Factores asociados a dermatoporosis en una muestra de pacientes geriátricos en México / Factors associated with dermatoporosis in a sample of geriatric patients in Mexico

Resumen Introducción: La dermatoporosis es un síndrome crónico de fragilidad cutánea, caracterizado por atrofia, púrpura y pseudocicatrices en piel. Objetivo: Determinar los factores asociados a dermatoporosis en una muestra de sujetos ≥ 60 años. Métodos: Estudio observacional, transversal, descriptivo y analítico de sujetos ≥ 60 años a quienes se realizó historia clínica, exploración física y aplicación de un autocuestionario diagnóstico de dermatoporosis. Para determinar los factores asociados se realizó análisis de regresión logística multivariado. Resultados: En 315 sujetos, la prevalencia de dermatoporosis fue de 29 %; 70 % fue del sexo femenino. Los factores asociados fueron edad > 75 años (p = 0.001), exposición solar prolongada (p = 0.002), ingesta de anticoagulantes/antiplaquetarios (p = 0.004), esteroides orales (p = 0.03) y enfermedad renal crónica (p = 0.03); así como, edad materna > 40 años en el último parto (p = 0.02), lactancia > 7 meses por embarazo y lactancia acumulada > 18 meses (p = 0.01). Se relacionaron con su ausencia, edad < 20 años en el primer embarazo y menopausia después de los 45 años. La correlación entre la autovaloración y el diagnóstico clínico fue muy alta (0.95, p < 0.001). Conclusiones: Los factores de riesgo asociados a dermatoporosis fueron similares a los previamente reportados.

Abstract Introduction: Dermatoporosis is a chronic cutaneous fragility syndrome, characterized by skin atrophy, purpura and pseudo-cicatrices. Objective: To determine factors associated with dermatoporosis in a sample of subjects aged ≥ 60 years. Methods: Observational, cross-sectional, descriptive, analytical study of subjects aged ≥ 60 years who underwent history taking, physical examination and application of a self-administered dermatoporosis diagnostic questionnaire. To determine the associated factors, a multivariate logistic regression analysis was used. Results: In 315 evaluated subjects, the prevalence of dermatoporosis was 29%; 70% were females. Associated risk factors were age > 75 years (p = 0.001), prolonged sun exposure (p = 0.002), use of anticoagulants/antiplatelet medications (p = 0.004), oral steroids (p = 0.03) and chronic kidney disease (p = 0.03); as well maternal age > 40 years at last pregnancy (p = 0.02), breastfeeding for > 7 months per pregnancy and > 18 cumulative months (p = 0.01). Age < 20 years at first pregnancy and menopause after 45 years were related to dermatoporosis absence. The correlation between self-assessment and clinical diagnosis was considerably high (0.95, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The risk factors associated with dermatoporosis were similar to those previously reported.

Estudio del efecto citotóxico e irritativo de jabones para la limpieza cutánea / Study of the cytotoxic and irritant effects of skin cleansing soaps

Resumen Introducción: El jabón para el aseo cutáneo es de empleo común entre la población, sin embargo, es posible que cause daño a las células de la piel y modifique la barrera cutánea. Objetivo: Determinar el efecto citotóxico de los jabones en queratinocitos cultivados in vitro y correlacionarlo con la irritación clínica. Método: Se realizó una encuesta para conocer los jabones comerciales más utilizados y su cantidad; posteriormente, se evaluó su citotoxicidad en cultivos de queratinocitos humanos mediante el método de resazurina. Los jabones con mayor y menor citotoxicidad se aplicaron en piel de voluntarios sanos para evaluar su efecto en la barrera cutánea mediante ensayos de colorimetría y pérdida transepidérmica de agua. Resultados: De los jabones analizados, 37 % demostró ser tóxico para los queratinocitos in vitro. El jabón con mayor toxicidad indujo el mayor índice de eritema y pérdida transepidérmica de agua, en comparación con el jabón menos tóxico y el vehículo empleado como solución control. Conclusión: Los jabones comercializados para el aseo cutáneo pueden incluir ingredientes químicos que dañan los queratinocitos humanos y causan irritación subclínica de la barrera cutánea. Su utilización puede agravar dermatosis preexistentes, generar dermatitis xerósica o de contacto irritativa y causar atrofia y dermatoporosis.

