Trichoscopy in Diagnosing Scalp and Hair Conditions

Introduction to Trichoscopy

Trichoscopy is a non-invasive diagnostic technique that involves the use of a dermatoscope to examine the scalp and hair in detail. It allows clinicians to assess hair and scalp disorders with magnification and polarised light, providing valuable insights into hair shaft abnormalities, follicular structures, and scalp conditions. The method is particularly useful in diagnosing hair loss conditions such as androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, and scarring alopecias, as well as inflammatory and infectious scalp disorders.

How Trichoscopy Works

A dermatoscope used in trichoscopy combines magnification (typically 10x to 70x) with polarised light, offering enhanced visualisation of the scalp's surface and deeper structures. The process involves applying a gel or liquid interface to reduce light reflection, allowing for clearer images. Trichoscopy can highlight specific features such as hair shaft defects, blood vessel patterns, and follicular openings, aiding in the differential diagnosis of scalp disorders.

A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that trichoscopy provides a diagnostic accuracy of over 90% in distinguishing between different types of alopecia. This high accuracy makes it a valuable tool in clinical practice, reducing the need for more invasive diagnostic methods like scalp biopsies.

Clinical Applications of Trichoscopy

Trichoscopy is particularly effective in diagnosing:

• Androgenetic Alopecia: It reveals miniaturised hairs and increased follicular units with one hair, a hallmark of this condition.
• Alopecia Areata: Exclamation mark hairs, black dots, and yellow dots are common trichoscopic findings.
• Scarring Alopecias: Trichoscopy can identify perifollicular scaling, white dots, and decreased follicular openings, which are indicative of scarring processes.
• Psoriasis and Seborrhoeic Dermatitis: Trichoscopy helps differentiate these two conditions by visualising specific scalp and hair findings.

Role of Trichoscopy in Hair Transplant Evaluation

For patients considering a hair transplant, trichoscopy offers an objective assessment of the donor and recipient areas. At My Hair UK, we use trichoscopy to evaluate hair density, scalp health, and follicular integrity before recommending a Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) procedure. This ensures that only viable grafts are harvested, optimising the success rate of the transplant and improving patient outcomes.

Hair Transplant Costs

The cost of a hair transplant at My Hair UK varies based on the number of grafts required. UK hair transplant prices start from £2,499, and a detailed quote is provided during the initial consultation. Factors affecting the cost include the extent of hair loss, the density desired, and the complexity of the procedure. Trichoscopy plays a crucial role in assessing these variables, helping to create a tailored treatment plan for each patient.

Trichoscopy is a powerful diagnostic tool that enhances the accuracy of scalp condition diagnoses and supports the planning of hair transplant procedures. Its non-invasive nature, combined with high diagnostic accuracy, makes it an essential component of modern trichological practice. At My Hair UK, we integrate trichoscopy into our clinical assessments, ensuring our patients receive precise diagnoses and effective treatment plans. For more detailed information on trichoscopy and its applications, refer to studies such as the one available on PubMed