Abstract
Background: Acute diffuse and total alopecia of the female scalp (ADTAFS) is a new subtype of alopecia areata that is characterized by rapid progression of diffuse alopecia of the female scalp, marked female predominance and a favorable prognosis. Differential diagnosis of other types of diffuse alopecia such as female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is necessary in some cases. Objective: To describe dermoscopic findings of ADTAFS and to investigate the possibility of utilizing dermoscopy as a diagnostic tool for ADTAFS. Methods: Twenty cases of ADTAFS diagnosed by clinical and/or histological findings were examined by dermoscopy. Results: Cadaverized hairs (black dots), exclamation mark hairs (tapering hairs), broken hairs or yellow dots were seen in 18, 13, 19 and 17 out of 20 cases, respectively. One of these signs was seen in all cases (20/20). On the other hand, none of 12 cases with exclusively FPHL showed the dermoscopic features such as cadaverized hairs, exclamation mark hairs or broken hairs. Only 1 FPHL patient showed a yellow dot in the hair loss area. Conclusion: Dermoscopy is a helpful diagnostic tool for ADTAFS, especially to distinguish it from FPHL.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
