Comparison of Different Anti-Demodex Strategies: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Demodex mites are related to some inflammatory diseases such as rosacea and blepharitis and could be harmful in patients with immunodeficiency or immunosuppression, especially notable in patients using biologic like dupilumab. In order to have an objective observation of different anti-Demodex strategies, we conducted this study, based on interventional clinical evidence with quantified Demodex mite data. METHODS: We used the PubMed, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, Medline, and International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) as databases. To assess the risk of bias, the RoB2 and ROBINS-I tools were used. The certainty of evidence was assessed following the GRADE guideline. Furthermore, the effect sizes (ESs) of different strategies were compared in different time periods (0-1, 1-2, 2-3, >3 months), as well as Demodex decrease rates. RESULTS: 1,618 studies were identified in the databases, with 21 of which included in the final quantitative synthesis. Interventions in these studies included ivermectin, tea tree oil (TTO), permethrin, crotamiton, metronidazole, light therapies, combined therapies, and other therapies. During 0-1 month, the ES varied from 0.07 (cleanser) to 1.95 (systemic ivermectin-metronidazole). During 1-2 months, the ES varied from 0.88 (topical permethrin) to 4.40 (topical ivermectin). During 2-3 months, the ES varied from 0.79 (topical permethrin) to 8.37 (topical ivermectin). During the time of 3 months, the ES varied from 0.59 (topical permethrin) to 2.25 (intense pulsed light [IPL]). In terms of Demodex decrease rates, topical ivermectin, TTO, permethrin, IPL, and baby shampoo had achieved a nearly 100% decrease. The reported adverse events were mostly mild, without severe adverse events reported in any of the studies. CONCLUSIONS: We found ivermectin (topical and systemic), ivermectin-metronidazole (topical), and TTO (topical) are promising anti-Demodex interventions. In addition to traditional pharmacotherapy, light therapies, especially IPL and skin cleansing, could also be considered as effective methods to control Demodex mite infestation.

Impact of allergic reactions and urticaria on mental health and quality of life.

BACKGROUND: Allergic diseases represent a major global health issue with more than one-third of the global population affected by at least one allergic condition. Allergic conditions can not only cause life-threatening anaphylactic reactions but also impact daily life with a significant influence on mental health and the quality of life (QoL). OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the health-related QoL and depression severity among patients presenting in a tertiary care allergy center. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 596 patients presenting with allergic symptoms or previously diagnosed allergies between October 2018 and April 2019.Patients were screened for depression and the QoL impairment by using three validated scales: the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Dermatologic Life Quality Index (DLQI), and the three-level version of the EuroQol 5-Dimensional (EQ-5D-3L) scale. RESULTS: One-third (34.8%) of the study population was male and two-thirds (65.2%) were female. About 73.7% (n = 427/579) of the patients suffered from at least one previously diagnosed allergic disease, most frequently to pollen (37.0%, n = 214/579) and food (27.3%, n = 158/579), and 20.0 % (n = 116/579) suffered from urticaria. About 19.3% of the total population suffered from depression. Urticaria, as well as insect venom, food/food additives, and drug allergies significantly affected the QoL and depression severity (p < 0.001), reflected by higher DLQI and BDI scores, and lower scores in the EQ5D-3L index. CONCLUSION: Our results provide evidence for a possible correlation of allergies (e.g. against insect venom, food/food additives, and drugs) and/or urticaria with a reduced QoL and a higher depression rate. Patients particularly indicated restrictions for the dimensions, pain/discomfort as well as anxiety/depression. It might be beneficial to implement a standardized questionnaire as a regular screening method for evaluating the mental health status of patients with allergies and/or urticaria.

Kenntnisse bayerischer Schüler zu sexuell übertragbaren Infektionen: eine Querschnittsstudie.

