Trichoscopic Features of Syphilitic Alopecia and Alopecia Areata: A Comparative Study

August 2023 in “ Clinical Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology ”

Kasama Tejapira, Nawara Sakpuwadol, Cherrin Pomsoong, Yanisa Ratanapokasatit, Poonkiat Suchonwanit

trichoscopy syphilitic alopecia alopecia areata exclamation mark hairs

TLDR Exclamation mark hairs help distinguish syphilitic alopecia from alopecia areata.

This study compared trichoscopic features in 23 patients with syphilitic alopecia (SA) and 46 with alopecia areata (AA), finding that exclamation mark hairs, angulated hairs, and non-pigmented regrowing hairs were more prevalent in AA, while scalp abnormalities like erythematous background were specific to SA. Trichoscopy is highlighted as a non-invasive diagnostic tool to differentiate between SA and AA, potentially reducing the need for invasive biopsies. Despite its potential, the study's retrospective design and small sample size suggest the need for larger studies.

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Research cited in this study

20 / 20 results

research Epidemiological, Clinical, and Trichoscopic Features of Syphilitic Alopecia: A Retrospective Analysis and Systematic Review

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12 citations , May 2021 in “Clinical Interventions in Aging”

Men with androgenetic alopecia have oilier and less hydrated scalps, especially in sensitive areas.

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20 citations , March 2021 in “Drug design, development and therapy”

Topical immunotherapy can treat alopecia areata, but its effectiveness varies and the exact mechanism is unclear.

research Topical Finasteride for the Treatment of Male Androgenetic Alopecia and Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Review of the Current Literature

13 citations , June 2020 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment”

Topical finasteride helps regrow hair and reduce hair loss in men and women.

Alopecia Areata Incognita and Diffuse Alopecia Areata: Clinical, Trichoscopic, Histopathological, and Therapeutic Features of a 5-Year Study

research Alopecia Areata Incognita and Diffuse Alopecia Areata: Clinical, Trichoscopic, Histopathological, and Therapeutic Features of a 5-Year Study

23 citations , September 2019 in “Dermatology practical & conceptual”

The study concluded that AAI and DAA are forms of the same disease, with different symptoms in men and women, and that corticosteroid treatment is effective.

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37 citations , January 2019 in “BioMed Research International”

Itchy scalp is common, linked to various conditions, and hard to treat effectively.

research Alopecia in Association with Malignancy: A Review

26 citations , August 2018 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology”

Hair loss in cancer patients can be related to the cancer itself, treatment, or other conditions, and understanding it is important for diagnosis and patient care.

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89 citations , March 2018 in “The Journal of Dermatology”

Trichoscopy helps diagnose and monitor alopecia areata by looking at a combination of specific hair and scalp features.

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32 citations , July 2017 in “Dermatology practical & conceptual”

New hair and skin changes were found in a rare case of syphilis-related hair loss.

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37 citations , January 2017 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

Trichoscopy helps tell apart alopecia areata and trichotillomania in Asians by looking at specific hair and scalp features.

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29 citations , January 2017 in “Skin appendage disorders”

Hair loss due to syphilis can be identified using trichoscopy and is treatable with antibiotics.

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45 citations , January 2015 in “Dermatology”

Hair loss in secondary syphilis is more common than thought and can be reversed with antibiotics.

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13 citations , June 2013 in “Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas”

Syphilitic alopecia, linked to syphilis and high-risk sexual behavior, improves with penicillin treatment.

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85 citations , October 2012 in “Dermatologic Clinics”

Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune condition often starting before age 20, with varied treatment success and a need for personalized treatment plans.

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178 citations , December 2011 in “Journal of Dermatological Case Reports”

Trichoscopy is a useful tool for diagnosing different hair and scalp diseases by their unique visual features.

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24 citations , January 2011 in “International Journal of Trichology”

Light microscopy is useful for diagnosing different hair disorders.

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