| Clinical features | Differential diagnoses |
Traction folliculitis | - Pustules, erythema, inflamed papules, or scale in areas of traction
- Hair casts may be seen along hair shaft
| - Bacterial folliculitis
- Tinea capitis
|
Marginal traction alopecia | - Hair loss on hairline, often predominantly above temples; may be more extensive
- "Fringe sign" (retention of vellus hairs [short, fine hairs] at the hair line)
| - Alopecia areata (ophiasis pattern)
- Frontal fibrosing alopecia
|
Non-marginal traction alopecia | - Patchy hair loss
- May exhibit geometric patterns, particularly in patients with traction alopecia from hair extensions or weaves
| - Trichotillomania
- Syphilis
- Alopecia areata
- Tinea capitis
|