An analytical observational trichoscopic study of common scalp disorders with alopecia with a simplified diagnostic algorithm

Abstract

Background: Dermoscopy is a non-invasive method of evaluating disorders of the skin. Dermoscopy of hair and scalp disorders termed trichoscopy is useful in assessing scalp disorders with alopecia. Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate trichoscopic features of common scalp disorders with alopecia. The primary objective was to identify distinctive features of these disorders while the secondary objective was to formulate a simplified algorithm to arrive at a diagnosis. Material and Methods: A descriptive, cross sectional study of common scalp disorders with alopecia was conducted over a period of 2 years at a tertiary care centre. Two hundred cases were enrolled after obtaining approval of ethics committee and informed consent of patients. A detailed history was taken and general physical and dermatological examination carried out. Trichoscopic evaluation was carried out using Heine Delta 20T dermatoscope. Results: Common scalp disorders with alopecia included male pattern androgenetic alopecia (20.5%), alopecia areata (19.5%), telogen effluvium (12.5%) and female pattern hair loss (10.5%) and their trichoscopic features were tabulated. On the basis of trichoscopic features, an algorithm for rapid diagnosis was formulated. Conclusion: Common scalp disorders with alopecia have characteristic trichoscopic signs. A simplified algorithm formulated from the study may help in rapid diagnosis.

Keywords

• scalp disorder
• alopecia
• trichoscopy
• algorithm