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Pattern hair loss (PHL) is a chronic regressive condition of the scalp, where follicular miniaturisation and decreased scalp hair coverage occurs in affected areas. In all PHL cases, there is a measurable progressive shortening of the terminal hair growth duration, along with reduced linear growth rates. In both genders, PHL initially shows an increase in short telogen hairs ≤30 mm in length, reflecting a cycle completion of under 6 months in affected terminal hair follicles. To understand the miniaturisation process, we re-examine the dynamics of miniaturisation and ask the question, "why do miniaturised hair follicles resist treatment?" In the light of recent developments in relation to hair regeneration, we looked back in the older literature for helpful clues "lost to time" and reprise a 1978 Hermann Pinkus observation of an array of elastin deposits beneath the dermal papilla following subsequent anagen/telogen transitions in male balding, originally described by Arao and Perkins who concluded that these changes provide a "morphologic marker of the entire biologic process in the balding scalp." Thus, we have reviewed the role of the elastin-like bodies in hair pathology and we propose that alterations in elastin architecture may contribute to the failure of vellus-like hair reverting back to their terminal status and may indicate a new area for therapeutic intervention.

Background Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common disorder in both males and females and may be improved by platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment. Objectives The aim of this study was to compare safety, efficacy, and satisfaction following treatment with a lower or higher number of platelets over 6 months. Methods This was a prospective randomized, double-blinded, placebo, parallel-group, half-scalp IRB-approved study involving 8 subjects with moderate AGA. Participants received intradermal PRP injections (baseline and Month 3), according to 2 treatment protocols (high vs low platelet numbers) to the frontal and crown portions of the hemiscalp and normal saline to control sites. Phototrichoscans were recorded at baseline and at 6 months, and global photography and subject and investigator satisfaction questionnaires were obtained at baseline, 3, and 6 months. Results At the end of 6-month evaluation period, both groups demonstrated absolute increases in total hair density, follicle diameter, and terminal hair density, as well as absolute and percentage changes at the frontal and crown targeted sites compared with baseline. These improvements tended to occur more often in areas treated with higher platelet numbers than with lower numbers. Vellus hair densities did not exhibit any significant changes with either PRP dosages. The investigator and 6 of the subjects were “satisfied” with the results at 3 months and no adverse reactions were associated with the treatments. Conclusions Intradermal injections with 2 therapeutic quantities of platelets were equally safe and efficacious for treating men and women with AGA. Higher numbers of platelets may have a greater effect than lower numbers of platelets in regard to hair density, follicle diameter, and terminal hair density but exhibited minimal effects on vellus hair densities at the 6-month evaluation point. Further studies are required to determine whether any significant advantages occur when delivering either lower or higher numbers of platelets in AGA treatments as long as therapeutic levels are administered. Level of Evidence: 2

Background: Androgenic alopecia (AGA) is a type of progressive hairloss, where there is androgen mediated conversion of susceptible terminal hairs into vellus hairs, in genetically predisposed individuals. Aims and Objectives: To compare efficacy of Topical 5% Minoxidil alone versus Topical 5% Minoxidil with Autologous Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy in patients with Androgenetic Alopecia. Materials a nd Methods: This is a Prospective study conducted in Department of Dermatology GMERS Medical College, Gandhinagar, Gujarat. A convenience sample of 62 men in the age group of 20-40 with Grade 2-5 AGA according to Hamilton- Norwood Grading were selected and was divided into 2 groups of 31 each. Presitting digital photographs and dermoscopic photos were taken. Autologous PRP was prepared using 18 ml of patients blood after double spin centrifugation and injected by Nappage technique. Results were assessed at the baseline and at the end of each sitting on the basis of change in hair density, photographic evaluation and patient’s self satisfaction. Result: Highly significant increase in hair density was achieved after 4 months of treatment. At T4 (Fourth Session of treatment) Group B showed higher hair density (42.97± 8.96) as compared to Group A (36.94 ± 11.57) which was statistically significant at P = 0.03 Conclusion: Group B showed better improvement as compared to Group A.PRP treatment has a positive therapeutic effect on male Androgenetic alopecia without major side effects. Keywords: Androgenic alopecia, Minoxidil, Platelet Rich Plasma, Randomised open label study.

Folliculotropic Mycosis Fungoides (FMF) is a rare variant of Mycosis Fungoides involving the scalp leading to alopecia. The clinical and trichoscopic features in 18 patients were analyzed and compared with the reports in the literature. Gender, age, disease stage, site of onset were taken into consideration. Clinical and trichoscopic analyses were performed on each patient. From a clinical point of view, Folliculotropic Mycosis Fungoides lesions involving the scalp presented as generalized alopecia (27.8%) or patchy-plaque alopecia (72.2%). Trichoscopic analysis revealed six most frequent features: single hair (83.3%), dotted dilated vessels (77.8%), broken-dystrophic hairs (66.7%), vellus hairs (61.1%), spermatozoa-like pattern vessels (55.6%), and yellow dots (55.6%). Additional identified trichoscopic patterns were dilation of follicular openings, scales-crusts, purpuric dots, short hair with split-end, pigtail hairs, perifollicular hyperkeratosis, milky-white globules, black dots, white dots/lines and absence of follicular dots. These trichoscopic features were further correlated to clinical presentations and stage of the disease. The rarity of the disease is a limitation. The relatively high number of patients allowed to identify several clinical and trichoscopic patterns that could be featured as specific or highly suspicious for FMF in order to consider trichoscopy as a complementary diagnostic approach and improve the differential diagnoses between FMF and other scalp disorders.

