Scalp diagnostics (Trichoscopy)

The health of the scalp has a significant impact on our self-confidence and overall quality of life. Itching, increased hair loss, flaking or visible thinning of the hair are signs that should not be ignored. Regular check-ups enable early detection of potential problems and timely initiation of adequate treatment.

What is scalp diagnosis?

Scalp diagnostics is the first and key step in understanding and treating problems with the hair and scalp – using specialized methods, it is possible to precisely detect the causes of the issues and begin appropriate therapy in time.

A scalp examination can be performed using a manual and digital trichoscope, allowing a detailed examination of the scalp to identify the causes of hair and scalp problems, including hair loss and other dermatological diseases. 

The goal is to make a diagnosis and precisely determine which disease or condition is causing the issues.

Digital trichoscopy

In our Center for hair and scalp we perform digital trichoscopy with the TricoLab software for creating a digital trichogram, a highly precise diagnosis of hair and scalp diseases, using an algorithm that classifies hairs according to the growth cycle (anagen/telogen) without the need for invasive diagnostics and pulling hairs from the scalp.

With the digital trichoscope, it is possible to determine hair density in different parts of the scalp, average hair thickness, the number of hairs that have transitioned from the terminal to the vellus phase, check how many hairs grow from the follicle, and make a comprehensive examination of texture, shape and irregularities, providing a detailed and complete analysis that is not possible with a manual trichoscope alone.

Advantages of trichoscopic diagnosis

Trichoscopy is painless, the procedure lasts approximately ten minutes and it requires no special preparation. It is sufficient to come with freshly washed hair and avoid applying cosmetic products (e.g., gels, serums) to the scalp beforehand.

Trichoscopy is the gold standard in diagnosing hair and scalp conditions, offering several advantages that make it the best available method for detecting and monitoring disorders:

1. Highest level of precision
   Trichoscopy provides magnified, high-resolution images of the scalp and follicles, allowing the detection of even the smallest changes. This detailed analysis can reveal early signs of diseases that would not be visible in a clinical examination, significantly increasing the chances of successful treatment.
2. Non-invasive and painless procedure
   Trichoscopy does not require cuts, biopsies, or any surgical intervention. Patients feel no discomfort or pain, and the procedure only takes a few minutes. It is ideal for children, sensitive individuals, or patients afraid of invasive methods.
3. Fast and accurate diagnosis
   Unlike standard physical exams, trichoscopy allows for immediate visualization of hair structure, follicle distribution, and scalp condition. The doctor can quickly identify the cause – from alopecia to inflammatory or fungal conditions – and promptly determine the next steps in therapy.
4. Objective and quantitative assessment
   Trichoscopy enables the quantitative evaluation of hair density, the number of hairs per follicle and hair shaft thickness. These objective data help track disease progression or treatment success over time, something not possible with subjective clinical assessment alone.
5. Monitoring treatment effectiveness
   After diagnosis, trichoscopy is a reliable tool for evaluating treatment results. By regularly imaging the scalp, it is possible to track changes in hair density, hair shaft quality, and inflammation reduction. This allows for real-time therapy adjustments, optimizing outcomes.
6. Wide range of applications
   Trichoscopy is effective for diagnosing a broad spectrum of conditions – from androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, and telogen effluvium to seborrheic dermatitis, scalp psoriasis, fungal infections and rare follicular disorders. Thanks to its high sensitivity, similar symptoms can be differentiated, and further diagnostics (e.g., biopsy, microbiological testing) can be accurately directed.
7. Minimal need for additional testing
   Since trichoscopy already provides detailed insight into hair and scalp structure, invasive procedures like biopsies are often unnecessary. This saves the patient time, money, and discomfort while enabling the physician to make a confident diagnosis based on trichoscopic findings.
8. Educational and motivational role for the patient
   During the examination, patients are often shown images of their own scalp, which helps educate them about their condition and encourages therapy adherence. Visibly documented improvements, such as increased hair density or reduced inflammation, build patient confidence and accelerate recovery process.

In addition to diagnosis, trichoscopy is extremely useful for monitoring the effectiveness of therapy during treatment – whether it is pharmacological treatments, PRP therapy, mesotherapy or other regenerative procedures.

Based on the diagnostics performed, our experts will obtain much more data related to hair density in a specific area, details on average hair thickness, and the number of follicular units – a complete and very precise analysis that is not possible with a manual trichoscope

At St. Catherine Skin & Regenerative Clinic, we continuously invest in the latest technologies to ensure the highest level of medical care for our patients. By introducing innovative solutions, we provide a comprehensive and effective approach to treating scalp issues - from precise diagnostics and expert examinations to individualized therapy and tangible results.