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Background: Diffuse hair loss persisting longer than 6 months without any cause is referred to as chronic telogen effluvium (CTE). The role of iron deficiency without anemia in causing chronic diffuse hair loss is unclear. Some studies have reported a critical threshold of 40 mcg/mL of serum ferritin, below which increased telogen shedding was observed. Screening all patients with CTE for iron deficiency will aid us in finding a possible cause and help in its management. Aims and Objectives: To study the clinico-epidemiological profile of female patients with CTE and its association with serum ferritin levels. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study on 263 female patients aged 13–60 years with CTE attending the Department of Dermatology at Government Medical College, Kottayam. Results: The mean age of patients with CTE was 28.92 years. Trichodynia was reported by 20% among which 70% reported associated mental stress which was statistically significant. Bitemporal thinning was noted in 57% and 68% had short growing hairs in the frontal/bitemporal region. The hair pull test was positive in 37.6%, high visual analog grade of hair loss in 92%. Only 32% had anemia (Hb

Hair is important to our appearance as well as to protect our heads. Human hair mainly consists of proteins (80-85%), melanin pigments (0- 5%), water (10-13%), and lipids (1-6%). The physicochemical properties of hair have been studied for over 100 years. However, they are not yet thoroughly understood. In this review, recent progress and the latest findings are summarized from the following three perspectives: structural characteristics, delivery and distribution of active ingredients, and hair as a template. The structural characteristics of hair have been mainly investigated by microscopic and/or spectroscopic techniques such as atomic force microscopy integrated with infrared spectroscopy (AFM-IR) and rheological measurements. The distribution of active ingredients has been generally evaluated through techniques such as nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS). And finally, attempts to explore the potential of hair to be used as a substrate for flexible device fabrication will be introduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Methods Results Discussion Conclusion Although the diagnosis of tinea capitis is mainly microbiological, the risk of evolution towards cicatricial alopecia in the most severe cases requires empirical treatment based on physical examination and complementary examinations.Two patients were evaluated by physical examination, cutaneous ultrasound and microbiological examination.Ultrasound showed follicular widening and increased vascularization in Doppler mode. In one of them, the finding of severe inflammatory activity led to the indication of oral corticotherapy.Cutaneous ultrasound could play a role not only in supporting the clinical diagnosis but that it may even guide the indication of treatment in the presence of severe inflammation that sometimes may not manifest itself clinically.Cutaneous ultrasound may constitute an additional test of considerable usefulness in the diagnosis and evaluation of inflammatory activity in cases such as the ones presented, fast, non‐invasive and of high accessibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a prevalent cause of hair loss with complex pathophysiologic mechanisms that pose challenges for effective treatment. Despite various therapeutic approaches yielding only partial results, regenerative treatments, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), have gained popularity. However, the lack of standardized PRP practices, encompassing product preparation and application, has been a significant concern. This article aims to contribute to fill this gap by presenting a comprehensive overview of PRP practices at a large academic center. Through detailing our protocols, this work not only contributes to the understanding of AGA treatment but also emphasizes the crucial aspect of treatment standardization in the context of PRP therapy. By providing a practical representation of our institutional PRP practices, we aim to contribute to the ongoing discourse on refining and implementing standardized protocols, fostering reproducibility, and improving clinical outcomes in the management of AGA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key Clinical Message: Folliculitis decalvans (FD) is a rare neutrophilic cicatricial alopecia of the scalp that manifest with inflammation, pruritus, pustules, and tufted hair. Most dermatologist treat FD with topical or oral antibiotics. We recommend considering treatment with biologics to preserve and stabilize the ongoing inflammatory process in moderate to severe FD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resumen: La tricoscopia es una técnica sencilla y no invasiva que se puede realizar durante la consulta con un dermatoscopio manual o digital. Esta herramienta ha ganado popularidad en los últimos años, ya que la visualización e identificación de estructuras y signos característicos puede ser la clave en el diagnóstico de alopecias y enfermedades del cuero cabelludo. El enfoque de esta revisión es el estudio y actualización de los hallazgos tricoscópicos en las alopecias más frecuentes en la práctica clínica habitual.Así pues, existen algunas alopecias como la alopecia areata, la tricotilomanía o la alopecia frontal fibrosante en las que los hallazgos con la tricoscopia resultan clave para su diagnóstico y seguimiento. El reconocimiento de estas estructuras distintivas puede ser de gran ayuda y, por ello, como dermatólogos debemos estar familiarizados con las mismas. Abstract: Trichoscopy is a simple, noninvasive office procedure that can be performed using a handheld or digital dermatoscope. This tool has gained popularity in recent years, because it provides useful diagnostic information for hair loss and scalp disorders by enabling the visualization and identification of distinctive signs and structures. We present an updated review of the trichoscopic features described for some of the most common hair loss disorders seen in clinical practice. Dermatologists should be familiar with these helpful features, as they can significantly aid the diagnosis and follow-up of numerous conditions, such as alopecia areata, trichotillomania, and frontal fibrosing alopecia.

