ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: To date, there are no accepted outcome measures to monitor morphea, and consensus on specific monitoring criteria for morphea remains elusive. A few studies have assessed the criterion validity of skin ultrasound in morphea. So, in this study, we approach ultrasound findings in morphea lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a retrospective-analytical study conducted between December 2021 and May 2023. Patients were clinically evaluated at a dermatology outpatient clinic and then referred for high-frequency ultrasound (HF-US) evaluation and were selected to be included in this study. The lesions were confirmed by histopathology as well. Sonographic evaluations were performed on the lesion site and the symmetrical uninvolved other side. Dermal thickness and dermal echogenicities were recorded. Statistical analysis of group differences was performed by using the 2-tailed Student t-test. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Forty-one morphea lesions in the inflammatory phase of 27 patients were included in the study. The mean dermal thickness of morphea lesions was 1107.97 ± 414.3 and the mean dermal thickness of the control side was 1094.65 ± 331.06, The difference between these two variables was not statistically significant. The mean dermal density of lesions was 49.13 ± 18.97 and the mean dermal density of the control side was 52.22 ± 25.33. The difference between these two variables was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: This study shows that HF-US indicated increasing dermal thickness and reducing the dermal density of the morphea lesions in the inflammatory phase confirmed with the histopathology.
Subject(s)
Scleroderma, Localized , Ultrasonography , Humans , Scleroderma, Localized/diagnostic imaging , Scleroderma, Localized/pathology , Retrospective Studies , Female , Male , Ultrasonography/methods , Adult , Middle Aged , Adolescent , Young Adult , Skin/diagnostic imaging , Skin/pathology , ChildABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Mannitol may be a good excipient for hyaluronic acid (HA) filler. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the tolerability and effectiveness of a mannitol-containing HA filler for the improvement of nasolabial folds (NLFs). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty Middle Eastern participants aged 18 to 65 years with moderate-to-severe NLFs on the Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale (WSRS) received 1 to 2 mL of a HA filler containing mannitol in both NLFs. Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale; volume, depth, and area of NLFs; and ultrasound parameters were measured at baseline, Weeks 2, 12, and 24 after the injection. Adverse events and participants' satisfaction were recorded in all follow-up visits. RESULTS: Eighty-nine percent, 86%, and 61% of participants showed at least one grade improvement in WSRS, at Weeks 2, 12, and 24, respectively. The area and volume of NLFs significantly decreased compared with baseline (p-value < .01). In severe NLFs, echo density of the dermis significantly increased at Week 2. Participants reported great satisfaction with the treatment, and adverse events were mainly mild and transient. One patient had significant pain during injection, but this resolved without sequelae. CONCLUSION: The tested mannitol-containing HA filler showed to be effective in Middle Eastern participants. The safety will require a follow-up larger study.
ABSTRACT
Tinea incognita (TI) can mimic other dermatoses, presenting a diagnostic challenge for dermatologists. In some uncertain cases, it is crucial to accurately identify the causative agent using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing. The global issue of drug-resistant dermatophytosis is increasing, with Trichophyton (T.) indotineae being the main cause. This study presents four cases of TI (diagnosed as eczema) by terbinafine-resistant T. indotineae strains and reviews the current global TI epidemiology based on geographical continent and related conditions. Furthermore, squalene epoxidase (SQLE)-associated resistance mechanisms are evaluated. Lesions caused by terbinafine-resistant T. indotineae strains do not respond to allylamine antifungals, thus allowing the infection to spread. Among T. indotineae isolates, the SQLE F397L substitution is the most prevalent mutation contributing to azole resistance. F397L and L393F replacements in SQLE were detected in all isolates that exhibited high-level resistance. L393S was seen in isolates with low-resistant strains. Interestingly, and for the first time, an L393F amino acid substitution in the SQLE gene product was detected in the Iranian clinical T. indotineae strain. Also, a genomics-based update on terbinafine resistance that focuses on T. indotineae is discussed in this study.
