Description: Yellow dots, dystrophic hairs and short regrowing miniaturized hairs.

History: This 28-year-old man had a persistent patch of complete hair loss on the mid scalp. Although this patch regrew several new patches appeared. He did respond to topical treatment- minoxidil 5% (Regaine) with high potency topical steroids. Alopecia areata (AA) is a recurrent nonscarring type of hair loss that can affect any hair-bearing area. Clinically, AA can present with many different patterns. Although medically benign, AA can cause tremendous emotional and psychosocial stress in affected patients and their families. Dermoscopic description: Yellow dots, dystrophic hairs and short regrowing miniaturized hairs. Dermoscopy is useful for differentiating alopecia areata from other disease causing patchy hairs loss, such as congenital triangular alopecia, trichotillomania and scarring alopecia.