Current controversies in trichology: a European expert consensus statement

Introduction Hair disorders are one of the most common conditions within dermatology practice but, although new diagnostic tools and therapeutic options have arisen, the management of these patients still represents a major clinical challenge. Objective This study aimed at gathering information and achieving consensus on relevant recommendations on the latest advances in alopecia, trichoscopy and hair dermocosmetics. Methods Experts of the steering committee consulted the available evidence on trichology-related areas from the past 5 years and formulated recommendations based on the evidence and their experience. A modified two-round Delphi procedure was performed among 45 European dermatologists experts in trichology to consult their degree of agreement on twenty recommendations, using a 4-point Likert scale. Consensus was defined as >80% of participants scoring either 1 (totally agree) or 2 (agree). Results In the first round of the Delphi questionnaire, 75% of the recommendations reached consensus. Those that were not agreed upon were reformulated by the steering committee and voted again after an online meeting, where consensus was achieved in all recommendations. Conclusions All recommendations reached consensus after the two-round Delphi questionnaire and may be useful in clinical practice for dermatologists. The participants agreed that besides this consensus, further clinical studies are needed to assess the benefits of the emerging tools and treatments and to clarify the controversies that still exist in the field, aiming at improving patients' quality of life.

Automated summary

This study aimed to gather information and achieve consensus on the latest advances in alopecia, trichoscopy, and hair dermocosmetics. Through a two-round Delphi procedure among 45 European dermatologists, consensus was reached on all recommendations, providing guidance for clinical practice. Additionally, the participants highlighted the need for further clinical studies to assess the benefits of emerging tools and treatments in improving patients' quality of life.