An Economical Innovative Use of a Dental Burr to Sharpen and Reuse Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) Punches for Hair Transplantation.

A simple technique of using a dental burr to sharpen a follicular unit extraction (FUE) punch for hair transplant surgery is used. During the process of extraction in FUE, the sharpness of a punch plays a vital role in reducing transection rates and thus increasing the yield of harvested grafts. Every time a sharp punch loses its sharpness, its expensive to replace it, hence we have described an ingenious technique to reuse a punch innumerable times, thus reducing the financial burden for the surgeon and the patient.

Approach to Hair Transplantation in Advanced Grade Baldness by Follicular Unit Extraction: A Retrospective Analysis of 820 Cases.

BACKGROUND: In advanced grade baldness (Norwood 5-7), hair restoration has been considered difficult due to the donor recipient area mismatch. In this article, we have given a comprehensive methodical approach to manage these cases. OBJECTIVE: To assess the outcome and challenges faced with follicular unit extraction (FUE) and to plan a successful management in advanced grade baldness in 820 cases of androgenic alopecia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 820 male patients with advanced grade of baldness (grade 5-7) treated by FUE. The patients were divided into five groups based on the extent of scalp coverage, for example, frontal coverage, frontal + mid-front coverage, vertex, full coverage, and frontal forelock only. The results were analyzed at 6, 9, 12, and 24 months. RESULTS: At 12 months, 94% patients were satisfied with the results, whereas 62% wanted another sitting for increasing the coverage area/density. CONCLUSION: Hair transplantation can give natural and aesthetic results even in advanced baldness. Beard and body hairs can be used to augment results in cases with limited donor supply. A mature hairline with an adequate density in a gradient, from front to back helps in achieving a satisfactory response even in extensive cases of advanced baldness.

An Innovative Training Model for Practicing Hairline Designing.

Hair transplantation has undergone a massive transformation in todays world. Besides advancement in technique there has also been a great increase in the demand for hair transplant. This rise in demand for hair transplant has further led to an increase in the requirement of professionally trained hair transplant surgeons. In this article we have described a new, versatile and simple technique for hair transplant surgeons to effectively practice hair line designing. This innovative technique proves vital in perfecting the art of the recipient area designing for the hairline, eyebrow, beard etc. for a surgeon who is undergoing training as well as for previously trained surgeons to rehearse an old skill to gain further confidence. Besides helping us practice the art of hairline designing this technique also teaches us the correct angle, direction, depth and density of slits which are ideal and thus helps us to be better prepared for the real life scenario.

Pulse Therapy in Pemphigus: Ready Reckoner.

Pulse therapy for the treatment of pemphigus has been in vogue for several years and is administered by many dermatologists across the world. However, even though there is enough evidence about its efficacy and methodology, there continue to be doubts and questions regarding the rationale of use of high dose intravenous steroids and steroid-sparing immunosuppressants. This article has aimed to provide clarity to young dermatology residents on the administration of pulse therapy, and the various controversies and modifications that have been mentioned in literature over the past couple of years.

Approach to Infantile Hemangiomas.

Infantile hemangiomas are a group of vascular tumors and are considered to be one of the most common tumors in infancy. Ambiguity still prevails over its origin, etiopathogenesis, and optimal management.

A Pilot Study: Nailing Indian Elections with the Indelible Ink Mark.

CONTEXT: The indelible ink that's used in our elections was developed by National Physical Laboratories (NPL), Delhi in 1962, and has been used ever since. Though formulated by NPL, it is manufactured by Mysore Paints and Varnish Ltd. owned by the Karnataka Government. Earlier, the ink mark was applied on the cuticle but with effect from February 01, 2006 the ink is applied on the voter's left index fingernail from the distal end proximally until the cuticle using an applicator. This idea of the ink mark applied during elections was used as a simple tool to measure the rate of nail growth in a busy outpatient department of a Tertiary Hospital in South India. AIMS: To assess the feasibility of using the ink mark during elections as a method of obtaining data of nail growth across the spectrum of the entire country. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In 74 patients presenting to a hospital, the rate of nail growth was measured. The voter's mark on the left index fingernail of patients during the recent elections was used as a marker for measuring the length of the nail. RESULTS: The average rate of nail growth was 0.113 mm/day. The rate of nail growth was found to be more in females, younger individuals, pregnancy, patients on nutritional supplementation, psoriasis. CONCLUSION: This study which was conducted on 74 patients using the election ink mark successfully confirmed the possibility of using it as an efficient tool in measuring the rate of nail growth. The findings revealed the slightly higher rate of nail growth as compared to a study done by Rani et al. However, the limited sample size in this study was the major limitation.

Topical steroid-damaged skin.

Topical steroids, commonly used for a wide range of skin disorders, are associated with side effects both systemic and cutaneous. This article aims at bringing awareness among practitioners, about the cutaneous side effects of easily available, over the counter, topical steroids. This makes it important for us as dermatologists to weigh the usefulness of topical steroids versus their side effects, and to make an informed decision regarding their use in each individual based on other factors such as age, site involved and type of skin disorder.