Appearance Of Hair Research Articles

Precocious Puberty – A Case Report

The parents of a 04-year-old girl bring her to a Gynaecologist because of breast development, appearance of pubic hair and periodic per vaginal bleeding. Her medical history is unremarkable. The parents are of average height, and the mother reports first menstruating when she was 11 years old. At physical examination, the girl is 100 cm tall , weighs 17 kg, and has a bodymass index of 17. Her pubertal development is classified as Tanner stage 3 breast development and Tanner stage 2 pubic hair development. She was diagnosed as a case of precocious puberity. Appearance of secondary sexual development before the age of 9 in a male child and before the age of 8 in a female child is called precocious puberty. When the cause of precocious puberty is premature activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, it is called central or complete precocious puberty and she was a case of central precocious puberty. After proper consult she was treated by GnRHa suppressor of pituitary till 11 years of age.Bangladesh J Obstet Gynaecol, 2015; Vol. 30(2) : 109-112

Age Estimation Based on Appearance of Gray Hair in Different Body Sites of Sri Lankan Autopsy Cases

Owing to the scanty evidence on usefulness of information of appearance of gray hair for age estimation, this study was conducted to estimate age based on the appearance of gray hair on different body sites in a sample of autopsy cases in Sri Lanka. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Teaching Hospital-Kurunegala during 2011 to 2013. Based on the pattern of the presence of gray hair in different body sites, six stages of gray hair were computed. The analysis 1155 autopsy cases revealed strong, positive correlations between age and appearance of gray hair in head, mustache, beard, and pubic area among males and strong, positive correlations between age and the appearance of gray hair in head and pubic area among females (p < 0.01). Our findings demonstrate the value of information of appearance of gray hair for age estimation in the field of forensic science.

Effects of Maternal Hyperhomocysteinemia on the Early Physical Development and Neurobehavioral Maturation of Rat Offspring

During pregnancy, several complications have been associated with hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) and elevated homocysteine (Hcy) levels have been shown to play a role in the etiology of preeclampsia, placental abruption, intrauterine growth retardation, and neural tube defects and associated with the neurological consequences. In the present work, we investigated the effects of chronic maternal HHcy on the development and neurobehavioral maturation of the offspring. We analyzed classical parameters of development such as body weight, eyelid opening, ear unfolding, incisor eruption, and the appearance of hair, and subjected the pups to various tests that reflected the neurobehavioral maturation extending from 4th to 20th postnatal days (righting reflex, negative geotaxis, cliff avoidance, head shake, acoustic startle reflex, free-fall righting, cliff avoidance caused by visual stimulus, olfactory discrimination). We have shown that newborn animals were characterized by lower body weight and higher mortality. Besides, the delay in neurobehavioral maturation of the pups from the Hcy group was observed. The obtained results indicate that early developmental impairments of brain maturation induced by prenatal HHcy may underlie long-term deficits in the learning and memory behaviors.

Alterations in Hair Follicle Morphology and Hair Shaft Production After Follicular Unit Transplantation.

Follicular unit transplantation is the most commonly performed technique in modern restorative hair transplantation surgery. It relies on the acquisition of intact follicular units from microdissected scalp skin strips and their subsequent transplantation into the recipient regions affected by alopecia. Ideally, the translocation of follicular units from the balding-resistant areas of the scalp (usually the occipital region) to the recipient site should not result in any morphological change in the grafts. Nevertheless, the insults associated with surgical intervention present grafted follicles to mechanical and chemical cues differently from those of the physiological steady-state conditions in undamaged skin. This disruption of the normal follicular microenvironment might alter important aspects of hair biology in grafts, for example, hair cycle and pigmentation, and, in turn, could lead to differences in hair appearance, eventually culminating in a diminished esthetical outcome of the surgery. In this study, the authors analyzed native and grafted scalp hair follicles (HFs) from 2 patients who had undergone follicular unit transplantation surgeries formerly. Scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy-based histomorphometry revealed a marked enlargement of follicular structures in the grafts with a concomitant increase in hair shaft diameter. Immunohistological staining confirmed a thickening of the dermal sheath in transplanted HFs that also harbored a denser vascular network. Taken together, these results show that the grafted HFs analyzed were subjected to marked morphological changes during their residence in the recipient site and that this phenomenon is associated with a modulation of follicular vascularization.

