Traction alopecia: Common clinical features and differential diagnoses

	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

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