Trichoscopic features of hair and scalp in noncomplaining individuals: A descriptive study

BACKGROUND

Trichoscopy is a simple noninvasive tool that is used in calculating different hair parameters and the diagnosis of different hair/scalp diseases at variable magnifications.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this work is to describe the features and parameters of hair and scalp in a healthy sample of Egyptian population using videodermoscopy. This may help to provide standard range of measurements of normal hair in both males and females.

METHODS

A nonrandomized, observational study for features and parameters of hair structure, performed on 368 healthy Egyptian subjects with no hair/scalp complaint.

RESULTS

Each scalp area has its own vascular pattern. Male subjects showed different values regarding their hair parameters from the female subjects. No significant difference was seen after application of hair dye, except for few values. In both genders, there was a change in hair parameters with age. Smoking had a negative influence on hair parameters.

CONCLUSION

Hair features and parameters observed in our population are different from those reported by other populations. Smoking affects hair thickness and density. Dyed hair has greater thickness mostly due to the protective effect of hair conditioners.

Aflatoxin production by Aspergillus flavus field isolates

A total of 103 Aspergillus flavus isolates from 150 agricultural commodities and animal feed samples were tested for aflatoxin production by growing on a semisynthetic liquid medium for 1 w followed by chromatography and spectrophotometric quantification for aflatoxin. All isolates produced 1 or more aflatoxins; 41 isolates (40%) produced all 4 aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1 and G2). Aflatoxin G1 was produced by 81 (80%) of the isolates.