Evaluation of dermoscopy in the diagnosis of naturally occurring dermatophytosis in cats

A rapid, accurate screening test for dermatophytosis in cats is desirable in clinical and shelter medicine. In human dermatology, dermoscopy is used to identify dermatophyte-infected hairs by their characteristic comma hair appearance. Similar "comma-like" hairs have been observed in infected cats. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of dermoscopy for the diagnosis of naturally occurring dermatophytosis compared to fungal culture. A total of 67 cats were enrolled. This was a descriptive field study. All cats were evaluated by dermoscopy and fungal culture. Dermoscopy was performed with a hand held nonpolarized light dermoscope. Three dermatophyte pathogens were isolated via fungal cultures in 36 cats: Microsporum canis (n = 31), Microsporum gypseum (n = 3) and Trichophyton mentagrophytes (n = 2). Dermoscopy was positive in 21 of 36 cats with culture-confirmed dermatophytosis. Dermoscopy may be a useful point-of care-test to identify infected hairs to sample for dermatophyte cultures, but a definitive diagnosis for dermatophytosis should be based on clinical signs and the results of multiple diagnostic tests.

Biometry of the hypospadic penis after hormone therapy (testosterone and estrogen): A randomized, double-blind controlled trial

The use of preoperative hormonal stimulation before hypospadias surgery aims to increase penile size and achieve better surgical results; however, the rules are not clear in the literature. We evaluated the effects of topical testosterone and estrogen in the hypospadic penis regarding biometric measures, side effects, and serum hormonal levels. To our knowledge, this is the first study using estradiol prior to hypospadias surgery. Sixty-nine children with hypospadias were randomly divided into three study groups: a control group (CG) of 17 children given placebo cream; a testosterone group (TG) of 28 children who used 1% testosterone propionate; and an estradiol group (EG) of 24 children using 0.01% estradiol. All subjects applied the topical ointment on the entire penis, twice daily for 30 days before surgical correction. Biometric evaluation of the penis included penile length and diameter, glans diameter, distance from the urethral meatus to the tip, and the width of the urethral plate. These measurements as well as serum hormone level, and side effects were evaluated prior to hormone use, and 30 and 90 days after. After 30 days an increase in penile diameter and length and diameter of the glans were observed in TG (p<0.05). The width of the urethral plate and distance from meatus to the tip increased in TG, although not significantly. The most frequent side effects were appearance of pubic hair and darkening of the genital skin, mainly in TG, but these were transient and disappeared after 90 days of treatment. No significant variations were seen in serum hormonal levels (Table). As in previous studies, an increase in penile length and diameter, and glans diameter was observed with the use of testosterone. Proximal urethral plate width and distance from the meatus to the tip of the penis had a tendency to increase also in TG. Estradiol did not change biometric measure of the penis. Few side effects occurred after both hormones, and any that did improved after 90 days follow-up and did not change hormone serum levels. Preoperative use of topical testosterone increases penile size, diameter of the penis and glans. The use of estradiol does not change penile biometry. Side effects occur mainly with the use of testosterone and are transient. No significant and persistent hormonal changes were observed.

Effects of the perinatal exposure of Gum Arabic on the development, behavior and biochemical parameters of mice offspring.

The effects of the perinatal oral exposure to Gum Arabic (GA) on mice offspring was examined. GA was added to the drinking water of pregnant female Swiss–Webster strain mice at doses of 1 and 4 g/kg body weight, starting from the first day of pregnancy. The treatment continued until the fifteenth day after delivery, after which mothers were switched to plain tap water. A number of tests were carried out on offspring starting one day after birth and extending up to postnatal day 30 (PD30). Pups showed a reduced gain of body weight and delayed opening of the eyes in comparison to the control group and only pups exposed to 1 g/kg body weight GA had a faster appearance of hair. Sensory motor reflex tests carried out during the weaning period (from day of birth to PD21) showed enhanced motor reflexes in pups exposed to GA. During the adolescent period (from PD22 to PD30), offspring showed dose-dependent enhanced motor activity (on PD22), reduced anxiety and fear (on PD27) and slightly enhanced memory and learning abilities (on PD30). Biochemical tests of a number of blood parameters were conducted during and after the weaning period (on PD15 and PD30, respectively). Our results indicated that GA might have a hypoglycemic and a beneficial effect on red and white blood cell counts. This study gives a first insight on the effect of GA consumption on offspring, providing a starting point for further studies.

