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Medicine (Baltimore) 2019 Mar;98(12):e14938

Biophotonics Applied to Health Sciences Postgraduation Program, Universidade Nove de Julho, Universidade Nove de Julho.

The female hair loss pattern was originally described as a synonym for androgenetic alopecia. It has been defined as progressive miniaturizations of the hair follicles, with a great impact on the quality of life of affected patients, causing significant psychosocial limitations. It was recently proven that photobiomodulation is a safe and effective way to treat the different types of hair loss. Read More

Pol Merkur Lekarski 2019 Feb;46(272):77-79

Department of Dermatology, University Hospital in Cracow, Poland.

Hair loss is a significant and constantly growing social problem among both women and men. Many drugs through their toxic effects on the cells of the hair follicle matrix have an influence on mitotic divisions and the hair growth cycle, leading to anagen or telogen effluvium. Currently, there are more and more publications and clinical studies evaluating the possibility of using methotrexate in the treatment of various types of non-scarring and scarring alopecia, but there is no study of the effect relating to the hair loss with low doses of the drug in other therapeutic indications. Read More

Lupus Sci Med 2018 25;5(1):e000291. Epub 2018 Oct 25.

Corporal Michael J Crescenz VAMC, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.

Several patterns of hair loss can occur in lupus erythematosus (LE). Alopecias which show histological characteristics of LE are LE-specific, and include discoid LE (DLE), diffuse or patchy hair loss in acute LE, subacute cutaneous LE, and rarely tumid LE. Lupus hair in SLE is a poorly characterised entity and may be a form of telogen effluvium. Read More

Int J Trichology 2018 Jul-Aug;10(4):188-190

Department of Dermatology, Rita Skin Foundation, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.

J Cosmet Dermatol 2019 Apr 23;18(2):647-651. Epub 2018 Oct 23.

Department of Dermatology, Self-employed, Konya, Turkey.

Background/ Objectives: Isotretinoin is a synthetic vitamin A agent that affects all of the pathogenic factors that suppress sebum production and play a role in the formation of acne. It is frequently used in the treatment of moderate-severe acne vulgaris. However, there are some mucocutaneous and systemic side effects that limit the use of isotretinoin. Read More

Exp Dermatol 2018 Oct 11. Epub 2018 Oct 11.

Department of Dermatology, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.

Background: Diffuse alopecia areata (DAA) often leads to a complete hair shedding within a few months.

Objective: To explore features and mechanisms underlying DAA.

Materials And Methods: Scalp and hair root dermoscopy were conducted on 23 DAA patients throughout the disease process, 20 patchy Alopecia areata patients, 23 acute telogen effluvium (ATE) patients and 10 normal controls. Read More

Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 2018 10;11:431-436. Epub 2018 Sep 10.

Clinical Research, Farmoquímica S.A, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Purpose: Telogen effluvium (TE) is defined as a diffuse hair loss characterized by shortening of the anagen phase and precipitation of the telogen phase, with a consequent reduction of total hair volume. Nutritional supplementation is indicated under conditions in which TE is related to dietary disorders. The aim of this clinical study was to compare the efficacy of two different supplements in monotherapy for TE. Read More

J Dermatol 2018 Oct 13;45(10):1160-1165. Epub 2018 Aug 13.

Department of Dermatology, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan.

Azathioprine (AZA)-metabolizing enzyme gene polymorphism is strongly related to thiopurine-induced leukocytopenia, which has not been well recognized in dermatological practice. We tried to see whether NUDT15 gene polymorphism can be the most susceptible genetic factor for AZA toxicity and the gene screening is beneficial to avoid the adverse events of AZA for the treatment of skin diseases. A retrospective study was carried out on 15 adult Japanese patients who were treated with AZA. Read More

Acta Dermatovenerol Alp Pannonica Adriat 2018 Jun;27(2):51-57

R&D Center, Sancaktepe, Biota Laboratories, Istanbul, Turkey.

Introduction: Currently there are only a limited number of drugs available for treatment of androgenetic alopecia and telogen effluvium. However, certain plants and their standardized extracts may provide some clinical benefits against hair loss. We formulated a herbal shampoo and a solution to evaluate their efficacy, safety, and synergy in hair loss. Read More

G Ital Dermatol Venereol 2018 Jun;153(3):338-343

International Hair Research Foundation, Milan, Italy -

Background: Considering the importance of hair in our modern society and the impact of hair loss, the efforts of researchers are addressed to better understand the mechanisms behind the hair cycle regulation and dysregulation. Because hair loss is multifactorial, differenced and new approaches are required. In particular we addressed our attention to two recently identified targets in hair cycling and growth control: olfactory receptor and autophagy. Read More

J Am Acad Dermatol 2019 May 14;80(5):1179-1196. Epub 2018 Apr 14.

