Risk factors for frontal fibrosing alopecia: A case-control study in a multiracial population.

BACKGROUND: Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a chronic cicatricial alopecia with unknown etiology and a worldwide rising incidence. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of FFA with demographic and exposure factors in a Brazilian multiracial population. METHODS: A multicenter case-control study was conducted in 11 referral centers throughout Brazil. The study was a case-control study that prospectively recruited 902 participants (451 patients with FFA and 451 sex-matched control individuals). Study participants completed a thorough questionnaire comprising variables grouped as baseline demographics, environmental exposure, diet, hormonal factors, allergies, and hair and skin care. RESULTS: When adjusted by sex, age, menopause, and skin color, FFA was associated with hair straightening with formalin (odds ratio [OR], 3.18), use of ordinary (nondermatologic) facial soap (OR, 2.09) and facial moisturizer (OR, 1.99), thyroid disorders (OR, 1.69), and rosacea (OR, 2.08). Smokers (OR, 0.33) and users of antiresidue/clarifying shampoo (OR, 0.35) presented a negative association with FFA. There was no association with the use of sunscreen. LIMITATIONS: Recall bias. CONCLUSIONS: The association with moisturizers, ordinary facial soap, and hair straightening with formalin and the negative association with antiresidue/clarifying shampoo reinforce the possibility of an exogenous particle triggering FFA.

A novel automated approach to rapid and precise in vivo measurement of hair morphometrics using a smartphone.

BACKGROUND: Although many hair disorders can be readily diagnosed based on their clinical appearance, their progression and response to treatment are often difficult to monitor, particularly in quantitative terms. We introduce an innovative technique utilizing a smartphone and computerized image analysis to expeditiously and automatically measure and compute hair density and diameter in patients in real time. METHODS: A smartphone equipped with a dermatoscope lens wirelessly transmits trichoscopy images to a computer for image processing. A black-and-white binary mask image representing hair and skin is produced, and the hairs are thinned into single-pixel-thick fiber skeletons. Further analysis based on these fibers allows morphometric characteristics such as hair shaft number and diameters to be computed rapidly. The hair-bearing scalps of fifty participants were imaged to assess the precision of our automated smartphone-based device in comparison with a specialized trichometry device for hair shaft density and diameter measurement. The precision and operation time of our technique relative to manual trichometry, which is commonly used by hair disorder specialists, is determined. RESULTS: An equivalence test, based on two 1-sided t tests, demonstrates statistical equivalence in hair density and diameter values between this automated technique and manual trichometry within a 20% margin. On average, this technique actively required 24 seconds of the clinician's time whereas manual trichometry necessitated 9.2 minutes. CONCLUSION: Automated smartphone-based trichometry is a rapid, precise, and clinically feasible technique which can significantly facilitate the assessment and monitoring of hair loss. Its use could be easily integrated into clinical practice to improve standard trichoscopy.

Minimally invasive procedures for the management of female pattern hair loss.

BACKGROUND: Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL) is one of the most common types of hair loss in women. It is characterized by progressive follicular miniaturization leading to diffuse hair thinning over the midfrontal scalp with a negative impact on quality of life. Pharmacological treatments are commonly used, and hair follicle transplantation is an option for those cases with adequate donor area. Minimally invasive procedures, such as microneedling, mesotherapy, microinfusion of drugs into the scalp with tattoo machines (MMP®), and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) have been reported as adjuvant treatments. AIMS: This study aims to summarize and discuss the efficacy of minimally invasive procedures described for the management of FPHL. METHODS: Published articles indexed on the Pubmed database and Scopus that described minimally invasive procedures for the management of FPHL in humans were considered. Citations were reviewed and added for completeness. The search was for articles in English only. After excluding duplicate titles, 23 relevant articles were considered. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive procedures are promising options and may play a role in FPHL treatment. They can be used as adjunctive therapy for FPHL, in case of poor response to clinical therapy, or when patients prefer other care than the standard. We reinforce that these methods should be performed by an experienced medical professional following strict aseptic techniques. However, microneedling, mesotherapy, MMP, and PRP lack standardization and are supported by a low level of evidence yet. For the future, larger randomized clinical trials are essential to determine the efficacy and optimal protocols for these treatments.

Bicalutamide and the new perspectives for female pattern hair loss treatment: What dermatologists should know.

Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is the most common form of alopecia in women. FPHL may compromise body image and strongly affect self-esteem, negatively impacting quality of life. Currently, the only Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved drug for its treatment is topical minoxidil, with a variable response rate. Recently, a few studies in FPHL have pointed out bicalutamide as an emergent selective androgen receptor antagonist with a favorable safety and tolerability profile. This review aimed to summarize and discuss the key information on this new therapy for FPHL. Bicalutamide has no diuretic effect. It does not cross the blood-brain barrier, and it has little effect on serum luteinizing hormone. Additionally, bicalutamide was found to be effective on women presenting with other features of hyperandrogenism such as seborrhea, acne, and hirsutism with mild and well-tolerated adverse effects. Despite the high prevalence and psychosocial impairment, FPHL treatment remains challenging. Therefore, although future prospective, comparative, randomized clinical trials are essential to establish the ideal dose and efficacy of the drug, oral bicalutamide appears to be a promising option to expand the arsenal of FPHL treatment.

Anagen Effluvium after Therapeutic Scalp Surgery: Unreported Phenomenon.

INTRODUCTION: Many procedures are performed on the scalp, such as excision of pilar and sebaceous cysts, melanocytic nevi, and reduction surgery for scarring alopecia, among others. In hair transplants, telogen effluvium is often reported 3 months after surgery; however, hair loss usually happens much earlier, around second week after the procedure, not compatible with the time required for hair to enter telogen and exogenous phases in normal conditions. CASE REPORTS: We report 3 cases of anagen hair loss 4 weeks after surgeries, with perilesional trichoscopy suggesting anagen effluvium, with typical signs such as black dots and exclamation hairs. DISCUSSION: There are only a few reports about hair loss around operated areas. The cause of this postoperative anagen effluvium is probably a transient ischemia. CONCLUSION: The practical importance of this phenomenon is to properly orient patients because most of the hair will be lost, since 85% of them are anagens, and also will have spontaneous recovery in the next 3 months.

Consensus on the treatment of alopecia areata - Brazilian Society of Dermatology.

BACKGROUND: Alopecia areata is a highly frequent disease with an impact on quality of life and several treatment options with little clinical confirmatory evidence. OBJECTIVE: To disseminate the recommendations of Brazilian dermatologists with expertise in the treatment of alopecia areata. METHODS: Eight specialists with expertise in alopecia areata from different university centers were appointed by the Brazilian Society of Dermatology to reach a consensus on its treatment. Based on the adapted DELPHI methodology, the relevant elements were considered; then, an analysis of recent literature was carried out and the consensus was written down. Consensus on the management of alopecia areata was defined with the approval of at least 70% of the panel. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: Intralesional injectable corticotherapy was considered the first option for localized disease in adults. In extensive cases with signs of activity, systemic corticosteroid therapy should be considered and can be used together with immunosuppressants (corticosteroid-sparing agents). The use of an immunosensitizer (diphencyprone) is an option for stable long-term cases. Evaluation of side effects is as important as the rate of hair regrowth.

What's New in Hair Loss.

The treatment of hair loss is a challenge for all dermatologists. New medications are needed due to lack of efficacy of many treatments or their side-effect profile. This article discusses the most recent literature updates on the use of retinoids in frontal fibrosing alopecia, platelet-rich plasma in androgenetic alopecia, and JAK inhibitors in alopecia areata.

Consensus on the treatment of alopecia areata - Brazilian Society of Dermatology

Abstract Background: Alopecia areata is a highly frequent disease with an impact on quality of life and several treatment options with little clinical confirmatory evidence. Objective: To disseminate the recommendations of Brazilian dermatologists with expertise in the treatment of alopecia areata. Methods: Eight specialists with expertise in alopecia areata from different university centers were appointed by the Brazilian Society of Dermatology to reach a consensus on its treatment. Based on the adapted DELPHI methodology, the relevant elements were considered; then, an analysis of recent literature was carried out and the consensus was written down. Consensus on the management of alopecia areata was defined with the approval of at least 70% of the panel. Results/Conclusions: Intralesional injectable corticotherapy was considered the first option for localized disease in adults. In extensive cases with signs of activity, systemic corticosteroid therapy should be considered and can be used together with immunosuppressants (corticosteroid-sparing agents). The use of an immunosensitizer (diphencyprone) is an option for stable long-term cases. Evaluation of side effects is as important as the rate of hair regrowth.

