The role of vitamins and nutrients in rosacea.

Rosacea is a common inflammatory skin condition displaying symptoms like flushing, erythema, papules, and pustules. Oral antibiotics, despite long-term adverse effects, are often used due to topical treatment limitations, underscoring the need for cost-effective choices like dietary modifications. Our review investigates the role of vitamins and minerals in rosacea, and provides evidence-based recommendations for supplementation and topical treatment of these nutrients for rosacea. An online search was performed on PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and ClinicalTrials.gov from 1998 to 2023. Included studies were summarized and assessed for quality and relevance in rosacea management. Varied outcomes emerged concerning the impact of essential vitamins and minerals on rosacea treatment. Vitamin A derivatives, specifically oral isotretinoin, demonstrated significant efficacy, with a 90% reduction in lesions, complete remission in 24% of patients, and marked improvement in 57% of patients. Vitamin B3 derivatives, such as topical 1-methylnicotinamide 0.25% and NADH 1%, improved symptoms in 76.4% (26/34) and 80% of patients, respectively. Outcomes for vitamin D, vitamin C, and zinc supplementation varied across studies. However, zinc sulfate solution 5% significantly reduced acne rosacea severity for patients with 40% and 60% exhibiting a moderate or good response, respectively. Omega-3 fatty acids showed significant improvement in alleviating xerophthalmia in 64% of patients with ocular rosacea. Vitamins and minerals hold potential in managing rosacea symptoms, offering a safe and cost-effective alternative or adjunctive treatment option. Currently, there are no established recommendations regarding their supplementation for rosacea. Studies assessing serum levels of vitamins and minerals in relation to rosacea are warranted, as this avenue holds potential for future advancements in the field.

The palliative role of lasers in the treatment of melanoma.

Melanoma, accounting for a significant proportion of skin cancer-related deaths, has variable survival outcomes based on the stage at diagnosis and treatment efficacy. Traditional treatments, while effective, pose risks of scarring and systemic side effects. Laser therapy offers an emerging non-surgical alternative, with CO2 lasers particularly showing promise in palliative care.A comprehensive search was conducted using PubMed, focusing on laser therapy for melanoma treatment. The search included studies on both stand-alone and adjunct laser therapies, with inclusion criteria requiring peer-reviewed articles detailing treatment outcomes for primary, recurrent, or metastatic melanoma.The literature shows that laser therapy for melanoma falls into four major types when categorized by laser medium: solid-state, diode, pulse-dye, and gas (CO2). Data on solid-state lasers for melanoma are limited and their use remains controversial. However, one study with high-energy pulsed neodymium lasers reported a 5-year survival of 82.9% with minimal adverse effects for primary melanoma. CO2 laser therapy has been effective for palliative treatment, with one study showing 54.8% of patients with recurrent melanoma surviving 5.4 years post-ablation. For metastatic melanoma, numerous studies have shown that CO2 laser therapy can provide symptomatic relief and disease control. Combination therapies using lasers and immune-based therapies have demonstrated enhanced outcomes and immune activation, highlighting the potential of laser therapies in melanoma management.While traditional treatments remain the standard for primary melanoma, laser therapies, particularly CO2 laser ablation, show substantial promise in palliative care for metastatic melanoma. Careful patient selection and assessment are crucial for achieving positive outcomes.

3D bioprinting: a review and potential applications for Mohs micrographic surgery.