Dermatology Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York. Electronic address:

Cytotoxic chemotherapies, molecularly targeted therapies, immunotherapies, radiotherapy, stem cell transplants, and endocrine therapies may lead to hair disorders, including alopecia, hirsutism, hypertrichosis, and pigmentary and textural hair changes. The mechanisms underlying these changes are varied and remain incompletely understood, hampering the development of preventive or therapeutic guidelines. The psychosocial impact of chemotherapy-induced alopecia has been well documented primarily in the oncology literature; however, the effect of other alterations, such as radiation-induced alopecia, hirsutism, and changes in hair color or texture on quality of life have not been described. Read More

Indian J Dermatol 2018 Jan-Feb;63(1):41-46

Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, S. P. Medical College, Bikaner, Rajasthan, India.

Background: The diagnosis of cutaneous adversities in the cancer patient is especially difficult, given the complexity of their illness and combination protocols used for the treatment. The present study was undertaken to know the spectrum of cutaneous adversities in patients undergoing chemotherapy and the drug(s) most commonly associated with it.

Materials And Methods: A total of 1000 patients with malignancies under chemotherapy in the oncology ward and outpatient department were screened in this observational study from January 2013 to February 2015. Read More

Int J Trichology 2018 Jan-Feb;10(1):40-43

Department of Dermatology, Busan Paik Hospital, Busan, Korea.

Endovascular interventional procedures are widely used for the treatment of intracranial vascular lesions. However, they sometimes produce reversible alopecia, known as radiation-induced temporary alopecia, depending on the radiation dose. Radiation-induced temporary alopecia manifested as rectangular alopecic patches without signs of inflammation, reflects damage to the keratinocytes in the hair matrix of anagen hair follicles, due to the sensitivity of these cells to radiation. Read More

J Am Acad Dermatol 2017 Oct 7. Epub 2017 Oct 7.

Hair and Skin Research and Treatment Center, Dallas, Texas.

Background: Focal atrichia is a common clinical finding in female pattern hair loss, the specificity and histologic findings of which need further clarification.

Objective: To determine the frequency of focal atrichia in various types of hair loss and its histologic characteristics in female pattern hair loss.

Methods: Part 1 of the study was a review of 250 consecutive female patients seen with hair loss for the presence of focal atrichia, and part 2 examined paired biopsy specimens from haired areas versus those from areas with focal atrichia in 18 subjects with female pattern hair loss. Read More

Int J Trichology 2017 Jul-Sep;9(3):124-126

Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, Government Medical College, Kota, Rajasthan, India.

Plica polonica (plica neuropathica) is an uncommon entity characterized by irreversible twisting and matting of hair resulting in a hard impermeable mass of keratin. Although the exact mechanism is not fully understood, it has been attribute to longitudinal splitting or weathering of hair shaft due to vigorous friction and frequent use of harsh shampoos and harsh cleansers and/or due to keeping long hair with poor hair care or neglect, parasitic infection. We describe an unusual case of plica polonica occurring in a patient of lung adenocarcinoma on chemotherapy and review the literature. Read More

Am Fam Physician 2017 Sep;96(6):371-378

Washington Health Systems Family Medicine Residency, Washington, PA, USA.

Hair loss is often distressing and can have a significant effect on the patient's quality of life. Patients may present to their family physician first with diffuse or patchy hair loss. Scarring alopecia is best evaluated by a dermatologist. Read More

Int J Trichology 2017 Jan-Mar;9(1):25-29

Department of Dermatology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, USA.

Background: Telogen effluvium (TE) is a type of acquired, diffuse alopecia that occurs due to an abnormal shift of scalp hair follicles from anagen to telogen, leading to premature shedding of hair. Previous studies have suggested the existence of a neuroimmunologic "brain-hair follicle" axis, in which mast cells have been implicated as an important link between the nervous system and immunologic system.

Objective: The current study sought to investigate the role of mast cell presence and mast cell degranulation in the pathogenesis of TE. Read More

Pediatr Dermatol 2017 Jul 13;34(4):e201-e202. Epub 2017 Jun 13.

Division of Dermatology, Children's National Health System, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia.

