Cuero cabelludo sensible: diagnóstico y manejo práctico / Sensitive Scalp: Diagnosis and Practical Management

El cuero cabelludo sensible es una piel sensible de localización especial. Puede ser primario, cuando se presenta sin enfermedad del cuero cabelludo, y secundario cuando es atribuible a procesos como psoriasis, dermatitis seborreica, dermatitis atópica y otros. Las manifestaciones clínicas de la forma primaria son subjetivas. El escozor, picor, tricodinia y sensaciones disestésicas son el motivo de consulta, muy a menudo coincidiendo con alopecia. Clínicamente la piel del cuero cabelludo puede ser normal o eritematosa. No hay datos de laboratorio o histológicos específicos para un diagnóstico objetivo. Los factores desencadenantes son endógenos como el estrés y alteraciones emocionales y psicopatológicas, o ambientales como los tópicos inadecuados y los cosméticos. El tratamiento debe ser personalizado, incluyendo pimecrólimus, la hidratación con ácido hialurónico, y la mesoterapia con plasma rico en factores de crecimiento (AU)

Sensitive scalp is sensitive skin located on the scalp. Sensitivity is considered primary in the absence of an associated scalp disorder and secondary when caused by conditions such as psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and atopic dermatitis. The clinical manifestations of primary sensitive scalp are subjective. Common presenting symptoms are burning, itching, trichodynia, and dysesthesia, often coinciding with hair loss. Clinically, the skin appears normal or red. An objective diagnosis based on laboratory or histologic findings is not possible. Triggers may be endogenous (e.g., stress and emotional or psychopathological disturbances) or exogeneous (e.g., topical products and cosmetics). Treatment must be individualized. Options include pimecrolimus, hydration with hyaluronic acid, and mesotherapy with plasma rich in growth factors (AU)

[Translated article] Sensitive Scalp: Diagnosis and Practical Management / Cuero cabelludo sensible: diagnóstico y manejo práctico

Sensitive scalp is sensitive skin located on the scalp. Sensitivity is considered primary in the absence of an associated scalp disorder and secondary when caused by conditions such as psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and atopic dermatitis. The clinical manifestations of primary sensitive scalp are subjective. Common presenting symptoms are burning, itching, trichodynia, and dysesthesia, often coinciding with hair loss. Clinically, the skin appears normal or red. An objective diagnosis based on laboratory or histologic findings is not possible. Triggers may be endogenous (e.g., stress and emotional or psychopathological disturbances) or exogeneous (e.g., topical products and cosmetics). Treatment must be individualized. Options include pimecrolimus, hydration with hyaluronic acid, and mesotherapy with plasma rich in growth factors (AU)

El cuero cabelludo sensible es una piel sensible de localización especial. Puede ser primario, cuando se presenta sin enfermedad del cuero cabelludo, y secundario cuando es atribuible a procesos como psoriasis, dermatitis seborreica, dermatitis atópica y otros. Las manifestaciones clínicas de la forma primaria son subjetivas. El escozor, picor, tricodinia y sensaciones disestésicas son el motivo de consulta, muy a menudo coincidiendo con alopecia. Clínicamente la piel del cuero cabelludo puede ser normal o eritematosa. No hay datos de laboratorio o histológicos específicos para un diagnóstico objetivo. Los factores desencadenantes son endógenos como el estrés y alteraciones emocionales y psicopatológicas, o ambientales como los tópicos inadecuados y los cosméticos. El tratamiento debe ser personalizado, incluyendo pimecrólimus, la hidratación con ácido hialurónico, y la mesoterapia con plasma rico en factores de crecimiento (AU)

Sensitive Scalp: Diagnosis and Practical Management. / Cuero cabelludo sensible: diagnóstico y manejo práctico.

Sensitive scalp is sensitive skin located on the scalp. Sensitivity is considered primary in the absence of an associated scalp disorder and secondary when caused by conditions such as psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and atopic dermatitis. The clinical manifestations of primary sensitive scalp are subjective. Common presenting symptoms are burning, itching, trichodynia, and dysesthesia, often coinciding with hair loss. Clinically, the skin appears normal or red. An objective diagnosis based on laboratory or histologic findings is not possible. Triggers may be endogenous (e.g., stress and emotional or psychopathological disturbances) or exogeneous (e.g., topical products and cosmetics). Treatment must be individualized. Options include pimecrolimus, hydration with hyaluronic acid, and mesotherapy with plasma rich in growth factors.

