Background:Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a condition, which is an important psychosocial problem. The hormonal variations causing AGA are known, but whether behavioral patterns and lifestyle influence the condition and which age groups they influence is uncertain and such factors have not been studied in detail.Objectives:To compare association of lifestyle patterns with androgenetic alopecia, prevalence of psychiatric symptoms and resulting quality-of-life (QoL) between two age groups of males with AGA.Materials and Methods:Male subjects in each of the two age groups attending the hair clinic diagnosed with AGA were administered a questionnaire on lifestyle patterns. HAIRDEX and symptom checklist-90 (SCL-90) to study the presence of psychosocial problems and QoL were used. The stress experienced by such patients was studied by a stressful life events scale.Results:Of the 37 patients studied, 23 were in younger age group (average age) and 14 were in the older age group (average age). No significant difference was found in lifestyle, as far as eating habits, physical activity, occupational activity and leisure time were concerned. However, the younger age group had a significantly better psychological health. (P=0.013). On assessing the QoL, self-assurance seemed better in younger age group (P=0.014), reflecting changing societal trends, causing better acceptance of hair loss. On the other subscales, emotions seemed to be more affected in the younger age group, while older patients had worse functioning, more symptoms and more sense of stigmatization. On assessing SCL-90, no significant psychopathological difference was found between both the groups; however the older patients appeared to have more psychological symptoms on almost all scales scoring highly on obsessive–compulsive, interpersonal sensitivity and depression subscales. No significant difference in stressful life events at the time of onset of alopecia was noticed although older patients scored higher on this scale. Family history was found to be significantly associated with the onset of alopecia (P=0.0448).Conclusions:We concluded that lifestyle factors and stressful life events are not significantly affected by the onset of AGA. Only heredity seems to be associated with hair loss. Quality-of-life is affected in both the age groups but younger patients seem to have better self-assurance as well as better psychological health.

Rapamycin (sirolimus) is a fungal fermentation product that inhibits the proper functioning of a serine/threonine protein kinase in mammalian cells eponymously named mammalian target of rapamycin, or mTOR. Rapamycin is a novel class of anticancer and immunosuppressant drugs targeting the proteins at molecular level. Rapamycin (sirolimus) is routinely incorporated in drug-eluting stents used for cardiac angioplasty. In recent years, rapamycin was found to be efficacious in managing the symptom complex of tuberous sclerosis, i.e. renal angiomyolipoma, giant cell astrocytoma and pulmonary lymphangiomyomatosis. Various investigators have also proved that topically applied rapamycin causes regression of facial angiofibromas, giving better cosmetic results.

Injectable platelet-rich fibrin (I-PRF) is a second generation, fully autologous, bloodderived biomaterial having three-dimensional fibrin meshwork, like that of a PRF clot, while retaining the fluid nature, just like platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Along with platelets and its growth factors, injectable PRF predominantly has collagen type-1, lymphocytes along with its growth factors. Preparation of injectable PRF is simple and requires minimal instrumentation and materials, making it a cost-effective product.We have been trying using this biomaterial in the conditions where PRP and PRF clot are being used currently, like androgenetic alopecia, periorbital rejuvenation, temporary filler material and as an agent to promote wound healing with favorable results.

Background:Alopecia areata (AA) is a common hair disorder of unknown etiology and prognosis with no definitive cure.Aims and Objective:(i) To study the efficacy and immunomodulatory action of 88% phenol on hair growth on test area in AA. (ii) To study various epidemiological factors in relation to AA.Materials and Methods:A total of 50 subjects presenting with nonscarring patchy hair loss on scalp were enrolled in this prospective open label study to receive 88% phenol at 3 weekly intervals in a tertiary care hospital. Efficacy was assessed using scoring system for density, pigmentation, and texture of growing hair.Results:Texture and pigmentation of hair growth was significantly improved at 9 week, while density of hair growth showed steady improvement, which was significant from 9 week onwards. About 78% of patients showed good to excellent response while none of them showed poor response.Conclusion:88% phenol was found to be efficacious with all patients showing hair regrowth. 88% phenol can be considered as a treatment of choice for stable AA due to its ease of application, easy availability, and low cost.

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Antibiotics (antibacterial, antiviral, and antiparasitic) are class of drugs which result in either killing or inhibiting growth and multiplication of infectious organisms. Antibiotics are commonly prescribed by all specialties for treatment of infections. However, antibiotics have hitherto immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties and can be exploited for various noninfectious dermatoses. Dermatologists routinely prescribe antibiotics in treatment of various noninfectious disorders. This study will review anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of antibiotics and their use in dermatology.

Head louse infestation, or pediculosis capitis, caused by Pediculus humanus var. capitis, is a common health concern in pediatric age group. An itching of the scalp is the chief symptom, whereas presence of viable nits confirms the diagnosis of head louse infestation. Secondary bacterial infection with impetignization with cervical and occipital lymphadenopathy can complicate the clinical scenario with physician misdiagnosing pediculosis to a primary bacterial infection. Screening and treatment of all close contacts is necessary for an adequate management of pediculosis. Medical management of head louse infestation requires proper application of topical pediculicidal agents', chiefly permethrin lotion and wet combing with a fine toothcomb. Severe cases with high parasitic load justify the use of either oral cotrimoxazole or Ivermectin. Other described technique involves a single application of hot air for 30 minutes. Radical but culturally unacceptable method would be shaving of scalp in resistant cases. Environmental fogging with insecticides is neither necessary nor recommended.

Background Melasma is a pigmentary disorder affecting mainly face . Various treatment modalities available as topicals, superficial chemical peels and lasers but none till date gives promising results, until date quest for the best treatment modality is on. Aim To study the effect of oral and topical Tranexamic acid (TXA) and modified Kligman’s regimen in treatment of melasma. Method Patients having melasma were enrolled after consent for voluntary participation. A detailed history and clinical examination was done. Total 60 patients were enrolled and randomized in three groups, 20 received oral TXA 250 mg twice daily, 20 topical TXA and 20 received modified Kligman’s regimen for 8 weeks along with sunscreen MASI(Melasma area severity index) was calculated at baseline, at end of 4 & 8 weeks. MASI score was compared with that at the end of the study. Based on reduction in mean MASI the therapeutic response was graded. Pre and post treatment photographs was also compared. Statistical analysis done by using student square T test , ANOVA And TUKEY test. Results Reduction in MASI score was observed in all the groups but greater reduction in MASI score with modified Kligman’s regimen by 30% followed with oral TXA by 25% reduction and least with topical TXA by 5%. Conclusion Although modified Kligman’s regimen is comparatively more efficient but due to its side effects in long term usage oral tranexamic acid could be a promising therapeutic approach for melasma.