Identification of Trichoscopic Features of Allergic Scalp Contact Dermatitis: A Pilot Study of a Single Center

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Trichoscopy effectively diagnoses allergic scalp contact dermatitis.

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Trichoscopic patterns often overlap in scalp disorders, so dermatologists need to stay updated.

research Comparison of Dermoscopic Findings in Female Androgenetic Alopecia and Telogen Effluvium and Female Controls in a Tertiary Care Center

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research Trichoscopy as an Essential Diagnostic Technique for Hair and Scalp Disorders in Skin of Color: A Case-Control Study

July 2021 in “Indian journal of dermatopathology and diagnostic dermatology”

Trichoscopy is a reliable method for diagnosing hair and scalp disorders quickly and non-invasively.

research An Overview of Scalp Dermatoses in a Tertiary Care Institute

April 2020 in “International Journal of Research in Dermatology”

Scalp skin conditions are more common in young adults and teenagers, especially males, with itching being the main complaint. The most common conditions are psoriasis and alopecia areata, and these can significantly affect a person's social life due to their psychological impact.

research Trichoscopic Findings of Trichotillomania: New Observations

6 citations , January 2020 in “Postepy Dermatologii I Alergologii”

Trichoscopy is useful for diagnosing hair-pulling disorder.

research The Role of the Microbiome in Scalp Hair Follicle Biology and Disease

73 citations , April 2019 in “Experimental Dermatology”

The scalp's microorganisms significantly affect hair health and disease.

research Dermoscopic Findings in Scalp Psoriasis and Seborrheic Dermatitis: Two New Signs; Signet Ring Vessel and Hidden Hair

40 citations , December 2014 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology”

Two new signs, 'signet ring vessels' and 'hidden hairs,' help tell apart scalp psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis.

research The Value of Trichoscopy in the Differential Diagnosis of Scalp Lesions in Pemphigus Vulgaris and Pemphigus Foliaceus

23 citations , November 2014 in “Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia”

Trichoscopy helps tell apart scalp lesions in pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus and is useful for choosing biopsy locations.

research Dermoscopy in Hair Disorders

12 citations , January 2014 in “Menoufia Medical Journal”

Dermoscopy improves diagnosis of hair and scalp disorders and can help avoid unnecessary biopsies.

A Nonrandomized Study of Trichoscopy Patterns Using Nonpolarized (Contact) and Polarized (Noncontact) Dermatoscopy in Hair and Shaft Disorders

research A Nonrandomized Study of Trichoscopy Patterns Using Nonpolarized (Contact) and Polarized (Noncontact) Dermatoscopy in Hair and Shaft Disorders

34 citations , January 2014 in “International Journal of Trichology”

Polarized dermoscopy is slightly better than nonpolarized for diagnosing hair disorders, with each method having its own strengths.

research A Practical Guide to Scalp Disorders

43 citations , November 2007 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings”

The document concludes that proper diagnosis and treatment of common scalp disorders are important for both physical and psychological health.

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