This clinical photograph shows a close-up, superior-lateral view of the scalp of a patient with severe alopecia areata. The image reveals multiple large, well-demarcated, non-scarring patches of alopecia (hair loss). The exposed scalp skin appears smooth, pale, and lacks follicular ostia plugging, which is characteristic of non-cicatricial alopecia. Within the bald patches, a few vellus hairs and some short, broken hairs are visible. Minor erythematous punctate lesions are present on the bare scalp surface, possibly related to recent intralesional treatments. The remaining hair is dark, terminal, and demonstrates normal density and length in unaffected regions. This visual presentation is typical of autoimmune hair loss, where the disease progresses from focal patches toward more extensive involvement such as alopecia totalis. The photograph serves as a clinical reference for diagnosing patchy hair loss and monitoring disease activity and treatment response in dermatological settings.

This composite educational graphic presents clinical and trichoscopic comparisons of alopecia areata treatment outcomes over a three-month period. The image is divided into two main comparison groups: a treated representative patch and an untreated control patch. Panels (a) and (b) show the clinical progression of a well-defined, smooth, non-scarring bald patch on the scalp. Panel (a) illustrates the baseline lesion, while panel (b) demonstrates significant hair regrowth and closure of the patch following topical steroid treatment. Corresponding trichoscopic images (c) and (d) provide high-magnification views; panel (c) shows the baseline with sparse terminal hairs and visible follicular openings, while (d) reveals a marked increase in terminal hair density and thickness. Panels (e) through (h) represent the control patch. Clinical images (e) and (f) show a persistent alopecic area with no significant clinical change. Trichoscopic views (g) and (h) confirm minimal hair regrowth, maintaining low hair density. This visual material serves to illustrate diagnostic trichoscopic features of alopecia areata and the quantifiable visual markers used to assess therapeutic efficacy in dermatology.

This image depicts a dermatologic clinical photograph of alopecia areata involving the lateral scalp. Imaging modality: clinical photography with macro close-up view of scalp skin and hair follicles, captured without illumination modifiers or contrast. The primary subject is a localized alopecic patch on the lateral scalp, best described as a round to oval, well-demarcated area of hair loss. The overlying skin appears normal in texture, with preserved epidermis and minor surface desquamation or perifollicular subtle erythema not readily observable in non-dermoscopic photography. Hair density within the patch is markedly reduced with visible expansion of follicular openings at the border and intact surrounding hair. The lesion is non-scarring, with no obvious scarring plaques or scarring tracts; there is no evidence of ornamentation or scaly scale. This presentation is characteristic of alopecia areata, a non-scarring autoimmune condition associated with peribulbar lymphocytic infiltrates histologically. Clinically significant for differential diagnosis against tinea capitis, traction alopecia, androgenetic alopecia, and lichen planopilaris. This image is valuable for education, tele-dermatology, and case repositories, enabling recognition of patchy alopecia patterns, conferral of prognosis, and assessment of treatment response to topical or intralesional corticosteroids and immunomodulatory therapies. Useful in training, patient counseling, and multi-disciplinary discussion.

A composite of four clinical photographs demonstrating the systemic dermatological and mucosal manifestations of Acrodermatitis Enteropathica (AE) in a pediatric patient. The top-left panel shows the scalp with diffuse alopecia and dyspigmented, lightened hair. The top-right panel displays the orofacial region, highlighting beefy red glossitis of the tongue and perioral dermatitis. The bottom-left panel illustrates the lower extremities, featuring widespread hyperpigmented patches, skin erosions, and a prominent flaccid bulla on the shin, with one limb partially bandaged. The bottom-right panel depicts the abdomen, characterized by extensive hyperpigmentation and scattered erosive lesions. Collectively, these images illustrate the classic clinical triad of zinc deficiency: periorificial dermatitis, alopecia, and diarrhea-associated systemic skin breakdown. The presentation is essential for medical students and clinicians for the diagnostic recognition of nutritional deficiencies and zinc malabsorption syndromes.

A composite of three clinical photographs (A, B, C) showing a pediatric patient following two months of treatment for acrodermatitis enteropathica. Panel A illustrates the diaper area (buttocks and perianal region), showing significant resolution of previous erythematous, scaly, and pustular lesions; the skin appears mostly clear with minimal residual faint pink patches within the gluteal folds. Panel B displays the infant's face, demonstrating remission of perioral and periorificial dermatitis, with a clear facial complexion and absence of acute inflammation around the mouth and nose. Panel C provides a posterior view of the scalp, showing successful hair regrowth following previous diffuse alopecia. The hair is light-colored, fine, and demonstrates uniform density without visible thinning or patchy hair loss. Collectively, these images document clinical improvement and therapeutic response to zinc supplementation, highlighting the remission of characteristic periorificial skin manifestations and hair loss associated with metabolic zinc deficiency.