Dermoscopy examination of petechial lesions in a patient with Dermatitis Herpetiformis.

An uncommon skin manifestation of Dermatitis Herpetiformis is palmar and plantar purpura. Dermoscopic examination is useful for any skin condition since it allows recognition of structures that are not discernible to the naked eye. A 22 year-old Caucasian man was admitted with excoriated lesions and pruritus. Petechial lesions could be seen on volar aspect of the digits on the hands and feet. Dermoscopy examination revealed erythematous and violaceous dots and erythematous and brown dots.

Porokeratosis of Mibelli--literature review and a case report.

Porokeratosis is a disorder of epidermal keratinization characterized by annular plaques with an atrophic center and hyperkeratotic edges, and includes a heterogeneous group of disorders that are mostly inherited in an autosomal dominant form. This report describes a 5 year-old female patient, with porokeratosis of Mibelli confirmed histopathologically. The rarity of this disorder, its clinical exuberance and the destructive character of the lesions, as well as the facial and mucosal involvements, unusual in this form of porokeratosis, and also its onset in early childhood motivated this report.

Dermoscopy examination of petechial lesions in a patient with Dermatitis Herpetiformis / Exame dermatoscopico de lesoes petequiais num paciente com Dermatite Herpetiforme

An uncommon skin manifestation of Dermatitis Herpetiformis is palmar and plantar purpura. Dermoscopic examination is useful for any skin condition since it allows recognition of structures that are not discernible to the naked eye. A 22 year-old Caucasian man was admitted with excoriated lesions and pruritus. Petechial lesions could be seen on volar aspect of the digits on the hands and feet. Dermoscopy examination revealed erythematous and violaceous dots and erythematous and brown dots.

Púrpura palmar e plantar é uma manifestação cutânea incomum da Dermatite Herpetiforme. A dermatoscopia é útil para o exame dermatológico por permitir o reconhecimento de estruturas que ao olho nu não são perceptíveis. Doente caucasiano masculino de 22 anos que queixava-se de lesões escoriadas e prurido. Observouse na face volar dos dedos dos pés e das mãos lesões petequiais. O exame dermatoscópico revelou pontos eritematosos e violáceos, além de pontos eritematosos e marrons.

Porokeratosis of Mibelli - literature review and a case report / Poroqueratose de Mibelli - revisao da literatura e relato de um caso

Porokeratosis is a disorder of epidermal keratinization characterized by annular plaques with an atrophic center and hyperkeratotic edges, and includes a heterogeneous group of disorders that are mostly inherited in an autosomal dominant form. This report describes a 5 year-old female patient, with porokeratosis of Mibelli confirmed histopathologically. The rarity of this disorder, its clinical exuberance and the destructive character of the lesions, as well as the facial and mucosal involvements, unusual in this form of porokeratosis, and also its onset in early childhood motivated this report.

A poroqueratose é uma desordem da queratinização epidérmica caracterizada por placas anulares com centro atrófico e bordas hiperqueratóticas, e inclui um grupo heterogêneo de desordens que são na sua maioria herdadas de forma autossômica dominante. O presente caso refere-se a uma paciente feminina de 5 anos de idade, com poroqueratose de Mibelli confirmada histologicamente. A raridade desta desordem, a exuberância clínica e o caráter destrutivo das lesões, o acometimento facial e mucoso pouco usuais nesta forma de poroqueratose e o início na infância precoce motivaram este relato.

Abordagem Cirúrgica da Ginecomastia Verdadeira / Surgical approach to True Gynecomastia

A ginecomastia verdadeira é uma proliferação benigna do tecido glandular da mama masculina. Em geral, o manejo é conservador, porem se houver o desenvolvimento de fibrose após a fase inflamatória, preconiza-se a cirurgia. Relata-se um caso de ginecomastia verdadeira, em homem com aumento simétrico das mamas desde a adolescência. Frente a este diagnóstico foi realizada cirurgia corretiva com anestesia tumescente e exérese em bloco da glândula mamária.

True gynecomastia is a benign proliferation of the glandular tissue of the male breast. In general, management is conservative, however if there is development of fibrosis after the inflammatory phase, surgery is recommended. The present article describes a case of true gynecomastia with symmetrical enlargement of the breasts since adolescence. In light of this diagnosis, corrective surgery was performed with tumescent anesthesia and exeresis in block of the mammary gland.