Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is the most common form of alopecia in women. Affected women may experience psychological distress and impaired social functioning. Early diagnosis and initiation of treatment are desirable because treatments are more effective to avoid the progression of hair loss than stimulating regrowth. Typically, a diagnosis of FPHL can be confirmed by review of a patient's medical history and a physical examination alone. Testing a scalp biopsy is diagnostic but usually not required. In women with signs of hyperandrogenism, an investigation for ovarian or adrenal disorders should be performed. Treatment for FPHL is obscured by myths. The aim of FPHL treatment could be two-fold: Reverse or stabilize the process of hair follicle miniaturization. Mild-to-moderate FPHL in women can be treated with oral antiandrogen therapies (cyproterone acetate and spironolactone) and/or topical minoxidil with good results in many cases. If used correctly, available medical treatments arrest the progression of the disease and reverse miniaturization in most patients with mild-to-moderate FPHL. Hair systems and surgery may be considered for selected cases of severe FPHL.

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AIM:Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disease, commonly characterized by painful, deep dermal abscesses and chronic draining sinus tracts. Recently, laser and light-based therapies have become more commonly used in the management of HS.MATERIAL AND METHODS:We report 20 HS patients treated with a 1064 nm wavelength, emitted from a diode laser, launched in an optical fibre through intracavitary modalities.RESULTS:Each patient underwent four laser sessions, one every two weeks. we recorded a significative reduction (31%) of Sartorius score from 28.55 ± 13.04 to 19.75 ± 12.29 after 4 laser sessions (p < 0.05). No one has had a worsening of the disease.CONCLUSION:Intralesional diode laser 1064 nm can be a good treatment option for patients with moderate and localized hidradenitis suppurativa, because it is minimally invasive, doesn’t have significant complications and provides a rapid post-treatment recovery.

Linked Article: Albrecht et al. Br J Dermatol 2019;180:749–755.