Body dysmorphic disorder in patients with acne: a multicentre study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental disorder that is difficult to diagnose, causes a lot of suffering and is more prevalent in dermatology patients than in the general population. Our objective was to screen for possible cases of BDD in patients with acne and to determine the prevalence according to DSM-IV and DSM-5 criteria, as well as to analyse the relationship between dermatological and sociodemographic variables. METHODS: A total of 245 patients diagnosed with acne in 11 dermatological centres in Spain were included in the study by members of the Aragon Psychodermatology Research Group and Spanish Research Group of Psychiatric Dermatology. We used the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Questionnaire (BDDQ) as a screening tool. RESULTS: In our sample, we obtained a prevalence for BDD of 10.6% (95% CI: 7.6-13.6%). The prevalence was the same with DSM-IV or DSM-5 criteria. Possible cases of BDD were predominantly women (P = 0.021), and 56% had non-inflammatory lesions vs. 30% of negative patients (P = 0.002). Positive patients as possible cases of BDD spent more than two hours on average a day worrying about their appearance. Most people only worried about one part of their body (86%), and in 95% of the cases, the part of their body that worried them was the face. The three most frequent compulsive behaviours in patients who screened positive for BDD were mirror checking (90.7%), camouflaging (79.1%) and using make-up (72.1%). CONCLUSIONS: As a consequence of the high prevalence of possible cases of BDD in patients with acne observed in our study, there is a need for dermatologists to screen for BDD so that they can be referred to a mental health unit to confirm the diagnosis and be offered treatment to reduce the progression of psychosocial deterioration and the development of comorbid disorders.

Dermatología Estética: habilidades humanas claves en comunicación. Modelo de los tres pilares / Key Communication Skills in Cosmetic Dermatology: A 3-Pillar Model

La Dermatología Estética se ocupa de la belleza y apariencia de la piel, una parte importantísima de la imagen corporal. Los tratamientos utilizados en Dermatología Estética (higiene, hidratación, protección, reparación) buscan potenciar las características propias de la piel, en su anatomía, función y vitalidad, y esto se traduce en mejoras del aspecto estético. La comunicación con el paciente es fundamental en la consulta médica y entendemos que la Dermatología Estética tiene connotaciones especiales que deben considerarse. En este artículo se presenta un modelo propio de tres pilares en la comunicación con el paciente estético y se exponen tres habilidades humanas como dichos pilares: asertividad, empatía y juicio crítico

Cosmetic dermatology deals with the beauty and appearance of the skin - a most important element of body image. Treatments used in cosmetic dermatology (hygiene, hydration, protection, repair) aim to enhance the characteristics of the skin, its anatomy, its function, and its vitality, to produce aesthetic improvements. Communication with the patient is essential in medical consultations and we believe that it has special connotations in cosmetic dermatology that must be taken into account. In this article, we present a 3 - pillar model for communication with cosmetic dermatology patients that rests on 3 skills: assertiveness, empathy, and critical judgement

Diagnóstico y tratamiento del síndrome de piel sensible: un algoritmo para la práctica clínica habitual / Diagnosis and Treatment of Sensitive Skin Syndrome: An Algorithm for Clinical Practice

Tradicionalmente, la piel sensible se ha considerado como un problema cosmético o como una alteración puramente psicosomática con un fuerte componente subjetivo. Sin embargo, diversos estudios científicos sobre sus procesos fisiopatológicos y su etiopatogenia han demostrado que se trata de una entidad compleja que ya diversos autores consideran un síndrome neurodermatológico. Sus características hacen que su diagnóstico y tratamiento puedan resultar complicados en la práctica clínica habitual, siendo necesarias herramientas sencillas que se puedan usar de rutina, tanto para identificar esta entidad, que puede presentarse acompañada de otra patología, como para su manejo independiente. En este trabajo realizamos una revisión práctica de los avances científicos más recientes el campo de la piel sensible que justifican su consideración individual y ofrecen herramientas para identificarla y tratarla. Proponemos algoritmos de diagnóstico y de tratamiento basados en las evidencias de la literatura y en la opinión de los expertos que firman este artículo

Sensitive skin has traditionally been viewed as a cosmetic problem or as a purely psychosomatic alteration with a major subjective component. Different studies of its pathophysiologic etiology, however, have shown it to be a complex entity that several authors now consider to be a neurodermatological syndrome. Because of this complexity, skin sensitivity can be difficult to diagnose and treat, particularly considering that it may present with another disease. Simple tools applicable to clinical practice are thus necessary to identify and manage this disease as an independent entity. In this study, we perform a practical review of the most recent scientific advances in the area of sensitive skin that justify it being considered an individual entity, and provide tools for its identification and treatment. We propose diagnostic and treatment algorithms based on evidence from the literature and our experience and expertise

