Syphilitic Alopecia Through the Dermoscope: A Series of Two Cases
January 2025
in “
NATIONAL BOARD OF EXAMINATIONS JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES
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TLDR Dermoscopy is useful for accurately diagnosing syphilitic alopecia.
This article presents a series of two cases of syphilitic alopecia (SA), an uncommon manifestation of secondary syphilis that resembles other non-cicatricial alopecias. The study highlights the use of dermoscopy as a non-invasive diagnostic tool, revealing specific features such as alopecic patches with empty hair follicles, vellus hairs, hypopigmented to depigmented hairs, and telangiectasias on a diffuse erythematous background. These findings help differentiate SA from other conditions like alopecia areata, tinea capitis, and trichotillomania. The case series emphasizes the importance of dermoscopy in accurately diagnosing SA, especially as syphilis becomes more prevalent, aiding in effective treatment and management.