Abstract Introduction: The use of soap for skin cleansing is common among the population. However, it is possible that it causes damage to skin cells and disrupts the skin barrier. Objective: To determine the cytotoxic effect of soaps on in vitro-cultured keratinocytes and to correlate it with clinical irritation. Method: A survey was conducted to find out the most widely used commercial soaps and their number. Subsequently, their cytotoxicity was evaluated in human keratinocyte cultures using the resazurin assay. The soaps with the highest and lowest cytotoxicity were applied to the skin of healthy volunteers to assess their effect on the skin barrier using colorimetry and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) assays. Results: Of the analyzed soaps, 37 % were shown to be toxic to keratinocytes in vitro. The soap with the highest toxicity induced the highest rate of erythema and TEWL, in comparison with the least toxic soap and the vehicle used as the control solution. Conclusion: Soaps marketed for skin cleansing can contain chemical ingredients that damage human keratinocytes and cause skin barrier subclinical irritation. Their use can worsen preexisting dermatoses, generate xerotic or irritant contact dermatitis, and cause atrophy and dermatoporosis.

DNA Methyltransferases in Malar Melasma and Their Modification by Sunscreen in Combination with 4% Niacinamide, 0.05% Retinoic Acid, or Placebo.

BACKGROUND: Malar melasma has a chronic and recurrent character that may be related to epigenetic changes. OBJECTIVE: To recognize the expression and DNA methylation of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) in malar melasma and perilesional skin, as well as the changes in DNMTs after their treatment with sunscreen in combination with 4% niacinamide, 0.05% retinoic acid, or placebo. METHODS: Thirty female patients were clinically evaluated for the expression of DNMT1 and DNMT3b using real-time PCR and immunofluorescence. These initial results were compared to results after eight weeks of treatment with sunscreen in combination with niacinamide, retinoic acid, or placebo. RESULTS: The relative expression of DNMT1 was significantly elevated in melasma compared with unaffected skin in all subjects, indicating DNA hypermethylation. After treatment, it was decreased in all groups: niacinamide (7 versus 1; p<0.01), retinoic acid (7 versus 2; p<0.05), and placebo (7 versus 3; p<0.05), which correlates with clinical improvement. DNMT3b was not overexpressed in lesional skin but reduced in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: We found DNA hypermethylation in melasma lesions. Environmental factors such as solar radiation may induce cellular changes that trigger hyperpigmentation through the activation of pathways regulated by epigenetic modifications. However, limiting or decreasing DNA methylation through sunscreen, niacinamide, and retinoic acid treatments that provide photoprotection and genetic transcription can counteract this.

A Case of Prostatic Carcinoma Manifesting as Cutaneous Facial Nodule.

Prostate cancer is the second most frequently diagnosed cancer worldwide and the fifth most common cause of cancer deaths among men. Cutaneous metastasis is an uncommon phenomenon in prostatic cancer, occurring in 0.06-0.3% of cases. Case Presentation. A 56-year-old man presented to our outpatient clinic with a one-month history of a 1.5 cm in diameter, solitary, asymptomatic, purple nodule located on his upper right cheek. After biopsy, prostatic cancer metastasis was diagnosed. Discussion. A literature review revealed 59 articles documenting 71 cases of this diagnosis. The review recorded epidemiological data, including age, duration, morphology, location, and outcome of patients. Conclusions. The skin is an uncommon site for metastasis of prostate cancer, and the review showed that its presence is associated with a poor prognosis (approximately 10 months from diagnosis).