Fase final de la validación transcultural al español de la escala Hair Specific Skindex-29: sensibilidad al cambio y correlación con la escala SF-12 / Final Phase in the Validation of the Cross-Cultural Adaptation of the Hair-Specific Skindex-29 Questionnaire Into Spanish: Sensitivity to Change and Correlation With the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey

Antecedentes y objetivo: Previamente se había iniciado el proceso metodológico para la validación transcultural al idioma español de la escala Hair Specific Skindex-29 (HSS-29), que mide el impacto de la alopecia androgénica femenina sobre la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS). Para finalizar el proceso, el objetivo del estudio fue completar la validación a través de la determinación de su sensibilidad al cambio y su correlación con una escala generalista de CVRS (SF-12). Material y método: Se establecieron dos visitas, una basal y otra tras 6meses de tratamiento con suplemento alimenticio con actividad inhibidora de la enzima 5-alfa reductasa. En cada visita, investigadores y pacientes valoraron la gravedad de la alopecia mediante la escala Sinclair, el estado de la apariencia del cabello, y se administraron las escalas HSS-29 y SF-12. Resultados: Participaron 983 mujeres con alopecia androgénica. La media de puntuación en la escala HSS-29 cambió de 27,5 ± 18,7 en la visita basal a 19,3 ± 15,7 en la de seguimiento, y sus dimensiones funcional, emocional y sintomática también cambiaron significativamente. Tanto las diferencias entre basal y seguimiento en el índice HSS-29 global como en cada una de sus dimensiones se correlacionaron significativamente con las diferencias encontradas en las dimensiones de SF-12. Los coeficientes de correlación de Pearson oscilaron entre -0,1 y -0,4, y en todos los casos el grado de significación fue p < 0,001. Conclusiones: La versión en español de la escala HSS-29 posee sensibilidad, es decir, detecta cambios relacionados con la calidad de vida cuando las condiciones objetivas varían. Igualmente, se observó una correlación entre las escalas HSS-29 y SF-12

Background and objective: Work has already been done on validating the cross-cultural adaptation of the Hair-Specific Skindex-29 questionnaire (HSS-29) into Spanish. This questionnaire measures the impact of female-pattern hair loss on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The aim of this study was to complete the validation process by testing the questionnaire's sensitivity to change and assessing its correlation with the generic 12-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12). Material and method: Patients who started treatment with a nutritional supplement that blocks the activity of 5-alpha-reductase were seen in two visits: a baseline visit and a follow-up visit at 6months. At each visit, hair loss severity was assessed by both investigators and patients via the Sinclair scale, evaluation of hair condition, and administration of HSS-29 and SF-12. Results: In total, 983 women with female-pattern hair loss participated in the study. The mean HSS-29 score decreased from 25.7 ± 18.7 at baseline to 19.3 ± 15.7 at follow-up and significant changes were also observed in the functioning, emotions, and symptoms domains. Changes in overall and subscale HSS-29 scores from baseline to follow-up were all significantly correlated with changes in SF-12 subscale scores. The Pearson correlation coefficients ranged from -0.1 to -0.4 and were all significant at P <.001. Conclusions: The Spanish version of HSS-29 is sensitive to change, as it detected changes in objective measurements of HRQoL. Correlations between HSS-29 and SF-12 scores were also observed

Final Phase in the Validation of the Cross-Cultural Adaptation of the Hair-Specific Skindex-29 Questionnaire Into Spanish: Sensitivity to Change and Correlation With the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey. / Fase final de la validación transcultural al español de la escala Hair Specific Skindex-29: sensibilidad al cambio y correlación con la escala SF-12.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Work has already been done on validating the cross-cultural adaptation of the Hair-Specific Skindex-29 questionnaire (HSS-29) into Spanish. This questionnaire measures the impact of female-pattern hair loss on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The aim of this study was to complete the validation process by testing the questionnaire's sensitivity to change and assessing its correlation with the generic 12-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12). MATERIAL AND METHOD: Patients who started treatment with a nutritional supplement that blocks the activity of 5-alpha-reductase were seen in two visits: a baseline visit and a follow-up visit at 6months. At each visit, hair loss severity was assessed by both investigators and patients via the Sinclair scale, evaluation of hair condition, and administration of HSS-29 and SF-12. RESULTS: In total, 983 women with female-pattern hair loss participated in the study. The mean HSS-29 score decreased from 25.7±18.7 at baseline to 19.3±15.7 at follow-up and significant changes were also observed in the functioning, emotions, and symptoms domains. Changes in overall and subscale HSS-29 scores from baseline to follow-up were all significantly correlated with changes in SF-12 subscale scores. The Pearson correlation coefficients ranged from -0.1 to -0.4 and were all significant at P<.001. CONCLUSIONS: The Spanish version of HSS-29 is sensitive to change, as it detected changes in objective measurements of HRQoL. Correlations between HSS-29 and SF-12 scores were also observed.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Sensitive Skin Syndrome: An Algorithm for Clinical Practice. / Diagnóstico y tratamiento del síndrome de piel sensible: un algoritmo para la práctica clínica habitual.