HINTERGRUND UND ZIELE: Trotz zahlreicher Informationsquellen und Kampagnen zu sexuell übertragbaren Infektionen (STI) haben diese Krankheiten in Deutschland in den letzten Jahren zugenommen. Ziel war es, das Bewusstsein und den Wissensstand junger Schüler in Bayern zu sexuell übertragbaren Krankheiten (STI) mit Schwerpunkt auf humane Papillomaviren (HPV) zu bewerten. METHODEN: In einer vollständig irreversibel anonymisierten Querschnittsstudie wurden insgesamt 4100 bayerische Schüler im Alter zwischen 12 und 17 Jahren anhand eines Multiple-Choice-Fragebogens hierzu befragt. ERGEBNISSE: Insgesamt wurden 3834 Fragebögen in die Datenanalyse einbezogen. Interessanterweise ist der Bekanntheitsgrad von HPV im Vergleich zu anderen STI bemerkenswert geringer. Mädchen und Jugendliche, die bereits vorbeugende Jugendgesundheitsuntersuchungen absolviert hatten, zeigten im Durchschnitt ein größeres Wissen über STI. Darüber hinaus konnten wir zeigen, dass Jugendliche mit geringerem Bildungsniveau, wie Realschüler, über die geringsten Kenntnisse verfügten. SCHLUSSFOLGERUNGEN: Die Querschnittsstudie zeigt, dass viele junge Menschen noch unzureichend über STI informiert sind. Die Informationslücken unterstreichen die Notwendigkeit einer intensiven und langfristigen Aufklärungsarbeit.

3D-Druck- und Silikonmodelle der Primäreffloreszenzen für die dermatologische Lehre im Fernstudium.

Hintergrund und Ziele: Die Corona-Pandemie betrifft eine Fülle von verschiedenen Lebensaspekten - Herausforderungen in der medizinischen Behandlung sind hier unzweifelhaft von höchster Wichtigkeit. Allerdings muss auch, um die Ausbildung von Studierenden zu gewährleisten, fortlaufende medizinische Lehre stattfinden. Während eines Semesters mit Lockdown-Phasen und eingeschränktem Patientenkontakt für die Studierenden schickten wir jedem Studierenden ein Silikonmodell zu und baten um die Evaluation dieses Lernwerkzeugs. Methoden: Mittels zweier vollständig und irreversibel anonymisierter Online-Fragebögen befragten wir Studierende des Dermatologie-Semesters (n  =  222) an der Medizinischen Fakultät der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in München im Wintersemester 2020/2021 - anschließend an Online-Lehre - zu ihrem Verständnis und der Eigeneinschätzung zu Primäreffloreszenzen vor und nach Erhalt der Silikonübungsmodelle. Diese wurden durch Schichtung verschiedener Silikontypen in negative 3D-Polylactid-Formen hergestellt, um bestimmte Festigkeiten und Farben darzustellen. Ergebnisse: Insgesamt wurden Fragebögen von 211 (95,0 %) und 213 (95,9 %) der 222 Studierenden analysiert, jeweils vor und nach dem Erhalt der Silikonmodelle. Die Studierenden gaben eine statistisch signifikante Zunahme ihrer Fähigkeiten an (P < 0,001). Ein Großteil der Studierenden evaluierte die Silikonmodelle positiv und berichtete von einem besseren Verständnis und Lernen der Primäreffloreszenzen. Schlussfolgerungen: Diese Lehrstudie zeigt die Vorzüge der haptischen Erfahrung in der dermatologischen Lehre auf - nicht nur in Zeiten von COVID-19, sondern auch danach.

Evaluation of the knowledge of students concerning sexually transmitted infections in Bavaria/Germany (a cross-sectional study).

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Despite numerous information sources and campaigns on sexually transmitted infections (STIs), there has been an increase in STIs in Germany in recent years. The aim was to evaluate the awareness and knowledge level among young students in Bavaria/Germany for STIs with a focus on human papilloma viruses (HPV). METHODS: In a cross-sectional survey rendered completely and irreversibly anonymous, a total of 4,100 students from Bavaria between the ages of 12 and 17 were interviewed using a multiple choice questionnaire about their knowledge and awareness of STI, on the basis of gender, school education and preventive youth health examinations that had taken place. RESULTS: A total of 3,834 questionnaires were included in the data analysis. Interestingly, the awareness level for HPV is remarkably lower compared to other STIs. Girls and adolescents who had already taken preventive youth health examinations showed a higher knowledge of STIs on average. Additionally, we could show that adolescents of lower educational levels, such as secondary school students, had the least knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: The cross-sectional study shows that many young people are still insufficiently informed about STIs. The gaps in information and lack of knowledge underline the necessity of intensive and long-term educational work.

