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Plasma cell granuloma (PCG) is an uncommon benign tumor of unknown etiology, primarily located in the lungs. We report a case of PCG on the gingiva mimicking benign and malignant tumors in a 56-year-old woman. Histopathological examination revealed a relatively sharp circumscribed inflammatory cell infiltration under the mucosa-containing plasma cells, predominantly those including Russell bodies. Plasma cells are stained by CD138 immunohistochemistry. Polyclonal status of the lesion was confirmed by kappa and lambda light chaining. The typical histopathological and immunohistochemical findings in combination with the clinical features were consistent with PCG, about which the literature reports very few cases.

BACKGROUND Narrow-band ultraviolet B (nb-UVB) phototherapy constitutes the gold standard treatment for vitiligo. Whether carbon dioxide (CO2) laser might increase the efficacy of nb-UVB is still a topic of debate. OBJECTIVE To test the hypothesis that the addition of fractional CO2 laser to nb-UVB may enhance repigmentation. PATIENTS AND METHODS Fractional CO2 laser was applied with an interval of 2 weeks for 7 sessions, only to 1 of the 2 symmetrical vitiligo patches located on 2 different half-body sides. Patients received whole-body nb-UVB phototherapy 3 times a week, for at least 4 months. Repigmentation was scored with a quartile grading scale, with the help of a computer program using the photographs taken by the digital dermatoscope. RESULTS Fifty-one symmetrical vitiligo patches of 30 patients were included. No statistically significant difference was found between the mean repigmentation scores for the laser and nonlaser sides (p = .11). CONCLUSION Results of this study suggest that combining fractional CO2 laser with nb-UVB phototherapy with the regimen used in this study does not increase the repigmentation scores for vitiligo.

Background Telogen effluvium (TE) is a common form of non‐scarring alopecia, characterized by excessive shedding of telogen club hairs. Objectives The aim of the present study was to investigate patient characteristics, laboratory parameters, and treatment strategies in TE. Methods Electronic records of 3028 patients were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic and clinical data, as well as serum parameters screening for iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D, folate and zinc deficiencies, thyroid function, and ANA titers, were evaluated. Results In the study group, the most frequently performed test type was serum ferritin level (82.3%), followed by complete blood count (81%), both of which revealed that 6.2% of the patients had iron deficiency anemia. 4.6% of the patients had thyroid dysfunction. In screened patients, vitamin and mineral deficiencies were as follows: vitamin D (72.2%), vitamin B12 (30.7%), folate (4.4%), and zinc (2.1%). Women were more likely to be prescribed vitamin D replacement therapy. Iron replacement was the most frequently ordered treatment, comprising 37.5% of total prescriptions. Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, this is the most comprehensive retrospective study having the largest number of patients with TE. Our results will not only help to augment knowledge about TE, but also provide a diagnostic algorithm for the laboratory and clinical workup of patients with TE.

Hair is constantly produced and shed. The hair follicles producing the hair require calories, proteins, trace elements, and vitamins for this intense biosynthetic activity. Thus, hair growth quality and quantity are closely related to an individuals diet. The nutritional factors that are important for hair growth, and thus should be evaluated, and if deficient replaced in alopecias will be discussed in this review.