The American Journal of dermatopathology
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Moth-eaten alopecia (MEA) is a characteristic manifestation of secondary syphilis. Clinically, this form of alopecia may be confused with trichotillomania, traction alopecia, and alopecia areata. ⋯ We systematically documented the histopathological features of 12 patients with MEA. Characteristic features included follicular plugging; a sparse, perivascular and perifollicular lymphocytic infiltrate; telogenization and follicle-oriented melanin clumping.