Platelet-rich fibrin: A review of its role as a new treatment in androgenetic alopecia.

BACKGROUND: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a major cause of hair loss resulting from a complex interplay between various genes and hormones with the result being follicular miniaturization and altered hair cycle dynamics. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has a well-established role as adjunctive therapy in AGA but there are many limitations of it. In an attempt to overcome the shortcomings of PRP, liquid platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) was developed. AIM: This article critically reviews the protocol for the preparation and clinical outcomes of PRF. PATIENTS/METHODS: The articles published so far in the English language regarding the preparation and clinical outcomes of PRF were reviewed. RESULTS: Among five studies analyzing various centrifugation speeds and centrifugation times, three of the studies favored low-speed centrifugation, whereas two studies did not support this methodology. A horizontal centrifuge may be preferred over a fixed-angle centrifuge for PRF. Five clinical studies on the use of PRF showed a significant effect on AGA. CONCLUSION: At present, there is no consensus regarding the preparation of PRF. Most studies used fixed-angle centrifugation favored low centrifuge speed and less centrifugation time. Larger studies are needed to determine the optimal centrifugation force and time. A horizontal centrifuge may be preferred over a fixed-angle centrifuge due to the higher yield of platelets, and lesser shear trauma to the cells. In addition, larger, well-designed studies are needed to confirm the benefits of PRF over PRP.

Association of socio-demographic factors and personal hygiene with infectious childhood dermatoses.

Background: Paediatric dermatoses vary vastly from adult dermatoses in terms of clinical presentation, management, and prognosis thereby generating special interest in this field. Many factors like geographical area, climatic exposure, seasons, culture, socioeconomic factors, hygiene, dietary habits, literacy influences pattern of skin diseases in children resulting in marked variation in prevalence and pattern. Objectives: This study aims to find out association of socio-demographic factors and personal hygiene with infectious childhood dermatoses. Materials and Methods: This was a hospital based cross-sectional study. All children (0-14 years) attending Dermatology outpatient clinics were enroled. Proforma was prepared to assess the socio-demographic factors and personal hygiene in the local context. Chi-square test was applied to find the association of the baseline variables with infectious dermatoses. Results: A total of 364 children were enroled with mean age of 6.97 ± 4.23 years. Females (52.5%) were slightly more than males (47.5%). There were 201 (55.2%) infectious and 163 (44.8%) non-infectious dermatoses. Bacterial infections were the most common group (18.7%), followed by dermatitis and eczemas (14.0%) and viral infections (13.7%). Lower educational status of mother (p = 0.025), lower monthly family income (p = 0.008), lower socioeconomic status (p = 0.015) and less frequent bathing habits (p = 0.014) were associated with increased risk of infective dermatoses. Conclusion: Infections and infestations were the most common paediatric dermatoses in our Outpatient Department. Female education, upliftment of socioeconomic status of family and improving personal hygiene may reduce the risk of skin infections in children.

Idiopathic Acroosteolysis: A Novel Cutaneous Sign Can Help Identify the Condition Early.

Acroosteolysis (AO) is a rare condition characterized by resorption of the distal phalanges of the fingers and/or toes. It can be familial, idiopathic (IAO), occupational, or secondary. Other authors suggest a classification into primary (genetic disorders, lysosomal storage disorders) or secondary AO. Various skin and nail changes have been reported in this condition. However, the cutaneous change on the affected digit(s)/toe(s) during the natural course of AO has been poorly documented. A 5-year-old girl presented with a 3-month history of a distinct transverse boundary between normal skin proximally and affected crusted skin overlying osteolysis distally ("split" sign) on the plantar surface of the third toe. This boundary gradually elongated circumferentially to involve the dorsal surface. The mother gave a similar history of a delimitation line on the 2nd, 4th, and 5th toes of the right foot with durations of 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years, respectively, that disappeared before she noticed a shortening of those toes. X-rays revealed partial resorption of the terminal phalanx of the third toe and several lytic changes in the middle and terminal phalanx of the second, fourth, and fifth toes. The clinical features, radiology findings, and a workup that helped rule out conditions associated with AO (secondary AO) helped establish the diagnosis of IAO in our patient. This case study highlights that the natural course of IAO includes distinct skin findings, such as the "split" sign that we describe. This sign can help identify the condition early.

Acquired Lymphangiectasia of the Scrotum Successfully Treated with Radiofrequency Ablation: A Case Report with Dermoscopic Review.

Lymphangiectasia is dilatation of normal superficial lymphatic vessels due to damage or obstruction of deep lymphatic vessels leading to increased lymphatic pressure and engorgement of dermal lymphatics due to varying causes. Lymphangiectasia clinically presents as thick-walled, translucent vesicles and papules with chronic lymphedema rarely involving the scrotum. Here we report a patient with acquired lymphangiectasia of the scrotum secondary to surgery for hydrocele successfully treated with radiofrequency ablation. We highlight the use of dermoscopy as a non-invasive diagnostic tool in lymphangiectasia.

Rare occurrence of lepra type 1 reaction in pure neuritic leprosy: A case report.

Type 1 reaction in pure neuritic leprosy usually occurs in the form of neuritis. The development of new skin lesion during reaction is rare. Clinicians should be aware about occurrence of type 1 reaction in pure neuritic leprosy.