Trichoscopic features in diagnosis of Alopecia Areata and its relation to severity of Alopecia tool [SALT] score

Objective To assess the trichoscopic features of alopecia areata, and determine correlation between the findings and the severity of alopecia tool [SALT] score

Methods A cross-sectional study was done on 67 patients in Amrita Institute, Kochi, who were clinically diagnosed with alopecia areata of scalp. Patients were examined using Heine Delta 20 Plus dermoscope

Results Yellow dots were the most common finding on trichoscopy, seen in 86.6 percent of patients. Black dots were next most common finding, seen in 68.7 percent of patients, followed by broken hair [59.7 percent], vellus hair [49.3 percent] and tapering hairs [25.4 percent]. Grey hair was seen in 11.9 percent and coiled hair in 7.5 percent patients. There was a significant relationship between vellus hair and lower SALT score. This study did not find any significant association between the other trichoscopic features of alopecia areata and clinical type or SALT score

Conclusion Scalp lesions in alopecia areata show characteristic features on trichoscopy, such as yellow dots, black dots, broken hair, vellus hair and tapering hair. Trichoscopy is a quick, easy tool in the diagnosis of alopecia and it can be a non-invasive alternative to skin biopsy

CURRENT STATUS OF RESPIRATORY DISEASES SUFFERED BY JAPANESE PEOPLE LIVING IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

We gathered and analyzed date on respiratory diseases suffered by Japanese adults treated in Ram Hospital in Chiang Mai and Subang Jaya Medical Center in Kuala Lumpur. In both hospitals, the percentages of patients undergoing treatment for respiratory diseases was the greatest. Of these, relatively mild symptoms such as upper respiratory tract infection account for the majority of the diseases, but also included are instances of lower respiratory tract infection or chronic respiratory diseases such as chronic sinusitis and COPD⁄bronchial asthma. In Kuala Lumpur, we conducted a questionnaire-based survey targeted on Japanese people living there, in order to detemine the currnt status of respiratory deseases. The date showed that many Japanese had symptoms of respiratory diseases and felt that air pollution was serious. <BR>It is important for Japanese people living in Asia to be aware of preventative measures to prevent respiratory diseases, such as those caused by air pollution and infection.