Dermoscopy of alopecia areata-a retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: Dermoscopy devices can overcome the refractive properties of stratum corneum by interface medium or cross polarization such that the lesion can be easily seen.

AIM: To examine the dermoscopic feature in alopecia areata and correlate the severity of disease with dermoscopic features.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 72 patients suffering from alopecia areata (AA), irrespective of age and sex, who visited the dermatology outpatient department of a tertiary care center in Eastern India was carried out. The most recently developed cases of AA were examined dermoscopically. Variables included yellow dots (YDs), black dots (BDs), broken hair (BH), short vellus hair (SVH), and exclamation mark hair (EMH) on the basis of available literature and expertise.

RESULTS: Yellow dots was the most common finding seen in 57 cases (79.16%), black dots in 51 cases (70.8%). Short vellus hair was seen in 32 cases (44.44%), broken hair was seen in 31 cases (43.05%), and exclamation mark hair in 23 cases (31.9%). YDs per field of vision was considered as the most common finding with increased severity of AA.

CONCLUSION: YDS, in increased number per field of vision, is the most consistent finding seen in severe cases of AA, as they are in progressive AA and alopecia universalis. An increased number of SVH and terminal hairs were seen in patients who were being treated.