Sensitive skin has traditionally been viewed as a cosmetic problem or as a purely psychosomatic alteration with a major subjective component. Different studies of its pathophysiologic etiology, however, have shown it to be a complex entity that several authors now consider to be a neurodermatological syndrome. Because of this complexity, skin sensitivity can be difficult to diagnose and treat, particularly considering that it may present with another disease. Simple tools applicable to clinical practice are thus necessary to identify and manage this disease as an independent entity. In this study, we perform a practical review of the most recent scientific advances in the area of sensitive skin that justify it being considered an individual entity, and provide tools for its identification and treatment. We propose diagnostic and treatment algorithms based on evidence from the literature and our experience and expertise.

Key Communication Skills in Cosmetic Dermatology: A 3-Pillar Model. / Dermatología Estética: habilidades humanas claves en comunicación. Modelo de los tres pilares.

Cosmetic dermatology deals with the beauty and appearance of the skin - a most important element of body image. Treatments used in cosmetic dermatology (hygiene, hydration, protection, repair) aim to enhance the characteristics of the skin, its anatomy, its function, and its vitality, to produce aesthetic improvements. Communication with the patient is essential in medical consultations and we believe that it has special connotations in cosmetic dermatology that must be taken into account. In this article, we present a 3-pillar model for communication with cosmetic dermatology patients that rests on 3 skills: assertiveness, empathy, and critical judgement.

Estudio transversal sobre la repercusión de la información educativa en los hábitos de fotoprotección tópica en estudiantes de medicina / A cross-sectional study of the impact of educational information on topical photoprotection habits in medical students

Objetivos: El cáncer cutáneo (melanoma y no melanoma) es el tumor más frecuente del ser humano, siendo el melanoma el más agresivo. Dado que la exposición a la radiación ultravioleta (UV) es el único factor etiológico modificable, la fotoprotección es una medida preventiva primordial. Con estos fundamentos, se realizó una investigación cuyo objetivo principal fue comparar tres grupos poblacionales con distintos niveles de conocimiento sobre fotoprotección para conocer si existen diferencias en hábitos de exposición solar y grado de concienciación de los efectos perjudiciales del sol sobre la piel. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional transversal realizado mediante una encuesta entre octubre y diciembre de 2015 a 317 universitarios españoles con edades entre 18 y 25años. Se emplearon medidas estadísticas descriptivas y el test de chi-cuadrado. Resultados: Se realizaron seis preguntas para evaluar los hábitos de exposición solar. Se detectaron diferencias significativas en dos de ellas: autoexamen periódico de lunares (p<0,001) y empleo de factor de protección adecuado (p=0,025). Respecto al nivel de conocimientos, se realizaron cinco preguntas, encontrándose diferencias en todos los casos (p<0,001). Conclusiones: Tener más conocimientos sobre los riesgos de la exposición solar solo mejoró dos de los seis hábitos cuestionados sobre exposición solar. Probablemente existen otros factores que influyen en esta conducta, como los factores estéticos o socioculturales. La prevención temprana del cáncer de piel es fundamental, y es necesario establecer programas de promoción de la salud que tengan en cuenta estos otros condicionantes

