Can these brown spots be peripilar? What can be causing this? 18 y/o f (photos)

Peripilar brown spots, also known as "peripilar casts," can sometimes be seen in individuals with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and are often associated with inflammation around the hair follicles. However, these spots are not exclusive to AGA and can sometimes appear in other scalp conditions, such as seborrheic dermatitis (sebderm), especially if you're experiencing dandruff and flaking.
Since you’ve been diagnosed with telogen effluvium (TE) before and are also seeing dandruff flakes, seborrheic dermatitis could very well be a contributing factor. Sebderm can cause irritation, inflammation, and flaking, which might lead to changes in the scalp's appearance, including discoloration.
It’s understandable to be worried about AGA, but since you’ve been diagnosed with TE twice, it’s important to consider that TE and sebderm can cause shedding and scalp changes without being AGA-related. The best course of action would be to follow up with your dermatologist, who can assess these brown spots and determine if they’re linked to AGA, sebderm, or another condition. With the right treatment for your scalp condition, your symptoms can improve.