Plica neuropathica (PN), also known as plica polonica, trichoma, matting, felting, or bird's nest hair, is a common but rarely reported hair disorder. It is characterized by the abrupt onset of irreversible hair entanglement, forming a densely matted hair mass. PN has been associated with the use of ionic or herbal shampoos, vigorous hair care practice, self-neglect, systemic infection, parasitic infestation, immunosuppressive drugs, and psychiatric conditions. However, literature supporting the coexistence of PN in psychiatric disorders is scarce. PN may be one of the presenting symptoms observed by physicians. In some cases of psychiatric illness, patients consult more readily with non-mental health professionals than psychologists or psychiatrists. To highlight this issue, we herein report a case of PN in a 32-year-old woman with a 1-month history of being unable to detangle her hair. The patient initially visited the dermatology department and was subsequently diagnosed with schizophrenia following psychiatric consultation. After establishing the fundamental diagnosis apparently underlying the PN, psychiatric treatment with antipsychotic medication and dermatological treatment of the hair condition were instituted. There was an improvement in both at the four-week follow-up. This case history highlights a rare presentation of schizophrenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Woolly hair nevus consists of a patch of curly and hypopigmented hair that is restricted to an area of the scalp. It is usually benign but it can be associated with other systemic findings. Trichoscopy and dermoscopy may be useful when analyzing this entity. The authors describe a case of woolly hair nevus in a 5-year-old boy and present a review of the literature of woolly hair nevus, including classification, histopathology, associated systemic findings, and the recent described genetic mutations.

