Trichoscopy Tips

August 2018 in “ Dermatologic Clinics ”

Rodrigo Pirmez, Antonella Tosti

trichoscopy scarring alopecias biopsy sites scalp staining environmental deposits pigmented scalps trichoscopic features artifacts

Studysummary This article discusses various aspects of trichoscopy for diagnosing hair and scalp disorders and reports no clinical results, offering guidance and highlighting pitfalls for better application of this tool by dermatologists.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The document from 2018 discusses trichoscopy as a noninvasive diagnostic tool for hair and scalp disorders, useful for identifying early scarring alopecias and selecting biopsy sites. It points out the necessity of examining different scalp areas and using various magnifications, while also considering unique features in pigmented scalps. The article advises clinicians to be cautious of pitfalls like scalp staining and environmental deposits that can lead to misdiagnosis. It categorizes trichoscopic features and emphasizes the importance of correlating these with the patient's history and clinical picture. The document also notes that trichoscopy is especially beneficial for children, but warns of misinterpretation due to artifacts. It underscores the need for dermatologists to keep abreast of advancements in trichoscopy to avoid diagnostic errors.

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Research cited in this study

22 / 22 results

research Trichoscopy of Steroid-Induced Atrophy

11 citations , January 2017 in “Skin Appendage Disorders”

This study associated ivory-colored areas observed through trichoscopy with steroid deposits in the dermis among patients with steroid-induced atrophy on the scalp.

research Casts and Pseudocasts: Differentiating Hair Shaft Concretions

8 citations , September 2016 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

It's important to tell the difference between hair casts, pseudocasts, and nits.

research Clinical and Dermoscopic Features of Lichen Planus Pigmentosus in 37 Patients with Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia

62 citations , May 2016 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement”

research Isolated Eyebrow Loss in Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: Relevance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment

27 citations , May 2016 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement”

research Dirty Dots as a Normal Trichoscopic Finding in the Elderly Scalp

6 citations , January 2016 in “JAMA Dermatology”

This article discusses the presence of dirty dots as a normal trichoscopic finding in children, noting they are not observed in adults or other age groups, and reports no new results.

research Loose Anchoring of Anagen Hairs and Pili Torti Due to Erlotinib

5 citations , January 2016 in “International Journal of Trichology”

This case report describes two patients who experienced loose anagen hairs and pili torti, resulting in nonscarring alopecia, potentially linked to erlotinib treatment for solid tumors.

research Hair Dye: A Trichoscopy Pitfall

6 citations , March 2015 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This article discusses the diagnostic challenges of evaluating hair and scalp conditions in patients using hair dye, emphasizing how dyes can mimic different pathologies and lead to contact dermatitis.

research Scalp Dermoscopy or Trichoscopy

69 citations , January 2015 in “Current problems in dermatology”

This review discusses trichoscopy as a noninvasive, effective technique for diagnosing various hair loss conditions and monitoring treatment, highlighting its potential to reduce scalp biopsy necessity.

research Use of Low-Cost Videomicroscopy Versus Standard Videodermatoscopy in Trichoscopy: A Controlled, Blinded Noninferiority Trial

10 citations , January 2015 in “Skin appendage disorders”

This study suggests that while low-cost videomicroscopes can correctly identify hair shaft alterations, they may be unreliable for detailed follicular and perifollicular trichoscopic examination compared to standard videodermatoscopes.

research Dermatoscopic Features of Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia

64 citations , June 2014 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that a peripilar white gray halo around hair emergence is a highly specific and sensitive dermatoscopic feature for diagnosing central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia in African American patients with mild central thinning.

research Hair Shafts in Trichoscopy

86 citations , October 2013 in “Dermatologic Clinics”

Trichoscopy is a useful non-invasive method for diagnosing different hair loss conditions.

research Role of Trichoscopy in Children's Scalp and Hair Disorders

43 citations , August 2013 in “Pediatric Dermatology”

This review discusses the use of trichoscopy in diagnosing and managing pediatric hair and scalp disorders and reports no new experimental findings.

research Absence of Vellus Hair in the Hairline: A Videodermatoscopic Feature of Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia

33 citations , August 2013 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Lack of small, fine hair on the front hairline is a key sign of frontal fibrosing alopecia.

research Follicular Red Dots: A Normal Trichoscopy Feature in Patients with Pigmentary Disorders?

14 citations , June 2013 in “Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia”

This report found follicular red dots in patients with scalp pigmentary disorders, suggesting they might be linked to the scalp's vascular structure and may have implications for conditions like discoid lupus erythematosus.

research Exclamation Marks and Other Trichoscopic Signs of Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia

33 citations , September 2012 in “Australasian Journal of Dermatology”

This article reviews trichoscopic signs of chemotherapy-induced alopecia, including exclamation marks, but reports no new clinical results.

research Black Dots Seen Under Trichoscopy Are Not Specific for Alopecia Areata

42 citations , June 2012 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology”

This study found that 'black dots' seen under trichoscopy are not specific to alopecia areata and may occur in various other hair and scalp conditions.

research Hair and Scalp Dermatoscopy

245 citations , March 2012 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This review discusses the dermoscopic features of common hair and scalp disorders and reports no new clinical results, aiming to assist dermatologists in diagnosing conditions like tinea capitis and alopecia areata.

research Acantholytic Hair Casts: A Dermoscopic Sign of Pemphigus Vulgaris of the Scalp

15 citations , January 2012 in “International Journal of Trichology”

This case report describes dermoscopic features of pemphigus vulgaris on the scalp, highlighting that hair casts may suggest treatment adjustment for improved disease control.

research Pinpoint White Dots in the Scalp: Dermoscopic and Histopathologic Correlation

60 citations , September 2010 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

Small white dots on the scalp seen with a dermoscope correspond to sweat ducts and vary with different hair disorders.

research Trichoscopy

44 citations , August 2008 in “Archives of Dermatology”

This abstract provides no results; it is a website notification about cookies and general access to JAMA content.

research Central Scalp Alopecia Photographic Scale in African American Women

46 citations , July 2008 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

This study developed and evaluated a photographic scale to assess CCCA pattern and severity in African American women, finding it reproducible when used by investigators and participants.

research Videodermoscopy in the Evaluation of Hair and Scalp Disorders

304 citations , July 2006 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that videodermoscopy enhances diagnostic accuracy for scalp and hair disorders beyond simple clinical inspection and reveals novel disease features that could improve clinical understanding.