Trichoscopy allows us to visualise the hair next to the scalp with a high magnification and using polarised light, making it an essential tool for the diagnosis of hair pathology. Using computer programmes with APS (Alopecia Prognosis System) technology software, we obtain information such as the distance between follicles, hair thickness, density and diameter of the hair. Trichoscopy is a very comfortable technique for the patient as it is non-invasive and allows detailed information to be obtained for the correct diagnosis of alopecia and the response to treatment.
Trichoscopy is used to confirm the diagnosis of incipient or chronic alopecia (such as androgenic alopecia) as well as to rule out scarring alopecia of the autoimmune type (frontal fibrosing alopecia, folliculitis decalvans or lichen planopilaris). It also allows the scalp to be assessed, studying seborrhoeic dermatitis or psoriasis, which have a significant impact on hair loss.