Efficacy and Safety of Combination 308-nm Excimer Laser and Intralesional Corticosteroid versus Intralesional Corticosteroid Monotherapy in the Treatment of Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: A Pilot Study

Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a slowly progressive cicatricial alopecia that can result in permanent hair loss, so early diagnosis and treatment is crucial. However and of concern, a standard treatment regimen for FFA has not yet been established. In an attempt to remedy this gap, we conducted this study to investigate the efficacy and safety of combined 308-nm excimer laser with intralesional corticosteroid (ILC) compared to ILC alone to treat FFA. The results of our study revealed that the combination of 308-nm excimer laser and ILC was not superior to ILC alone for treating FFA. Moreover, side effects, including erythema and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, were reported in both groups

Efficacy and Safety of Topical 5% Azelaic Acid Solution Versus 2% Minoxidil Solution in the Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss

Objective: To determine the efficacy and safety of 5% azelaic acid solution in comparison with 2% minoxidil solution in the treatment of FPHL. Materials and Methods: Twenty-six FPHL patients with Ludwig grade I or II were randomly treated with 5% azelaic acid solution or 2% minoxidil solution twice daily for 6 months. At baseline, 2, 4, and 6 months, hair density and hair shaft diameter were assessed at the targeted fixed area. At 6 months, patient and investigator assessments of hair growth were performed using a 7-point scale. Results: Hair density and hair shaft diameter in the patients treated with 5% azelaic acid and 2% minoxidil solution were significantly increased compared to the baseline in all cases and visits (P 0.05). Both the investigator and patient assessments were comparable between both groups at 6 months. Pruritus was the major adverse effect reported in both groups, but only mild and all could be tolerated. Conclusion: 5% Azelaic acid solution might be an effective treatment for FPHL, comparable with 2% minoxidil, and could be an alternative treatment for FPHL in minoxidil-allergic patients and pregnant women

Efficacy of Oral Iron Supplementation in Treating Patients with Female Pattern Hair Loss and Low Serum Ferritin: A Pilot Study

The association between iron deficiency (ID) and hair loss is controversial. Currently, there is no standard oral iron supplementation for patients with female pattern hair loss (FPHL) and ID. We investigated the efficacy of oral iron supplementation for treating FPHL patients with ID. The results of our study revealed that oral iron supplementation combined with topical 3% minoxidil was not superior to topical 3% minoxidil alone in treating FPHL and ID.

Comparison of the efficacy and safety of 0.1% tacrolimus ointment and 0.1% mometasone furoate cream for adult vitiligo: A single-blinded pilot study

Topical tacrolimus has demonstrated efficacy in vitiligo. This study compared the efficacy and safety of 0.1% tacrolimus ointment with 0.1% mometasone furoate cream in adult vitiligo. We enrolled patients with symmetrical, nonacral vitiligo, and the patients on each side were randomized to receive either 0.1% tacrolimus ointment or 0.1% mometasone furoate cream, applied twice daily for 6 months. Repigmentation outcome at 6 months was compared with baseline. Of 18 cases, 22% and 33% in tacrolimus and mometasone groups, respectively, displayed more than 50% repigmentation (p > 0.05). Telangiectasia was presented in one-third of cases on the mometasone-treated side. Both treatments were effective in vitiligo; however, 0.1% tacrolimus ointment has fewer adverse effects

Evaluation of Hair Follicle Counts of Occipital Scalp Biopsies from Male Hair Transplant Patients in Thailand

Objective: To evaluate the average hair follicle count from the occipital scalp of Thai males with AGA who were candidates for hair transplantation. Materials & Methods: A cross-sectional study of 47 male with AGA undergoing hair transplantation surgery was conducted.  The 4-mm punch biopsies from the occipital scalp were evaluated for hair count parameters. The results were compared to prior studies. Results: The average counts of total hair follicles and the density of hair follicle per square millimeter were 18.6±1.2, and 1.5±0.1, respectively. The terminal-to-vellus ratio was 11.1, and the percent ratio of anagen-to-telogen ratio was 91.9:8.1. The hair count number is significantly lower than other ethnicities including Thais in general population (P < 0.001), but greater than the Thai males with AGA in the previous study. (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Our study showed a lower average hair density as compared to the other normal Asian population.  The total hair count in the occipital area from this study is less when compared to the previous studies conducted in Thai normal controls but higher than those with more advanced AGA. This result supported the evidence of hormonal effect involving the occipital scalp of male AGA.