Macular amyloidosis diagnostic outcomes of skin biopsy: A systematic review.

Macular amyloidosis (MA) is a primary localized cutaneous amyloidosis, characterized by amyloid deposition in the papillary dermis. The clinical presentation includes pruritic hyperpigmented macules and patches with a reticulated or rippled pattern, primarily found on the upper back and extremities. Biopsy is an essential diagnostic tool for confirming MA. This systematic review focused on the biopsy outcomes in patients diagnosed with MA.

The Prevalence and Awareness of Regular Follow Up of Patients Treated with Phototherapy for Skin Cancer Surveillance.

Objective Background: Regular full-body skin examination is commonly ignored in patients post-phototherapy, despite ultraviolet (UV) radiation being carcinogenic. Our objectives are to assess the prevalence of regular follow-up and full-body skin examination for patients treated with phototherapy, as well as the relationship between phototherapy exposure and the development of skin cancer in Saudi Arabia. Methods Settings Design: This was a cross-sectional retrospective study conducted from January 2022 to July 2022. The study included 99 patients, selected via simple random sampling, from King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, who underwent phototherapy for at least 8 weeks and were followed for a minimum of 18 months post-treatment. Patients who met the inclusion criteria were called and given a questionnaire. Results: Out of 99 patients, only 26 (26.26%) underwent full-body skin examinations by their physicians after phototherapy treatment. The average follow-up time after phototherapy was 3.2 years. Most study participants (85.85%) were unaware that cancer was a possible complication of phototherapy. Participants with knowledge about skin cancer complications were more likely to have undergone a full-body exam (P = 0.001). None of the participants developed any type of skin cancer after phototherapy. Conclusion: Patients treated with phototherapy had no adequate information about the risk of skin cancer. The incidence of skin cancer was zero in our small cohort. Dermatologists in Saudi Arabia do not have an evidence-based notion regarding the risk of skin cancer among the Arab population after phototherapy. Since There is a lack of data examining the relationship between phototherapy and skin cancer in the Arab region, this study should trigger future studies with large populations and longer follow up periods.

Is It Possible for Light-Based Hair Removal Home Devices to Induce Ocular Damage? Systematic Review.

Light-based hair removal home devices emit intense pulse light (IPL) or Diode laser. While the Food and Drug Administration controls them in the US, Europe continues to classify them as cosmetic products. Emerging concerns are: what if an unprotected eye is inadvertently exposed to light emission? Or if the consumer tries to overcome the protective safety features? We performed this systematic review by searching the Medline, CENTRAL, and Google Scholar databases to investigate the ocular damage reported after exposure to IPL for hair removal. We could not identify any case reported following exposure to home devices; however, a total of 20 patients were identified with iris atrophy, anterior chamber inflammation, and/or retinal pigment epithelium damage following exposure to office IPL or Diode lights. 40% were not using any protective eyewear during the light procedure. The reported fluences were in the range of 20-24 J/cm2. Although the ocular damage was identified following office devices, the reported fluences were within the home device's limits. For that, manufacturers should provide clear instructions on the package regarding the ocular hazards, the importance of using protective goggles, and a firm warning not to overcome the contact sensors. Home device-induced ocular damage is still a concern, perhaps under-reported.