Influence of an Oral Supplementation Based on Orthosilicic Acid Choline-Stabilized on Skin, Hair and Nails: A Clinical Study with Objective Approach

In recent years, various dietary supplements have been released in the market with the promise of health benefits and functional properties. New trends involving nutrition have been highlighted due to the potential effects of certain food ingredients in the cutaneous aging process, the healthy appearance of skin, hair and nails. Looking at the growing demand for improvement in the appearance of hair, skin and nails and the increased interest of the population by use of nutricosmetics, the aim of this study was to evaluate an oral supplementation with orthossilicic acid choline-stabilized. For this, it was done a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical test. After approval of the ethics committee, were selected 60 women, aged 40 and 65 and they were divided into two groups (treatment and placebo). The daily dose of the supplement for evaluation was 400 mg of orthossilicic acid choline-stabilized for a period of 3 months. Analyzes were done before the treatment (basal-T0) and after 30, 60 and 90 days of treatment and it were evaluated the structural characteristics of the dermis, the mechanical properties of hair and the perception of effectiveness by the volunteers. According to the results, it was observed for the treatment group an increase in echogenicity of the dermis after 90 days of treatment. Thus, it proved that the treatment increased the density of the skin. In addition, the high resolution images showed improvement in skin micro relief and an improvement in skin roughness. There was also increased resistance of the hair and volunteers of treatment group reported improvement in skin, hair and nails. Finally, the oral supplementation of the nutricosmetic with orthossilicic acid choline-stabilized can be suggested as an effective product to increase skin density and to improve hair and nails conditions, complementary to topical treatments.

Commentary on: use of nape and peri-auricular hair by follicular unit extraction to create soft hairlines and temples: my experience with 128 patients.

For many professionals, as well as the lay public, the results of hair transplantation still evoke images of a pluggy or doll's hair appearance. However, the standard of care today is to create a hairline that appears completely natural and not surgically created. Advances which have led to this current expected level include improved instrumentation, clinical observation of normal hairlines, and recognition of the different qualities of hair that reside in the safe donor area (SDA). Another recent advance in the field of hair restoration surgery is the donor harvest technique known as follicular unit transplantation (FUE).1-4 The primary advantage of FUE is the absence of a donor site scar following traditional strip excision. While there are several additional advantages to the FUE technique, the ability of a patient to wear a short hair style without a concern for donor scar visibility is the major reason patients choose this approach. Another important concept of hair restoration surgery which is germane to this article is the “variable” permanence of the most inferior aspect of the SDA. The concept of donor dominance, which is the principle reason transplants work, was originally described by Oreintreich,5 who demonstrated the “permanence” of occipital and temporal hair (ie, the donor fringe or SDA) when transplanted into areas of alopecia. Not recognized at the time of Orentreich's original description, but addressed by Unger and Cole6 and recognized by others subsequently, is the often progressive nature of hair loss in the SDA from the bottom up. Dr Umar7 has focused this article on the use of nape and …

Individual male perception of female genitalia.

Australian Medicare data show that the rates of cosmetic labiaplasty have tripled over the last decade; however, there is little understanding about the social factors that contribute to the popularity of female genital cosmetic surgeries (FGCS). The aim of this study was to investigate male perception of female genitalia and to assess men's awareness of FGCS and whether these surgeries are viewed as a positive and acceptable option. A cross-sectional study of male adults in the Townsville region was conducted via an online questionnaire. A total of 500 online surveys were sent out and 248 respondents were included in the study; 49.2 % of participants do not have a preferred appearance of labia minora and 70.4 % of men are aware of FGCS, but 53.8 % do not believe that FGCS is a good option for women. Only 14 % of men supported genital cosmetic surgery, while 29.6 % are undecided about the practice. The most common preferred pubic hair appearance is completely hairless (45 %). This study indicates that the majority of men do not have a preferred appearance for female genitalia, nor do they support FGCS or consider discussing genital surgery with their partner. The major limitation of the study is that the participants' age distribution was skewed heavily towards the younger demographic, with 18- to 24-year-old men comprising 81.5 % of respondents.