(1) Background: Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a scarring alopecia that predominantly affects postmenopausal women; (2) Methods: A retrospective, observational, single-center study was conducted in the Hospital General Universitario in Ciudad Real, Spain, including all patients diagnosed with FFA between 2010 and 2021; (3) Results: A total of 306 patients (296 women and 10 men) were included in our study. The mean age of onset was 59.5 years. The severity of this disease was evenly distributed between mild (147 patients) and severe (149 patients) forms. There was a positive, statistically significant, medium correlation between the severity of the disease and its time of progression. Moreover, hypothyroidism was present in 70 patients (22.9%) and classic signs of concomitant lichen planopilaris were observed in just 30 patients (9.8%), while other forms of lichen planus were uncommon. The estimated prevalence in our population is 0.15% and the incidence is 15.47 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants; (4) Conclusions: The time of progression was positively correlated with the severity of FFA. However, the presence of clinical signs, such as inflammatory trichoscopic signs, was not associated with the progression of this condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels exposed a pattern of societal conduct they chose to name capitalistic bourgeoisie. The bourgeoisie created a common language of communication through collaboration, gathered in circles such as free academies, scientific academies, literary circles, and the media, that provided forums for the emerging bourgeoisie to conceive of new social orders. One aspect of bourgeoisie culture is conspicuous consumption, central to which, is a culture of prestige through material consumption. Capitalism is an economic system based on private ownership and the operation for profit. Characteristic features of capitalism include competitive market, commercialism, property rights recognition, capital accumulation, material consumption, culture of prestige, sycophancy, and coterie. Critiques of capitalism allege that it is exploitative, alienating, unstable, unsustainable, and inefficient. In turn, critical theory inspired philosophers such as Michel Foucault to conceptualize how we form identities through social interaction. When the patient's body entered the field of medicine, it also entered the field of power where the patient can be manipulated by professional authority. Without forcibly being a proponent of political theory, as an academic, one is inevitably confronted with Marxism in terms of philosophy. As a discipline at the interface of medicine, lifestyle, and cosmetics, trichology is particularly susceptible to the primary aims of profit, consumption, and prestige that characterize the capitalistic bourgeoisie. The trichological sciences, particularly trichoscopy, have discovered a profitable market for itself. The practice of trichology is not immune to malpractice. It has created an industry that dwells on the autistic thinking of patients and doctors, and because it is prosperous, makes propaganda among lay people and doctors that necessarily leads to abuses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diseases of the scalp and hair adversely affect the quality of life of those affected. Proper diagnosis and therapy require a holistic assessment and the cooperation of several specialists. Aim of the study: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of home scalp care treatments to determine the prevalent diseases among subjects, and to find out the opinions of the study participants on the diagnostic methods mentioned. Material and methods: The survey consisted of four stages. In Stage I, a diagnostic survey was conducted, and respondents were asked to complete a proprietary questionnaire. In Stage II, a routine diagnostic exam nation was performed using the Courage+Khazaka MPA® device. Stage III included an examination with a trichologist using a HD Connected ® Micro Camera. Stage IV included a routine mycological examination of the scalp. After 14 weeks of using the recommended care, the examination was performed again using the Courage+Khazaka MPA® camera. Results: Respondents participating in Phase I of this study, for the most part, have never used a trichologist, most often washed their scalp and hair daily or every other day, and mostly did not use scrubs. The problems indicated by respondents were hair loss and greasy hair. Test results using the Courage+Khazaka® device indicated deviations in skin moisture, seborrhea, redness, and pH. Mycological diagnosis of scrapings confirmed the presence of fungal cells in two cases. Among the subjects, one case of telogen effluvium was found. Conclusions: Most of those surveyed have never been to a trichologist and have no knowledge of how to properly care for the scalp or what care to use. Home care has little effect on the condition of the scalp. The micro camera examination and the results of the scrapings indicate the presence of telogen effluvium, fungal scalp inflammation, and scalp seborrhea among the respondents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Androgenetic alopecia is one of the most common dermatologic disorders in the daily clinical practice of dermatologists. Despite it is such a common entity, few medications are FDA‐approved for its treatment. Due to this situation dermatologists are often reluctant to try off‐label therapies. This guide's purpose is to review the current available therapies for androgenetic alopecia including those off‐label, and to propose treatment algorithms according to the published scientific research.

“Terminology in Trichology” is a concise guide to the essential language of trichology. It has been written with the aim of making readers aware of commonly used terms in trichology. It has been structured in such a way that it should prove useful to the postgraduates and practicing dermatologists and trichologists. Terms are explained in simple language so that they are easy to understand, without including excessive details.

Introduction: Chlorotrichosis, commonly known as "green hair," is an unusual trichological condition characterized by the accumulation of exogenous copper in individuals with light-colored hair and prior hair damage. It is primarily associated with inadequately maintained swimming pools., Case Presentation: We report a case of chlorotrichosis in a 16-year-old female who presented with a sudden and pronounced change in hair color after initiating regular swimming. Clinical examination revealed a distinctive greenish discoloration, primarily affecting the distal portions of her hair. The diagnosis of chlorotrichosis was confirmed based on clinical presentation and history. Treatment involved the use of an ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)-containing shampoo, leading to significant pigmentation regression within 8 weeks. Additionally, preventive measures included the application of a quaternary ammonium-enriched conditioner before exposure to copper-rich environments., Discussion/conclusion: Chlorotrichosis remains underreported and potentially underdiagnosed, partly due to its cosmetic nature. Various factors, including occupational copper exposure and serum extravasation containing dipyridamole, have been associated with green hair. Treatment options encompass the use of EDTA-containing shampoos, among others. Dermatologists should be knowledgeable about its causes, predisposing factors, and effective management to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of this distinctive hair disorder., Competing Interests: All authors have no conflict of interest to disclose., (© 2024 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

