Trichoscopic Differentiation in Alopecia: Retrospective Case Series Comparing Lichen Planopilaris, Discoid Lupus Erythematosus, and Alopecia Areata

This single-center retrospective case series included 28 patients with alopecia (7 with lichen planopilaris, 7 with discoid lupus erythematosus, and 14 with alopecia areata). Trichoscopic markers were systematically compared across groups. Exclamation-mark hairs and yellow dots were characteristic of alopecia areata, whereas follicular ostia loss and white scarring were confined to lichen planopilaris/discoid lupus erythematosus, providing a simple and practical distinction between nonscarring and scarring alopecias in routine practice.