Association between alopecia areata, anxiety, and depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: To date, there is no comprehensive meta-analysis analyzing the association between alopecia areata, anxiety, and depression. OBJECTIVE: We sought to analyze the existing literature to examine the association between alopecia areata, anxiety, and depression. METHODS: We extracted literature from 4 databases including MEDLINE, Embase, PsychINFO, and Web of Science. We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (ie, PRISMA) reporting guidelines to finalize a list of relevant articles to be included in our systematic review and meta-analysis. There were no restrictions placed on publication year or age of participants. RESULTS: Eight studies that included 6010 patients with AA and 20 961 control individuals were included in the quantitative analysis. These included 4 cross-sectional studies and 4 case-control studies. Analysis of these studies showed a positive association with anxiety (pooled odds ratio, 2.50; 95% confidence interval, 1.54-4.06) and depression (pooled odds ratio, 2.71; 95% confidence interval, 1.52-4.82). LIMITATIONS: Publication bias may be a limitation of the study. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that patients with AA are at higher risk of both anxiety and depression. Health care professionals must be cognizant of this higher risk and consider routine assessment of these conditions and referral to appropriate providers when indicated.

Cutaneous schistosomiasis: epidemiological and clinical characteristics in returning travelers.

The clinical manifestations of parasitic diseases are well-covered in the infectious disease literature; however, cutaneous manifestations often receive limited attention. There is a need to update existing knowledge and improve reporting of disease characteristics. Given continued increases in travel and transportation, more individuals are acquiring cutaneous infections while traveling abroad. Schistosomiasis is the second most important tropical disease among returning travelers and affects more than 200 million individuals worldwide. The literature classically describes three forms of skin disease in those infected with Schistosoma: the immediate pruritic eruption of cercarial dermatitis, the urticarial response of Katayama syndrome, and the granulomatous lesions of late cutaneous schistosomiasis. Over the last two decades, more atypical presentations have been described. Travelers returning from Africa, South America, and Asia are at highest risk given these are the continents in which the parasite is endemic. This review highlights the cutaneous manifestations of schistosomiasis, with a focus on international travelers with atypical presentations. Additionally, genital schistosomiasis will be reviewed given its significant morbidity. The aim of this review is to update the current body of literature. Dermatologists and other physicians evaluating the skin should be aware of the following principles regarding schistosomal infections: (i) the importance of an early skin biopsy in making the diagnosis; (ii) the necessity of adding schistosomiasis to the differential diagnosis for zosteriform lesions; (iii) the resemblance of chronic cutaneous schistosomiasis of the genitals to sexually transmitted infections; and (iv) the need to revise definitions for early and late infection, specifically for cutaneous disease.

Body Hair and Identity in Transgender Men: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Transgender and gender diverse people can experience increased depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and suicide from gender dysphoria (GD). GD occurs due to a discrepancy between a person’s gender identity, assigned gender, and physical characteristics. Gender affirming medical care, including dermatologic care, can increase body-gender congruence and decrease negative outcomes associated with GD.

A Potential Role for IL-4 and IL-13 in an Alopecia Areata-Like Phenotype: A Clinical Perspective.

Although alopecia areata (AA) has been traditionally classified as a strictly T helper type 1-mediated process, the T helper type 2 (Th2) pathway may contribute to an AA-like phenotype in some individuals. Herein, we describe three clinical cases that support the potential role of Th2 activity through the upregulation of IL-4 and IL-13 in an AA-like phenotype.

Vaccination Against Human Papillomavirus.

Clinical Question: Who should receive human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination? Bottom Line: Catch-up vaccination is now recommended for all persons through age 26 years. For persons aged 27 through 45 years, clinicians and patients should now jointly decide whether HPV vaccination is appropriate. Routine HPV vaccination at age 11 or 12 years (or as early as age 9 years) continues to be recommended.

Skin Cancer and Skin Cancer Risk Factors in Sexual and Gender Minorities.

Sexual and gender minorities have unique risk factors that may increase their risk of developing skin cancer. In particular, sexual minority men report a higher prevalence of skin cancer (including both keratinocytes carcinomas and melanoma), higher rates of indoor tanning, and overall poorer sun protection behaviors. Sexual and gender minorities also have high rates of alcohol and tobacco use, and infection with human immunodeficiency virus and human papillomavirus, which may increase overall risk of developing skin cancer in these populations. In this review, we discuss the evidence surrounding skin cancer and associated risk factors among sexual and gender minorities.

Androgenetic Alopecia in Gender Minority Patients.

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of hair loss in adults and may be particularly distressing for gender minority patients, given the close relation between hair and gender expression. Furthermore, use of gender affirming hormones such as testosterone in transmen and estrogen/antiandrogens in transwomen has a direct effect on hair growth distribution and density. Clinicians should thus be knowledgeable about the effects of sex hormones on the hair growth cycle to comfortably diagnose and treat AGA in gender minority patients.

Health Insurance Coverage of Permanent Hair Removal in Transgender and Gender-Minority Patients.