Since first recognized in 1839, the pathogenesis of acne inversa (AI) has undergone repeated revisions. Although there is agreement that AI involves occlusion of hair follicles with subsequent inflammation and the formation of tracts, the histologic progression of this disease still requires refinement. The objective of this study was to examine the histologic progression of AI based on the examination of a large cohort of punch biopsies and excisional samples that were examined first by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The most informative of these samples were step‐sectioned and stained by immunohistochemistry for epithelial and inflammatory markers. Based on this examination, the following observations were made: 1) AI arises from the epithelium of the infundibulum of terminal and vellus hairs; 2) These form cysts and epithelial tendrils that extend into soft tissue; 3) Immunohistochemical staining demonstrates the epithelium of AI is disordered with infundibular and isthmic differentiation and de novo expression of stem cell markers; 4) The inflammatory response in AI is heterogeneous and largely due to cyst rupture. The conclusions of this investigation were that AI is an epithelial‐driven disease caused by infiltrative, cyst forming tendrils and most of the inflammation is due to cyst rupture and release of cornified debris and bacteria. Cyst rupture often occurs below the depths of punch biopsy samples indicating their use for analysis may give an incomplete picture of the disease. Finally, our data suggest that unless therapies inhibit tendril development, it is unlikely they will cause prolonged treatment‐induced remission in AI.

Introduction: Hair loss is a cause of emotional and mental distress, especially in the modern age of social media. Hair loss can be classified as Cicatricial and Non-Cicatricial, based on the permanence of the damage wrought to the hair follicles. The conditions selected for evaluation in this particular study are androgenetic alopecia and telogen effluvium, owing to their higher rate of incidence and their amenable response to timely intervention.Trichoscopy aids in diagnosis, determination of biopsy site and acts as a prognostic tool. In this study, we will enumerate trichoscopic features of the scalp in androgenic alopecia (AGA) and telogen effluvium (TE) on the basis of follicular patterns, interfollicular patterns and hair signsMaterial and Methods: It is a cross-sectional and observational study is suited for estimating the prevalence of each trichoscopic feature in AGA and TE. The study was conducted in the Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Subbaiah Institute of Medical Sciences, Shimoga, Karnataka. The study was conducted between January 2020 to December 2020 with sample size of 100 patients.Results: In the 100 cases of AGA and TE, 69% had AGA and 31% TE. Hair pull test was positive in 90% patients of TE. Yellow dots (69%), empty hair follicles, (65%) peripilar sign (71%), vellus hair (95%) and variation in hair shaft diameter in frontotemporal areas (98%) are the characteristic findings in AGA patients. The follicular features present in TE are peripilar sign (10%), yellow dots (29%) and vellus hair (30%). The characteristic finding is that the variation in hair – shaft diameter is prevalent in fronto-temporal (15%) and occipital areas (65%).Conclusion: The characteristic follicular features on Trichoscopy observed in AGA were peripilar sign, yellow dots and empty hair follicles. The characteristic hair shaft pattern observed was vellus hair. Variation in hair shaft diameter was more prevalent in fronto-temporal areas. TE is said to be a disease of exclusion on Trichoscopy. It is important to differentiate this condition from AGA, where-in the variation in hair shaft thickness is present in fronto-temporal areas and absent in occipital area.

Hair loss is a matter of concern in any individual irrespective of age and gender, more so in females. This study was undertaken to analyze the clinical patterns of hair loss in women in various disorders based on trichoscopic evaluation. In each patient, hair pull test and trichoscopy was done. Majority of the patients (67%) were in the age group of 21-40 years. The most common presentation was hair fall. Hair pull test was positive in 69.2% cases. The most common diagnosis observed was female pattern hair loss (36.2%); followed by telogen effluvium, pityriasis sicca, alopecia areata, canities, pediculosis capitis, scalp psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. Trichoscopy showed empty hair follicles, focal atrichia, anisotrichosis, increased vellus hair, pilosebaceous units with 1-2 hair, white dots of eccrine ducts, honeycomb pattern. Trichoscopy is an important diagnostic tool especially in patients when diagnosis was unclear. It is an important technique and allowed us to avoid scalp biopsy for difficult cases.

Trichostasis spinulosa (TS) is a follicular disorder characterized by the retention of multiple vellus hairs in a hyperkeratotic dilated hair follicle. TS is considered as a common disorder; however, it is often underdiagnosed due to its asymptomatic nature. Although the condition frequently affects the face or extremities, the widespread distribution of TS over the entire body has been once reported in a patient with chronic renal failure. To emphasize the infrequent presentation of TS, we herein report a 57-year-old male with an unusual location of TS.

Background: Androgenetic alopecia [AGA] one of the common scalp hair loss disorders affecting males. Androgenetic alopecia is characterized by progressive miniaturization of hair follicles in the scalp and gradual transformation of terminal hairs into vellus hairs leading to progressive decrease in hair density. The pattern of loss follows the scale developed by Hamilton and later extended by Norwood. Aim of Work: Evaluation of the efficacy of topical cetirizine 1% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in male patients. Patients and methods: This case-controlled study included 30 male patients treated by topical cetirizine1%and 30 male patients as a control group treated by placebo for 6 months recruited from dermatology outpatient clinic of Damietta Hospital and Al-Sarou hospital during the period from September 2018 to August 2019. For each patient, the trichoscopic evaluation was performed before the beginning of treatment and after 6 months of treatment. Results: Treatment with topical cetirizine 1% in male patients with AGA showed that according to number of new up growing hairs, the majority [56.7%] of cases had no new growing hair, 20.0%, 16.7% &6.7% had one, two and three new hair respectively. On the other hands, all control had no new hair after 6 months of treatment. Conclusion: Topical cetirizine is effective in the treatment of Androgenetic alopecia in men.

