Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has become a newer method for the treatment of various types of alopecia. In this prospective study, safety, efficacy and feasibility of PRP injections in treating androgenic alopecia were assessed. Eleven patients suffering from hair loss due to androgenic alopecia and not responding to 6 months treatment with minoxidil and finasteride were included in this study. The hair pull test was performed before every treatment session. A total volume of 2-3 cc PRP was injected in the scalp by using an insulin syringe. The treatment was repeated every two weeks, for a total of four times. The outcome was assessed after 3 months by clinical examination, macroscopic photos, hair pull test and patient's overall satisfaction.Results:A significant reduction in hair loss was observed between first and fourth injection. Hair count increased from average number of 71 hair follicular units to 93 hair follicular units. Therefore, average mean gain is 22.09 follicular units per cm2. After the fourth session, the pull test was negative in 9 patients.Conclusion:PRP injection is a simple, cost effective and feasible treatment option for androgenic alopecia, with high overall patient satisfaction.

Context:Patients with dermatological problems have higher prevalence of psychiatric illnesses than the general population. Melasma, hyperpigmentation of skin over sun-exposed areas, has bidirectional cause-effect relationship with depression and stress through psycho-neuro-endocrine pathways.Aims:The aim of this study is to study the psychiatric morbidity and perceived stress in patients with melasma and statistically compare objective study parameters with those without melasma.Settings and Design:This cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in Tertiary hospital in urban setting, jointly by psychiatrist and dermatologist.Methods and Materials:The study involved 50 consecutive patients with melasma and 30 relatives of patients coming to dermatology clinic not having any skin disorder. Cases were assessed by psychiatrist as per the International Classification of Diseases-10 Diagnostic Criteria for Research, Cohen's 4 item perceived stress scale, Disability Assessment Scale 2.0 by WHO and Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS) and Dermatologist calculated melasma area severity index score (MASI).Results:Majority patients were females (88%) in the reproductive age group. The most common psychiatric morbidity seen in 42% cases was major depressive disorder. Adjustment disorder (26%) was the second most common diagnosis. Nonparametric analysis using Mann–Whitney U test revealed significantly more perceived stress (P = 0.001), more disability (P = 0.000) and anxiety-depression on HADS (P = 0.0 16) in cases than in their relatives.Limitations:This was a hospital-based study and thus melasma patients in the community are not represented. Small sample size, less number of controls, lack of structured diagnostic interview are other limitations of this study.Conclusions:There is high psychiatric comorbidity (76%) of depressive and stress disorders, higher functional disability and perceived stress in patients with melasma compared to controls.

Nitric oxide levels were significantly increased in patients with psoriasis and these levels showed a positive correlation with severity and duration in the chronic plaque type group.

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Rhinosporidiosis is a chronic recurrent infective granulomatous disease of man and animals. It is endemic in India and Sri Lanka. Rhinosporidiosis is a chronic disease commonly involving the nose and nasopharynx. Cutaneous lesions, although rare, can occur due to autoinoculation or due to hematogenous spread. However, disseminated cutaneous lesions presenting as tumor-like swellings are rare. We report here a 48-year-old immunocompetent patient who had disseminated painless cutaneous tumor-like swellings over both the upper limbs, abdomen, left buttock and calf since 10 months, gradually increasing in size. On inquiring, the patient gave history of excisions and electrocauterization of subglottic and nasal polyps. Histopathological examination of these lesions was suggestive of rhinosporidiosis. The general and systemic examinations of the patient did not reveal any abnormality.