Importance: Hair removal can be an essential component of the gender affirmation process for gender-minority (GM) patients whose outward appearance does not align with their gender identity. Objective: To examine the health insurance policies in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace and Medicaid policies for coverage of permanent hair removal for transgender and GM patients and to correlate the policies in each state with statewide protections of coverage for gender-affirming care. Design and Setting: Private health insurance policies available on the ACA marketplace and statewide Medicaid policies were examined in a cross-sectional study from September 1 to October 31, 2019, and January 17 to 30, 2020. Policies were assessed for coverage of permanent hair removal. Language concerning hair removal was found in each policy's medical or clinical coverage guidelines and separated into general categories. Main Outcomes and Measures: Logistic regression analyses were performed to compare Medicaid policies and ACA policies in states with and without transgender protections. Results: A total of 174 policies were analyzed, including 123 private insurance policies and 51 statewide Medicaid policies. Of these policies, 8 (4.6%) permitted the coverage of permanent hair removal without explicit restrictions. The remaining 166 policies (95.4%) broadly excluded or did not mention gender-affirming care; prohibited coverage of hair removal or did not mention it; or only permitted coverage of hair removal preoperatively for genital surgery. The ACA marketplace policies in states without transgender care protections were less likely to cover hair removal without restrictions than ACA policies in states with protections (2 of 85 policies [2.4%] in states without transgender care protections vs 5 of 38 policies [13.2%] in states with transgender care protections), and Medicaid policies were less likely to cover preoperative or nonsurgical hair removal compared with ACA policies (6 of 51 Medicaid policies [11.8%] vs 47 of 123 ACA policies [38.2%]). Conclusions and Relevance: Despite adoption of statewide restrictions on GM health care exclusions by several states, most Medicaid and ACA policies examined in this study did not cover permanent hair removal for transgender patients. Many GM patients seeking hair removal may be required to pay out-of-pocket costs, which could be a barrier for gender-affirming care.

Excess hair, hair removal methods, and barriers to care in gender minority patients: A survey study.

BACKGROUND: In gender minority patients, electrolysis and laser hair removal may be necessary to reduce facial and body hair in individuals seeking a more feminine appearance and/or modified gender expression. These procedures may also be required preoperatively for some gender-affirming surgeries. AIMS: To identify (a) the frequency of unwanted facial and body hair, (b) the use of various hair removal methods, and (c) associated barriers to care in gender minority patients. METHODS: An online-based patient survey was distributed via social media on Facebook® , YouTube® , and Instagram® in fall 2018. Respondents were at least 18 years old and self-identified as a gender minority. RESULTS: In total, 991 responses were recorded with a completion rate of 77%. Considering excess hair, 84% of transwomen on feminizing hormone therapy (FHT: estrogen and anti-androgen therapy), 100% of transwomen not on FHT, and 100% of nonbinary individuals on FHT reported excess facial/body hair. Laser hair removal (18%) and electrolysis (17%) had similar rates of use in this cohort and were more commonly reported for nonsurgical gender-affirming purposes than preoperative preparation. Cost was the most frequently cited barrier to care. CONCLUSION: As the majority of transwomen and nonbinary people on feminizing hormone therapy had persistent excess facial/body hair, routine use of gender-affirming hormones is not sufficient to fully eliminate unwanted hair. There remains a critical need to advocate for more comprehensive insurance coverage for laser hair removal and electrolysis in gender minority patients.

Topical Antiandrogen Therapies for Androgenetic Alopecia and Acne Vulgaris.

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and acne vulgaris are two conditions commonly seen by dermatologists. Androgens and the androgen receptors play an essential role in the manifestation of both conditions, and some systemic therapies function by interfering in this pathway. The use of topical antiandrogen therapies has gained traction in recent years due to their potential efficacy in treating AGA and acne vulgaris, as well as their reduced adverse effects compared with systemic drugs. This review discusses the role of androgens in skin physiology and pathology and assesses the potential efficacy and safety of three topical antiandrogen therapies in the treatment of AGA and acne vulgaris. A literature review utilizing the PubMed, US Clinical Trials, and SCOPUS databases was conducted to search for randomized clinical trials, systematic reviews, cohort studies, case reports, and other relevant published studies on the pathogenesis and treatment of each condition with topical finasteride, ketoconazole shampoo, and cortexolone 17α-propionate (C17P). The results demonstrated that topical formulations of finasteride, ketoconazole, and C17P are promising treatments for male pattern hair loss, especially topical finasteride in combination with topical minoxidil. Limited studies have shown C17P to have potential in treating acne vulgaris in both males and females. Minimal adverse effects have been reported in clinical trials for all topical therapies, although topical finasteride is still contraindicated in pregnancy. Recognizing the preliminary evidence, more peer-reviewed studies on topical antiandrogen treatments for AGA and acne vulgaris are necessary before definitive recommendations can be made regarding efficacy and safety. There is also a critical need to include more women in study populations for these treatments.

Development of Lichen Planopilaris-Like Alopecia following Occupational Exposure to Trichloroethylene and Tetrachloroethylene.

BACKGROUND: We report a case of acute and severe lichen planopilaris (LPP)-like alopecia in a 35-year-old male construction worker following occupational exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE) and tetrachloroethylene (PCE). CASE REPORT: Two weeks after initiating ground-intrusive construction at a previous dry-cleaning facility site, the patient developed sudden scalp pruritus and associated patchy hair loss. As subsequent scalp biopsies revealed LPP, he was started on hydroxychloroquine at 200 mg twice daily and clobetasol solution once daily. Despite treatment, the patient's hair loss rapidly progressed to involve >95% of his scalp within 3 years. An official "work clean" policy report revealed high-concentration exposure to TCE and PCE. CONCLUSION: Although causation cannot be proven, the close temporal relationship and rapid progression of LPP-like alopecia in an atypical patient demographic support a strong correlation between chemical exposure to TCE/PCE and scarring hair loss.