Effects of benzoyl peroxide 5% clindamycin combination gel versus adapalene 0.1% on quality of life in patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris: a randomized single-blind study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with acne vulgaris often have impaired quality of life (QOL). The fixed-dose combination of benzoyl peroxide 5%/clindamycin 1% gel (BPO/C) topical gel provides an earlier onset of action and is more effective against inflammatory and total facial lesions than adapalene (AP) 0.1% gel. OBJECTIVE: To compare BPO/C and AP with regard to the early effect on QOL, efficacy, and tolerability in patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris. METHODS: Patients were randomized to BPO/C or AP once nightly for 12 weeks in a multicentre, single-blind trial. The primary efficacy endpoint was QOL at week 2, assessed using the Skindex-29 questionnaire. Secondary endpoints included grading and counting of acne lesions; investigator assessments of peeling, erythema, and dryness, and patient-reported burning or itching. Adverse events were monitored during the study and during the 14-day minimum follow-up period. RESULTS: A total of 168 patients were enrolled, and 114 patients completed the study. In the intent-to-treat population, after 2 weeks of treatment, BPO/C was associated with a small but noticeably better improvement in global QOL compared with AP (-4.9 versus -1.1; P<0.001). A greater reduction in both total and inflammatory lesions was noted from week 1 onward (P<0.05) with BPO/C versus AP. At all time points, BPO/C was better tolerated than AP for all investigator-rated (dryness, peeling, erythema) and patient-rated (burning, itching) events (P<0.036). CONCLUSIONS: BPO/C is associated with early improvements in QOL compared with AP. These QOL improvements are likely to be the result of better efficacy and tolerability outcomes observed with BPO/C.

Challenges and Solutions in Oral Isotretinoin in Acne: Reflections on 35 Years of Experience.

Acne vulgaris affects more than 80% of adolescents and young adults and forms a substantial proportion of the dermatologist's and general practitioner's caseload. Severity of symptoms varies but may result in facial scarring and psychological repercussions. Oral isotretinoin is highly effective but can only be prescribed by specialists. Side effects are recognized and mostly predictable, ranging from cosmetic effects to teratogenicity. These can affect patients' quality of life and treatment adherence. This article provides a commentary on 4 key areas: the use of oral isotretinoin vs oral antibiotics, including the importance of early recognition of nonresponse to treatment, the psychological effects of acne and isotretinoin treatment, the side effects of isotretinoin therapy, and cosmetic treatment options that can help alleviate predictable side effects. The authors, who have all participated in various international expert groups, draw on relevant literature and their extensive professional experience with oral isotretinoin in the treatment of acne. The aim of this article is to provide an informative and practical approach to managing oral isotretinoin treatment in patients with acne, to help optimize treatment of this skin disease.

Esthetic dermatology and emotional well-being according to gender.

INTRODUCTION: There has been an increase in the demand for esthetic dermatology treatments within the general population. The purpose of this study was to analyze, within the scope of general population, the relationship between people's perception of esthetic dermatology treatments and emotional well-being, as well as for differences in gender. METHODS: The Aesthetic Dermatology and Emotional Well-Being (DEBIE) Scale, [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology vol. 13 (2014) 336-345] was applied to 770 Spanish people over 18 years old. The scale is structured according to six factors and classified into two dimensions: (1) Emotional Well-Being and (2) Perception of Aesthetic Dermatology. Cronbach alpha for the total scale was very high (0.90). Data analysis includes the following: (1) bivariate correlations with Pearson's coefficient; (2) gender differences through Student's t test, and (3) the effect size through R2 and Cohen's d. RESULTS: A statistically significant relationship which is directly proportional has been identified between the degree of emotional well-being of people (self-esteem and assertiveness, optimism, and motivation) and the knowledge and attitude toward Aesthetic Dermatology. There are statistically significant differences according to gender: Women have a lower level of emotional well-being than men, as well as greater knowledge and more positive attitude toward Aesthetic Dermatology. CONCLUSIONS: People who are familiar with Aesthetic Dermatology and have a better attitude toward it, are also more self-confident, more optimistic and more motivated; with emotional strength. Regarding gender, it is expected that women may seek more consultation and esthetic dermatology treatments than men do.