The objective of our study was to analyze the effectiveness of oral minoxidil on the frontotemporal hairline in patients with FFA. We conducted a retrospective, descriptive, multicenter study in 2 Brazilian and 1 Spanish centers. Responses were graded on a scale of 3 positive points. A total of 122 patients were included. Subjective improvement in the density of the frontotemporal hairline was observed in 45.1% patients, which was categorized as mild (34.4%), moderate (9.0%), and excellent (1.6%). Hair density improved in 57.4% of the patients' interparietal. Additionally, 25.4% and 3.3% of the patients experienced eyebrow and eyelash growth, respectively. Adverse effects were detected in 33.6% patients, with hypertrichosis being the most common (23.8%). In this study, oral minoxidil proved to be an additional therapy for FFA that not only improved the patients' overall hair and eyebrow growth, but also the density of the frontotemporal hairline., (Copyright © 2024 AEDV. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

The review examines the key aspects of the pathogenesis of alopecia in endocrine system pathology. The role of hormones, growth factors, cytokines and other biologically active substances has been demonstrated. Alopecia is a frequent symptom that can be the result of not only gerontological, but also endocrinological problems. Therefore, time-consuming differential diagnosis is often necessary. Diagnosis is more effective if a team of specialists is involved: endocrinologist, gynecologist, andrologist, dermatologist / trichologist, and others.

A quasi-scientific interest in hair loss and hair care originated in a London barbershop, and became known as trichology, with the Institute of Trichologists being founded. Other corporations successively followed, offering paid courses by home-study for training of initiates who desire more knowledge about hair. Trichologists are not medically qualified but are taught the practice of care and treatment of the hair and scalp in health and disease within their restricted but specialized role. With the advent of opportunities in the social media, and of epiluminiscence microscopy, a procedure practiced by the guild of trichologists long before its nominal introduction as trichoscopy into dermatologic practice, representatives of the medical profession are following the example of the trichologists in offering online courses, though with a better understanding of clinical-pathological correlations based on their academic learning. Despite the enthusiasm emerging with its establishment as a dermatologic tool in the diagnosis of hair and scalp disorders, caution is warranted not to elevate trichoscopy to something like a fetish status. As a diagnostic procedure, trichoscopy is to be understood as representing an integral part of a comprehensive dermatological examination. The Hippocratic Oath is one of the oldest binding documents in history, allegedly still held sacred by physicians: to treat the ill to the best of one's ability, to preserve a patient's privacy, and to teach the secrets of medicine to the next generation without fee. And yet, as in no other field of medicine, paid online courses on trichoscopy are flourishing and with a primary commercial aim. However, dermato-trichology, or trichiatry require the same due diligence as any other medical discipline, with respect to its practice and its ethics. Medical artistry is neither reducible to a single hand-held diagnostic technique nor is it negotiable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a scarring alopecia that predominantly affects postmenopausal women; (2) Methods: A retrospective, observational, single-center study was conducted in the Hospital General Universitario in Ciudad Real, Spain, including all patients diagnosed with FFA between 2010 and 2021; (3) Results: A total of 306 patients (296 women and 10 men) were included in our study. The mean age of onset was 59.5 years. The severity of this disease was evenly distributed between mild (147 patients) and severe (149 patients) forms. There was a positive, statistically significant, medium correlation between the severity of the disease and its time of progression. Moreover, hypothyroidism was present in 70 patients (22.9%) and classic signs of concomitant lichen planopilaris were observed in just 30 patients (9.8%), while other forms of lichen planus were uncommon. The estimated prevalence in our population is 0.15% and the incidence is 15.47 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants; (4) Conclusions: The time of progression was positively correlated with the severity of FFA. However, the presence of clinical signs, such as inflammatory trichoscopic signs, was not associated with the progression of this condition.