Anagen effluvium (AE) is a type of alopecia with hair loss during the growth phase of a hair follicle and is most often associated with cytotoxic chemotherapy. This report describes a case of AE in a critically ill 2-year-old boy who developed cardiorespiratory failure requiring extracorporeal membranous oxygenation. We postulate that the combination of hypotension and hypoxia with subsequent reperfusion triggered an apoptotic cascade in the hair matrix, resulting in AE. Read More

J Am Acad Dermatol 2017 May 8;76(5):948-957. Epub 2017 Mar 8.

St John's Institute of Dermatology, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom; Department of Dermatopathology, St John's Institute of Dermatology, NHS Foundation Trust, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, London, United Kingdom. Electronic address:

Background: Anagen effluvium with reversible scalp alopecia is a known side effect of chemotherapy. However, there are an increasing number of reports in the literature documenting permanent alopecia in patients treated with taxanes.

Objective: We sought to describe the clinicopathologic features in breast cancer patients who underwent treatment with taxanes and adjuvant hormonal chemotherapy. Read More

J Am Acad Dermatol 2017 Mar 20;76(3):472-477. Epub 2016 Dec 20.

Division of Dermatology, Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Electronic address:

Background: The hair pull test lacks validation and has unclear pretest guidelines.

Objective: We sought to quantify normal hair pull test values and elucidate the effect of pretest hair washing and brushing. The impact of hair texture and lifestyle was also examined. Read More

J Cosmet Dermatol 2017 Sep 23;16(3):421-427. Epub 2016 Sep 23.

ETC Research and Development, Oslo, Norway.

Postpartum effluvium is a well-known clinical fact. However, following some minor research activities in the 1960s, very little has happened on the research front of the subject. It was hypothesized that postpartum hair loss might be a manifestation of a change in the hair growth cycle occurring normally during pregnancy. Read More

J Dermatol 2017 Feb 20;44(2):180-185. Epub 2016 Aug 20.

Graduate School of International Agricultural Technology, Seoul National University, Pyeongchang, Korea.

Anagen effluvium develops because of disturbances in the hair follicle cycle, leading to acute and severe hair loss in humans. The objective of this study was to establish a mouse model of anagen effluvium by 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) treatment, and evaluate the pathological changes and underlying mechanisms. We treated 9-10-day-old pups and 3-7-week-old C57BL/6 mice with BrdU. Read More

Acta Dermatovenerol Croat 2016 Jun;24(2):150-3

Jana Zímová, MD. Department of Dermatology. University Hospital Ostrava. 17. listopadu 1790. 708 52 Ostrava - Poruba. Czech Republic;

Trichotillomania (TTM) is defined by the Diagnostics and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DMS-IV) as hair loss from a patient`s repetitive self-pulling of hair. The disorder is included under anxiety disorders because it shares some obsessive-compulsive features. Patients have the tendency towards feelings of unattractiveness, body dissatisfaction, and low self-esteem (1,2). Read More

Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 2016 Nov-Dec;82(6):677-680

Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India.

Anagen effluvium, the shedding of anagen hair, leads to diffuse non-scarring alopecia. We report two cases of anagen effluvium in the same family secondary to the ingestion of tubers of Gloriosa superba, which contains the antimitotic alkaloid colchicine. Both patients developed anagen effluvium and gastroenteritis 1-2 weeks after consuming the tubers. Read More

Int J Trichology 2016 Jan-Mar;8(1):1-4

Department of Medicine, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab, India.

Plica neuropathica also known as "birds nest" is irreversible matting of hair seen in otherwise healthy individuals and is usually associated with use of ionic/herbal soaps, shampoos, parasitic infestations, psychiatric alterations, or neglect. Anagen effluvium is a known side effect of many immunosuppressive drugs. Rarely matting of hair has been reported following azathioprine. Read More

Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 2016 May-Jun;82(3):322-4

Skinnocence: The Skin Clinic and Research Centre, Gurgaon, Haryana, India.

JAMA Dermatol 2016 06;152(6):724-6

Division of Dermatology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky.

Dermatol Online J 2016 Nov 15;22(11). Epub 2016 Nov 15.

School of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR.

The skin and the eyes are prone to radiation-induced injury in fluoroscopic procedures. The degree of injury is related to various exposure and patient-related factors. We report a man who presented with an alopecic patch on the left occipital scalp following an extended fluoroscopically-guided endovascular procedure. Read More

J Clin Diagn Res 2015 Aug 1;9(8):WC01-4. Epub 2015 Aug 1.

