Trichoscopy of Discoid Lupus Erythematosus in the Black Scalp: A Literature Review

Abstract

Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is the most common type of chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus. It is more frequent in adult women, particularly black race. Scalp DLE has an earlier onset and a more severe clinical course in black patients compared to Caucasians. Nevertheless, studies on this population remain scarce. The aim of this study was to review the literature and summarize the most frequent trichoscopic findings of scalp DLE among patients with a higher phototype. The main trichoscopic findings of DLE on black scalp are interruption of the honeycomb pattern, reduction, or absence of pinpoint white dots, keratotic follicular plugs and peripilar casts, blue-gray dots in a speckled pattern, and large tortuous arboriform vessels. Knowledge of these and other changes enables an early diagnosis of these individuals, preventing cicatricial sequelae and reducing its impact on quality of life.