Dermoscopic and Histopathological Correlation in Cicatricial Alopecias: Unveiling Diagnostic and Therapeutic Insights

Trichoscopy is dermoscopic imaging of the scalp and hair.It is a non-invasive proven technique that aids in the diagnosis of alopecia.It enhances the visualization of abnormalities of follicular ostia, perifollicular skin, hair shafts and cutaneous blood vessels.In cicatricial alopecia, loss of follicular openings, atrophy and scattered follicular pustules or single hair follicles can be identified.Prompt diagnosis and timely therapeutic intervention are of extreme importance as permanent hair loss can lead to disorders related to self-esteem and psychosocial interactions.Trichoscopy helps in early diagnosis, monitoring of disease progression and determining the response to therapy.To determine the efficacy of trichoscopy as a valuable and superior non-invasive method over histopathological examination to diagnose cicatricial alopecias.This is a cross-sectional study conducted in our hospital from September 2023 to November 2023.Patients with cicatricial alopecia were selected.Demographic data and clinical variables in terms of site of alopecia, type, duration, size and lesion morphology were documented.Heine delta 30 dermoscope was employed.Both polarized and nonpolarized versions were used for examination.In this study, 16 patients were enrolled.The causes of cicatricial alopecia were traumatic alopecia (6), lichen planopilaris (5), discoid lupus erythematosus (4) and acne keloidalis nuchae (1).Dermoscopy facilitated the identification of unique and characteristic features that helped in prompt diagnosis.This was correlated with histopathological findings.Trichoscopy of cicatricial alopecia demonstrates characteristic patterns.It is an accurate diagnostic method that reduces the number of unnecessary biopsies and hence it is crucial for the diagnosis and follow-up of patients.