Evaluation of Dermatoscopic (Trichoscopic) Patterns in Hair and Scalp Disorders: A Clinical Observational Study

Background: Dermoscopy is a noninvasive examination technique for assessing the colors and microstructures of the epidermis, dermoepidermal junction, and papillary dermis that are not visible to the naked eye. This study has been done to compare cicatricial, noncicatricial, and inflammatory scalp disorders which makes the need to do this study. Aim: The aim of the study was to study the clinical significance of various dermatoscopic (trichoscopic) patterns in hair and scalp disorders. Materials and Methods: A total of 345 patients with hair and scalp disorders presenting to our outpatient department were recruited for this study. These patients were examined by dermatoscope (trichoscope) Dermlite DL3N, and images were taken by Samsung Galaxy Note 20 ultra. Results: Out of 345 patients, 174 (50.43%) were males and 171 (49.57%) were female. Most common dermatoscopic finding was short vellus hair seen in 192 (55.65%) cases, other findings include empty follicles in 150 (43.48%) cases, hair diameter diversity in 132 (38.26%) cases, white dots in 132 (38.26%) cases, honeycomb pigmentation in 126 (36.52%) cases, peripilar sign in 120 (34.78%) cases, multiple follicular unit in 105 (30.43%) cases, yellow dots in 99 (28.70%) cases, broken hair in 84 (24.35%) cases, etc. Conclusion: Dermatoscopy can quickly diagnose tinea capitis, early androgenetic alopecia, distinguish alopecia areata from other patchy alopecia, and differentiate between nonscarring and scarring alopecia. Trichoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that does not require costly equipment and is well liked by patients. It unquestionably raises the standard of care provided to alopecia patients and lessens the need for scalp biopsies.