Trichoscopy in alopecias

Scalp alopecias reflecting a broad spectrum of heterogeneous diseases are among the most common dermatologic disorders. A careful history and a thorough clinical examination are usually adequate to establish the correct diagnosis. In some cases, e.g. cicatricial alopecias, a scalp biopsy may be necessary. However, the histopathologic features are not always diagnostic. Consequently, new helpful diagnostic methods are required for the alopecias with diagnostic difficulties. Scalp dermatoscopy, also named as trichoscopy, is a promising way to facilitate the diagnosis of scalp and hair disorders. Numerous reports have been published regarding the trichoscopic features of several alopecias in recent years. In this article, an overview about the main trichoscopic structures and patterns in addition to the findings observed in normal scalp and alopecias covering nonscarring and primary scarring ones, is discussed.\u