Discoid Lupus Erythematosus is usually localized on the open areas. On the scalp it causes dilatation and plugging of hair follicles with adherent scales, this leads to destruction of hair follicles and permanent alopecia. Initial manifestation of disease can be difficult to recognize. Early visit to Dermatologist is recommended. Differential diagnosis of scarring alopecia include trauma, burn, tinea capitis, lichen planus, scalp psoriasis, sarcoidosis and alopecia areata.

Aim: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the mental state (depression and anxiety) in the acne vulgaris patients, as well as age, gender, education, localization of the eruptions, duration and origin of the disease and to relate these data to the psychological peculiarities. These data were then to be used in the treatment scheme. Patients and Methods: The observation involved 80 patients (55 females and 25 males) aged 16–50. The control group consisted of 45 healthy subjects without any skin disorders. The psychological status was assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Spielberger’s State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Results: In acne patients depression was expressed more in females than in males. High trait anxiety was expressed in patients with high education. BDI and STAI revealed significant differences in the psychological triggering factors. Psychological state did not significantly depend on age, duration of the disease, localization of the eruption, or acne severity. Patients and control group did not differ significantly in psychological parameters. Healthy females tended to be depressed significantly more often than healthy males, but the degree of education did not correlate with the psychological data. The correlation between BDI and STAI was significant both in patients and in the control group. In acne patients, correlation between the BDI and state anxiety scales was positive, while in the control group it was negative. The expressed disturbance of psychological state, i.e., high scores in the BDI and high levels of state and trait anxiety was found in 10 acne patients, but not in the control group. Conclusion: Disturbance of the psychological state with signs of depression or anxiety as well as mixed depression and anxiety is frequently associated with acne. This should be taken into consideration in the treatment scheme.

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Introduction. Prevalence of alopecia areata (AA) in the structure of all diseases in general population is 0.1-0.2 %, alopecia areata is responsible for 0.7-3.0 % of patients observed by dermatologists [6,8], it is the most common cause of hair loss, affecting 30.0-40.0 % of people under the age of 50, in recent period there is a strong tendency to increase the incidence. Alopecia areata is the most frequent cause of inflammation-induced hair loss, affecting both children and adults and hair of all colours, but historically it has been more prevalent in the younger age groups [3]. It may occur as a single, selflimiting episode or may recur at varying intervals over many years. AA may be associated with nails abnormalities, such as pitting and longitudinal or transverse striations. Sometimes, concurrent atopic disorders, diabetes mellitus and other autoimmune disorders may alter the course and prognosis. Complex interactions between predisposing genetic and environmental factors likely contribute to the induction of immune-mediated response [4]. In recent years, many authors have noted the link between alopecia and the deficiency of some trace elements [9]. Physical properties of the hair, their shape, color, thickness, elasticity, growth rate depend on the microelement composition. Hair without sufficient zinc content do not grow, without selenium and silicon they become thinner, brittle, and the excess silicon level may increase the "waviness" of the hair. The disruption in the metabolism of copper and manganese are associated with premature graying of hair. T. Malova [1] found that all inspected children with alopecia had a pronounced imbalance of trace elements. The author proves the deficiency of such essential micronutrients as iron, manganese, copper, zinc, calcium, as well in 100.0 % of children was identified a lack of selenium. Trace elements are essential cofactors for multiple enzymes and have a role in important functional activities within the hair follicle. Further, zinc accelerates hair follicle recovery and is a potent inhibitor of hair follicle regression [3]. Iron and zinc are the well-known trace elements that are associated with hair shedding [3,5]. In spite of the fact that several studies were done on the effect of trace

Introduction. Scleroderma is a chronic disease of unknown aetiology characterized by skin fibrosis and is divided into two clinical entities: localized scleroderma and systemic sclerosis [1]. But the localized scleroderma is not accompanied by Raynaud's phenomenon, acrosclerosis and internal organ involvement and the life prognosis of patients with localized scleroderma is good [1]. Scleroderma "en coup de sabre" (ECDS) is considered a linear localized form of scleroderma or morphoea. It usually involves, unilaterally, the frontoparietal area, but may extend downwards to the face. Most cases begin before 10 years of age [3]. The involved skin area is depressed, hard, hyperpigmented, shiny and devoid of hair. Facial asymmetry may result from underlying muscle and bone involvement [2,4]. Early lesions of localized scleroderma are histologically characterized by perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate in the reticular dermis and swollen endothelial cells [1, 2]. However, there have been few information regarding histological features of localized scleroderma other than these findings.The aim of our study was to investigate the histological characteristics and their clinical association in ECDS.Materials and methods. The present study was carried out at the Department of Dermatology and Venereology in Tbilisi State Medical University. 11 patients (2 men and 9 women) with lesions clinically and histologically diagnosed as ECDS were retrospectively included. Patients who were treated with immunomodulating agents, including systemic corticosteroids and immunosuppressants before presentation, or patients complicated with Parry -Romberg syndrome were excluded from the study. All patients were subjected to:1. History taking including: age, sex, duration of the disease, family history.2. Clinical examination.3. Skin biopsy -evaluated for epidermal atrophy, spongiosis, vacuolar degeneration of basal cell layer, satellite cell necrosis, basal pigmentation, melanin incontinence, perivascular infiltrate, perineural infiltrate, periappendageal infiltrate, vacuolar changes of follicular epithelium and dermal fibrosis.