Abstract Androgens have an intense consequence on the human scalp and body hair. Scalp hair sprouts fundamentally in awol of androgens whereas the body hair hike is vulnerable to the activity of androgens. Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) invoked as males emulate Alopecia due to the cause of the dynamic reduction of scalp hair. Androgens are medium of terminus growth of hair although the body. Local and system androgens convert the extensive terminal follicles into lesser vellus like structure. The out start of this type of alopecia is intensely irregular and the reason behind this existence of enough circulating steroidal hormones androgens and due to genetic predisposition. Effective treatments are available in the market as well as under clinical and preclinical testing. Many herbal formulations are also available but not FDA approved. Different conventional and NDDS formulations are already available in the market. To avoid various systemic side effects of both Finasteride and Minoxidil, topical formulations and natural products (nutrients, minerals, vitamins) now a days are being widely used to treat Androgenic alopecia. CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) provides the option to elect favorable, low-risk, adjuvant and alternative therapies. Herein, we offer a widespread review of topical marketed formulations, natural products, and CAM treatment options for AGA. Graphic Abstract

Background Hair fall is a widespread problem among all genders, ages, and ethnicity with both physical and psychological effects. Objective This clinical study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a hair serum formulation containing amla extract, freeze-dried coconut water, and the micronutrient selenium along with sandalwood odorant and peanut shell extract in healthy male and female volunteers with hair fall. Methods A total of 42 subjects were enrolled and completed the study and they used the test product daily for 90 days. TrichoScan® was used to evaluate the efficacy of the test product for improving hair growth rate, hair density, anagen hair, telogen hair, and the density of vellus and terminal hair. Hair thinning and hair fall reduction were compared to its basline by both dermatologists and subject self-assessment questionnaires. Result and Discussion After 90 days of test product application, there was a significant improvement in hair growth rate (

Introduction: Alopecia areata is a common chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease that involves hair follicles, characterized by hair loss on the scalp and/or body without scarring. Clinically, the disease presents as smooth, patchy hair loss with various patterns - diffuse or reticulate alopecia, ophiasis, ophiasis inversus, alopecia totalis (loss of hair all the scalp), or alopecia universalis (loss of hair all over the body). Clinical diagnosis of AA is made based on typical pattern of hair loss and the presence of characteristic exclamation mark hair in microscopy. Invasive (punch biopsy) techniques are often required in some cases where the clinical diagnosis is not straight forward Biopsy shows peribulbar lymphocytic infiltrates in a “swarm of bee pattern” which is characteristic of the acute stage of the disease. Dermoscopy is an imaging instrument that immensely magnifies surface features of skin lesions. It works on the principle of illumination and transillumination of skin with different light sources and studying it with a high magnification lens. Dry dermoscopy was done with heine delta 20 dermoscope which was followed by wet dermoscopy. Liquid paraffin was used as the immersion media. It is a noninvasive, repeatable, recordable bedside investigation. Objective: To study dermoscopic findings in alopecia areata. Materials and Methods: Study Design: Cross sectional study; Study Area: Skin Outpatient Department, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital; Study Population: All patients with hair loss, attending skin OPD, who are clinically diagnosed as Alopecia Areata; Study Method: Observational study; Sample Size: 30. Results: Clinically, the disease presents as smooth, patchy hair loss with various patterns. Dermoscopy is useful for diagnosis of AA clinically by the presence of cadaverized hairs (black dots), circle hair, coudablity hair, exclamation mark hairs (tapering hairs), broken hairs, yellow dots and clustered short vellus hairs in the hair loss areas. The results wear tabulated.

Background: Hair loss (alopecia) is a common problem and is a major cause of psychological stress and anxiety among affected individuals. It is of utmost importance to diagnose these cases at the earliest and treat them accordingly. Trichoscopy provides a noninvasive option that can be used for early diagnosis and monitoring the progression of the hair disorders. Aims and Objectives: To perform trichoscopy and document the findings in patients with nonscarring alopecia's. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 cases satisfying the inclusion criteria were screened for general physical examination and scalp examination including hair shaft and root, and tests for hair anchorage and fragility were also done. The lesions were examined through dermoscope, photographs were taken, and findings were documented. Results: Among the total of 100 cases screened, 57 were female and 43 were male. The mean age of the study group was 26 ± 14.8 years. Females were affected by alopecia areata (AA) and female pattern hair loss (29.8%) equally, whereas males were most commonly affected by AA (41.8%). The common trichoscopic follicular features noted were broken hair (48%), black dots (48%), single hair follicle unit (45%), short vellus hair (44%), upright hair (41%), and yellow dots (40%). The common interfollicular features seen were honeycomb pigmentation (26%) and arborizing red lines (12%). Conclusion: The emergence of newer hair signs on trichoscopic studies aids in identification and has a definitive role in the diagnosis of clinically difficult cases, so it is recommended to use trichoscopy in the routine examination of nonscarring alopecia's.

Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia (FFA) is a type of scarring alopecia known as a clinical variant of lichen planopilaris (LPP). It is characterized by slowly progressive scarring alopecia on the hairline and affects explicitly postmenopausal women. The point of the current examination was to survey trichoscopic discoveries in instances of Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia. The examination was led on 50 female patients with frontal fibrosing alopecia who were selected from Dermatology outpatient center of Benha University clinic in the period from January 2019 to January 2020. A composed educated assent was acquired from all members. The examination was endorsed by the nearby morals board on look into including human subjects of Benha Faculty of Medicine. All patients were exposed to Dermatological assessment for clinical appraisal and trichoscopic assessment of frontal fibrosing alopecia. Trichoscopy featured a checked decrease in the quantity of follicular ostia, perifollicular desquamation, perifollicular blue-dim spots Follicular hyperkeratosis, Perifollicular erythema, Lonely hair , unexpected interference of the hairline, with the nonattendance of the vellus hairs that are regularly seen in typical scalp. Trichoscopy is a useful apparatus in the conclusion of frontal fibrosing alopecia.