3D printing and silicone models of primary skin lesions for dermatological education as remote learning tool.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The corona pandemic affects many aspects of life - with challenges in medical treatment undoubtedly of paramount importance. However, continuing medical education needs to be consistently provided. During a semester with lockdown-phases and limited student-to-patient-contact availability, we supplied silicone models of primary skin lesions to every student and asked them to evaluate this teaching tool. METHODS: In two anonymous online surveys, we asked students enrolled in dermatology (n = 222) at the Medical Facility of the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich in the winter semester 2020/2021 - subsequent to online teaching - about their understanding and self-assessment of primary skin lesions before and after receiving silicone models for practice. The models were produced by layering different types of silicone into negative 3D printed molds made from polylactide to attain different degrees of hardness and colors. RESULTS: Data from 211 (95.0 %) and 213 (95.9 %) of the 222 students were analyzed before and after receiving the silicone models, respectively. In all questions the students stated a highly significant improvement in their skills (P < 0.001). The majority of students evaluated the silicone models positively and reported a better understanding and learning of primary skin lesions. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the benefit of haptic experience in dermatology teaching not only in the time of COVID-19, but also thereafter.

S2k guideline: Rosacea.

This updated and upgraded S2k guideline deals with the diagnosis and treatment of rosacea, which is a common, chronic inflammatory skin disease mostly affecting the face. Initially, rosacea is characterized by recurrent erythema, telangiectasia and flushing. Later, the inflammatory component predominates, with persistent erythema with follicular papules, papulopustules and pustules. The development of phyma, which usually occurs on the acral localizations, is the most severe manifestation. For the treatment of rosacea, the interdisciplinary guideline committee, with representatives of the German Dermatological Society (DDG), the Professional Association of German Dermatologists (BVDD), the German Opthalmological Society (DOG), the Society for Dermopharmacy (GD), the Swiss Society for Dermatology and Venereology (SGDV) and the German Rosacea Aid e. V., recommends the avoidance of trigger factors and topical applications of metronidazole, azelaic acid or ivermectin. For symptomatic treatment of persistent centrofacial erythema, the topical vasoconstrictors brimonidine or oxymetazoline can also be used. Systemic therapy is recommended for therapy-resistant and severe forms of rosacea papulopustulosa. The drug of choice is low-dose doxycycline. Alternatively, low-dose isotretinoin can be recommended. Ocular rosacea should be treated with lid margin hygiene. For topical treatment, ciclosporin eye drops, azithromycin, ivermectin or metronidazole are suggested.

Quality of Life and Psychopathology in Lichen Planus: A Neglected Disease Burden.

The disease burden of lichen planus and its impact on patients' quality of life have not been well studied. The aim of this mono-centre cross-sectional study was to investigate these factors. From June to September 2020, an anonymous survey was posted to 253 patients, who were diagnosed with lichen planus in our outpatient clinic from January 2018 to June 2020. Quality of life was evaluated using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), the EuroQol 5-dimension 3-level score, and further quality of life indicators. Beck Depression Inventory II was used to evaluate symptoms of depression. A total of 100 patients completed and returned the survey. Lichen planus affected quality of life in 78% of cases. DLQI was higher for multiple localizations (r = 0.454, p < 0.001). Patients with genital lichen planus had a significantly higher DLQI (mean ± standard deviation (SD) 8.68 ± 6.96) than patients who were not affected in the genital area (5.01 ± 5.49; p = 0.009). DLQI was also significantly higher for ungual lichen planus (9.83 ± 7.6; not affected: 5.65 ± 5.84; p-value 0.039), and for cutaneous LP (mean 8.1, SD 6.22; not affected: 5.63 ± 6.12; p-value 0.045). Twenty-nine percent of patients had mild to moderate symptoms of depression, and 6% had severe symptoms of depression. Depression and reduced quality of life are an undetected and relevant burden affecting patients with lichen planus.

Rat bite fever, a diagnostic challenge: case report and review of 29 cases.

Rats can transmit Streptobacillus moniliformis, which may cause rat-bite fever (RBF), a rare and potentially lethal zoonosis. Fastidious in vitro growth and unspecific symptoms, including fever, arthralgia, and polymorphous skin lesions, complicate the diagnosis. Rat-bite fever follows exposure to contaminated bodily fluids of infected rodents; however, reports on Streptobacillus moniliformis-related infections are few so far. A female patient presented with painful hemorrhagic pustules and purpuric lesions on hands and feet. She developed fever and migratory polyarthralgia. Blood culture yielded growth with Streptobacillus moniliformis. The patient owned rats and handled contaminated rat feces and urine, making this the most likely etiology of infection. We report a case of RBF due to Streptobacillus moniliformis in a rat handling-patient. Difficulties in clinical and microbiological diagnosis highlight the need for a thorough and complete history-taking and a greater understanding of this rare infectious disease.

Impact of COVID-19 on wound care in Germany.

