Comparison of Dermoscopic Findings in Female Androgenetic Alopecia and Telogen Effluvium and Female Controls in a Tertiary Care Center.

Background: Female androgenetic alopecia (FAGA) is a patterned hair loss caused by progressive miniaturization of hair follicles. This leads to reduction in the number and thickness of hairs, especially in the central, frontal, and parietal scalp regions. Telogen effluvium (TE) is characterized by diffuse hair loss within months of a significant systemic stressor because of premature follicular transition from the anagen to the telogen. Objective: This article aims to highlight the dermoscopic differences between TE and FAGA compared to healthy female controls. Methods: A total of 124 female patients, which included 31 women with clinical diagnosis of FAGA, 33 with TE, and 60 controls, were enrolled. Two dermatologists independently assessed each patient clinically as well as with dermoscope, recorded the history and examination findings on a proforma, and made a diagnosis. These dermoscopic images were later revised in photographs on the computer. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in hair diameter diversity (HDD) between patients with FAGA versus TE and FAGA versus controls ( Conclusion: Dermoscopic features of FAGA and TE will help in early detection on the basis of increased proportion of thin and vellus hairs, HDD, perifollicular discoloration, and the presence of a variable number of yellow dots.