Trichoscopy - examination of the scalp and hair at OpenMed Warsaw and Płock
Trichoscopy is a non-invasive examination of the scalp and hair carried out under magnification using a dermatoscope or videodermatoscope. It allows a more detailed assessment of the hair follicles, hair shafts and scalp. It is used above all in diagnosing excessive hair loss and thinning, as well as inflammatory changes of the scalp.
At OpenMed in Warsaw and at OpenMed in Płock you can discuss a hair or scalp problem and have trichoscopy performed.
When is trichoscopy worth having?
Hair loss can have many causes. Sometimes it is linked to a genetic predisposition, at other times it appears after an illness, a period of heavy strain on the body, with deficiencies, hormonal disorders or scalp conditions. The appearance of the hair alone does not always make it possible to identify the source of the problem.
Trichoscopy can be helpful, among others, with:
- excessive or prolonged hair loss,
- gradual thinning of the hair at the crown or in the frontal area,
- the appearance of distinct hairless patches,
- suspected androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata or telogen effluvium,
- suspected scarring alopecia,
- itching, redness, flaking or other changes of the scalp,
- abnormalities in hair structure and brittleness,
- assessing the results of ongoing treatment.
The examination can be performed in both women and men. Its usefulness depends on the nature of the problem and the clinical picture assessed during the consultation.
Dermatology specialists at OpenMed
Book a dermatology consultation for skin, hair, and nail problems, diagnosis, and treatment planning.
What does the doctor assess during trichoscopy?
Trichoscopy shows structures that cannot be assessed accurately with the naked eye. The doctor examines selected areas of the scalp under magnification and analyses, among other things, the number and thickness of hairs, differences in shaft diameter, the follicular openings and the condition of the surrounding skin.
Individual types of alopecia can produce a characteristic trichoscopic picture. For example, in androgenetic alopecia the variation in hair thickness and progressive miniaturisation are significant. In alopecia areata other features related to disease activity can be observed. When scarring alopecia is suspected, the assessment of follicular openings and inflammatory changes is particularly important.
Trichoscopy therefore helps narrow down the possible diagnoses, but it is not always enough on its own to establish the cause of the problem.
How is trichoscopy performed at OpenMed?
The examination is carried out during the appointment and does not break the skin. The doctor places the device against several areas of the head and views the skin and hair at the appropriate magnification. Depending on the problem, different areas may be compared, for example the frontal, temporal and occipital regions.
Trichoscopy is painless. It requires no anaesthesia, needles or sample collection. You can return to your daily activities straight after the examination.
When monitoring treatment, images from successive appointments can be compared, which helps assess whether the appearance of the hair and scalp is changing over time.
How to prepare for trichoscopy at OpenMed?
On the day of the examination it is best not to apply products to the scalp and hair that could make the image harder to assess, such as dry shampoo, oils, powders that conceal thinning, or large amounts of styling products.
Do not stop medications or preparations applied to the scalp on your own. If you are using topical treatment, when booking the appointment you can check whether the preparation should be applied as usual on the day of the examination.
It is worth bringing previous test results and information about treatment to date to the consultation. Information about how long the problem has lasted, illnesses in recent months, medications taken and similar hair problems in the family may also be important for the doctor.
Is trichoscopy enough to identify the cause of hair loss?
Not always. Trichoscopy is one element of the diagnostic process, and the doctor interprets its result together with the medical history and examination of the scalp.
If the picture suggests a possible systemic cause, laboratory tests may be needed. The range of tests is tailored to the patient's situation rather than running one extensive panel for everyone with hair loss.
If a fungal infection is suspected, a mycological test may be needed. In selected conditions, especially when scarring alopecia is suspected, the doctor may recommend a scalp biopsy and histopathological assessment.
What happens after trichoscopy?
Further management depends on the examination picture and the likely cause of the problem. Androgenetic alopecia requires one kind of treatment, alopecia areata another, and temporary hair loss related to a disturbed hair growth cycle yet another.
This is why the aim of the appointment is not simply to take pictures of the scalp. Trichoscopy is meant to help the doctor decide whether treatment can be started or whether additional tests are needed first.
In chronic conditions the examination can also be used during follow-up. Changes in hair density, thickness and appearance happen slowly, so an objective comparison of the picture over time may be more reliable than day-to-day observation of your hairstyle.
Trichoscopy - FAQ
No. It is a non-invasive examination. It requires no skin puncture, blood sampling or anaesthesia.
No. The examination is performed without shaving or cutting the hair.
It often provides important information that helps distinguish between the different types of alopecia, but it does not always give a definitive diagnosis on its own. Sometimes additional laboratory tests, mycological tests or a biopsy are necessary.
Yes. It is one of the examinations used in diagnosing androgenetic alopecia. The doctor assesses, among other things, differences in hair thickness and signs of miniaturisation.
Yes. Because the examination is non-invasive, it can be performed again. A follow-up trichoscopy can be used to compare the picture of the hair and scalp during treatment.