A series of nine clinical photographs (a-i) illustrating the cutaneous manifestations and therapeutic response of acrodermatitis enteropathica-like lesions in an infant. Images a-f depict the pre-treatment state, characterized by well-demarcated, erythematous, and erosive plaques with overlying scaly crusts and scabs. The distribution is classic for zinc deficiency, primarily affecting the acral and periorificial regions: occipital scalp (a, b), perioral area (c), auricle (d), and the perineal and perianal zones (e, f). Diffuse alopecia and sparse hair growth are also visible on the scalp. Images g-i demonstrate the clinical status after 6 days of oral zinc supplementation, showing rapid and significant improvement. The inflammatory erythema and erosions on the scalp (g) and anogenital region (h, i) have largely resolved, leaving behind smooth skin with minimal residual post-inflammatory changes. This comparison serves as a pedagogical tool for recognizing the diagnostic distribution of zinc deficiency-related dermatitis and its dramatic response to targeted replacement therapy.

This is a clinical scalp photograph documenting discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE)–associated scarring alopecia. The image shows a localized left-parietal scalp patch with hair loss persisting in the focal area, featuring an atrophic center and a clearly defined, active-appearing border. Surrounding skin may display mild erythema and scaling; follicular openings are diminished or absent within the scar, consistent with cicatricial alopecia. Visual cues—well-demarcated plaque with scarring—help distinguish DLE from non-scarring alopecias such as androgenetic alopecia or alopecia areata in this clinical setting. This photograph supports dermatologic assessment, documentation of disease extent, and monitoring of progression or response to therapy. Clinically, DLE on the scalp necessitates biopsy confirmation when uncertain, photoprotection, and consideration of antimalarials or immunosuppressants depending on activity and systemic involvement risk. The image is suitable for education, differential diagnosis exercises, and research into scarring mechanisms, disease activity, and treatment outcomes. When correlated with histopathology and serologic data, it aids in comprehensive lupus evaluation and longitudinal patient management.

This clinical photograph displays a superior view of the scalp demonstrating classic features of Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE). The image reveals extensive, patchy scarring alopecia (cicatricial alopecia) characterized by a significant reduction in hair density and visible destruction of hair follicles. The skin lesions exhibit a tri-colored, variegated appearance: erythematous (pink-red) areas indicating active inflammation, hyperpigmented (brown-tan) macules and patches, and focal regions of porcelain-white hypopigmentation suggestive of established dermal fibrosis and scarring. The distribution is irregular across the vertex and crown, showing the progressive nature of the follicular damage. This visual serves as a primary educational example of the cutaneous manifestations of chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus on the scalp, emphasizing the transition from active inflammatory plaques to permanent, irreversible hair loss.

Clinical photography of the scalp depicts discoid lupus erythematosus-associated cicatricial (scarring) alopecia. The frontal to vertex scalp shows patchy erythematous and atrophic plaques with loss of normal follicular openings and hair shafts. Dermal sclerosis and peripilar telangiectasias are evident within affected areas, producing a smooth, scarred surface with diminished skin appendages. The remaining hair is sparse at the lesion margins, emphasizing the irregular scarring process. The vascular pattern includes visible dilated vessels, consistent with telangiectasia, and surrounding mild erythema. Overall morphology is characteristic of chronic inflammatory scarring alopecia with angular plaque margins and hypo- or hyperpigmented zones. The locoregional involvement on the scalp supports a diagnosis of discoid lupus erythematosus, a cutaneous manifestation of lupus erythematosus. The image captures essential features used for differential diagnosis from non-scarring alopecias and other cicatricial conditions, including lichen planopilaris and frontal fibrosing alopecia. The finding has clinical significance for patient management, as DLE may respond to antimalarial therapy and sun protection, and chronic inflammation risks progression to deeper dermal damage. This image is valuable for dermatology education, cicatricial alopecia research, and documented cutaneous lupus case repositories; it informs pattern recognition, staging, and treatment planning. Educational use includes pattern recognition, differential diagnosis, and treatment planning principles.