Recent studies showed that the COVID-19 pandemic caused collateral damage in health care in terms of reduced hospital submissions or postponed treatment of other acute or chronic ill patients. An anonymous survey was sent out by mail to patients with chronic wounds in order to evaluate the impact of the pandemic on wound care. Sixty-three patients returned the survey. In 14%, diagnostic workup or hospitalisation was cancelled or postponed. Thirty-six percent could not seek consultation by their primary care physician as usual. The use of public transport or long travel time was not related to limited access to medical service (P = .583). In ambulatory care, there was neither a significant difference in the frequency of changing wound dressings (P = .67), nor in the person, who performed wound care (P = .39). There were no significant changes in wound-specific quality of life (P = .505). No patient used telemedicine in order to avoid face-to-face contact or anticipate to pandemic-related restrictions. The COVID-19 pandemic impaired access to clinical management of chronic wounds in Germany. It had no significant impact on ambulatory care or wound-related quality of life. Telemedicine still plays a negligible role in wound care.

Comparative analysis of the phototoxicity induced by BRAF inhibitors and alleviation through antioxidants.

BACKGROUND: Small molecules tackling mutated BRAF (BRAFi) are an important mainstay of targeted therapy in a variety of cancers including melanoma. Albeit commonly reported as side effect, the phototoxic potential of many BRAFi is poorly characterized. In this study, we evaluated the phototoxicity of 17 distinct agents and investigated whether BRAFi-induced phototoxicity can be alleviated by antioxidants. METHODS: The ultraviolet (UV) light absorbance of 17 BRAFi was determined. Their phototoxic potential was investigated independently with a reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the 3T3 neutral red uptake (NRU) assay in vitro. To test for a possible phototoxicity alleviation by antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin E phosphate, trolox, and glutathione (GSH) were added to the 3T3 assay of selected inhibitors. RESULTS: The highest cumulative absorbance for both UVA and UVB was detected for vemurafenib. The formation of ROS was more pronounced for all compounds after irradiation with UVA than with UVB. In the 3T3 NRU assay, 8 agents were classified as phototoxic, including vemurafenib, dabrafenib, and encorafenib. There was a significant correlation between the formation of singlet oxygen (P = .026) and superoxide anion (P < .001) and the phototoxicity observed in the 3T3 NRU assay. The phototoxicity of vemurafenib was fully rescued in the 3T3 NRU assay after GSH was added at different concentrations. CONCLUSION: Our study confirms that most of the BRAF inhibitors exhibited a considerable phototoxic potential, predominantly after exposure to UVA. GSH may help treat and prevent the phototoxicity induced by vemurafenib.

Onset of occupational hand eczema among healthcare workers during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: Comparing a single surgical site with a COVID-19 intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND: As a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, hygiene regulations have been revised and hand sanitation has been intensified. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the onset of hand eczema during the COVID-19 pandemic in healthcare workers (HCWs) directly involved in intensive care of COVID-19 patients and HCWs without direct contact with COVID-19 patients. Hereby, we aim at increasing awareness about occupational hand eczema and preventive measures that can be adopted. METHOD: A survey was distributed amongst 114 HCWs at a single surgical centre and at a COVID-19 intensive care unit of the university hospital Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Germany. Participants were questioned about the daily frequency of hand hygiene prior to and during the pandemic. Participants self-reported the onset of hand eczema and associated symptoms. RESULTS: Our study revealed a significant increase in hand washing, disinfection, and use of hand cream across all participants (P-value <.001), regardless of having direct contact with COVID-19 patients. A high prevalence of symptoms associated with acute hand dermatitis of 90.4% was found across all HCWs, whereas hand eczema itself was underreported (14.9%). CONCLUSION: The increase in hand sanitation during the COVID-19 pandemic impairs the skin of the hands across all HCWs, independent of direct intensive care of affected patients.

Artificial Intelligence and Its Effect on Dermatologists' Accuracy in Dermoscopic Melanoma Image Classification: Web-Based Survey Study.

