Expanding the phenotypic spectrum of alopecia areata: Trichoscopic diagnosis of a rare linear variant

Abstract

Alopecia areata (AA) is an immune-mediated, nonscarring alopecia affecting approximately 1%–2% of the population. Linear AA is an uncommon morphologic variant that can closely mimic the other causes of linear alopecia, often leading to diagnostic uncertainty. We report the case of a 24-year-old woman who developed a progressive linear patch of alopecia over 6 months. Trichoscopic evaluation revealed the classic features of AA, facilitating a noninvasive diagnosis in the absence of histopathology. This case underscores the clinical rarity of linear AA and highlights the pivotal role of trichoscopy in accurately distinguishing it from other linear alopecias such as lupus profundus, trichotillomania, and traction alopecia.