Mohs Micrographic Surgery (MMS) is effective for treating common cutaneous malignancies, but complex repairs may often present challenges for reconstruction. This paper explores the potential of three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting in MMS, offering superior outcomes compared to traditional methods. 3D printing technologies show promise in advancing skin regeneration and refining surgical techniques in dermatologic surgery. A PubMed search was conducted using the following keywords: "Three-dimensional bioprinting" OR "3-D printing" AND "Mohs" OR "Mohs surgery" OR "Surgery." Peer-reviewed English articles discussing medical applications of 3D bioprinting were included, while non-peer-reviewed and non-English articles were excluded. Patients using 3D MMS models had lower anxiety scores (3.00 to 1.7, p < 0.0001) and higher knowledge assessment scores (5.59 or 93.25% correct responses), indicating better understanding of their procedure. Surgical residents using 3D models demonstrated improved proficiency in flap reconstructions (p = 0.002) and knowledge assessment (p = 0.001). Additionally, 3D printing offers personalized patient care through tailored surgical guides and anatomical models, reducing intraoperative time while enhancing surgical. Concurrently, efforts in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine are being explored as potential alternatives to address organ donor shortages, eliminating autografting needs. However, challenges like limited training and technological constraints persist. Integrating optical coherence tomography with 3D bioprinting may expedite grafting, but challenges remain in pre-printing grafts for complex cases. Regulatory and ethical considerations are paramount for patient safety, and further research is needed to understand long-term effects and cost-effectiveness. While promising, significant advancements are necessary for full utilization in MMS.

The role of teledermatology in Mohs micrographic surgery: a review.

This paper explores the role of teledermatology (TD) in Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) at various stages of patient care. The study aims to assess the benefits, limitations, and patient experiences surrounding TD integration into MMS practices. We conducted a PubMed search using keywords related to TD and MMS, categorizing selected articles into pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative stages of MMS. TD reduced waiting times (26.10 days for TD compared to 60.57 days for face-to-face [FTF]) and consultation failure rates (6% for TD vs. 17% for FTF) for MMS preoperative consultations. It also shortened time to treatment by two weeks and led to notable travel savings (162.7 min, 144.5 miles, and $60.00 per person). Telepathology facilitated communication and decision-making during MMS, improving accuracy and efficiency, especially in challenging cases requiring collaboration where physical presence of another surgeon or pathologist is not feasible. Telepathology definitively diagnosed benign lesions and malignant tumors in 81.8% of cases (18/22). Additionally, there was a 95% agreement between conventional light microscopy diagnosis and telepathology in tumors (19/20), and 100% agreement for all 20 Mohs frozen section consultations. For post-operative follow-up, telephone follow-up (TFU) and text messaging proved effective, cost-efficient alternatives with high patient satisfaction (94% in New Zealand and 96% in the U.K.) and early complication identification. This study underscores TD's multifaceted benefits in MMS: enhanced patient experience preoperatively, improved communication during surgery, and cost-effective postoperative follow-up. Limitations include the financial expense and technical issues that can arise with TD (connectivity problems, delays in video/audio transmission, etc.). Further studies are needed to explore emerging TD modalities in post-operative patient management. The integration of TD into MMS signifies a progressive step in dermatological care, offering convenient, cost-effective, and better solutions with the potential to enhance patient experiences and outcomes.

Painful, Tender, Localized, Idiopathic Livedo Reticularis.

Livedo reticularis (LR) is a unique cutaneous condition characterized by a reddish-blue to purple, net-like cyanosis of the skin, often associated with disturbances in cutaneous blood flow. This case report discusses a 30-year-old woman with a history of Hashimoto thyroiditis, vitamin D deficiency, migraines, and goiter who presents with painful, localized LR on her right flank. Despite her extensive medical history, there were no significant findings in her laboratory and imaging studies, including a normal epidermis in skin biopsies. The LR in this case is distinguished by its persistence and the presence of pain, a symptom not commonly associated with LR. Various treatments, including 5% lidocaine ointment, oral analgesics, and gabapentin, were considered, but her symptoms remained stable over 13 months. This case exemplifies the complexity of LR, particularly when presenting with atypical symptoms like pain. It highlights the need for further research into the pathophysiology and treatment of LR, especially in cases deviating from the typical symptomatology, and suggests the potential value of a multi-disciplinary approach to management.

The Impact of Acculturation on Skin Cancer Risk and Protective Behaviors in Hispanic Populations.

