Trichoscopy: A New Method for Diagnosing Hair Loss
July 2008 | Volume 7 | Issue 7 | Original Article | 651 | Copyright © July 2008
Lidia Rudnicka MD PhD, Malgorzata Olszekska, Adriana Rakowska, Elzbieta Kowalska-Oledzka, Monika Slowinska
Abstract
Abstract
Videodermoscopy of hair and scalp (trichoscopy) is gaining popularity as a valuable tool in differential diagnosis of hair
loss. This method allows viewing of the hair and scalp at X20 to X160 magnifications. Structures which may be visualized
by trichoscopy include hair shafts of different types: vellus, terminal, micro-exclamation mark type, monilethrix,
Netherton type, and pili annulati hairs. The number of hairs in one pilosebaceous unit may be assessed. It may be distinguished
whether hair follicles are normal, empty, fibrotic (“white dotsâ€), filled with hyperkeratotic plugs (“yellow dotsâ€)
or containing cadaverized hair (“black dotsâ€). Abnormalities of scalp skin color or structure which may be visualized by
trichoscopy include honeycomb-type hyperpigmentation, perifollicular discoloration (hyperpigmentation), and scaling.