Senior Resident, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, ESIC Medical College Kalaburagi, Karnataka, India .

Background: Diffuse hair loss is a common complaint encountered by dermatologists in their daily clinical practice. Hair loss in women is a distressing condition. Various underlying factors individually or in combination contribute to the pathogenesis. Read More

Curr Probl Dermatol 2015 20;47:97-106. Epub 2015 Feb 20.

In this chapter, we will discuss the most common alopecias due to drugs and other skin and systemic disorders. The following hair disorders will be analyzed: telogen effluvium (acute and chronic); anagen effluvium; folliculotropic mycosis fungoides; and folliculitis due to bacteria, fungi, parasites, human immunodeficiency virus disease, lupus erythematosus, and sarcoidosis. We will cover topics including the epidemiology, etiology, clinical picture, and diagnosis of and current treatments for each disease. Read More

Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2016 4;80(1):74-9. Epub 2015 Aug 4.

a Department of Gerontological Nursing/Wound Care Management, Graduate School of Medicine , The University of Tokyo , Tokyo , Japan.

Alopecia impairs the physical and mental health of patients. We have previously shown that 8-week-old ob/ob mice have no reactivity to depilation, which is a stimulus that induces anagen transition in normal mice, while no hair cycle abnormalities have been reported in other studies until mice reach 7 weeks of age. Therefore, we hypothesized that ob/ob mice have abnormalities in hair cycle progression beyond 7 weeks of age. Read More

Skinmed 2015 Mar-Apr;13(2):98-101

Effluvium capillorum is a form of nonscarring alopecia characterized by diffuse hair shedding. This condition occurs when the normal balance of hairs in growth and rest phases is disrupted. Trichoscan is a computerized program used for digital measurement of hair growth and hair loss. Read More

Indian J Dermatol 2015 May-Jun;60(3):324

Department of Dermatology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi, Kerala, India. E-mail:

J Dermatol 2015 Oct 24;42(10):1027-9. Epub 2015 Jun 24.

Department of Dermatology, Hospital del Mar-Parc de Salut Mar (Barcelona), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain.

J Dermatol Case Rep 2015 Mar 31;9(1):1-5. Epub 2015 Mar 31.

Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland;

Background: Loose anagen hair syndrome (LAHS) is typically diagnosed in girls older than 2 years who present with hair that "will not grow". Hair microscopic examination shows absent inner and outer root sheaths, ruffling of the cuticle on the proximal hair shaft and deformed pigmented anagen bulbs.

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess whether there are characteristic trichoscopic features favoring the diagnosis of LAHS. Read More

Hepat Mon 2015 Mar 20;15(3):e24804. Epub 2015 Mar 20.

Department of Pathology, Ministry of Health Bagcilar State Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.

Introduction: Various types of dermatological manifestations have been reported due to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and anti-HCV therapy. Some of them have been described during IFN-based therapies. PEG-IFN-α-2a/RBV combination is used as the international standard of treatment for HCV infection for a long time. Read More

Rev Med Liege 2014 Dec;69(12):686-91

The diagnosis of most alopecia problems is based on the clinical history and a well conducted clinical examination. The additional contributions of dermoscopy, trichoscopy and trichogram are helpful. However, a scalp biopsy is occasionally necessary to establish the correct diagnosis. Read More

J Cutan Med Surg 2015 Jul-Aug;19(4):400-3. Epub 2015 Mar 16.

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Wellington Hospital, London, UK.

Ablative surgery for skin cancer of the face can often leave patients with significant deformities. These disfigurements can include loss of hair in conspicuous areas such as the eyebrows, leaving the patients with unsightly facial asymmetry. Eyebrow transplantation serves to address this issue; however, it has often been discouraged in patients who are destined to receive radiotherapy to the cutaneous area in question. Read More

Clin Exp Dermatol 2015 Jul 16;40(5):485-8. Epub 2015 Feb 16.

Autoimmune Bullous Diseases Research Center, Department of Dermatology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Background: Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a known cause of loss of 'normal' anagen hair; that is, shedding of intact anagen hairs covered by root sheaths. However, studies on this subject are limited.

Aim: To investigate anagen hair shedding in patients with PV, and ascertain its association with disease severity. Read More

Turk J Med Sci 2014 ;44(3):432-8

Department of Dermatology, Yüzüncü Yıl University, Van, Turkey.