Introduction Recently, dermoscopy of the hair and scalp, also known as trichoscopy, has become an important diagnostic tool in the diagnosis of hair diseases. There are few studies describing trichoscopic findings of trichotillomania (TTM). Aim To evaluate and identify specific trichoscopic features of TTM. Material and methods The study included 20 patients diagnosed with TTM on the basis of the clinical history, physical examination and trichoscopic findings. All of the trichoscopic images of the patients were retrospectively reviewed and the findings identified were recorded. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Results The findings detected were broken hairs at different levels (100%), short vellus hairs ( 90%), black dots (85%), trichoptilosis (75%), V hair (70%), hair powder (65%), yellow dots (55%), Mace hair (45%), coiled hairs (45%), exclamation mark hair (40%), blood spots (40%), branched hair (40%), angulated hair (40%), concentric hair (35%), flame hair (30%), and tulip hair (25%). Conclusions Here we have documented trichoscopic findings of TTM retrospectively. Trichoptilosis, V hair and hair powder were the most frequent relatively specific findings. We tried to define novel findings that we named branched hair and concentric hair. We also detected Mace hair in 9 cases. Mace hair was previously described just in 3 cases of TTM in a case study. Angulated hairs, to the best of our knowledge, were also firstly described for TTM in the present study. Lack of a comparison group is the main limitation of the study.

Background Milia are superficial keratinous cysts seen as pearly white, dome-shaped lesions 1–2 mm in diameter. Milia are associated with diseases that cause subepidermal blistering, such as hereditary forms of epidermolysis bullosa, epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, bullous pemphigoid, bullous lichen planus, and porphyria cutanea tarda. Multiple eruptive milia are rare and more extensive in number than primary milia. Objective The aim of this study was to search the literature for cases of blistering diseases with multiple milia formation, especially in areas of the skin where there was no evidence of blistering or trauma, and review the interpretations of their pathogenesis. Methods We performed a literature search with the terms multiple milia and bullous diseases, pemphigoid, and pemphigus. Results Very few studies have investigated the origin of milia. Primary milia are thought to originate from the sebaceous collar of vellus hairs, and secondary milia are believed to derive from eccrine ducts more commonly than from overlying epidermis, hair follicles, or sebaceous ducts. Milia secondary to blisters or trauma are speculated to be produced through the regeneration process of disrupted sweat glands or hair follicles. Immunological predisposition, aberrant interaction between the hemidesmosomes, and the extracellular matrix components beneath the hemidesmosomes have been described with regard to the formation of numerous milia during recovery. Multiple milia could be a primary manifestation of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa in skin areas without evidence of blistering. Conclusion The exact etiology of multiple milia remains unknown. Immunological predisposition and improper interaction between hemidesmosomes and extracellular matrix components are speculated to play a role in the formation of milia during recovery of bullous lesions in blistering diseases. Still, further studies on the triggering mechanisms of keratinocyte dysfunction in cases of multiple milia formation without evidence of prior blistering are needed.

Alopecia areata (AA) is second most common disease leading to non scarring alopecia . It occurs in many patterns and can occur on any hair bearing site of the body. Many factors like family history, autoimmune conditions and environment play a major role in its etio-pathogenesis. Histopathology shows bulbar lymphocytes surrounding either terminal hair or vellus hair resembling ”swarm of bees” appearance depending on chronicity of alopecia areata. 1 Alopecia areata in children is frequently seen. Pediatric AA has been associated with atopy, thyroid abnormalities and a positive family history.We have done a study to find out if there is any association between alopecia areata and other auto immune diseases in children. This study is an observational study conducted in 100 children with AA to determine any associated autoimmune conditions in them. SALT score helps to assess severity of alopecia areata. Severity of alopecia areata was assessed by SALT score-1. S1- less than 25% of hairloss, 2. S2- 25-45% of hairloss, 3. 3.S3- 50-74% of hairloss. Keywords: Alopecia areata, Auto immunity, Pediatric population.

Congenital triangular alopecia also known as temporal triangular alopecia or Brauer nevus may be present at birth or acquired during the first decade of life. It can present as triangular, oval, or lancet-shaped patch of alopecia. It may be misdiagnosed as alopecia areata, traction alopecia, trichotillomania, tinea capitis, and aplasia cutis congenita. Histopathological features and dermoscopic features help in its diagnosis. There is no effective treatment for it and, in most cases, there is no need for therapeutic intervention. Therapeutic modalities include topical minoxidil, surgical excision, and hair transplantation.

Introduction: Many dermatological conditions require extraction of material from the lesion followed by visualization under a microscope. However, visualization of the extracted material can be done using a dermoscope instead. We propose “extraction dermoscopy” as an addition to the already existing treasury that dermoscopy holds. Methods: After approval from the institutional ethics committee, a cross-sectional study was carried out in a tertiary care hospital. Polarized and non-polarized versions of in vivo dermoscopy, as well as extraction dermoscopy, were performed on a total of 77 lesions, including 5 eruptive vellus hair cysts, 2 cilia incarnata externum, 10 trichostasis spinulosa, 20 keratosis pilaris, 20 molluscum contagiosum, and 20 lesions of milia. Heine Delta 20T and Dino-Lite Premier AM4113T were employed for dermoscopic examination. Results: A total of 77 lesions were selected, including 5 eruptive vellus hair cysts, 2 cilia incarnata externum, 10 trichostasis spinulosa, 20 keratosis pilaris, 20 molluscum contagiosum, and 20 lesions of milia. Extraction dermoscopy of the eruptive vellus cysts revealed skin color to brownish colored cysts with a bunch of pigmented hair. Similarly, findings of all other lesions were described and recorded post-extraction. Conclusion: Extraction dermoscopy helps confirm the diagnosis without visualization under a microscope. Its application in recent times makes the explanation of the nature of many disorders to patients easier, and demonstration of extracted lesions may further improve doctor-patient communication.

