Skip to main content

Is Helicobacter pylori infection associated with alopecia areata?

J Cosmet Dermatol. 2009 Mar; 8(1): 52-5Abdel-Hafez HZ, Mahran AM, Hofny ER, Attallah DA, Sayed DS, Rashed HABACKGROUND: Alopecia areata (AA) is an immune-mediated form of hair loss that occurs in all ethnic groups, ages, and both sexes. Helicobacter pylori has been associated with certain extra-digestive dermatological conditions, including chronic urticaria, rosacea, Schönlein-Henoch purpura, Sweet syndrome, systemic sclerosis, and atopic dermatitis. OBJECTIVE: The causal relation between alopecia areata and H. pylori is discussed. We have screened for the presence of H. pylori in patients with AA in order to determine any potential role in its pathophysiology. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We have prospectively studied 31 patients with AA and 24 healthy volunteers of similar gender for the presence of H. pylori surface antigen (HpSag) in stool. RESULTS: Optical density values for H. pylori infection were positive in 18 of all 31 patients evaluated (58.1%), while in 13 patients, values did not support H. pylori infection (41.9%). While in the control group, 10 of 24 (41.7%) had positive results. Within the group of AA, there was no significant difference between HpSag-positive and HpSag-negative patients. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these results, the relation between H. pylori and AA is not supported. We advise that H. pylori detection should not be included in the laboratory workup of AA.

Popular posts from this blog

Before And After: A Gorgeous Zen Bathroom Remodel

Before And After: A Gorgeous Zen Bathroom Remodel " casacullen.com/2009/12/rwd-home-kitchen-redesign-before-and-after almost the same issue during my recent 1960s bath remodel, I house in prime vintage condition and wants to zen " We love when sustainability meets beauty in home renovations. And this Japanese-inspired bathroom remodel in by Weston Miles Architects is a prime example. These before photos show a pleasant enough bathroom with bright color and functional traditional cabinetry, though a small sink space, not-so eco-friendly materials, and dim lighting. This after photo shows an incredible remodel that makes use of traditional materials in a modern aesthetic. The focal point is this Japanese soaking tub that the client wanted, and the room grew around that. The room has been opened up for a step-in shower next to the tub, its warm lichen-green balanced against the natural wood of the tub and wood trim. This beautiful remodel exemplifie...
Read more

Prevalence Of And Associated Factors For Dry Eye In A Spanish adult population

To estimate the prevalence of dry eye and to investigate its relationship with lifestyle and systemic factors in a general adult population in north-western Spain. METHODS: A dry eye questionnaire was administered and objective tests were performed in 654 individuals [mean age (Standard deviation): 63.6 (14.4) years, range: 40-96, 37.2% males]. Subjects were considered symptomatic when one or more of the symptoms of the questionnaire were present often or all the time. Schirmer test or= 3 and fluorescein staining >or= 1 were considered indicative of signs. Dry eye was defined as the simultaneous presence of symptoms and at least one sign. A design based analysis was performed and all calculations were weighted to give unbiased estimates. RESULTS: Dry eye prevalence was 11.0% (95%confidence interval [CI] 8.6-13.3). Dry eye was found to be more frequent in women (11.9%, 95%CI 8.8-15.1) than in men (9.0%, 95%CI 5.3-12.6), and was significantly associated with aging (p autoimmune diseas...
Read more

Enhanced Skin Blood Flow And Sensitivity to Noxious Heat Stimuliin papulopustular rosacea

Although patients with rosacea often complain of increased skin sensitivity, there has been no quantitative sensory testing of this phenomenon. Furthermore, cutaneous blood flow in these patients has not been assessed using state-of-the-art laser Doppler imaging (LDI). OBJECTIVES: To assess heat pain thresholds and skin blood flow using quantitative thermal sensory testing and LDI in patients with untreated rosacea . METHODS: Of the total 24 subjects enrolled, 8 had papulopustular rosacea (PPR), 8 had erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR) and 8 were control subjects. Subjective burning perception, heat pain threshold, skin blood flow, and skin temperature was assessed in all subjects. In the ETR and PPR groups, two areas were compared: affected and nonaffected. RESULTS: Heat pain thresholds of areas affected by rosacea were lower than those of nonaffected areas. In addition, subjective burning perception was increased in rosacea patients when compared with control subjects. Altho...
Read more