The dermatoscope in the hair clinic: Trichoscopy of scarring and nonscarring alopecia

Abstract

Trichoscopy is currently regarded as an essential part of the hair loss consultation. It allows visualization of morphologic structures that are not obvious to the naked eye, including peri- and interfollicular skin surface abnormalities and changes to hair shaft thickness and shape. In this paper, we aim to discuss current knowledge on trichoscopy of the most common forms of scarring and nonscarring alopecias.

Keywords: alopecia areata; androgenetic alopecia; central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia; dermatoscopy; dermoscopy; discoid lupus erythematosus; dissecting cellulitis; fibrosing alopecia in a pattern distribution; folliculitis decalvans; frontal fibrosing alopecia; lichen planopilaris; pattern hair loss; telogen effluvium; tinea capitis; trichoscopy; trichotillomania; videodermatoscopy.