Aim: In this study, we investigated the sensitivity of TrichoScan, a computer-based phototrichogram, in the evaluation of diffuse hair loss in women and the relationship between iron deficiency anemia and hair loss.

Materials And Methods: We recruited 100 female patients with diffuse hair loss. In all of the patients, a 1-cm2 area of hair located in a temporoparietal region was shortened to 0. Read More

Indian J Dermatol 2014 Nov;59(6):633

Department of Dermatology, PSG Hospitals, Peelamedu, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.

A 47-year-old Indian woman with dark hair developed dramatic alopecia of the occipito-vertical area two weeks after a fluoroscopically-guided endovascular procedure for treatment of cerebral aneurysm. There was spontaneous repopulation of hair in 14 weeks. Neuro-radiological intervention procedures are becoming commoner by the day in India, and the rare but documented possibility of such reactions occurring in patients should be kept in mind by the treating surgeon as well as dermatologist. Read More

Clin Exp Dermatol 2014 Dec 22;39(8):868-73. Epub 2014 Aug 22.

Department of Pathology, Unicamp, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.

Background: Chronic telogen effluvium (CTE), a poorly understood condition, can be confused with or may be a prodrome to female pattern hair loss (FPHL). The pathogenesis of both is related to follicle cycle shortening and possibly to blood supply changes.

Aim: To analyze a number of histomorphometric and immunohistochemical findings through vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Ki-67, and CD31 immunostaining in scalp biopsies of 20 patients with CTE, 17 patients with mild FPHL and 9 controls. Read More

G Ital Dermatol Venereol 2014 Oct 30;149(5):555-65. Epub 2014 Jun 30.

Dermatology and Venereology Private Practice Bari and Barletta, Italy -

Hair disorders are frequently observed in various systemic diseases, including autoimmune connective tissue diseases (CTDs), with predilection of lupus erythematosus (LE), followed by dermatomyositis (DM) and scleroderma. Hair disorders in CTDs may manifest as various clinical patterns, such as telogen hair loss, diffuse thinning or fragility of hair, and scarring alopecia. Less common hair disorders include anagen effluvium, alopecia areata, and trichomegaly. Read More

Br J Dermatol 2014 Mar;170(3):643-50

Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Clinical Research Center for Hair and Skin Science, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.

Background: In women with breast cancer, chemotherapy-induced alopecia is a highly feared but common side-effect of antineoplastic treatment. The onset, pattern and amount of hair loss differ depending on the therapy regimen and have not yet been quantified using standardized techniques.

Objectives: To evaluate objectively and compare the effect of antineoplastic therapy with chemotherapy or tamoxifen on hair loss, quantifying trichological parameters. Read More

Pediatr Clin North Am 2014 Apr 21;61(2):427-42. Epub 2014 Jan 21.

Section of Dermatology, Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3550 Market Street, 2nd Floor Dermatology, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. Electronic address:

Alopecia in childhood is a source of high concern, frustration, and anxiety. Delineating types of alopecia and those that are chronic or potentially related to underlying medical problems is important. There are 5 common types of hair loss in children: alopecia related to tinea capitis, alopecia areata spectrum/autoimmune alopecia, traction alopecia, telogen effluvium, and trichotillomania/trichotillosis. Read More

Postepy Dermatol Alergol 2013 Dec 18;30(6):343-9. Epub 2013 Dec 18.

Department of General, Esthetic Dermatology and Dermatosurgery, Medical University of Lodz, Poland. Head: Prof. Grażyna Broniarczyk-Dyła MD, PhD.

Introduction: Treatment of the severe forms of acne vulgaris remains a challenge. Isotretinoin is a drug often used in these cases. Retinoids affect the mechanisms that play a role in the pathogenesis of acne, reduce the production of sebum and sizes of the sebaceous glands. Read More

Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2013 Dec 10;29(3):629-41. Epub 2013 Oct 10.

Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, 300 West Drake, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA. Electronic address:

Noninflammatory, nonpruritic alopecias are uncommonly encountered in the horse. Alopecia areata, an apparently autoimmune hair follicle bulbitis produces focal, multifocal to widespread hair loss. The skin is otherwise normal. Read More

Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 2013 Sep-Oct;79(5):604-12

Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.

Disturbances of hair follicle cycling lie at the heart of most hair growth disorders, and have dramatic effects on visible hair growth and shedding. The two common disorders due to aberration in hair follicle cycling are telogen and anagen effluvium. Though a lot of literature addresses the problem of telogen effluvium, there are not many reviews on anagen effluvium or anagen hair loss. Read More