Background: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common hair loss disorder seen in men. It can have an early onset but has also been associated with ageing and senescence. It often induces pronounced psychological impact. ALRV5XR, a new hair loss treatment herein evaluated, was designed to target multiple molecular pathways involved in hair growth and hair follicle stem cell biology. The main objectives of the study were the assessment of safety and efficacy profiles of ALRV5XR in men.Methods: This 24-week, parallel randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blinded clinical trial was performed in a USA community clinic. Healthy men (age 22-65) with AGA and belonging to the Hamilton-Norwood (HN) classification I-VII and Fitzpatrick skin type (FST) I-VI, were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio into ALRV5XR or placebo treatment groups. Dermatologist assessment, phototrichograms, and blood samples were obtained in a blinded fashion at baseline, 12 and 24 weeks. Subjects were given a masked treatment consisting of oral capsules, shampoo, conditioner, and follicle serum, which was intended for daily use. Efficacy was assessed via absolute and per cent changes in terminal hair (TH) density, and response rates. The trial was registered with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04450589) and is completed.Findings: Forty-six subjects were enroled in the study, 23 allocated to the ALRV5XR treatment and 23 to the placebo group. Enrolment occurred from April 11 to October 23, 2018. Thirty-six subjects completed the trial (17 ALRV5XR, 19 placebo) and 11 subjects in each group were evaluable for TH outcomes. At 24 weeks, the absolute change in TH density improved by 21.0 THs/cm(2) (95% CI: 9.2-32.8; p = 0.0014), and the relative density increased by 16.4% (95% CI: 7.4%-25.5%; p = 0.0012). The odds ratio for being a responder ( >= 0 change) was 87.4. TH density increased linearly and was not affected by HN, FST, ethnicity, age, or body mass index. All subjects in the ALRV5XR group responded to treatment while 81.8% of the placebo group decreased TH density. ALRV5XR induced statistically significant changes in both decrease in vellus hair (VH) density as well as in concomitant increase of the TH/VH ratio when compared to placebo. ALRV5XR was well tolerated, and no adverse events were observed.Interpretation: ALRV5XR treatment resulted in clinically significant TH regrowth in men with AGA. Furthermore, it appeared to reverse the characteristic hair miniaturisation seen in this condition. When compared to results of published trials of standard therapy, ALRV5XR showed a multi-fold increase both in efficacy and in response rates. In addition, the continuance of TH regrowth from 12 to 24 weeks suggests that the normal structure and function of non-productive telogen follicles is restored and that a normal hair phenotype may be attained by extended ALRV5XR treatment. (C) 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.

An 11-year-old girl previously treated for tinea capitis presented a 3-month history of continuous decrease in hair density on the vertex, frontal, and parieto-temporal areas of the scalp. Hair pull test was negative. Trichoscopic findings showed black dots, micro-exclamation point hairs, regrowing vellus hair, and zigzag hairs. Histopathology showed CD3+ peribulbar lymphocytic infiltrates and occasional eosinophils around the anagen hair follicle consistent with a non-scarring alopecia. A diagnosis of diffuse alopecia areata was made. Patient was given methylprednisolone (0.5 mg/kg/day) for 2 weeks and noted marked increase in hair density except on focal areas of the scalp. Patient eventually admitted to occasional hair pulling. Trichoscopy revealed trichoptilosis, V-sign, tulip hairs, and multiple broken hairs of varying length while a second biopsy showed trichomalacia and pigment casts consistent with trichotillomania. In this case, where co-existence of alopecia areata and trichotillomania is considered to be uncommon, trichoscopy proved to be an important tool in differentiating hair disorders with similar presentation. Knowing key features of hair diseases can help elucidate the diagnosis when presented with an atypical case.

Background: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is an androgen-related condition that develops in genetically predisposed individuals. The condition is characterized by the progressive loss of terminal hairs on the scalp in a characteristic distribution. Trichoscopy represents the dermoscopy imaging of the scalp and hair. Structures which may be visualized by trichoscopy include hair shafts, hair follicle openings, perifollicular epidermis and cutaneous microvessels. Objective: The aim of this prospective study was to identify the trichoscopic features of androgenetic alopecia. Methods: Hundred-four patients with AGA and 80 healthy subjects were enrolled in this study. Data on age, gender, personal and family history, clinical type and duration of disease were collected and analyzed. Control group consisted of 80 generally healthy subjects. Trichoscopic examination was performed using either videodermatoscope or handheld dermatoskope. Trichoscopy results were obtained in frontal, occipital and both temporal areas of the scalp, including number of yellow dots and vellus hairs, number of hairs in one pilosebaceous unit and percentage of follicular ostia with perifollicular hyperpigmentation. The data were statistically evaluated. Results: The number of yellow dots, pilosebaceous units with only one hair and with perifollicular hyperpigmentation was significantly increased in androgenetic alopecia (p

Background: Alopecia areata remains one of the common cases presenting in clinical practice. Considering the anxious state of patients it becomes very important to correctly diagnose the cause and type of alopecia followed by the appropriate treatment. Trichoscopy is a novel, sensitive, non invasive modality which provides rapid detection of alopecia areata with advanced diagnostic accuracy, predicts the cause of disease and decreases unnecessary biopsies. Aim and Objectives: To determine the Trichoscopic findings in alopecia areata in adult population. Materials and Methods: 122 patients with clinically diagnosed alopecia areata were enrolled. After taking proper history and consent trichoscopy was done using a Dinolite digital microscope system in both non polarized and polarized modes and their photographs were taken. Result: 122 patients with alopecia areata were enrolled. Yellow dots were the most common trichoscopic findings observed in 108 (88.5%) patients followed by short vellus hair 66 (54.1%), short regrowing hair 58 (47.5%), exclamation mark hair 56 (45.9%), black dots 44 (36.1%) and broken hair 34 (27.9%). Keywords: Trichoscopy, Alopecia areata, Exclamation mark hair, Black dots, Yellow dots.

