Dermoscopy of Traction Alopecia in Black Scalp Patients: Insights from a Literature Review

Thiago  Vilas Boas; Rita Fernanda  Cortez de Almeida; Violeta Tortelly; Michela  Starace; Daniel Fernandes Melo

doi:10.5826/dpc.1502a4578

Dermoscopy of Traction Alopecia in Black Scalp Patients: Insights from a Literature Review

Authors

Thiago Vilas Boas Universidade Estadual do Rio de Janeiro
Rita Fernanda Cortez de Almeida Department of Dermatology, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Violeta Tortelly Department of Dermatology, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Michela Starace Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, Dermatology – IRCCS, Policlinico Sant’Orsola, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
Daniel Fernandes Melo Department of Dermatology, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Keywords:

traction alopecia, black scalp, trichoscopy, dermoscopy

Abstract

Introduction: Traction alopecia (TA) is a form of hair loss from excessive tension due to specific hairstyling practices. It disproportionately affects black women, including children.

Objective: Our study aimed to review the trichoscopy of TA.

Methods: A literature search was performed in the scientific database PubMed for articles published between 1958 and 2023, using the terms “traction alopecia,” “black scalp,” “trichoscopy,” and “dermoscopy.”

Results: The most frequent findings were vellus hair, hair casts, black dots, broken hairs, and white dots. Reduction in hair density, hair diameter variability, empty follicle openings, and vellus hairs may appear early or later during the disease course.

Conclusions: Trichoscopy is a crucial diagnostic tool if associated with a suggestive clinical history. Despite non-specific, its common clinical findings offer relevant information about the disease’s progress.

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