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We present a 24-year-old woman that had received a diagnosis of alopecia areata in the past and was treated with topical 19 corticosteroids with little improvement. Instead, the patient exhibited bitemporal alopecia of one year of evolution related to 20 traction alopecia. Traction alopecia is characterized by localized hair loss related to persistent excessive traction. Although it is 21 initially a reversible condition, if this excessive traction is not removed permanent alopecia may develop.

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which rapidly spreads via respiratory droplets and is the cause of the current pandemic. In this alarming situation, it is a delicate matter how to visit patients safely and how to manage their chronic treatments. The aim of this paper is to examine in detail the potential impact on SARS-CoV-2 infection of treatments routinely used in trichology and to provide a useful guide for the therapeutic management of trichological patients in this new COVID-19 era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article will look at the general description of hair as a skin appendage, its normal growth phase, resting phase and shedding phase. It will also consider the psychosocial impact and psychosocial influences that hair loss patients have throughout their lives. Dermatology nurses should be aware of the main hair loss and scalp conditions, so handy hints on what to do and what not to do to keep hair and scalp healthy will also be included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Terminology in Trichology" is a concise guide to the essential language of trichology. It has been written with the aim of making readers aware of commonly used terms in trichology. It has been structured in such a way that it should prove useful to the postgraduates and practicing dermatologists and trichologists. Terms are explained in simple language so that they are easy to understand, without including excessive details. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Non-invasive sampling through faecal collection is one of the most cost-effective alternatives for monitoring of free-living wild mammals, as it provides information on animal taxonomy as well as the dynamics of the gastrointestinal parasites that potentially infect these animals. In this context, this study aimed to perform an epidemiological survey of gastrointestinal parasites using non-invasive faecal samples from carnivores and artiodactyls identified by stool macroscopy, guard hair morphology and DNA sequencing in Itatiaia National Park. Between 2017 and 2018, faeces from carnivores and artiodactyls were collected along trails in the park. The host species were identified through macroscopic and trichological examinations and molecular biology. To investigate the parasites, the Faust, Lutz and modified Ritchie and Sheather techniques and enzyme immunoassays to detect Cryptosporidium sp. antigens were used. Results A total of 244 stool samples were collected. The species identified were Chrysocyon brachyurus, Leopardus guttulus, Canis familiaris, Cerdocyon thous, Puma yagouaroundi, Leopardus pardalis, Puma concolor and Sus scrofa. There were 81.1% samples that were positive for parasites distributed mainly in the high part of the park. Helminths, especially eggs of the family Ascarididae, were more frequently detected in carnivore faeces (70.9%). Protozoa, especially Cryptosporidium sp., represented the highest frequency of infection in artiodactyl faeces (87.1%). This zoonotic protozoon was detected in eight mammalian species, including in a wild boar. High values of structural richness and Shannon and Simpson diversity indices were observed for the parasites, especially in the faeces of C. brachyurus. Significant differences in parasite diversity were observed between wild and domestic animals, such as C. brachyurus and C. familiaris, respectively, and between taxonomically distant species, such as C. brachyurus and S. scrofa. The highest values for parasite similarity were found among the species that frequented similar areas of the park, such as C. brachyurus and L. guttulus. Conclusions The animals and parasite infections were identified through the combination of three techniques. High frequency parasite structures were diagnosed. Zoonotic protozoa were found and mainly occurred in samples from introduced species.