Aesthetic dermatology and emotional well-being questionnaire.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, there has been a great development of esthetic dermatology as a subspecialty of dermatology. It is important to know to which extent the general population regard this branch of medical surgical specialty as being of interest and contributing to emotional well-being. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the technical features of a questionnaire which has been designed to reflect such perception of the general population about esthetic dermatology and its contribution to emotional well-being. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Production and psychometric analysis of a self-filled in questionnaire in relation to esthetic dermatology and emotional well-being (DEBIE). This questionnaire is made of 57 items and has been applied to a sample of 770 people within the general population. The drawing-up process of the questionnaire is described to provide content validity. Items analysis was carried out together with exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis to assess the structure and construct validity of the tool. The extent of internal consistency (reliability) and concurrent validity has also been verified. RESULTS: DEBIE questionnaire (Spanish acronym for Aesthetic Dermatology and Emotional Well-being) revolves around six factors explaining 53.91% of the variance; there is a high level of internal consistency (Cronbach's α 0.90) and reasonable criterion validity. CONCLUSIONS: DEBIE questionnaire brings together adequate psychometric properties that can be applied to assess the perception that the general population have in relation to esthetic dermatology and its contribution to their emotional well-being.

Validation of the Spanish Acne Severity Scale (Escala de Gravedad del Acné Española--EGAE).

BACKGROUND: Several acne grading systems have been described, but consensus is lacking on which shows superiority. A standardized system would facilitate therapeutic decisions and the analysis of clinical trial data. OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility, reliability, validity and sensitivity to change of the Spanish Acne Severity Scale (EGAE). MATERIALS & METHODS: A Spanish, multicentre, prospective, observational study was performed in patients with facial, back or chest acne assessed using EGAE, Leeds Revised Acne Grading system (LRAG) and lesion count. Clinicians answered 4 questions regarding EGAE use and time employed. Patients were evaluated at baseline and after 5±1 weeks. Four additional blinded observers, all dermatologists, evaluated patients' pictures using EGAE and LRAG. RESULTS: In total, 349 acne locations were assessed in 328 patients. Of the dermatologists, 95.6% (CI: 92.9-97.5%) reported that EGAE was easy to use, and 75% used it in <3 minutes. Interobserver reliability of the EGAE scale was shown by a Kendall's W of 0.773 (p<0.001). EGAE and LRAG scales showed a high correlation (Spearman's correlation>0.85; p<0.001). EGAE mean score in treatment-compliant patients was significantly lower at follow-up than at baseline (2.14 vs. 1.57, p<0.001, Cohen's d=0.35).The pre-post-treatment difference in EGAE mean score in non-compliant patients was not significant (1.44 vs. 1.32, p<0.102) and Cohen's d was lower (0.19) than in compliant patients. CONCLUSION: The use of EGAE to evaluate acne grade in daily clinical dermatological practice in Spanish centres has shown feasibility, high interobserver reliability, concurrent validity and sensitivity to detect treatment effects.

Ethinylestradiol/Chlormadinone acetate: dermatological benefits.

Acne vulgaris, hirsutism, seborrhea and female pattern hair loss (FPHL) are common disorders of the pilosebaceous unit (PSU). In some women with hyperandrogenemia, an excess of androgens at the PSU can lead to the development of these dermatological manifestations. These manifestations can cause many psychiatric and psychological implications, such as social fears and anxiety, and can adversely affect quality of life. High androgen levels at the PSU as a possible underlying cause of acne vulgaris, hirsutism, seborrhea and FPHL supports the rationale for using combined oral contraceptives for the management of these conditions in women. The purpose of this review is to describe these dermatological manifestations of the PSU and the management of these conditions through the use of the oral contraceptive ethinylestradiol/chlormadinone acetate (EE/CMA). EE/CMA 0.03/2 mg is a combined monophasic contraceptive pill with anti-androgenic properties. It is approved in Europe for contraception and has been investigated in phase III trials for the treatment of acne. EE/CMA was better than placebo and similar to another low-dose oral contraceptive (ethinylestradiol/levonorgestrel) in improving symptoms of acne in two phase III randomized controlled trials in patients with mild to moderate papulopustular acne. In addition, in trials investigating the contraceptive efficacy of EE/CMA, limited data suggest that there were also improvements in hirsutism, FPHL and seborrhea in small subgroups of patients. EE/CMA has a good safety profile. The most commonly reported adverse events are breast tenderness/pain, headache/migraine and nausea. Evidence in the literature indicates that the use of EE/CMA for the treatment of dermatological disorders under the control of androgens may be a valid treatment option. Further investigation is warranted.

Alopecia de patrón femenino / Female pattern hair loss

La alopecia androgénetica femenina, o alopecia de patrón femenino, es una de las causas más frecuentes de caída de pelo. Su aparición origina importante estrés y problemas psicológicos; de ahí la importancia de un manejo adecuado. Hay casos que se asocian a hiperandrogenismo. En este trabajo revisamos las distintas formas clínicas, discutimos las pruebas de laboratorio más indicadas y los distintos tratamientos, entre ellos, la finasterida.

Female androgenetic alopecia or female pattern hair loss is one of the most frequent causes of hair loss. It can originate high stress and psychological problems, and a correct approach is therefore important. Certain cases are associated with hyperandrogenism. In this report we review the different clinical patterns, the most indicated laboratory tests and the different treatments, including finasteride.