Objectives: Skin cancer (melanoma and non-melanoma) is the most common cancer in humans, with melanoma being the most aggressive. Due to the fact that ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure is the only adjustable aetiological factor, UV protection is the essential preventive measure. Based on these grounds, a study was conducted in order to compare three population groups with different levels of knowledge about UV protection, as well as to determine any differences in sun exposure habits, and the level of awareness of the damaging effects of the sun on the skin. Materials and methods: An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire survey of 317 Spanish university students aged 18-25years old, between October and December 2015. Descriptive statistics methods and Pearson's Chi-squared were used. Results: Six questions were used to evaluate the sun exposure habits. Significant differences were detected in two of them: mole self-assessment (P<.001) and the use of an appropriate sun protection factor (P=.025). Five questions were asked concerning the level of knowledge about UV protection, with differences (P<.001) being found in all cases. Conclusions: Despite having more knowledge about the risks of sun exposure in the medical dermatology students group, only two of the six habits questioned were improved. Other factors that could be involved are the aesthetic or sociocultural factors. The early prevention of skin cancer is essential, with health promotion programs needing to be established that take into account all these conditions

Lesiones anulares y policíclicas en miembros inferiores / Annular and Polycyclic Lesions on the Lower Limb

No disponible

Validación de una adaptación transcultural al idioma español de la escala Hair Specific Skindex-29 / Validation of a Cross-cultural Adaptation of the Hair Specific Skindex-29 Scale to Spanish

INTRODUCCIÓN Y OBJETIVO: La alopecia femenina tiene un impacto importante sobre la calidad de vida. Analizadas las escalas publicadas para medir este impacto, hemos considerado que la escala Hair Specific Skindex 29 (HSS29) es la más adecuada para el objetivo del proyecto: obtener una herramienta en español para el seguimiento en el tratamiento de la alopecia androgenética femenina, que permita medir la evolución del impacto en la calidad de vida y adaptar e individualizar el tratamiento a las necesidades de la mujer. La escala HSS29 puntúa entre 0 (nula afectación) y 100 (total afectación) y discrimina 3 dominios (emociones, síntomas y función), siendo una escala útil en la práctica clínica diaria, autocumplimentada en menos de 5 min. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó el proceso metodológico establecido para la validación transcultural de una escala, a través de la traducción y retrotraducción por 2 traductores nativos en la lengua original de la escala (inglés), con el consenso de un comité de 3 dermatólogos expertos cuando fuera necesario. La versión consensuada se sometió a un pretest con pacientes para comprobar la correcta comprensión. Posteriormente, se determinaron las características psicométricas de la escala, la fiabilidad y su validez de constructo (sensibilidad y especificidad mediante curva ROC, fiabilidad por alfa de Cronbach, constructo por análisis factorial con rotación Varimax), de apariencia y la validez test-retest (correlación intraclase). RESULTADOS: Ciento setenta mujeres con alopecia y 30 controles respondieron a la escala. Un subgrupo de 15 pacientes realizó el test-retest y respondieron a la escala tras 1-2 días de la valoración inicial. La escala presentó una excelente sensibilidad y especificidad medida por la curva ROC 0,98 (intervalo de confianza del 95%, 0,97-0,99) y una muy elevada fiabilidad con alfa de Cronbach de 0,96. El análisis factorial mostró que los ítems se distribuyeron en las 3dimensiones (funcional, emociones y síntomas) como en la escala original. No se encontraron diferencias significativas entre los valores del test y del retest (23,05 ± 16,42 vs. 22,01 ± 17,72, p = ns) y el coeficiente de correlación intraclase fue excelente (superior a 0,9). CONCLUSIONES: La versión española de la escala HSS29 presenta unas características psicométricas similares a la escala original y es una herramienta útil para la evaluación de la calidad de vida en alopecia femenina

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Female androgenetic alopecia (FAA) has considerable impact on quality of life. Our analysis of the clinical scales available in the literature to measure the impact of FAA led us to choose the Hair Specific Skindex 29 (HSS29) as the most appropriate for adaptation to Spanish as a tool for following patients in treatment for FAA. This tool assesses disease impact on quality of life over time so that treatments can be tailored to patients' needs. The HSS29 score reflects impact in 3 domains (emotions, symptoms, and functioning) on a scale of 0 (no effect) to 100 (maximum effect). The scale is useful in routine clinical practice, and patients can respond to all items in 5 minutes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We followed recommended procedures to produce a cross-cultural adaptation of the scale. The process involved forward translation of the questionnaire to Spanish followed by back translation by 2 native speakers of the original language (English) and revision as needed after discussion and consensus by a committee of 3 expert dermatologists. The comprehensibility of the resulting translation was assessed in a test-retest step. Next, the psychometric properties, reliability, and construct validity were assessed. Sensitivity and specificity were evaluated with the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, reliability with Cronbach's alfa, and construct validity by factor analysis using a Varimax rotation. Face validity was also assessed during the process. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated in the test-retest step. RESULTS: A total of 170 women with FAA and 30 control subjects completed the cross-culturally adapted Spanish questionnaire. A subgroup of 15 subjects responded a second time between 1 and 2 days after their first session (test-retest). Sensitivity and specificity were excellent according to the area under the ROC curve (0.98; 95% CI, 0.97-0.99), and high reliability was reflected by a Cronbach's alfa of 0.96. Factor analysis showed that the items were grouped in the same 3 domains (functioning, emotions, and symptoms) as in the original version of the scale. There were no significant differences in the mean (SD) scores on the test and the retest (23.05 [16.42] vs. 22.01 [17.72], respectively). The ICC of over 0.9 indicated excellent correlation between responses to the adapted Spanish version. CONCLUSIONS: The psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the HSS29 are similar to those of the original scale. The Spanish HSS29 is a useful tool for assessing quality of life in FAA