Nanotechnology-Based Cosmetics for Hair Care

Hair is a significant indicator of health and can have a major impact on an individual’s cosmetic appearance. Research within the cosmetics industry has revealed that when nanomaterials are engineered into hair care, they can enhance the benefits of active ingredients in order to improve hair cosmesis. Within the cosmetics arena, the unique size and intrinsic properties of nanoparticles can be tailored to target the hair follicle and shaft. This review aims to provide an overview of cosmetic nanocarriers that can be employed to improve the appearance of hair.

Characterization of aging hair and its influence in quality of life

There are few studies that characterize the non-pigmented hair compared to pigmented hair. Furthermore, it is important to evaluate how the natural process of aging hair influences quality of life in women. For this purpose, a questionnaire was applied to evaluate the impact of greying hair and the appearance alterations on womens self-esteem. The satisfaction level of volunteers regarding their hair structure and conditions such as shine, strength and smoothness were also evaluated. Mechanical properties, such as elasticity and traction to rupture were measured using Universal test equipment. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to measure the hair surface morphological conditions. A large majority of the volunteers indicated that the beginning of greying hair can negatively influence their quality of life. They also reported that the primary changes of their hair were the frizziness, dryness and loss of shine, increased loss and breakage and thinning. Morphological evaluation showed that the non-pigmented hair cuticles were thinner than pigmented hair. The adherence of the cuticle scales was more pronounced in the non-pigmented hair .Finally, this study showed the influence of the appearance of grey hair on quality of life in women as well as the morphological alterations resulting from the greying processes.

Abstract P5-15-09: National survey of chemotherapy-induced appearance issues in breast cancer patients

Abstract Background: Many breast cancer patients suffer hair loss due to chemotherapy, and not only scalp hair loss, but also eyebrow loss, eyelash loss and nail changes induced by chemotherapy are traumatic for patients. These side effects diminish self-esteem and greatly reduce quality of life. However, there has been little research in this field until now. To clarify the actual situation concerning appearance issues in breast cancer patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy, and to consider a support system for these patients, we conducted a questionnaire survey. Methods: Disease-free breast cancer patients who have received adjuvant chemotherapy containing anthracycline and/or taxane within 5 years were recruited from 47 hospitals or clinics in Japan from April to October 2013. The patients participating in this survey completed a 65-question questionnaire concerning appearance issues (48) and their perception of physical and non-physical side effects (17). The drugs administered and treatment period were filled out by their doctors beforehand. The completed questionnaires were mailed directly to the data center by the patients. Results: A total of 1511 patients returned the questionnaire to the data center with a response rate of 82% (1511/1853). Since 33 patients did not meet the entry criteria, the questionnaires returned by 1478 patients were analyzed in this survey. The mean age was 54.7 years (+-10.4, range 17-79). The distribution of the patients by time from the end of chemotherapy to this survey was as follows: &amp;lt; 1 year: 28%; 1 to 2 years: 24%; 2 to 3 years: 19%; 3 to 4 years: 15%; 4 to 5 years: 13%. In this survey, the side effect that most patients (92%) considered traumatic was hair loss. The second most traumatic side effect was fatigue (83%), while the 7th place was taken by nail changes (72%) and nausea/vomiting was in the 10th place (56%). During chemotherapy, scalp hair loss occurred in 98% of patients. Eyebrows fell out in 90% and complete eyebrow loss occurred in 36%. Eyelashes fell out in 88% and complete eyelash loss occurred in 37%. Fingernail changes occurred in 77% and toenail changes in 62%. In 60-70%, scalp hair, eyebrow and eyelashes recovered to the original appearance by 1 to 1.5 years after chemotherapy, but in 3-7%, scalp and face hair loss did not recover at all by 1 to 1.5 years. This proportion remained almost the same for 1.5 to 5 years too. During or after chemotherapy, 84% of patients used wigs. This decreased to 47% by 1 year after chemotherapy and 15.2% by 1.5 years. However 10% of patients were still using a wig 4 to 5 years after chemotherapy. Approximately 30% of the patients had trouble using and selecting a wig. In 51% of the patients, sufficient information on scalp hair loss was obtained. However, sufficient information on eyebrow loss, eyelash loss and nail changes was only obtained from 28%, 25% and 31%, respectively. Conclusions: Our survey demonstrated the outline of hair loss and appearance issues in breast cancer patients who received chemotherapy. Hair loss is the most distressing and occasionally long-lasting side effect. Lack of information is a serious problem. These facts suggested a need for long-time and careful support of these patients. Citation Format: Takanori Watanabe, Hiroshi Yagata, Mitsue Saito, Hiroko Okada, Tomoko Takayama, Hirohisa Imai, Yuko Yoshida, Nao Tamai, Keiko Nozawa, Tamiko Yajima, Kojiro Shimozuma. National survey of chemotherapy-induced appearance issues in breast cancer patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Seventh Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2014 Dec 9-13; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(9 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-15-09.