Made available in DSpace on 2020-12-10T20:04:23Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-07-01. Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2021-07-15T15:06:55Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 S0365-05962020000400018.pdf: 984398 bytes, checksum: 4ef524b3e23118aac8ba36febf70835f (MD5) Syphilis is an infectious disease that has afflicted mankind for centuries, but a recent increase in worldwide incidence has been evidenced. The authors describe a patient with typical lesions of secondary syphilis and moth-eaten alopecia, whose dermoscopic examination demonstrated empty hair follicles, vellus hair, follicular hyperkeratosis, peripheral black dots, dilated and tortuous vessels, reddish brown background, and hypopigmentation of the hair shafts. Furthermore, this case presented an erythematous background more evident than previously described cases. (C) 2020 Sociedade Brasileira de Dermatologia. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. Hosp Doencas Trop Dr Anuar Auad, Dept Dermatol, Goiania, Go, Brazil Univ Fed Goias, Hosp Clin, Dept Trop Med & Dermatol, Goiania, Go, Brazil Hosp Doencas Trop Dr Anuar Auad, Sect Psoriasis & Pediat Dermatol, Goiania, Go, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Fac Med Botucatu, Dept Dermatol & Radiotherapy, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil Hosp Doencas Trop Dr Anuar Auad, Goiania, Go, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Fac Med Botucatu, Dept Dermatol & Radiotherapy, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil

Pressure-induced alopecia (PA) is an unusual pattern of circumscribed hair loss that occurs after ischemic changes on the scalp. Trichoscopic findings described in the literature are scarce, nonspecific, and include black dots, broken hairs, circle hairs, and erythema. However, we report 3 cases of PA in which trichoscopy also showed many vellus and thin hairs. Possibly, the maintenance of these hair shafts may be explained by the more superficial insertion of their bulbs on the skin and/or their lower metabolic rates, making them suffer less from local hypoxia. Therefore, the authors suggest that these relevant signs should be added as a clue for the diagnosis of PA in doubtful cases.

This paper describes a clinical case of secondary syphilis, which was manifested exclusively by syphilitic alopecia.We describe the details of the clinical picture, as well as a differential diagnosis of syphilitic alopecia and alopecia areata on the basis of trichoscopy data.For a patient with scalp lesions typical of syphilis (focal form of alopecia), the trichoscopic picture was represented by hairs broken at different heights from 1 to 5 mm, “empty” follicles (“yellow” dots), anisotrichosis due to the loss of terminal hair. The eyebrow trichoscopy showed “yellow dots”, vellus hairs, hair thinning due to the loss of bristly hair. A comparison of the trichoscopic pictures for alopecia areata and syphilitic areata have revealed the absence in the latter of a number of signs typical of the former, such as pencil-point, ex clamation-point, zigzag, monilethrix and tulip hairs.Patients with a clinical picture of focal, diffuse or mix ed alopecia should be tested for syphilis using serological methods.

Introduction Clinical diagnosis of primary cicatricial alopecias presents difficulties. Studies regarding their trichoscopic features are scarce and mostly not comprehensive. The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential benefit of a handheld dermatoscope in clinical diagnosis of primary cicatricial alopecias. Methods In all, 69 patients with primary cicatricial alopecias were included in this prospective study. Preliminary diagnoses were established clinically, and confirmed by scalp biopsy in all cases. Trichoscopic examination was performed using a polarized-light handheld dermatoscope with tenfold magnification. The images were taken using a digital camera with threefold optical zoom. Results The following findings were significantly more common, or noted only, in particular types of primary cicatricial alopecias: “target” pattern blue-grey dots, perifollicular scaling, perifollicular cast in lichen planopilaris (n = 27); short vellus hairs, tufted hairs, crust formation, yellowish tubular scaling, pustule, red dots in folliculitis decalvans (n = 17); large keratotic yellow dots in discoid lupus erythematosus (n = 7); yellow dots, yellow dots with “three-dimensional” structure, black dots in dissecting cellulitis of the scalp (n = 6). Absence of vellus hairs was observed in patients with lichen planopilaris, frontal fibrosing alopecia, and discoid lupus erythematosus without a significant difference between the groups. Short vellus hairs were detected in all types, including frontal fibrosing alopecia (n = 7). Conclusion We suggest that a polarized-light handheld dermatoscope is useful for revealing several typical trichoscopic features of primary cicatricial alopecias that guide clinical diagnosis. As a novel observation, our data indicate that absence of vellus hairs is not an identifying feature for frontal fibrosing alopecia.

Background: Transverse sections of scalp biopsies are performed for the assessment of alopecias and are considered advantageous over vertical sections. Aim: The aim was to study the histopathological features of alopecias on transverse sections of scalp biopsies. Methods: It was a descriptive study. Clinically confirmed cases of noncicatricial and cicatricial alopecias were subjected to 4 mm scalp biopsies, which were sectioned transversely and analyzed. Biopsies obtained from occipital region of androgenetic alopecia (AGA) cases were taken as controls. Results: Biopsies from 41 cases were assessed, including male and female AGA, alopecia areata (AA), trichotillomania, lichen planopilaris (LPP), discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), and folliculitis decalvans (FD). Normal scalp (control) biopsies showed the median total number of hair follicles of 35 (32–37), anagen:telogen/catagen ratio of 17.5 (16.5–31), and terminal:vellus ratio of 15 (10.7–17.5). In AGA and AA, miniaturization and shift toward telogen and catagen hair were consistently observed. Peribulbar inflammation was seen in two-third of AA. Trichotillomania showed increased catagen hair and numerous pigment casts. In DLE, besides perifollicular inflammation, prominent peri-arrector pili and peri-eccrine inflammation were observed. Type of inflammatory infiltrate was similar in DLE and LPP (lymphocytic), whereas FD showed neutrophilic and plasma cell infiltrate, both around follicles and interstitially. Basal cell damage in the follicles and pigment incontinence were seen in majority of DLE and LPP patients. DLE also showed basement membrane thickening, mucin deposition, and telangiectasia. Reduction/absence of sebaceous glands and perifollicular fibrosis were observed in almost all cicatricial alopecias. Conclusion: Transverse sectioning may be a useful tool in the diagnosis of alopecias.

