Differential diagnostic criteria of alopecia areata

Alopecia areata is a poliethiologic immune mediated condition, associated with lesion of the hair follicles, leading to disruption of growing cycle and subsequent hair loss. Taking into account the different age of patients and repeated recurrence despite of the therapy, as well as changes in the appearance of the individual affecting psychosocial status, patchy hair loss refers to the category of socially important disorders. The introduction of computer technologies facilitated diagnostic approaches through developing of specific criteria for the diagnosis of alopecia areata, which improved its differentiation with similar dermatological conditions. This publication intended to review and analyze of clinical cases of several dermatological disorders which remind clinics of different forms of alopecia areata. The importance of trichoscopy was shown to provide differential diagnosis in various hair-loss conditions to evaluate morphometric hair and skin characteristics.

alopecia areata, trichoscopy, differential diagnosis, Little-Lasseur syndrome, morphoea, ringworm of hair, toxic alopecia