Anagen effluvium. Trichoscopic findings

Abstract

The hair follicle has a physiological cycle of growth, rest and regeneration that allows the hair to change. The alterations in the dynamics of the same produce hair loss.

Trichoscopy is a great help for the study of alopecia in daily practice. Recognizing its distinctive features contributes to the diagnosis and differential diagnosis.

In this article, the main causes of anagen effluvium are mentioned. The trichoscopic findings are described in dermatological diseases (alopecia areata, pemphigus vulgaris, mycosis fungoides and syphilitic alopecia), as well as in chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

In most cases, the following is observed: empty or non-empty follicular ostium, associated with a very severe decrease in hair density, with hair miniaturization. The most predominant trichoscopic findings are yellow spots, broken hair shafts, hairs in exclamation mark, Pohl Pinkus constriction, hair type, circular hairs, pig tail hairs and color and/or texture changes.

The recognition of these trichoscopic features is of great help in daily practice.