Background: Dermoscopy has been shown to be a useful tool in assisting the noninvasive diagnosis of various general dermatological disorders. Aim: The purpose of the study was to describe the dermoscopic findings in various dermatophytosis. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 100 clinically diagnosed tinea infections of skin, hair, and nails, which were evaluated using a dermoscope (Dermlite 3 gen DL3N, California USA, 10x). Results: Among 100 patients of dermatophytosis, 69 were males and 31 females. The maximum number of patients had tinea corporis, followed by tinea cruris and tinea capitis. Dermoscopic findings noted in cases of tinea corporis included diffuse erythema, follicular micropustules, and brown spots surrounded by a white-yellowish halo, broken hair, wavy hair, and rare, morse code hair. Dermoscopy of tinea capitis depicted comma hairs, corkscrew hairs, zigzag hairs, and morse code hairs. Proximal jagged edge, spikes, and longitudinal striations were present in the cases of onychomycosis. Dermoscopy of tinea incognito yielded morse code hairs, follicular micropustules, and easily deformable hairs that look weakened and transparent and show unusual bends. Limitations: Dermoscopic findings were not correlated to fungal culture. Conclusion: Dermoscopy can be used as a fast, inexpensive, and noninvasive diagnostic tool to enhance diagnosis of cutaneous fungal infections.

Morphological substantiation of the clinical efficacy of platelets rich plasma was carried out in the treatment of 22 men with androgenetic alopecia from the 1st to the 4th stage according to the Norwood-Hamilton scale were included. All patients received intradermal injections of platelets rich plasma 0,15 ml per injection. The course of treatment consisted of 4 procedures with an interval of 4 weeks. Clinical efficacy was assessed by the dynamics of morphometric indices of hair growth. Histological examination was carried out on horizontal sections, stained with hematoxylin and eosin, the morphology of the hair was counted at four levels. Evaluation of morphometric growth parameters conducted before treatment and 4 months after the onset of it. It was established that the therapy of platelet-rich plasma has a pronounced clinical efficacy, consisting in a significant (p=0,00025) increase in hair density by 11% and average hair diameter by 10% (p=0,00766), a 14% decrease in the share of hair follicles (p=0,00959). Histologically, the increase in hair density was significant at the level of the bulb of the hair follicles by 148% (p=0,0034) and at the level of the sweat glands by 65% (p=0,0326), and also by the tendency to increase their number at the level of the sebaceous glands. This was combined with a significant decrease in the proportion of telogen hair at 47% (p=0,0153). Thus, the positive clinical effect of plasma-rich plasma therapy in men suffering from androgenetic alopecia is based on reliable morphofunctional changes in the hair follicles.

Purpose: Prostaglandins play a pivotal role in modulating hair growth cycle. Prostaglandin F2α and prostaglandin E have stimulating and prostaglandin D has inhibitory effects on hair follicle. Cetirizine inhibits release of prostaglandin D2 and stimulates the release of prostaglandin E2. In the present study, the efficacy and safety of twice daily application of topical cetirizine 1% versus minoxidil 5% solutions for 16 weeks were compared in male androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Methods: Forty men, aged 18 to 49 years, ‎were randomly divided into two equal groups to apply either cetirizine 1% or minoxidil 5% solutions. The study was divided into two phases, a 16-week treatment phase either with cetirizine or minoxidil (anagen phase), followed by an 8-week ‎ drug-free (telogen phase) with a follow-up when patients used placebo. Efficacy outcomes included the change in total hair density, vellus and terminal hair density, hair diameter and the percentage of hair in anagen and telogen phases from baseline in 16 and 24 weeks. Results: After 16 weeks, we observed a significant increase in total and vellus hair density in both minoxidil and cetirizine groups, but the improvement was much higher in the minoxidil group. The percentage of hair in the anagen phase also increased in both groups after 16 weeks of treatment, but then diminished after 8 weeks of placebo consumption. No significant adverse reactions associated with the administration of cetirizine solution were reported. Conclusion: Cetirizine 1% solution was effective in hair growth without any complications for treatment of male AGA.

Objectives: To investigate the trichoscopic features of female pattern hair loss (FPHL) in Chinese Han patients and analyze the difference between male and female patients with FPHL.Materials and Methods: Trichoscopic images were taken in four different scalp areas, including right frontal hairline, vertex, right parietal and occipital areas. Hair density, hair shaft diameter, vellus hair ratio and single hair follicle unit ratio were counted manually and analyzed.Results: Seventy-three subjects were enrolled in this study, including 38 patients with FPHL (28 females and 10 males) and 35 normal controls without hair loss. The hair density and hair shaft diameter of FPHL patients reduced in the whole scalp. Vellus hair ratio and single hair follicle unit ratio were both increased in FPHL compared to normal controls. The vertex was the most affected area and the hair shaft diameter showed the most significant difference. Parietal and occipital area were also affected in FPHL. The reduction or increase was correlated with the severity of Ludwig staging. Very few gender differences were detected in male and female FPHL patients.Conclusion: FPHL patients showed decreased hair density and hair shaft diameter, accompanied by increased vellus hair ratio and single hair follicle unit ratio. Parietal and occipital area can be also affected in FPHL, though not as severe as in vertex area. FPHL in male basically has the same characteristic as those in female patients.Limitation: The main limitation of the study is the small sample size which only enrolled 10 male FPHL patients, in comparison to the female cases. The findings could not be representative of the normal population with the limited sample size.

