Clinical Diagnosis
Diagnosis of traction alopecia is primarily clinical, based on the patient’s history and physical examination. If the condition is suspected, a detailed history of hair care practices is crucial.
Diagnostic Tools
- Dermatoscopy: This non-invasive tool helps visualize hair and scalp structures, aiding in the diagnosis.
- Skin Biopsy: If there is diagnostic uncertainty, a biopsy may be performed. Histological findings vary depending on the stage of progression. Early stages show thinned-out hair (trichomalacia), an increased number of catagen and telogen hairs, and preserved sebaceous glands. Later stages show vellus hairs, reduced sebaceous glands and terminal hair follicles, and the presence of fibrotic tracts.
