Follicular Melanocytes in Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: An Immunohistochemical Study With Trichoscopic Correlation.

BACKGROUND: Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a scarring alopecia that affects the frontotemporal hairline. Clinically, it may develop with cutaneous hypopigmentation of the affected areas, which has been associated with a reduction in the epidermal melanocyte count. In trichoscopy, peripilar white halos can be observed, which have been associated with fibrosis in other scarring alopecias. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the trichoscopic, histopathological and immunohistochemical characteristics of the peripilar white halos in FFA patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study that included 12 patients with FFA presenting peripilar white halos. Two 2-mm punch trichoscopy-guided biopsies were performed in all patients, one fragment for vertical section and another for horizontal section. The vertical sections were stained with Fontana-Mason and Melan-A. RESULTS: On trichoscopic examination, peripilar white halos ≤ 1 mm in size were observed on the affected scalp. In vertical sections, a reduction in basal melanin pigmentation and a decrease in the melanocyte count in the upper segment of the hair follicle were observed with Fontana-Masson staining and Melan-A immunostaining, respectively. LIMITATIONS: The small sample size and absence of a control group. CONCLUSION: This study shows follicular melanocyte involvement in FFA, and this finding may be associated with the peripilar white halos observed in trichoscopy.

Primary isolated osteoma cutis of the face.

We report a healthy, 44-year-old woman presenting with an at least a 20-year history of hardened papules in the forehead region, extending to the scalp. The biopsy and histopathologic exam confirmed a diagnosis of osteoma cutis. We review the literature review and discuss the classification of the cutaneous ossification process presented, along with the results of the surgical treatment.