Quality of life and maladjustment associated with hair loss in women with alopecia androgenetica

Quality of life and maladjustment related to hair loss were studied by means of a standardized interview in a group of 58 women with alopecia androgenetica who applied for treatment at the Department of Dermatology. The hair loss was found to have a negative influence on the quality of life on the majority of them. In 88%, hair loss had negative effects on their daily life; in about 75%, the hair problems were manifested in negative self-esteem and about 50% experienced social problems. General psychosocial maladjustment in relation to hair loss was indicated in almost one-third of the women

Quality of life and maladjustment associated with hair loss in women with alopecia androgenetica

Quality of life and maladjustment related to hair loss were studied by means of a standardized interview in a group of 58 women with alopecia androgenetica who applied for treatment at the Department of Dermatology. The hair loss was found to have a negative influence on the quality of life on the majority of them. In 88%, hair loss had negative effects on their daily life; in about 75%, the hair problems were manifested in negative self-esteem and about 50% experienced social problems. General psychosocial maladjustment in relation to hair loss was indicated in almost one-third of the women.alopecia androgenetica maladjustment quality of life

Value of diagnostic techniques for cutaneous leishmaniasis

Background: Traditional diagnostic tests, ie, smear, Culture, and histopathology of a skin biopsy specimen, are not always Conclusive in patients with a clinical diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Objective: Our purpose was to find out if a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) specific for Leishmania organisms might be more sensitive than the traditional diagnostic techniques, thereby decreasing the number of false-negative diagnoses. Methods: In a prospective study, smear, culture, and histopathology of skin biopsy specimens from 46 patients with a possible diagnosis of CL were compared with PCR specific for Leishmania. In addition, the Montenegro test as a measure Of Cellular immunity against the Leishmania parasite was performed. Proven CL was defined as a case in which at least 1 of the 3 traditional tests showed the presence of Leishmania parasites. Results: Of Our 46 patients, 22 had leishmaniasis. Of the traditional tests, Culture was the most sensitive but there were no Statistically significant differences between the sensitivities of the various tests. PCR results were positive in all cases of proven leishmaniasis. Moreover, 3 patients with the clinical diagnosis of CL and negative findings on traditional tests had positive PCR results. Only I patient with a strong clinical Suggestion of CL and positive Montenegro test results had negative PCR findings; this patient also had negative smear, Culture, and histopathology results. Conclusion: PCR appears to be the most sensitive single diagnostic test for C