BACKGROUND: Early detection of melanoma can be lifesaving but this remains a challenge. Recent diagnostic studies have revealed the superiority of artificial intelligence (AI) in classifying dermoscopic images of melanoma and nevi, concluding that these algorithms should assist a dermatologist's diagnoses. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate whether AI support improves the accuracy and overall diagnostic performance of dermatologists in the dichotomous image-based discrimination between melanoma and nevus. METHODS: Twelve board-certified dermatologists were presented disjoint sets of 100 unique dermoscopic images of melanomas and nevi (total of 1200 unique images), and they had to classify the images based on personal experience alone (part I) and with the support of a trained convolutional neural network (CNN, part II). Additionally, dermatologists were asked to rate their confidence in their final decision for each image. RESULTS: While the mean specificity of the dermatologists based on personal experience alone remained almost unchanged (70.6% vs 72.4%; P=.54) with AI support, the mean sensitivity and mean accuracy increased significantly (59.4% vs 74.6%; P=.003 and 65.0% vs 73.6%; P=.002, respectively) with AI support. Out of the 10% (10/94; 95% CI 8.4%-11.8%) of cases where dermatologists were correct and AI was incorrect, dermatologists on average changed to the incorrect answer for 39% (4/10; 95% CI 23.2%-55.6%) of cases. When dermatologists were incorrect and AI was correct (25/94, 27%; 95% CI 24.0%-30.1%), dermatologists changed their answers to the correct answer for 46% (11/25; 95% CI 33.1%-58.4%) of cases. Additionally, the dermatologists' average confidence in their decisions increased when the CNN confirmed their decision and decreased when the CNN disagreed, even when the dermatologists were correct. Reported values are based on the mean of all participants. Whenever absolute values are shown, the denominator and numerator are approximations as every dermatologist ended up rating a varying number of images due to a quality control step. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of our study show that AI support can improve the overall accuracy of the dermatologists in the dichotomous image-based discrimination between melanoma and nevus. This supports the argument for AI-based tools to aid clinicians in skin lesion classification and provides a rationale for studies of such classifiers in real-life settings, wherein clinicians can integrate additional information such as patient age and medical history into their decisions.

Methods for extraction and ex-vivo experimentation with the most complex human commensal, Demodex spp.

Demodex spp. mites are the most complex organisms of the human skin microbiome and were discovered more than 175 years ago, yet only little basic research is published about them. As they can be pathophysiologically relevant ectoparasites associated with rosacea, pityriasis folliculorum, and other inflammatory skin diseases, more research should be encouraged. Being a large microorganism or a tiny animal, there are no established basic methods to handle these mites. Here, we describe techniques enabling the extraction of Demodex mites from human skin, their analysis in different ex-vivo settings, the lysis of their exoskeleton, their preservation by freezing, and observation microscopically using specific fluorescent dyes or their inherent autofluorescence. These procedures should facilitate future Demodex research and fuel further the generation of knowledge. Furthermore it is intended to ultimatively enable the mite's cultivation in vitro and reveal its pathophysiological mechanisms.

Rosacea and perioral dermatitis: a single-center retrospective analysis of the clinical presentation of 1032 patients.

BACKGROUND: Rosacea is a common chronic inflammatory cutaneous disorder affecting nearly 5.5 % of the adult population. Our aim was to evaluate the prevalence and epidemiology of rosacea and perioral dermatitis (POD) in an ambulatory care setting. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed medical data of patients with a confirmed diagnosis of rosacea or perioral dermatitis (POD) presenting at our university hospital outpatient clinic during a 3-year period. RESULTS: Out of 1032 patients, 81.5 % were diagnosed with rosacea and 18.5 % with POD. Overall prevalence was 1.4 % for rosacea and 0.3 % for POD. 69.3 % of the analyzed patients were female. Overall mean age was 49.3 ± 7.7 (1-92) years; the women's average age was less than the men's. Patients with POD were younger and predominantly female, whereas patients with phymatous rosacea were older and predominantly male. The most common phenotypes were papulopustular rosacea (68.4 %), erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (22.5 %), and phymatous rosacea (8.0 %). Special forms of rosacea were diagnosed in 15.8 % of the patients; the most frequent were ocular rosacea (6.9 %) and steroid-induced rosacea (5.4 %). CONCLUSIONS: The large patient cohort analyzed in our study provides a good estimate of the frequency of the rosacea subtypes, special forms and of perioral dermatitis in a hospital-based outpatient care setting.

Evaluating the Therapeutic Success of Keloids Treated With Cryotherapy and Intralesional Corticosteroids Using Noninvasive Objective Measures.