Background: Teledermatology is the application of information and telecommunication technologies in the field of dermatology to provide remote care services based on the exchange of clinical information within a network of professionals or between professionals and patients. Tele-trichoscopy is a non-invasive, inexpensive, and easy-to-use method that applies the principle of surface microscopy at different magnifications. Alopecia areata is a non-scarring alopecia with a chronic evolution, which often needs a close follow-up. Objectives: The aim of our work was to analyze the possible benefits of telemedicine for the follow-up of patients with alopecia areata. Materials and Methods: We enrolled patients with alopecia areata, identified during the first trichological evaluation, and we divided the patients into two groups. One group was provided with the devices necessary for a telemedicine follow-up. The other group had a conventional follow-up. The total follow-up time was one year. All of the patients' photos were blindly evaluated by a team of expert dermatologists who were asked to indicate the quality of the images. The photos were also evaluated to identify disease markers. During the follow-up period, questionnaires were administered to both groups of patients to assess the quality of the visit, the level of patient satisfaction, and to identify any issues encountered by the patients. Results: There was a high degree of concordance between the images obtained by outpatient trichoscopy and those obtained by telemedicine. The satisfaction levels were the same between the patients followed via telemedicine and those seen in the outpatient clinic. Conclusions: Telemedicine applied to trichology using trichoscopy was proven to be a valid system for managing the follow-up of patients suffering from chronic recurrent scalp diseases and, above all, for maintaining continuity of care.

Trichology is the field of dermatology specializing in the study of hair and scalp disorders. The literature lacks data on the prevalence of trichological disorders in reference public services. The objective is to assess the frequency of illnesses treated at the tricology clinic of a reference service in a period of one year. 122 patients were seen, 81.15% female and 18.85% male, with a mean age of 50.59 years. 119 (97.54%) were diagnosed with alopecia, with 60.5% being non-scarring alopecia and 39.5% cicatricial alopecia. The most prevalent diagnoses were androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata and fibrosing frontal alopecia. Alopecia was the main complaint found, with non-scarring alopecia being more frequent in females, and scarring in males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is an analysis of scientific publications that reflect the experience of using autologous plateletrich plasma in patients with androgenic alopecia (AGA), a multifactorial genetically predisposed disease caused by the influence of exogenous or endogenous triggers responsible for the clinical manifestations of pathology. Attention to this topic is due to the significant prevalence of AGA, as well as unsatisfactory results in achieving a positive therapeutic effect. Positive results were obtained during the 12 clinical studies among the conducted ones, no positive dynamics were observed in the end of other 2 studies. It can be noted that different methods and parameters of centrifugation were used to perform these experiments: PRP used differ or PRP activators were not used at all, variations were observed in methods for evaluating the obtained results, the multiplicity of procedures and intervals between them, the procedure technique (using a mezoroller, anesthetics, injections, etc.). Studies with a negative result were characterized by the smallest number of procedures performed (1 or 2 procedures), and methods for evaluating the results cannot be called sufficiently reliable (a magnifying glass). It is obvious that the use of PRP has a positive effect on the state of AGA and can be used with approved methods of this disease treatment. However, the published results of only a small number of clinical trials on the effectiveness of PRP for hair growth cannot be considered objective. In addition, there is no published agreed protocol for the standard use of PRP, and the use of growth factors and stimulants in the expression of their genes still requires comparative evaluation with preparations approved for the treatment of hair. Thus, the method of PRP using can be considered as a method of treating AGA, however, it is necessary to continue research for further study and standardization of this technique.

Hair is important to our appearance as well as to protect our heads. Human hair mainly consists of proteins (80-85%), melanin pigments (0-5%), water (10-13%), and lipids (1-6%). The physicochemical properties of hair have been studied for over 100 years. However, they are not yet thoroughly understood. In this review, recent progress and the latest findings are summarized from the following three perspectives: structural characteristics, delivery and distribution of active ingredients, and hair as a template. The structural characteristics of hair have been mainly investigated by microscopic and/or spectroscopic techniques such as atomic force microscopy integrated with infrared spectroscopy (AFM-IR) and rheological measurements. The distribution of active ingredients has been generally evaluated through techniques such as nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS). And finally, attempts to explore the potential of hair to be used as a substrate for flexible device fabrication will be introduced.