[A cross-sectional study of the impact of educational information on topical photoprotection habits in medical students]. / Estudio transversal sobre la repercusión de la información educativa en los hábitos de fotoprotección tópica en estudiantes de medicina.

OBJECTIVES: Skin cancer (melanoma and non-melanoma) is the most common cancer in humans, with melanoma being the most aggressive. Due to the fact that ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure is the only adjustable aetiological factor, UV protection is the essential preventive measure. Based on these grounds, a study was conducted in order to compare three population groups with different levels of knowledge about UV protection, as well as to determine any differences in sun exposure habits, and the level of awareness of the damaging effects of the sun on the skin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire survey of 317 Spanish university students aged 18-25years old, between October and December 2015. Descriptive statistics methods and Pearson's Chi-squared were used. RESULTS: Six questions were used to evaluate the sun exposure habits. Significant differences were detected in two of them: mole self-assessment (P<.001) and the use of an appropriate sun protection factor (P=.025). Five questions were asked concerning the level of knowledge about UV protection, with differences (P<.001) being found in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Despite having more knowledge about the risks of sun exposure in the medical dermatology students group, only two of the six habits questioned were improved. Other factors that could be involved are the aesthetic or sociocultural factors. The early prevention of skin cancer is essential, with health promotion programs needing to be established that take into account all these conditions.

Validation of a Cross-cultural Adaptation of the Hair Specific Skindex-29 Scale to Spanish. / Validación de una adaptación transcultural al idioma español de la escala Hair Specific Skindex-29.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Female androgenetic alopecia (FAA) has considerable impact on quality of life. Our analysis of the clinical scales available in the literature to measure the impact of FAA led us to choose the Hair Specific Skindex 29 (HSS29) as the most appropriate for adaptation to Spanish as a tool for following patients in treatment for FAA. This tool assesses disease impact on quality of life over time so that treatments can be tailored to patients' needs. The HSS29 score reflects impact in 3 domains (emotions, symptoms, and functioning) on a scale of 0 (no effect) to 100 (maximum effect). The scale is useful in routine clinical practice, and patients can respond to all items in 5minutes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We followed recommended procedures to produce a cross-cultural adaptation of the scale. The process involved forward translation of the questionnaire to Spanish followed by back translation by 2 native speakers of the original language (English) and revision as needed after discussion and consensus by a committee of 3 expert dermatologists. The comprehensibility of the resulting translation was assessed in a test-retest step. Next, the psychometric properties, reliability, and construct validity were assessed. Sensitivity and specificity were evaluated with the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, reliability with Cronbach's α, and construct validity by factor analysis using a Varimax rotation. Face validity was also assessed during the process. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated in the test-retest step. RESULTS: A total of 170 women with FAA and 30 control subjects completed the cross-culturally adapted Spanish questionnaire. A subgroup of 15 subjects responded a second time between 1 and 2 days after their first session (test-retest). Sensitivity and specificity were excellent according to the area under the ROC curve (0.98; 95% CI, 0.97-0.99), and high reliability was reflected by a Cronbach's α of 0.96. Factor analysis showed that the items were grouped in the same 3 domains (functioning, emotions, and symptoms) as in the original version of the scale. There were no significant differences in the mean (SD) scores on the test and the retest (23.05 [16.42] vs. 22.01 [17.72], respectively). The ICC of over 0.9 indicated excellent correlation between responses to the adapted Spanish version. CONCLUSIONS: The psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the HSS29 are similar to those of the original scale. The Spanish HSS29 is a useful tool for assessing quality of life in FAA.