Novel Bio-Optoelectronics Enabled by Flexible Micro Light-Emitting Diodes

Optical health monitoring and treatment have been spotlighted due to their biocompatible properties. Several researchers are investigating optical devices for obtaining health signals and curing diseases without any damage to the body. In particular, μLEDs have received a lot of attention as a future light source due to their superior optical/electrical properties, environmental stability, and structural advantages. According to their strengths, μLEDs have been used for various biomedical applications, such as optogenetics and hair regrowth. In this paper, we introduce the research tendency of μLEDs and the latest bio-applications.

A Retrospective Study on Alopecia Areata in Children: Clinical Characteristics and Treatment Choices

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Although children are affected frequently with alopecia areata (AA), data are limited on clinical characteristics and treatment choices. <b><i>Materials and Methods:</i></b> We retrospectively reviewed the records of the pediatric dermatology department over a 12-year period to identify children with AA. Clinical data were collected. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Three hundred and sixty-four children with AA were identified, aged 1–12 years, 214 males and 150 females. The mean age of onset was 6.6 years (±3.3). The disease presented with patches on the scalp in the majority (90.7%), whereas only 6 children had alopecia totalis or universalis. The most commonly prescribed treatment was topical steroids (69.1%), followed by the combination of topical steroids and minoxidil 2% (14.3%). Oral steroids were prescribed in only 16 children. Follow-up at 3 months was available for only 70 children and the majority (84.3%) had some hair regrowth. Hair regrowth was unrelated to the number of plaques (<i>p</i> = 0.257), disease location (<i>p</i> = 0.302), and atopy (<i>p</i> = 0.999). Hair regrowth only correlated with the type of treatment (<i>p</i> = 0.003) with potent topical and intralesional steroids giving the best results. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> AA usually presents with a mild form in children, and potent topical steroids are the mainstay of treatment.

Discoid Lupus Erythematosus of the Scalp in a Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Case Report with Complete Hair Regrowth

Scalp involvement with hair loss is common in systemic lupus erythematosus. Discoid lupus erythematosus may cause scarring alopecia, characterized by well-delimited erythematous plaques with scales, follicular hyperkeratosis and atrophy, which is considered a trichological emergency. Early diagnosis and treatment are necessary in order to prevent permanent hair loss. We describe a 44 years’ old female patient with systemic lupus erythematosus for 4 years, with multiple areas of occipitoparietal alopecia, erythematous plaques, atrophy, scales and some bloody crusts. Trichoscopy, histopathology and direct immunofluorescence led to the diagnosis of discoid lupus erythematosus. After 9 months treatment with thalidomide there was complete hair regrowth.