Accurate identification of predator species is a critical requirement to investigate their diet using faecal samples. We used non-invasive sampling and two methods of predator identification to investigate the diets of sympatric carnivores in a highly deforested region of the Brazilian Amazon. Of 108 scats, 81 could be identified at the species level using DNA sequencing and/or trichology. The former performed better than the latter (81.5% vs. 54.3% of the identified samples), and results were quite congruent (89.7% concordance in the 29 samples that could be assessed with both approaches). Nine species were identified, out of which four (crab-eating fox, ocelot, puma and jaguar) presented a sufficient number of samples to allow dietary analyses. The crab-eating fox was the most generalist (BA=0.92); ocelots focused on small- to medium-sized prey; pumas fed mostly on medium-sized items; and jaguars mostly targeted large-sized prey. A considerable overlap was observed between ocelots and pumas in all estimations (O=0.47–0.83). The presence of jaguars in the same region could be driving pumas to select medium- and small-sized prey. The results of this study highlight the importance of reliable predator identification and the need for in-depth ecological studies in areas where carnivore species are sympatric. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical trichology is the branch of dermatology that deals with the scientific study of the hair and scalp in health and disease. As any discipline, the practice of medical trichology is not immune to malpractice, either deliberately or carelessly. In his publication "Autistic Undisciplined Thinking in Medicine and How to Overcome It," Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler describes yet another form of malpractice in medicine reflecting autistic-undisciplined thinking. Autism is not limited to psychopathology, but inherent to the thinking of man throughout history in his drive for knowledge, with thousands of theories lacking any basis in reality. Bleuler recognized the drive character of autistic thinking and how it leads to conclusions that are unshakable because they are determined by, and fulfill, emotional needs, rather than rational argumentation. Even with correct questions, the complexity and incalculability of some problems are often so great that it cannot do justice to realistic thinking and the boundaries between inadequately substantiated hypothesis and autistic sham explanation disappear. Statistics, careful research design, and the attempt to impose stringent methods on our thinking are to be commended. The habituation of the public to useless medicine, to misconceptions, is not hygiene, but negligent endangerment. It has created an industry that largely lives on the autistic thinking of patients and doctors and because it is prosperous, makes propaganda among lay people as well as among doctors that necessarily leads to abuses. This article aims at exposing the most prevalent among abuses in trichological practice due to autistic-undisciplined thinking, specifically: iron supplementation, antiandrogenic treatment, and individualized cell-based therapy in female androgenetic alopecia, treatment of folliculitis decalvans with retinoids, and the value of nutritional therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a unique patient with erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp (EPDS) with several unique features: (1) a rare case of EPDS occurring after herpes zoster (HZ) infection and (2) the first reported case of recurrence of HZ induced by topical immunosuppressive therapy (clobetasol 0.05% cream and tacrolimus 0.01% cream) in a patient with underlying EPDS. Based on our patient, we recommend to exercise caution with the prolonged use of potent topical steroids in areas previously affected by herpes zoster. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to show new records of Conepatus chinga for the states of Paraná and Santa Catarina, in southern Brazil, contributing to increase knowledge on its distribution, besides describing the microstructural patterns of its guard hair. Three run-over specimens were found in highway BR-280, two of them in the town of Palmas, in Paraná, and one in the town of Abelardo Luz, in Santa Catarina. For describing the cuticular and medullary pattern of guard hairs, sixty slides were made. Conepatus chinga has a cross-sectional and undulated cuticular pattern and an anisocytic medullary pattern. The description of microstructural patterns of C. chinga makes it easier to conduct studies related to its ecology, increasing the chances to identify hairs found in fecal samples from carnivores in mastofauna studies.

