BackgroundAndrogenetic alopecia is one of the most common forms of hair loss. Alopecia areata is a common autoimmune disorder which causes hair loss. It has been previously reported that both alopecia disorders can have negative effects on quality of life. However, only a few studies have compared the effects of the two disorders.ObjectiveThe aim is to show the impact of alopecia on patients' quality of life and compare patients with androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata.Methods82 androgenetic alopecia and 56 alopecia areata patients were recruited. All patients were evaluated with the Hairdex scale and dermatology quality of life instrument in Turkish (TQL), and the scores were statistically compared according to age, sex, employment and education status, and severity of illness in the two groups. Also, female patients were statistically evaluated according to whether they wore headscarves.ResultsAndrogenetic alopecia patients had significantly higher total Hairdex scores in terms of emotions, functioning, and symptoms, while self-confidence was significantly higher in the alopecia areata patients. No significant differences were found in stigmatization or TQL scores between groups. The Hairdex scale and TQL scores did not show differences between the groups in terms of wearing headscarves.Study limitationsThe validity and reliability of the Hairdex index have not been established in Turkey.ConclusionsBased on the Hairdex scale, our findings revealed that androgenetic alopecia patients are more affected by their disorder than alopecia areata patients. Although androgenetic alopecia is common and neither life-threatening nor painful, it is a stressful disorder with increased need for improvement in the patient's quality of life.

Whey protein is a source of protein that was isolated from milk. Whey proteins are composed of higher levels of essential amino acids. The role of diet in acne etiology has been investigated for several years. It was established that milk and milk products can trigger acneiform lesions, and recent evidence supports the role of whey protein supplements in acne. Herein, we report 6 healthy male adolescent patients developing acne located only to the trunk after the consumption of whey protein supplements for faster bodybuilding. This is the first observation which specified the location of acneiform lesions among bodybuilders. In our opinion, a trendy and common health problem is beginning among adolescents in the gyms.

Modulation of psoriasis severity by estradiol during pregnancy, menstruation and menopause has been investigated previously. The correlation between sex hormones and Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) has not been studied in male psoriasis patients. We investigated serum sex hormones in male psoriasis patients compared with healthy controls and correlated these findings with PASI. Estradiol, testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were measured in 47 male patients with psoriasis and 20 healthy controls. Patients with psoriasis showed higher body mass index and higher serum levels of FSH and LH relative to healthy controls, although this difference was not statistically significant. However, serum levels of testosterone and estradiol were significantly different between patients with psoriasis and healthy controls. Testosterone was significantly increased in control patients and estradiol was significantly increased among psoriatic patients. A significant inverse correlation was found between estradiol and PASI. Although the role of sex hormones in the pathogenesis of psoriasis has not been demonstrated, this is the first report of an inverse correlation between estradiol and PASI in male patients.

IntroductionIsotretinoin has been successfully used for the treatment of acne vulgaris.AimTo investigate the effects of isotretinoin on body mass index (BMI), to determine whether isotretinoin causes any changes in serum adiponectin, leptin, and ghrelin levels in acne vulgaris patients, and to correlate variables.Material and methodsThirty-two patients were included in this study. Oral isotretinoin was begun at a dose of 0.5–0.6 mg/kg and raised to 0.6–0.75 mg/kg. Pretreatment and posttreatment third-month BMI and adiponectin, leptin, and ghrelin serum levels were measured.ResultsThe pre- and posttreatment BMI values were not significantly different. In addition, serum adiponectin and leptin levels were significantly increased following isotretinoin therapy while serum ghrelin levels were not different.ConclusionsIsotretinoin may exert its anti-inflammatory activity by increasing leptin and adiponectin levels.