TRICHOSCOPIC FEATURES OF COMMON HAIR DISORDERS IN NIGERIAN FEMALES

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Background: Hair and scalp disorders are common in women of African descent. Genetics and various hair grooming practices have been implicated in its aetiopathogenesis. Excessive   pulling of hair and combining hair grooming practices have been known to cause hair loss and also worsen primary alopecias. The various types of hair loss may sometimes have overlapping clinical features requiring further investigation for accurate diagnosis.  Unfortunately, some of our patients are unable to afford investigations such as skin biopsies and so they default from the clinic, only to return later with extensive hair loss. Trichoscopy, which is examination of the scalp and hair using the dermoscope has been found to increase diagnostic accuracy in the management of hair and scalp disorders. There is paucity of data on the trichoscopy features of hair loss in our environment.

Objective:  This review highlights the trichoscopic features of common causes of hair loss in dark skinned women (Fitzpatrick V and VI) in Nigeria. It is hoped that this review will encourage the use of the dermoscope among dermatologists and improve the diagnosis and management of hair and scalp disorders for females in this environment.  

Methods: Data from existing literature of trichoscopic features among dark skinned women and reports from this environment were reviewed and documented.

Results and conclusion: Findings from trichoscopic examination of dark-skinned women with hair loss globally and in this environment, have been shown to aid the diagnosis of various hair disorders especially those with overlapping clinical features. However, scalp biopsies  may be required occasionally. Trichoscopy is a noninvasive and useful tool in the management of hair and scalp disorders, especially in patients from a poor resource setting like ours.