Effect of ultraviolet radiation, smoking and nutrition on hair.

Similar to the rest of the skin, the hair is exposed to noxious environmental factors. While ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and smoking are well appreciated as major factors contributing to the extrinsic aging of the skin, their effects on the condition of hair have only lately attracted the attention of the medical community. Terrestrial solar UVR ranges from approximately 290 to 400 nm; UV-B (290-315 nm) reaches only the upper dermis, while the penetration of UV-A (315-400 nm) into the dermis increases with wavelength. The two most important chronic effects of UVR on the skin and bald scalp are photocarcinogenesis and solar elastosis; however, the effects of UVR on hair have largely been ignored. As a consequence of increased leisure time and a growing popularity of outdoor activities and holidays in the sun, the awareness of sun protection of the skin has become important and should also apply to the hair. Besides being the single-most preventable cause of significant cardiovascular and pulmonary morbidity and an important cause of death, the association of tobacco smoking with various adverse effects on the skin and hair has also been recognized. Increasing public awareness of the association between smoking and hair loss seems to offer a good opportunity for the prevention or cessation of smoking, since the appearance of hair plays an important role in the overall physical appearance and self-perception of people. Finally, the quantity and quality of hair are closely related to the nutritional state of an individual. Normal supply, uptake, and transport of proteins, calories, trace elements, and vitamins are of fundamental importance in tissues with high biosynthetic activity, such as the hair follicle. In instances of protein and calorie malnutrition as well as essential amino acid, trace element, and vitamin deficiencies, hair growth and pigmentation may be impaired. Ultimately, important commercial interest lies in the question of whether increasing the content of an already adequate diet with specific amino acids, vitamins and/or trace elements may further promote hair growth. Unless the hair is impaired due to nutritional deficiency, there is only so much that nutrients can do to increase the size of individual hairs because hair thickness is largely genetic. Nevertheless, there are external factors that influence hair health to such a degree that micronutrients could boost hair that is suffering from these problems.

Application of soft tissue expansion combined with follicular unit extraction for burn cicatricial bald

To investigate the therapeutic effect of soft tissue expansion combined with follicular unit extraction( FUE) for burn cicatricial bald. 48 patients with burn cicatricial bald (> 25 cm2) were treated in three stages. The expanders were implanted on the first stage. After expansion for 8 weeks, the expanders were taken out and local flaps were transferred. One year later, follicular unit extraction( FUE) was applied on the bald area. 48 cases were followed up for 5 years with satisfactory cosmetic results. The VAS assessment of satisfaction on hair appearance after three-staged surgery was 8.2 ± 2.1. Soft tissue expansion combined with FUE has a reliable effect for burn cicatricial bald.

Pubertal Developmental Age among Saudi and Non-Saudi Young Females Living in Jeddah, Saudi-Arabia

Puberty has different factors affecting its onset e.g. race, nutrition, hormonal stimulation. The aim of this research is to investigate the racial differences in onset of puberty among Saudi and non-Saudi young females living in the same environment. This cross-sectional study includes 568 healthy young females aged between 6-14 years living in Jeddah. In the present study, 60.7% of females were Saudis and 38.2% were non-Saudis. There were no significant differences found between each of the age of breasts development (p=0.187), age of first appearance of pubic hair (p=0.308), and the age of menarche (p=0.651) among Saudi and non-Saudi young females living in Jeddah. There were no significant differences between pubertal developmental age among Saudi and non-Saudi young females living in Jeddah.

