**6. Horizontal sections**

Horizontal sections are becoming the method of choice as they offer the advantage of evalu‐ ating large numbers of follicles simultaneously, determining hair density, location of inflam‐ matory infiltrate and anagen to telogen ratio [5]. A transversely sectioned specimen will include all the hair follicles present in the biopsy, and in the same section. Although the clinical impression is very important in diagnosing alopecia, transversely sectioned biopsy specimens can greatly aid the diagnosis and management of patients with alopecia [6].

of antigens in tissue sections by the use of labeled antibody as specific reagents through

Scalp Biopsy and Diagnosis of Common Hair Loss Problems

http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/55025

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Specimens are categorized as scarring or nonscarring alopecia, and further diagnostic criteria discussed herein assist the pathologist in making specific diagnoses of nonscarring and

Histologically, cicatricial alopecia is characterized by dermal scarring, along with absent or reduced hair follicles and reduced number of erector pili muscles. But taking skin biopsy from

This scarring alopecia may be secondary, and due to numerous etiologies (such as due to infectious causes (Fig 4), or primary, where the cause and pathogenesis are largely unknown,

The discussion in following sections is about the primary type as the skin biopsy is more

antigen-antibody interactions that are visualized by a marker such as peroxidase.

**8. Histopathological findings in different types of hair loss**

the active area will be more informative about the diagnosis.

but the target is the hair follicle itself (such as DLE and LPP).

**Figure 4.** Scarring alopecia in a child secondary to tinea capitis.

scarring alopecias.

**9. Scarring alopecia**

informative about the diagnosis.

**Figure 3.** Transverse section from a scalp biopsy from a patient with DLE.