Background Data on clinical and epidemiologic profile on pediatric alopecia is relatively scarce. Aims and objectives We aimed to study the clinical, epidemiological, and dermoscopic profile of children presenting with alopecia, and assess the responsiveness to different treatment modalities in a real-life setting. Materials and methods This cohort study involved analyzing children presenting with hair loss during the study period. After a detailed history, clinical, and trichoscopic examination, treatment offered to patients and follow-up response to treatment along with relapse of symptoms were noted. Results Around 119 children were included. Nearly 90% were of acquired etiology. The most common cause of alopecia was alopecia areata (AA) in 85 (71%) patients followed by tinea capitis 9 (7.5%), lichen planopilaris 4 (3.3%), and other less common causes. In patients of AA, dermoscopy showed the presence of black dots in 68% cases, exclamation mark hair in 54% of patients followed by off-white dots, yellow dots, and vellus hair. Patients with an acute course and black dots on dermoscopy responded better to treatment. Relapse was common in patients with early age of onset and longer disease duration. Conclusions Hair loss is frequently seen in pediatric dermatology clinics. Dermoscopy of pediatric AA shows scarce yellow dots while off-white dots are more frequent; the presence of black dots is a good prognostic indicator.

Milia is a benign superficial keratinous cyst originates from sebaceous collar of vellus hairs or eccrine ducts. Primary milia may be a component of many genodermatosis. In this case report, we are presenting a family with Bazex-Dupré-Chistol syndrome.

Background: Congenital triangular alopecia (CTA) is a benign, asymptomatic, nonprogressive, localized and noncicatricial type of alopecia that is usually first noted during infancy or childhood. The pattern of hair loss is traditionally described as triangular, oval or lancet shaped with apex toward the vertex. Objectives: We present a case series of CTA located in unusual sites. Patients and Methods: We performed trichoscopy in 78 patients with CTA. From this group, we selected 10 individuals (4 males and 6 females) whose disease was not localized on the typical scalp area. Results: The alopecic area was located on the occipital region in 5 patients, the parietal region in 4 patients, at the vertex in 1. With trichoscopy, vellus hairs were detected in all patients, and evidence of empty follicles was noticed only in 3 patients. Conclusions: In contrast with the preconceived notion that all CTAs are frontotemporal, our case series points out that this disease could be localized in other scalp sites.

Background Alopecia in women is generally difficult to diagnose clinically. Trichoscopy may help make the correct diagnosis in doubtful cases. Objective The aims of the study were to assess the trichoscopic features of different types of alopecia in women, the reliability of trichoscopy vis-a-vis clinical findings, and the validity of trichoscopy in cases with a doubtful clinical diagnosis. Methods A hospital-based observational, cross-sectional study was carried out on female patients with alopecia. A trichoscopic diagnosis was made and correlated with a clinical diagnosis. The validity of trichoscopy in doubtful cases was evaluated by reporting the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and diagnostic value. Results On trichoscopy, increased hair diameter diversity > 20%, single-hair follicular unit, vellus hair, peripilar sign, and focal atrichia were commonly seen in female pattern hair loss. In telogen effluvium, there was a scarceness of specific findings. In cicatricial alopecias, loss of follicular ostia, erythema, white macules, blue-gray dots, white dots, tufted hair, and keratotic follicular plugging were observed. A good agreement between trichoscopy and clinical diagnosis was found (Cohen’s Kappa = 0.824; 95% confidence interval, 0.756–0.892). The validity of trichoscopy in doubtful cases was evaluated using the validity parameters, which were high in all alopecias. Limitations Histopathology testing was not done in all patients. Conclusion Trichoscopy helped reach a definitive diagnosis in patients in whom the clinical diagnosis was doubtful. Thus, trichoscopy is a sensitive and specific investigation that can be valuable in women with alopecia.

The hair cycle and hair follicle structure are highly affected by various hormones. Androgens—such as testosterone (T); dihydrotestosterone (DHT); and their prohormones, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and androstendione (A)—are the key factors in terminal hair growth. They act on sex-specific areas of the body, converting small, straight, fair vellus hairs into larger darker terminal hairs. They bind to intracellular androgen receptors in the dermal papilla cells of the hair follicle. The majority of hair follicles also require the intracellular enzyme 5-alpha reductase to convert testosterone into DHT. Apart from androgens, the role of other hormones is also currently being researched—e.g., estradiol can significantly alter the hair follicle growth and cycle by binding to estrogen receptors and influencing aromatase activity, which is responsible for converting androgen into estrogen (E2). Progesterone, at the level of the hair follicle, decreases the conversion of testosterone into DHT. The influence of prolactin (PRL) on hair growth has also been intensively investigated, and PRL and PRL receptors were detected in human scalp skin. Our review includes results from many analyses and provides a comprehensive up-to-date understanding of the subject of the effects of hormonal changes on the hair follicle.

Background. Androgenetic alopecia (AGA), also known as pattern hair loss, is the most common type of hair loss in men and women. Due to very limited therapeutic options, search for other effective and safe drugs is necessary. Objectives. This review aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a potential treatment option, topical adenosine, for AGA in male and female adults. Methods. A search of databases (Cochrane Library, Pubmed Medline, and others) was performed with no time limitations placed. We included human interventional studies published in English involving the use of topical adenosine for AGA in healthy adult males and females. Risk bias assessment was performed using the Cochrane Collaboration criteria. Results. All four trials in this review, with a total of 260 participants, used 0.75% topical adenosine lotion twice a day for a period of 6-12 months. Comparators were placebo, topical niacinamide, and topical minoxidil. Evaluated parameters include improvement in baldness grading as assessed by dermatologists and investigators, improvement and satisfaction as assessed by participants, anagen growth, thick/thin/vellus hair ratio, and hair density. Two trials found significant improvement with thick hair ratio (>60 or >80 μm) with the use of topical adenosine while two trials showed higher overall participant satisfaction with topical adenosine. Few to no adverse effects were reported with its use. Conclusion. This is the first systematic review involving topical adenosine for AGA. Topical adenosine may be effective in increasing thick hair ratio and improving the self-perception of hair growth. With minimal to no adverse effects, it may serve as an adjunct or alternative to present treatment options. However, more studies are needed to strengthen these findings.