Is thyroid dysfunction a common cause of telogen effluvium?: A retrospective study.

Telogen effluvium (TE) is a common cause of hair loss characterized by excessive resting hair shedding. Thyroid dysfunction is one of the possible causes of TE. On the other hand, the link between thyroid disorder and TE is still being debated. The aim of this retrospective is to investigate the link between thyroid dysfunction and TE. This retrospective study included 500 female patients with TE who had thyroid function testing between January 2012 and December 2022. Patients were eligible if they had a confirmed TE diagnosis and thyroid function tests within 3 months of being diagnosed with TE. The thyroid function of the participants was classified as euthyroid, hypothyroidism, or hyperthyroidism. The severity of hair loss was determined using the severity of alopecia tool (SALT) score. The study included 500 TE females, 248 of whom were euthyroid, 150 had hypothyroidism, and 102 had hyperthyroidism. The hypothyroid group had a significantly higher mean SALT score than the other 2 groups. Furthermore, patients in the hypothyroid group had a higher proportion of severe hair loss. The mean SALT score did not differ significantly between groups with normal thyroid function and those with hyperthyroidism. A common cause of TE is thyroid dysfunction, particularly hypothyroidism. Patients with hypothyroidism have more severe hair loss than those with normal thyroid function or hyperthyroidism. To effectively identify and manage such cases, thyroid function testing should be included in the diagnostic workup of patients with TE.

Botulinum Toxin A for Hair Loss Treatment: A Systematic Review of Efficacy, Safety, and Future Directions.

Background: Hair loss is a common condition with significant impact globally, yet its treatment efficacy and safety remain debated. Botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) has emerged as a potential therapeutic option, but a comprehensive review on this topic is lacking. Objective: This review critically evaluates the current evidence on BoNT-A for hair loss treatment, highlighting the gaps in previous reviews and providing a comprehensive analysis of its efficacy, safety, and future prospects. Methods: A systematic search of electronic databases identified relevant studies published up to September 2022. Results: Prior reviews primarily focused on androgenetic alopecia and lacked the evaluation of other alopecia types and underlying mechanisms. Our review addresses this gap, incorporating a broader spectrum of hair loss conditions. Mechanisms of BoNT-A in hair growth modulation, potential side effects, and future research directions are discussed. Conclusion: This review adds to the existing body of knowledge by providing a comprehensive evaluation of BoNT-A in hair loss treatment. The findings will serve as a foundation for further research and guide clinicians in making informed decisions, ultimately improving the outcomes and quality of life for individuals suffering from hair loss.

Prospective study of the effects of isotretinoin and vitamin D levels on severe acne vulgaris.

Background/aim: Acne vulgaris (AV) is a common inflammatory skin condition associated with psychological and social distress. Its pathogenesis involves factors such as sebaceous hypersecretion and Cutibacterium acnes colonization. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of various inflammatory skin disorders, including AV, due to its immunomodulatory effects and involvement in keratinocyte growth and maturity. However, adequate sun exposure is required for optimal vitamin D synthesis. Isotretinoin (IOS), a vitamin A derivative, is a commonly used medication for severe acne, acting by binding to retinoid receptors. It can also form heterodimers with vitamin D receptors, potentially increasing vitamin D catabolism. Previous studies examining the impact of oral IOS on serum vitamin D levels have yielded inconsistent results. Therefore, this study aimed to assess changes in 25-hydroxy (OH) vitamin D serum levels in individuals with severe AV before and after IOS treatment. Materials and methods: One hundred patients with severe AV were enrolled, each receiving 0.75 mg/kg IOS treatment daily for 4 months. Serum 25 OH vitamin D levels were measured before, during, and after treatment. Results: This study found a significant increase in serum 25 OH vitamin D levels among patients with severe AV following IOS treatment (p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study suggests that AV may negatively impact vitamin D synthesis, but IOS treatment appears to raise vitamin D serum levels in individuals with severe AV. Further research is needed to confirm the potential relationship between AV and vitamin D levels.