Oral mucosa: an alternative epidermic cell source to develop autologous dermal-epidermal substitutes from diabetic subjects.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to obtain autologous dermal-epidermal skin substitutes from oral mucosa from diabetic subjects as a first step towards a possible clinical application for cases of diabetic foot. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Oral mucosa was obtained from diabetic and healthy subjects (n=20 per group). Epidermal cells were isolated and cultured using autologous fibrin to develop dermal-epidermal in vitro substitutes by the air-liquid technique with autologous human serum as a supplement media. Substitutes were immunocharacterized with collagen IV and cytokeratin 5-14 as specific markers. A Student´s t- test was performed to assess the differences between both groups. RESULTS: It was possible to isolate epidermal cells from the oral mucosa of diabetic and healthy subjects and develop autologous dermal-epidermal skin substitutes using autologous serum as a supplement. Differences in the expression of specific markers were observed and the cytokeratin 5-14 expression was lower in the diabetic substitutes, and the collagen IV expression was higher in the diabetic substitutes when compared with the healthy group, showing a significant difference. CONCLUSION: Cells from oral mucosa could be an alternative and less invasive source for skin substitutes and wound healing. A difference in collagen production of diabetic cells suggests diabetic substitutes could improve diabetic wound healing. More research is needed to determine the crosstalk between components of these skin substitutes and damaged tissues.

Oral mucosa: an alternative epidermic cell source to develop autologous dermal-epidermal substitutes from diabetic subjects

Abstract Oral mucosa has been highlighted as a suitable source of epidermal cells due to its intrinsic characteristics such as its higher proliferation rate and its obtainability. Diabetic ulcers have a worldwide prevalence that is variable (1%-11%), meanwhile treatment of this has been proven ineffective. Tissue-engineered skin plays an important role in wound care focusing on strategies such autologous dermal-epidermal substitutes. Objective The aim of this study was to obtain autologous dermal-epidermal skin substitutes from oral mucosa from diabetic subjects as a first step towards a possible clinical application for cases of diabetic foot. Material and Methods Oral mucosa was obtained from diabetic and healthy subjects (n=20 per group). Epidermal cells were isolated and cultured using autologous fibrin to develop dermal-epidermal in vitro substitutes by the air-liquid technique with autologous human serum as a supplement media. Substitutes were immunocharacterized with collagen IV and cytokeratin 5-14 as specific markers. A Student´s t- test was performed to assess the differences between both groups. Results It was possible to isolate epidermal cells from the oral mucosa of diabetic and healthy subjects and develop autologous dermal-epidermal skin substitutes using autologous serum as a supplement. Differences in the expression of specific markers were observed and the cytokeratin 5-14 expression was lower in the diabetic substitutes, and the collagen IV expression was higher in the diabetic substitutes when compared with the healthy group, showing a significant difference. Conclusion Cells from oral mucosa could be an alternative and less invasive source for skin substitutes and wound healing. A difference in collagen production of diabetic cells suggests diabetic substitutes could improve diabetic wound healing. More research is needed to determine the crosstalk between components of these skin substitutes and damaged tissues.

Repigmentation patterns induced by NB-UVB and their relationship with melanocytic migration and proliferation in vitiligo.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Vitiligo is the most commonly acquired depigmentation disorder of the skin and is characterized by the destruction of melanocytes. Ultraviolet phototherapy with narrow band (UVB-NB) induces proliferation, differentiation, maturation, and migration of melanocytes. The clinical repigmentation is featured by follicular, marginal, and diffuse patterns. The aim of this study was to observe the process involved in the melanocyte migration and proliferation among these patterns and the unresponsive lesions following UVB-NB phototherapy. The focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and c-KIT were used as markers of melanocyte migration and differentiation, respectively. METHODS: A total of 17 vitiligo patients under UVB-NB therapy were selected. The patients expressed the three repigmentation patterns as well as unresponsive lesions at the conclusion of a 30-session cycle. Skin biopsies were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR. RESULTS: We found an increased expression of c-KIT in the follicular pattern compared to the diffuse pattern that was expressed predominantly of FAK. Marginal pattern expressed both proteins. The unresponsive achromic lesions showed poor expressions of both markers. CONCLUSION: Proliferation was prominent in the follicular pattern, but migration was prominent in the diffuse pattern. For the marginal pattern, both dynamics were present. The absence of these markers in vitiligo lesions suggests a lack of response to UVB-NB.

[Allopurinol hypersensitivity syndrome. A report of two cases]. / Síndrome de hipersensibilidad por alopurinol. Informe de dos casos clínicos.