BACKGROUND: Intralesional corticosteroid injections combined with cryotherapy are considered a first-line therapy for keloids. However, objective evaluation on its efficacy is widely missing. OBJECTIVE: In this study, the authors evaluated the therapeutic benefits of cryotherapy directly followed by intralesional crystalline triamcinolone acetonide injections using ultrasound and a 3D topographic imaging device. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients with keloids were treated with cryotherapy and intralesional injections of triamcinolone acetonide for a total of 4 times at intervals of 4 weeks. Objective assessment was performed at each visit. RESULTS: After the last treatment, a significant average reduction of scar volume of 34.3% and an average decrease in scar height of 41.3% as determined by 3D imaging was observed compared with baseline. Ultrasound revealed an average reduction of scar height of 31.7% and an average decrease in tissue penetration depth of 37.8% when compared with baseline measurements. CONCLUSION: Objective measurements of relevant keloid characteristics as height, volume, and penetration depth help in quantifying the therapeutic effect. The observed results confirm that intralesional injections of crystalline triamcinolone acetonide combined with cryotherapy represent a powerful approach to reduce scar height and volume significantly.

Dermocosmetics for Use in Rosacea: Guideline of the Society for Dermopharmacy.

Rosacea is a widespread inflammatory skin disease that is chronically recurrent and affects predominately the central parts of the face. Affected individuals typically react to numerous cosmetics with redness, burning, and/or worsening of the complexion. Consequently, there is a high demand for dermocosmetics that do not provoke such reactions and are suitable for use in rosacea. The present guideline of the Society for Dermopharmacy describes the requirements that dermocosmetics for use in rosacea should meet. They include, inter alia, methods to prove the efficacy of and tolerance to these cosmetics, as well as the product documentation that the manufacturer or the distributing company should make available to professionals, like dermatologists and pharmacists, counseling patients with rosacea.

Objective evaluation of the efficacy of a non-ablative fractional 1565 nm laser for the treatment of deliberate self-harm scars.

Scars resulting from deliberate self-harm (DSH) represent therapeutically challenging forms of scarring due to their highly variable patterns, with no official therapeutic guidelines available. In this pilot study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a non-ablative fractional Er:glass 1565 nm laser, as a potential new, minimal-invasive approach for the improvement of DSH scars. Sixteen Caucasians suffering from mature DSH scars were included in this clinical study. Patients received a total of three treatments using a non-ablative fractional 1565 nm Er:glass laser every 4 weeks, employing two passes (300 µbeams/cm2, 40 mJ, onto the scar; 150 µbeams/cm2, 50 mJ, overall area). Measurements included questionnaires (DLQI, POSAS), digital photography, and objective three-dimensional analysis using PRIMOS and VECTRA software at baseline, 1 and 6 months after treatment. PRIMOS objective measurements showed highly significant changes in scar surface with a reduction of atrophic lesions by 27.5% at 6 months follow-up (FU), a decrease in scar height by 42.7% at 6 months FU, resulting in an overall diminished skin irregularity dropping from 678.3 µm at baseline to 441.6 µm throughout the course of the study (p = <0.001 respectively). Improvements in objective measurements were supported by clinical evaluation of scar parameters and showed a strong correlation with enhanced life quality of treated patients. Procedures were well-tolerated, with no lasting negative side effects and little to no downtime. The use of a fractional non-ablative 1565 nm Er:glass laser represents a promising and safe approach for the therapy of DSH scars. Although these scars will never fully resolve, their appearance can be significantly improved to a cosmetically and socially more acceptable appearance.

Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: A Retrospective Analysis of 72 Patients from a German Academic Center.

Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) describes the scarring, band-like recession of the frontotemporal hairline. Treatment is difficult, and currently, no evidence-based therapy exists. The purpose of this study is to report clinical features and treatment responses in a large cohort of patients with FFA. The authors analyzed a series of 72 patients with a clinical or histologic diagnosis of FFA. A total of 70 patients were female (97.2%), and 2 were male (2.8%). In females, the first onset of FFA was postmenopausal in 81.4% (n = 57). Documented eyebrow loss was present in 61.1% (n = 44), whereas involvement of eyelashes and body hair was reported in only 4.2% (n = 3) and 5.6% (n = 4), respectively. Clinical symptoms were itching (40.3%, n = 29) and trichodynia (4.2%, n = 3) in the alopecic area. Virtually all patients were treated with topical high-potency steroids. Additional treatments were topical tacrolimus, systemic retinoids, and hydroxychloroquine. A total of 48 patients (66.7%) received a combination of high-potency steroids with topical pimecrolimus. In this subgroup, subjective improvement or disease stabilization was reported by 64.6% (n = 31), and the hairline was stabilized on average after 9 to 12 months of therapy. The combination therapy of topical high-potency steroids with pimecrolimus may be an effective and steroid-saving treatment for FFA.