Trichoscopic features in diagnosis of alopecia areata and its relation to severity of alopecia tool (SALT) score

Objective To assess the trichoscopic features of alopecia areata, and determine correlation between the findings and the severity of alopecia tool (SALT) score . Methods A cross-sectional study was done on 67 patients in Amrita Institute, Kochi, who were clinically diagnosed with alopecia areata of scalp. Patients were examined using Heine Delta 20 Plus dermoscope. Results Yellow dots were the most common finding on trichoscopy, seen in 86.6% of patients. Black dots were next most common finding, seen in 68.7% of patients, followed by broken hair (59.7%), vellus hair (49.3%) and tapering hairs (25.4%). Grey hair was seen in 11.9% and coiled hair in 7.5% patients. There was a significant relationship between vellus hair and lower SALT score. This study did not find any significant association between the other trichoscopic features of alopecia areata and clinical type or SALT score. Conclusion Scalp lesions in alopecia areata show characteristic features on trichoscopy, such as yellow dots, black dots, broken hair, vellus hair and tapering hair. Trichoscopy is a quick, easy tool in the diagnosis of alopecia and it can be a non-invasive alternative to skin biopsy.