Background: Retrograde alopecia [RA] is a term that describes the hair loss in the nape of the neck that may extend to the occipital region or above in the scalp. In most cases it is associated with Androgenetic alopecia [AGA]. Yet, as the severity of Androgenetic alopecia increases, the retrograde alopecia becomes more frequent, prominent and severe.
Aim of the work: To explore the prevalence, patterns, grades, dermoscopic features of retrograde alopecia and linking this finding with eligibility of Hair transplantation for AGA.
Patients and Methods: One thousand patients are included in this study recruited from al Al Hussein hospital, dermatology department, Hair clinic. Clinical and dermoscopic examination for occipital area are done to detect RA prevalence, patterns and dermoscopic findings.
Results: Fifty patients out of thousand patients examined were affected by RA of varying degrees and patterns. Grading system is done for those patients. We have linked this grading system with eligibility for hair transplantation for AGA.
Conclusion: RA is fairly common among patients with Androgenetic alopecia of severe degrees. Detection of RA by good examination clinically and dermoscopically is mandatory for reaching the appropriate diagnosis, treatment and exclusion of affected hair by RA from harvesting to get a safe donor area regarding hair transplantation of AGA.