Linear Alopecia in Pediatrics: RCM and Dermoscopy Reveal Diagnostic Cues
November 2023
in “
Skin Research and Technology
”
linear alopecia reflectance confocal microscopy dermoscopy alopecia areata trichotillomania nevoid sebaceous lichen striatus hair follicle density yellow dots black dots exclamation mark hairs irregularly broken hairs blood spots petal-like structures frogspawn-like structures atrophic areas white patches linear vessels RCM
TLDR RCM and dermoscopy help identify different types of hair loss in children.
RCM combined with dermoscopy is effective in differentiating between various types of linear alopecia in pediatric patients, including AA, TM, NS, and LSCS. The study highlights that AA is characterized by decreased hair follicle density and features such as yellow dots, black dots, and exclamation mark hairs. TM is identified by normal follicular openings but irregularly broken hairs and blood spots. NS and LSCS both show an absence of follicular openings, with NS displaying petal-like and frogspawn-like structures, and LSCS showing atrophic areas with white patches and linear vessels. This diagnostic approach provides valuable insights into the specific characteristics of each condition.