Background: The hair pull test lacks validation and has unclear pretest guidelines.Objective: We sought to quantify normal hair pull test values and elucidate the effect of pretest hair washing and brushing. The impact of hair texture and lifestyle was also examined.Methods: Participants (n = 181) completed a questionnaire recording demographics, medications, and hair health/history. A single hair pull test (scalp vertex) was performed.Results: The mean number of hairs removed per pull was 0.44 (SD 0.75). There was no significant difference in the mean number of hairs removed regardless of when participants washed (P = .20) or brushed (P = .25) their hair. Hair pull test values were similar between Caucasian-, Asian-, and Afro-textured hair. There was no significant difference in hair pull values between participants taking medications affecting hair loss and participants not taking these medications (P = .33). Tight hairstyles did not influence hair pull test values.Limitations: Participant hair washing and brushing could not be controlled during the study, but this information was documented and analyzed.Conclusion: Normal values for the hair pull test should be reduced to 2 hairs or fewer (97.2% of participants). The current 5-day restriction on pretest hair washing can be reduced and brushing be made permissible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trichoscopy is a simple, noninvasive office procedure that can be performed using a handheld or digital dermatoscope. This tool has gained popularity in recent years, because it provides useful diagnostic information for hair loss and scalp disorders by enabling the visualization and identification of distinctive signs and structures. We present an updated review of the trichoscopic features described for some of the most common hair loss disorders seen in clinical practice. Dermatologists should be familiar with these helpful features, as they can significantly aid the diagnosis and follow-up of numerous conditions, such as alopecia areata, trichotillomania, and frontal fibrosing alopecia., (Copyright © 2022 AEDV. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Background: To our knowledge, there are no large multicenter studies concerning frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) that could give clues about its pathogenesis and best treatment. Objective: We sought to describe the epidemiology, comorbidities, clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, and therapeutic choices in a large series of patients with FFA. Methods: This retrospective multicenter study included patients given the diagnosis of FFA. Clinical severity was classified based on the recession of the frontotemporal hairline. Results: In all, 355 patients (343 women [49 premenopausal] and 12 men) with a mean age of 61 years (range 23-86) were included. Early menopause was detected in 49 patients (14%), whereas 46 (13%) had undergone hysterectomy. Severe FFA was observed in 131 patients (37%). Independent factors associated with severe FFA after multivariate analysis were: eyelash loss, facial papules, and body hair involvement. Eyebrow loss as the initial clinical presentation was associated with mild forms. Antiandrogens such as finasteride and dutasteride were used in 111 patients (31%), with improvement in 52 (47%) and stabilization in 59 (53%). Limitations: The retrospective design is a limitation. Conclusions: Eyelash loss, facial papules, and body hair involvement were associated with severe FFA. Antiandrogens were the most useful treatment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction Hair loss is a widespread condition in both genders. Over the past decade, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has become a common treatment for hair loss. Our goal was to analyze patient satisfaction and the clinical effects of PRP on male and female pattern hair loss. Methods Over a period of 12 months, we treated a total of 56 patients for androgenetic alopecia with PRP. All of these patients were included in this study; 15 cc of whole blood was spun in an ACP double syringe (Arthrex Inc., Naples, Forida) for five minutes. The yielded 5 to 6 cc of PRP were then injected into the scalp. Forty-nine patients were treated with a series of three injections at monthly intervals, three patients with a series of four injections, two patients with a series of five injections, one patient was treated with a series of seven injections, and one patient with a series of eight injections. Follow-ups were conducted one month after the last treatment. A self-drawn questionnaire was used to assess the satisfaction and clinical results from the patient's and the clinician's perspectives. Results The average age was 41 years (20-68 years). Fifty-seven percent of all patients were male and 43% female. In total, the patients were satisfied with the treatment results. The average score was 7.29 on a scale from 0 to 10. The clinician's rating was similar (6.46). Moreover, with an average score of 8 on a scale from 0 to 10, it is very likely that the patients will recommend PRP treatments to friends. The probability of occurrence of clinical effects among the entire study population was reported as follows: improvement in hair density (patient's rating: 64%; clinician's rating: 46%), thickness (38%; 45%), quality (46%; 54%), sheen/lustre (27%; 21%), new hair growth (57%; 68%), less hair loss (48%; 20%), other positive effects (5%, 2%), no effects (4%; 4%), negative effects (0%; 0%). Conclusion Our study revealed encouraging results for the treatment of male and female pattern hair loss with PRP. The autologous treatment was rated with high satisfaction scores and can be considered a safe and effective treatment modality., Competing Interests: The authors have declared financial relationships, which are detailed in the next section., (Copyright © 2022, Hetz et al.)