Publication:

Trichoscopy in common scalp alopecia: an observational study

Background Many patients of alopecia are encountered in daily practice with diagnostic dilemma. Trichoscopy is a sensitive, non-invasive tool which aids in clinical diagnosis.

Methods An observational study performed in adult patients with alopecia attending R.D. Gardi Medical College, Ujjain, over a period of one year. Trichoscopy was performed using a Dinolite digital microscope with both polarized and non polarized modes.

Results 269 patients of alopecia (257 non cicatricial, 12 cicatricial) aged 18-50 years were enrolled. The diagnosis was made after detailed history and clinical examination. 173 (64.3%) males and 96 (35.7%) females. 45.4% patients were diagnosed to have alopecia areata in which yellow dots were the most common trichoscopic finding observed in 88.5% patients. 37.2% patients were diagnosed with androgenetic alopecia with hair diameter diversity >20% observed in all the patients. 9.3% patients were diagnosed to have telogen effluvium with short vellus hair seen in 64% patients. 3.7% of the patients were diagnosed to have seborrheic dermatitis with arborizing vessels being the most common finding seen in 90% patients. 2.9% patients were diagnosed with lichen planopilaris in which loss of follicles and peritubular white casts were seen in all the cases. 0.9% patients were diagnosed to have discoid lupus erythematosus with hyperkeratotic follicular plugging seen in all the cases. Overall yellow dots were the most common trichoscopic findings seen in 61% cases.

Conclusions Trichoscopy is a reliable diagnostic tool in hair and scalp disorders. Hence trichoscopic evaluation should be done in every case of alopecia.