[The use of lasers in dermatology]. / L'utilisation des lasers en dermatologie.

Albert Einstein is undoubtedly the father of lasers. But it is not until 1964 that the first dermatological lasers were introduced. The Nd-YAG laser, the CO2 laser were developed by Kumar Patel. In a 40 year period lasers not only were diversified but have also become safer and miniaturized. This article hopes to strengthen general practionners' and specialist's knowledge of the different categories of available lasers. The most frequently used ones are ablative lasers (CO2-Erbium), vascular lasers (Nd-YAG, KTP, pulsed dye laser) and the pigment lasers (Q-Switched Nd-YAG, Alexandrite). A description of these lasers and their indications in dermatology will be discussed.

Prevalence of rosacea in an Estonian working population using a standard classification.

Data about the prevalence of rosacea are scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence rate of rosacea according to the American National Rosacea Society Expert Committee (NRSEC) classification. A cross-sectional study of 348 subjects randomly selected from a working population >or= 30 years of age was performed. All subjects completed a questionnaire. Skin status was examined according to NRSEC criteria. Of the 348 subjects, 78 (22%) had one or more primary features of rosacea. The most common features were erythema (21%) and telangiectasia (18%). Of the subjects with rosacea, 78% had erythematotelangiectatic rosacea and 22% had papulopustular rosacea. Fifteen percent of the study subjects had experienced frequent episodes of flushing without permanent features of rosacea. No significant gender-related differences were found between study groups. In conclusion, according to the NRSEC, rosacea is a more common skin condition over the age of 30 years than previously thought.

The use of topical bleaching agents among women: a cross-sectional study of knowledge, attitude and practices.

BACKGROUND: Although the practice of bleaching is common worldwide, there are few studies that discuss knowledge, attitudes and practices towards bleaching. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the knowledge, attitudes and practices towards the usage of topical bleaching agents among women. METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire on the use of bleaching creams was distributed randomly to women attending the outpatient clinics at a university hospital in Saudi Arabia during 2008. RESULTS: Five hundred and nine of 620 women responded (82% response rate). All the participants had dark skin (skin type 4-5). The mean age was 29.22 ± 9 years. Of the participants, 38.9% (197/506) were current users of bleaching agents. Only 26.7% (106/397) of the respondents used bleaching agents for medical purposes to treat localized abnormal skin hyper-pigmentation; 20.8% (101/485) were ready to use any bleaching cream that gives fast results, even if the components were unknown. Of the respondents, 30% (152/509) used more than 100 g of bleaching creams monthly. These products were applied to the whole body in 7.3% of the cases. While 10.3% (28/271) continued applying the bleaching products during pregnancy, 20.8% (54/260) did so during lactation. No associations could be found between the various sociodemographic variables and differences in the attitude towards and practice of using bleaching creams. CONCLUSION: A major proportion of our sample respondents have overused and/or misused bleaching agents. This was regardless of age, income, education or marital status. There is a need to educate women about the possible risks.