A Truncating De Novo Point Mutation in a Young Infant with Severe Menkes Disease

Menkes disease is a rare neurodegenerative disorder caused by mutations in ATP7A gene. Deficiency in copper-dependent enzymes results in the unique kinky hair appearance, neurodegeneration, developmental delay, seizures, failure to thrive and other connective tissue or organ abnormalities. Other than biochemical tests, DNA-based diagnosis is now playing an important role. More than two hundred mutations in ATP7A gene were identified. Early copper supplementation can help improve neurological symptoms, but not non-neurological problems. Further molecular studies are needed to identify additional mutation types and to understand the mechanism of pathogenesis. This may help in discovering the possible treatment measures to cure the disease. We present a case with the clinical features and biochemical findings, abnormal brain magnetic resonance imaging as well as the effects of treatment with copper-histidine. Direct sequencing of ATP7A gene revealed a de novo point mutation which resulted in an early stop codon with truncated protein.

A review of medical and surgical treatment options for androgenetic alopecia.

Androgenetic alopecia is a highly prevalent condition that can profoundly impair the quality of life in both men and women. To provide the up-to-date medical and surgical treatment options for patients with androgenetic alopecia. A Medline search of scientific literature was conducted from 1997 to 2013. Search terms included androgenetic alopecia, hair restoration, follicular unit transplantation, and follicular unit extraction. Oral finasteride and topical minoxidil are the 2 mainstream medical treatments for androgenetic alopecia. These medications have different mechanisms of action and should be combined to have an additive effect in men. Follicular unit transplantation is the gold standard for surgical management. There are 2 types of graft harvest technique: donor strip and follicular unit extraction. Each technique has its own advantages and disadvantages and should be tailored to the individual patient. Understanding of the anterior hairline design is essential to achieving a natural-appearing result. Medical treatment should be used in conjunction with surgery to achieve a synergistic effect. For the right candidate, follicular unit hair transplantation can lead to a long-lasting, natural result with appearance of dense scalp hair.

Contribution of hair density and hair diameter to the appearance and progression of androgenetic alopecia in Japanese men.

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of baldness in men. The balding process is associated with the gradual miniaturization of hair follicles and successive hair loss. However, the relative contributions of hair density and diameter to AGA are still unclear. Hair density and hair diameter were investigated in Japanese men with or without AGA to elucidate the importance of these factors in the balding process. Male Japanese subjects with or without AGA (n=369) were included in this study. Hair appearance at the vertex was evaluated by comparison with a series of standard photographs. Hair density was measured using a phototrichogram-based videomicroscopy technique, and hair diameter was assessed by comparison with a series of calibrated threads on the phototrichogram image. All subjects with AGA were ≥25years of age. The mean percentage of thick hairs (>80μm) in all subjects with AGA was significantly lower than that in subjects without AGA aged ≥25years (P<0·01), but the mean percentage of vellus hairs (<40μm) in subjects with AGA was significantly higher (P<0·001). By contrast, the mean density of the hair in all patients with AGA did not significantly differ from the density of those without AGA aged ≥25years. However, the mean density of the hair in subjects without AGA aged <25years was significantly higher than that of both subjects without AGA aged ≥25years (P<0·001) and all subjects with AGA. Hair loss in men with AGA results mainly from the miniaturization of hair follicles rather than the loss of hair (shedding), at least for individuals who are ≥25years of age and present with AGA.

Effets secondaires de l’Aldara® : érythème polymorphe et ulcérations chroniques

Quantifying alopecia areata in real time has been a challenge for clinicians and investigators. Although several scoring systems exist, they can be cumbersome. Because there are more clinical trials in alopecia areata, there is an urgent need for a quantitative system that is reproducible, standardized, and simple. In this article, a computer imaging algorithm to recreate the Severity of Alopecia Tool scoring system in an automated way is presented. A pediatric alopecia areata image set of four view-standardized photographs was created, and texture analysis was used to distinguish between normal hair and bald scalp. By exploiting local image statistics and the similarity of hair appearance variations across the pediatric alopecia examples, we then used a reference set of hair textures, derived from intensity distributions over very small image patches, to provide global context and improve partitioning of each individual image into areas of different hair densities. This algorithm can mimic a Severity of Alopecia Tool (score) and may also provide more information about the continuum of changes in density of hair seen in alopecia areata.