Patients in treatment with allopurinol are in risk of having life threatening adverse reactions particularly at the beginning of the treatment. Two percent of the patients prescribed with this drug have associated severe cutaneous adverse reactions. We present two cases of allopurinol hypersensitivity syndrome in mexican patients in which asymptomatic hyperuricemia was the indication to its use. The general physician and the specialist must be alert of this syndrome that causes elevate morbidity and mortality.

Los pacientes bajo tratamiento con alopurinol pueden presentar reacciones adversas potencialmente mortales, particularmente al inicio del tratamiento. Las reacciones cutáneas adversas por alopurinol tienen una prevalencia aproximada del 2 %. Presentamos dos casos de síndrome de hipersensibilidad por alopurinol en pacientes mexicanos en quienes la hiperuricemia asintomática fue la indicación para su uso. El médico general y el especialista deben estar alerta ante este síndrome que ocasiona alta morbilidad y mortalidad.

[Analysis of the cumulative solar ultraviolet radiation in Mexico]. / Análisis de la radiación solar ultravioleta acumulada en México.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of skin cancer has increased in Mexico in recent years. Ultraviolet radiation is the main risk factor associated. Due to the need to develop strategies to prevent skin cancer, the aim of the study was to estimate the UV intensity in several representative regions of Mexico, the average annual UV dose of these populations, and the potential benefit of applying sunscreen at different ages. METHODS: The intensity of UV radiation was quantified by remote and terrestrial radiometry. The dose of UV exposure was measured in minimal erythema doses using validated models for face and arms. The benefit of using a sunscreen was calculated with the use of a sunscreen with SPF 15 from birth to age 70. RESULTS: The UV radiation is lower in December and greater in the period from May to July. The region with a lower annual dose is Tijuana; and the higher annual dose is in the Mexico City area. The annual difference between these regions was 58 %. Through life, a low SPF sunscreen can reduce up to 66 % of the received UV dose. CONCLUSIONS: The geographical location is a risk factor for accumulation of UV radiation in Mexico. Since childhood, people receive high amounts of it; however, most of this dose can be reduced using any commercially available sunscreen, if applied strategically.

Introducción: La incidencia del cáncer de piel en México se ha incrementado en los últimos años. La radiación UV es el principal factor de riesgo asociado. Debido a la necesidad de desarrollar estrategias para evitarla, el objetivo del estudio fue estimar la intensidad UV en diversas regiones representativas del país, la dosis UV promedio anual de esas poblaciones y el beneficio potencial de la aplicación de un filtro solar a diferentes edades. Métodos: se cuantificó la intensidad de la radiación UV mediante radiometría terrestre y remota. La dosis de exposición UV se midió en dosis mínimas eritematógenas utilizando modelos validados para cara y brazos. El beneficio de realizar fotoprotección se calculó para el uso de un filtro con FPS 15 desde el nacimiento hasta los 70 años. Resultados: la radiación UV es menor en diciembre y máxima de mayo a julio. La localidad con menor dosis anual es Tijuana y la máxima el Distrito Federal. La diferencia anual entre estas regiones es de 58 %. Durante la vida, un filtro solar de baja potencia puede reducir hasta 66 % la dosis recibida. Conclusiones: la localización geográfica es un factor de riesgo para la acumulación de radiación UV en México. Desde la infancia, la población recibe dosis elevadas de radiación UV. La mayoría de esas dosis puede reducirse mediante cualquier filtro solar disponible en el comercio, si es aplicado de forma estratégica.

CD4, IL-17, and COX-2 Are Associated With Subclinical Inflammation in Malar Melasma.

