Differential Diagnosis of Posterior Scalp Hair Loss

The review article discusses the differential diagnosis of hair loss affecting the posterior scalp, highlighting conditions such as traction alopecia, alopecia areata, lichen planopilaris, frontal fibrosing alopecia, central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, acne keloidalis nuchae, dissecting cellulitis, and folliculitis decalvans. It emphasizes the importance of early and accurate diagnosis to prevent misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment, which can lead to poor outcomes. The article notes that traction alopecia is common among women of African descent due to certain hairstyles, while alopecia areata can present in a band-like pattern known as ophiasis. The review underscores the need for awareness of these conditions to improve patient quality of life and treatment efficacy, providing insights into clinical, trichoscopic, and biopsy findings that help distinguish these conditions.