Trichoscopic Evaluation of Focal Non-Cicatricial Alopecia in Egyptian Children

Abstract

Introduction: Dermoscopy is a noninvasive diagnostic tool that allows the recognition of morphologic structures not visible to the naked eye. Trichoscopy is useful for the diagnosis and follow-up of hair and scalp disorders. Objective: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the causes of focal non-cicatricial alopecia in Egyptian children and to assess the importance of the trichoscope in the diagnosis of each disease. Methods: This study was done with 200 Egyptian children patients aged from 2 to 18 years who suffered from focal non-cicatricial alopecia. Clinical and dermoscopic evaluations were performed for all patients, and informed consent was obtained from their parents. Results: The most prevalent diagnoses were alopecia areata (42%) and tinea capitis (40.5%), followed by trichotillomania (8%) and tractional alopecia (7%). Congenital triangular alopecia (1.5%) and patchy androgenetic alopecia (1%) were less common. Trichoscopy revealed distinct features in alopecia areata cases, such as short vellus hair, exclamation mark hair, black dots, broken hair, pigtail hair and upright regrowing hair. The most common trichoscopic features of tinea capitis were comma hair, corkscrew hair, broken hair, bent hair, zigzag hair, morse code hair, perifollicular scaling, and diffuse scaling. These findings contribute to understanding the etiology and clinical presentation of childhood alopecia, facilitating accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. Conclusion: The routine use of dermoscopy in the clinical evaluation of scalp and hair disorders enhances diagnostic capabilities beyond simple clinical inspection. Dermoscopy reveals disease features that contribute to accurate diagnosis and improved management.