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Objectives: To investigate the characteristics of hairs in Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) patients and healthy females in Southern China., Materials and Methods: Three fundamental hair parameters in different scalp areas of 90 Southern Chinese FPHL patients and 83 healthy controls were analyzed by phototrichogram., Results: Female pattern hair loss patients showed reduced hair density, hair diameter, and terminal/vellus hair ratio. The reduction correlated with the severity of Ludwig staging. Midscalp was the most affected area in FPHL, but occipital and temporal sites were also involved. In normal women, the highest hair density was observed in midscalp, followed by occipital and temporal areas. Peak hair density at midscalp sites was reached at 20s group, then declined with age. Maximum hair diameter at midscalp and occipital sites occurred in 40s group. Terminal/vellus hair ratio tended to increase with age and peak on 50-60s group., Conclusion: Reduced hair density and hair diameter, and miniaturization of hair follicles are the characteristics of FPHL in Southern Chinese women. Occipital and temporal sites are also affected in FPHL. Age-associated changes might have an influence on the hair condition. The values of hair parameters obtained in this study will help to establish reference data for better evaluation of hair disorders., (© 2019 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background and Objectives: Dissecting folliculitis (DF) or dissecting cellulitis of the scalp is regarded as a rare disease with disfiguring scarring alopecia. This study aimed to analyze the features of DF and to propose a classification to define its severity., Patients and Methods: A hospital-based retrospective study was conducted. Patients with a histopathological diagnosis or clinical features leading to diagnosis of DF were included and classified into three stages., Results: Among the 66 patients recruited (63 men / 3 women, mean age 24.9 years), multiple interconnected alopecic nodules involving the vertex scalp were the main feature. Histopathology showed an extensive inflamed granulation abscess forming a dissection plane in the lower dermis/subcutis in the acute stage. Lymphocytic infiltration was predominant in seven of 21 histology specimens. Overweight and obesity were noted in 29 of 45 patients examined. No association with smoking was found. There was comorbidity with acne conglobata in 15 of 66 patients, two of whom had acne inversa. Longer disease duration and greater number of nodules were associated with higher severity of DF (p < 0.05). A complete remission rate of 25 % was achieved by any treatment, and a rate of 37.5 % was achieved with oral isotretinoin alone., Conclusions: DF is not uncommon in Taiwan. An association with obesity needs to be clarified., (© 2018 Deutsche Dermatologische Gesellschaft (DDG). Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

In the classification of the North American Hair Research Society, primary cicatricial alopecias (PCA) are divided into four groups according to their prominent inflammatory infiltrate: PCAs with lymphocytic, neutrophilic, mixed or nonspecific cell inflammation pattern. The hair loss can begin subclinically and progress slowly so that the exact onset of the disease is often difficult to determine. The diagnosis is often delayed. While most forms of cicatricial alopecia can be clearly diagnosed based on clinical presentation in the acute disease stage, diagnosis can be challenging in the subacute, early or late disease stages. At first presentation, a detailed patient history and dermatological examination of the body, including trichoscopy, should be performed. In clinically unclear cases, a biopsy should be performed. Due to the scarcity of primary cicatricial alopecia, there is little evidence on the efficacy of the various therapies. The aims of treatment are to stop or at least delay hair loss and progression of the scarring process, reduce clinical inflammation signs as well as to alleviate subjective symptoms. Hair re-growth in already scarred areas should not be expected. Anti-inflammatory treatment with topical corticosteroids class III to IV and / or with intracutaneous intralesional triamcinolone acetonide injections can be considered in most of the primary cicatricial alopecias. The choice of systemic therapy depends on the type of predominant inflammatory infiltrate and includes antimicrobial, antibiotic or immunomodulating/immunosuppressive agents. Psychological support and camouflage techniques should be offered to the patients., (© 2018 Deutsche Dermatologische Gesellschaft (DDG). Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Hair loss in childhood covers a broad differential diagnosis and often presents the involved dermatologist and pediatrician with a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Correct classification of the hair disease, especially in the case of underlying genetic syndromes, metabolic defects or endocrine disorders, is often an important prerequisite for continued normal physical and mental development of the young patients. Dealing with hair loss in childhood, one should differentiate between congenital and acquired diseases. The clinical manifestation profile, the age of the patient when the initial manifestation occurred, and the presence of associated symptoms are important for the classification of the hair disease. In the present paper, a classification of hair loss in childhood based on clinical appearance, age of onset and associated symptoms is proposed as a guide for the evaluation of hair loss and alopecia in childhood.