The pathogenesis of melasma, a common, photo-induced hyperpigmentary disorder, is not clearly understood. Significant factors linked to melasma are ultraviolet radiation exposure and genetic predisposition. Histological analysis has demonstrated that melasma is caused by a network of cellular interactions among melanocytes, keratinocytes, mast cells, fibroblasts, and dermal vasculature exhibits, features similar to chronic sun damage. Dermal inflammation caused by ultraviolet radiation might play an important role in the hyperpigmentation and reactivation of melasma lesions through the production of melanogenic cytokines and growth factors. Because the role of inflammation in this disorder is unknown, we used histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction to evaluate melasma lesions from healthy female patients (n = 20) with malar melasma. Lesional skin without specific solar exposure or photoprotection measures within the previous 4 weeks was compared with nonlesional skin. The increased lymphocytic infiltrate in lesional skin was mainly composed of CD4 T cells, mast cells, and macrophages. Levels of the cytokine interleukin (IL)-17 and the proinflammatory mediator cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 were significantly elevated in affected skin compared with healthy skin. In addition, the Melasma Activity and Severity Index score, fraction of solar elastosis, and epidermal melanin were positively associated with COX-2 expression. There was no statistically significant difference in IL-1α, IL-1ß, R-IL1, IL-6, IL-8, vascular endothelial growth factor, and tumor necrosis factor alpha expression levels. Together, these data indicated that melasma under unchallenged conditions is characterized by chronic inflammatory cells and mediators, which may explain its recurrent nature.

Metastatic Calcinosis Cutis: A Case in a Child with Acute Pre-B Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

Hypercalcemia in children with malignancy is an uncommon condition. It has been described in leukemia patients with impaired renal excretion of calcium or osteolytic lesions. Metastatic calcinosis cutis (MCC) may develop if hypercalcemia persists. We report the case of a 5-year-old girl with an atypical dermatosis and unspecific gastrointestinal symptoms. Considered clinical diagnoses were xanthomas, histiocytosis, molluscum contagiosum, and nongenital warts. Cutaneous histological analysis showed amorphous basophilic deposits in the dermis suggestive of calcium deposits. Laboratory tests confirmed serum hypercalcemia. Extensive investigations such as bone marrow biopsy established the diagnosis of an acute pre-B cell lymphoblastic leukemia. Hypercalcemia in hematopoietic malignancies is unusual, especially as initial manifestation of the disease. Careful review of the literature fails to reveal previous reports of these peculiar cutaneous lesions of MCC in children with leukemia.

Subcutaneous Emphysema Induced by Cryotherapy: A Complication due to Previous Punctures.

Cryosurgery is a common therapeutic modality used in dermatology; therefore we must be aware of its possible adverse effects. We report a case of a patient with subcutaneous emphysema which occurred following the application of cryotherapy after multiple punctures of local anesthetic and intralesional steroids in a chest keloid scar. Despite the fact that this condition was gradually resolved after expectant observation, we warn about this complication when sprayed cryotherapy is preceded by multiple punctures on cutaneous lesions above bony surfaces. In similar settings, cryotherapy must be first administered or a cotton-tip applicator should be used.

Mycosis fungoides-like lesions in a patient with diffuse cutaneous sporotrichosis.

BACKGROUND: Sporotrichosis is a subacute or chronic mycosis acquired by traumatic inoculation or inhalation of fungal conidia. It is caused by the dimorphic fungus Sporothrix, which causes different clinical presentations, being the cutaneous and lymphocutaneous variants being the most frequent. The disseminated cutaneous form is a rare presentation occurring in a minority of cases in Mexico. CASE REPORT: We report an atypical case of disseminated sporotrichosis in an alcoholic and iatrogenically immunosuppressed patient, whose clinical lesions resembled tumoral-stage mycosis fungoides. Histological examination and culture revealed the presence of Sporothrix schenckii. CONCLUSIONS: The patient was treated with itraconazole 200mg per day for 4 months with clinical resolution. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of this type of clinical manifestation.

Hailey-Hailey disease improved by fractional CO2 laser.

Hailey-Hailey disease (HHD), also known as benign familial pemphigus, is an autosomal dominant skin condition that affects the adhesion of epidermal keratinocytes. Although the initial manifestation of flaccid vesicles on erythematous or normal skin in flexure sites frequently goes unnoticed, large, macerated, exudative plaques of superficial erosions with crusting are observed at the time of diagnosis. There is no specific treatment for HHD, and most cases are symptomatically supported. However, infrared laser ablation has been somewhat helpful. We present a case successfully treated with fractional CO2 laser showing a long-term favourable outcome and no adverse effects. Thus, this modality could be an alternative to full ablation for this condition.

