TRICHOSCOPY

Trichoscopy is a simple, non-invasive dermoscopic imaging of the scalp and hair. It is a handy bed side tool for diagnosing common hair and scalp disorders. Trichoscopy helps in visualization of hair shafts and scalps at high magnification and performing assessment of the scalp and hair without the need of making a scalp biopsy or removing hair. It is a useful diagnostic tool for congenital and acquired causes of hair loss. It is also used for calculating hair density before transplants.

Indication

• Congenital alopecia
• Non cicatricial alopecia - Androgenetic alopecia, female pattern hair loss, alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, diffuse alopecia, trichotillomania etc
• Cicatricial alopecia – Lichen plano pilaris, discoid lupus erythematosus, folliculitis decalvans, pseudopelade of Brocq etc
• Infections – Folliculitis, Tinea capitis, seborrheic dermatitis, piedra and pediculosi