Digital trichoscopy — hair and scalp examination
Trichoscopy is a painless examination in which the doctor looks at your hair and scalp under high magnification. It reveals changes invisible to the naked eye and helps distinguish between causes of hair loss that look the same.
Book trichoscopyWhat trichoscopy shows
The trichoscope magnifies and illuminates the hair and scalp many times over. This lets the doctor see:
- hair density and how many hairs grow from a single follicular opening,
- differences in hair thickness — gradual thinning of individual hairs is typical of hereditary hair loss,
- the state of the follicular openings — whether they are preserved or disappearing, which may indicate a scarring process,
- signs of inflammation, scaling and changes in the small blood vessels of the scalp,
- hair breakage and damage,
- findings typical of alopecia areata.
Trichoscopy alone may not provide a final diagnosis. The doctor always evaluates it together with your history, the physical examination and, where needed, blood test results. If the findings are unclear, a small skin sample may need to be taken for histological examination.
Why digital
Hair grows slowly, and your own impression of progress is often unreliable — it depends a lot on the lighting, your hairstyle and even how you feel that day. That is why we image the hair with the FotoFinder skeen digital device, the same one we use for mole checks. We store the images in your records and compare them at follow-ups from the same areas of the scalp. That way we see the actual change, not an impression.
How the examination works
- 1A short conversation: when the problems started, how they are developing, medications and supplements, past illnesses and family history.
- 2Examination of the hair and scalp.
- 3Imaging with the FotoFinder skeen at several points on the scalp — typically the crown, the parting and wherever you notice problems. No hair is cut or shaved.
- 4Explanation of the findings right during the examination, using the images on screen.
- 5A treatment plan, blood tests at the Unilabs laboratory right next door if needed, and a follow-up trichoscopy appointment.
Who the examination is for
- you have been losing more hair than usual for more than a few weeks,
- your hair is thinning on the crown or your parting is widening,
- your hairline is receding,
- a bald patch has appeared,
- your scalp itches, burns or flakes,
- your hair is breaking,
- you want to track objectively how treatment is working,
- your child is losing hair.
When to come for a follow-up
A follow-up trichoscopy makes sense several months after starting treatment, when changes can be assessed on the images. The doctor will recommend the exact timing based on your diagnosis and the chosen treatment.
FAQ
How does trichoscopy differ from a regular dermatological examination?
In a regular examination, hair is assessed with the naked eye. A trichoscope magnifies and illuminates it, revealing details of the scalp and individual hairs. The images are also stored, so progress can be tracked over time.
Will my hair be cut or shaved?
No. The images are taken directly between the hairs, which the doctor simply parts. You leave with the same hairstyle you came in with.
Will I get the result straight away?
Yes. The doctor explains the findings during the examination using the images. If blood tests are needed for the diagnosis, the overall conclusion and treatment are finalised once the results are in.
How should I prepare?
Wash your hair the day before the examination, not on the day of the visit. Don't use styling products, hairspray or dry shampoo, and if possible, don't dye your hair shortly before the examination. Make a list of the medications and supplements you take.
Is trichoscopy covered by health insurance?
No. The first digital trichoscopy examination costs CZK 2,500, follow-up trichoscopy CZK 1,500. Hair Clinic services are not covered by public health insurance.
Is trichoscopy suitable for children?
Yes. The examination is painless and non-invasive, so even young children manage it well. MUDr. Lucie Karkošková has long focused on hair problems in children.