In vitro assessment of commercial sunscreens available in Latin America / Valoración in vitro de protectores solares comerciales existentes en Latinoamérica

In Latin America, people have largely abandoned the practice of wearing hats and traditional clothing that provided skin protection. Sunscreen application has therefore become essential to protect against the increased sun exposure. The physician-prescribed medical-grade sunscreens provide sufficient sun protection but the requirement for regular use puts a financial burden on the patient that is often not sustainable. An appropriate sunscreen should provide a high and broad ultraviolet (UV) protection against UVB and UVA. Several over-the-counter (OTC) sunscreens have been developed for sale at affordable prices and are available for purchase in convenient locations, such as local grocery stores. The aim of this study was to assess the in vitro UV protection of 34 popular OTC sunscreens found in the Latin American market. UV absorbance/transmittance was quantified by diffusion transmission spectroscopy using coarse silica plaques. Photostability was tested by irradiating them with simulated solar light and calculating the sun protection factor (SPF), critical length of absorption (C λ ), UVA/UVB ratio, and the spectral uniformity index (SUI). The results indicated that the in vitro SPFs were significantly lower than the value declared on the labels, particularly for those claiming high SPF values; however, the majority of these sunscreens offered high levels of UV protection. Considering the advantages of low cost and ample accessibility, we concluded that this sample of OTC sunscreens can be beneficial to the general public by providing some level of skin protection from solar radiation, and may be promoted to improve compliance with recommended photoprotection behavior.

En Latinoamérica, la población ha abandonado la costumbre de usar sombrero y ropa tradicional para protegerse del sol. En consecuencia, es básico el uso de protectores solares si se realizan actividades bajo sol. Los protectores solares que se usan en la práctica médica son adecuados, pero su uso frecuente condiciona una carga económica que muchos pacientes no pueden solventar debido a sus costos considerables. Un protector apropiado contiene una amplia y elevada protección ultravioleta (UV) A y B. En las tiendas de conveniencia, existen numerosos protectores solares a precios más accesibles. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la protección UV in vitro de 34 protectores solares con amplia presencia comercial (de venta sin prescripción médica) en el mercado latinoamericano. La absorbancia/transmitancia de la radiación UV se cuantificó mediante espectroscopía de transmisión difusa. Placas de sílice esmerilado fueron recubiertas con el producto y expuestas a radiación solar simulada para conocer su fotoestabilidad. Se calcularon índices como el factor de protección solar (SPF), longitud crítica de absorción (C λ), relación UVA/UVB y el índice de uniformidad espectral (SUI). Se encontró que el SPF in vitro fue inferior al establecido en las etiquetas, especialmente en aquellos con valores altos. No obstante, la mayoría de los protectores incluidos ofrecen niveles de protección UV elevados. Considerando su amplia accesibilidad y menor costo, concluimos que esta muestra comercial de protectores solares podría utilizarse en el entorno clínico para favorecer su apego junto a las otras medidas de fotoprotección sugeridas.

Near-visible light and UV photoprotection in the treatment of melasma: a double-blind randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Melasma is an acquired hyperpigmentation on sun-exposed areas. Multiple approaches are used to treat it, but all include broad ultraviolet (UV)-spectrum sunscreens. Visible light (VL) can induce pigmentary changes similar to those caused by UV radiation on darker-skinned patients. OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of sunscreen with broad-spectrum UV protection that contains iron oxide as a VL-absorbing pigment (UV-VL) compared with a regular UV-only broad-spectrum sunscreen for melasma patients exposed to intense solar conditions. METHODS: Sixty-eight patients with melasma were randomized in two groups to receive either UV-VL sunscreen or UV-only sunscreen, both with sun protection factor ≥ 50, over 8 weeks. All patients received 4% hydroquinone as a depigmenting treatment. At onset and at conclusion of the study, they were assessed by the Melasma Activity and Severity Index (MASI; a subjective scale), colorimetry (L*) and histological analysis of melanin. RESULTS: Sixty-one patients concluded the study. At 8 weeks, the UV-VL group showed 15%, 28% and 4% greater improvements than the UV-only group in MASI scores, colorimetric values and melanin assessments, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: UV-VL sunscreen enhances the depigmenting efficacy of hydroquinone compared with UV-only sunscreen in treatment of melasma. These findings suggest a role for VL in melasma pathogenesis.