# Trichoscopic Differentiation in Alopecia: Retrospective Case Series Comparing Lichen Planopilaris, Discoid Lupus Erythematosus, and Alopecia Areata

## TL;DR

This study compares trichoscopic features of three types of alopecia to help distinguish scarring from nonscarring hair loss.

## Contribution

It identifies distinct trichoscopic markers for alopecia areata versus scarring alopecias like lichen planopilaris and discoid lupus.

## Key findings

- Exclamation-mark hairs and yellow dots are specific to alopecia areata.
- Follicular ostia loss and white scarring are seen in lichen planopilaris and discoid lupus.
- These markers allow practical differentiation between nonscarring and scarring alopecias.

## Abstract

This single-center retrospective case series included 28 patients with alopecia (7 with lichen planopilaris, 7 with discoid lupus erythematosus, and 14 with alopecia areata). Trichoscopic markers were systematically compared across groups. Exclamation-mark hairs and yellow dots were characteristic of alopecia areata, whereas follicular ostia loss and white scarring were confined to lichen planopilaris/discoid lupus erythematosus, providing a simple and practical distinction between nonscarring and scarring alopecias in routine practice.