The US Hispanic population faces rising skin cancer risks and poorer clinical outcomes, despite lower incidence rates. Acculturation, adopting elements of the dominant culture, may influence skin cancer attitudes and behaviors among Hispanics. We systematically reviewed PubMed articles from 2000 to 2023. Peer-reviewed English articles that assessed the relationship between acculturation and skin cancer in the Hispanic population were included. Andreeva et al. observed that lower acculturation levels correlated with increased use of shade and protective clothing (P < 0.05). More acculturated Latinos were more likely to use sunscreen, but this association weakened after adjusting for covariates (P > 0.48). Heckman et al. highlighted significant differences in skin cancer concern among Hispanic youth, with less acculturated individuals expressing greater worry (P < 0.05). Coups et al. found that higher acculturation was linked to less sun protective clothing usage and more frequent sunburns. Their subsequent online survey indicated that English-acculturated Hispanics engaged less in protective behaviors. Viola et al. reported that English-acculturated Hispanics perceived greater suntan benefits and had lower perceptions of skin cancer risk, severity, and concerns about photo-aging, along with higher melanoma risk factors, compared to Spanish-acculturated Hispanics. Acculturation influences skin cancer attitudes and behaviors in Hispanics. Tailored interventions based on acculturation levels are essential to reduce skin cancer risk. For example, educating English-acculturated Hispanics about skin cancer risks and prioritizing knowledge dissemination for Spanish-acculturated individuals may be effective approaches. These findings emphasize the need for targeted skin cancer prevention efforts to address disparities among US Hispanics.

Exploring the potential role for extended reality in Mohs micrographic surgery.

Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is a cornerstone of dermatological practice. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technology, initially used for entertainment, have entered healthcare, offering real-time data overlaying a surgeon's view. This paper explores potential applications of VR and AR in MMS, emphasizing their advantages and limitations. We aim to identify research gaps to facilitate innovation in dermatological surgery. We conducted a PubMed search using the following: "augmented reality" OR "virtual reality" AND "Mohs" or "augmented reality" OR "virtual reality" AND "surgery." Inclusion criteria were peer-reviewed articles in English discussing these technologies in medical settings. We excluded non-peer-reviewed sources, non-English articles, and those not addressing these technologies in a medical context. VR alleviates patient anxiety and enhances patient satisfaction while serving as an educational tool. It also aids physicians by providing realistic surgical simulations. On the other hand, AR assists in real-time lesion analysis, optimizing incision planning, and refining margin control during surgery. Both of these technologies offer remote guidance for trainee residents, enabling real-time learning and oversight and facilitating synchronous teleconsultations. These technologies may transform dermatologic surgery, making it more accessible and efficient. However, further research is needed to validate their effectiveness, address potential challenges, and optimize seamless integration. All in all, AR and VR enhance real-world environments with digital data, offering real-time surgical guidance and medical insights. By exploring the potential integration of these technologies in MMS, our study identifies avenues for further research to thoroughly understand the role of these technologies to redefine dermatologic surgery, elevating precision, surgical outcomes, and patient experiences.

Advances in Topical Treatments of Cutaneous Malignancies.

Surgical excision has been the preferred treatment for cutaneous malignancies, but can be affected by various considerations. Noninvasive, self-administered topical treatments represent an alternative option. The aim of this review was to evaluate and summarize evidence-based recommendations for topical treatments of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC), in situ melanoma (MIS), and extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD). Studies were reviewed on PubMed. Included studies were summarized, assessed for biases, and assigned a level of evidence to develop treatment recommendations. For the treatment of superficial BCC, complete clearance rates ranged from 90 to 93% for 5% 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and 71 to 76% for imiquimod (IMQ). For the treatment of nodular BCC, clearance rates for photodynamic therapy (PDT) were 91% at 3 months, with a sustained lesion clearance response rate of 76% after 5 years of follow-up. Clearance rates were 53 to 76% with IMQ. For squamous cell carcinoma in situ, clearance rates ranged from 52 to 98% for PDT, 67 to 92% for 5-FU, and 75 to 93% for IMQ. For MIS, clearance rates ranged from 53 to 92% for IMQ. For EMPD, 54% of 110 patients in cohort studies and case series had a clinical complete response with IMQ. While surgical intervention remains the standard of care for skin cancer, non-invasive, self-administered topical treatments are highly desirable alternative options. Ultimately, the patient and provider should find a treatment modality that aligns with the patient's expectations and maintenance of quality of life.