Subject(s)
Antifungal Agents , Drug Resistance, Fungal , Terbinafine , Tinea , Trichophyton , Humans , Tinea/drug therapy , Tinea/microbiology , Tinea/genetics , Terbinafine/therapeutic use , Drug Resistance, Fungal/genetics , Antifungal Agents/therapeutic use , Antifungal Agents/pharmacology , Male , Trichophyton/genetics , Trichophyton/drug effects , Female , Mutation/genetics , Middle Aged , Adult , Squalene Monooxygenase/genetics , Adrenal Cortex Hormones/therapeutic useABSTRACT
Background: The advanced glycation end product (AGE) is produced from the nonenzymatic reaction between glucose and macromolecules by aging. Accumulation of AGE causes functional and structural changes in body proteins that lead to impairment of tissue protein functions. We aimed to validate AGE measurement by skin autofluorescence (SAF) in diabetes mellitus (DM) compared to the nondiabetes population. Materials and Methods: We searched the PubMed, Cochrane, and Scopus databases from their inception till September 18, 2022, for casecontrol studies measuring AGE by SAF. Nonhuman studies, as well as review articles, study proposals, editorials, case reports, or congress posters, were excluded. We used a random effects model to assess the standard mean difference (MD) of age, body mass index (BMI), HbA1c, and SAF between diabetes and nondiabetes individuals. Results: Higher SAF in DM patients indicated more accumulation of AGE compared with the nondiabetic population. Furthermore, HbA1c was considerably higher in DM patients. The MD of age, male gender, and BMI were significantly different between the DM individuals, compared with nondiabetic subjects, which can lead to altered SAF level and AGE production. There was a remarkable heterogeneity between diabetes and nondiabetes when measuring age, gender, and BMI, as well as HbA1c and SAF level. Conclusion: This study could not confirm the validity of SAF as a surrogate marker in diabetes patients. Interestingly, metabolic load and high BMI can increase SAF, considerably. Altogether, SAF could be helpful in the future as a marker for metabolic syndrome or diabetes.
ABSTRACT
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mainly affects the respiratory system, but the involvement of other organ systems has also been commonly reported. Acute acro-ischemia or chilblain like lesions were among the first recognized dermatological presentations of COVID-19. Though the occurrence of such lesions has been attributed to the similar interferon-1 mediated immune response in both COVID-19 and systemic lupus erythematosus, we propose another possible explanation based on a common genetic background. In a recent genome-wide association study, the 3p21.31 region was found to be associated with COVID-19 severity. This region also contains the TREX1 gene. Missense mutations of the TREX1 gene are responsible for familial chilblain lupus and its genetic polymorphisms have been implicated in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus. Based on this observation, herein we have reviewed other COVID-19 risk loci for potential overlap with dermatological conditions.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Exodeoxyribonucleases , Phosphoproteins , COVID-19/genetics , Chromosomes, Human, Pair 3 , Exodeoxyribonucleases/genetics , Genetic Predisposition to Disease , Genome-Wide Association Study , Humans , Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous/genetics , Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous/pathology , Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic , Phosphoproteins/genetics , Severity of Illness IndexABSTRACT
Combination therapy with biotin and dexpanthenol is a well-known practice in preventing and treating hair loss, however, it is not well studied. In this study, we compared the efficacy of the 6-week treatment with two brands of biotin and dexpanthenol for the treatment of diffuse hair loss. Fifty eligible patients with diffused pattern hair loss, (41 women and 9 men) were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either 6 weekly injections of dexpanthenol ampoule 250 mg/2 ml and biotin ampoule 5 mg/1 ml, manufactured by Pars Behvarzan or Bayer Company. Combing test, Standard scalp photography and trichoscan assessment were performed before the first treatment session and one and 8 weeks after the last one. Patients' satisfaction and drug adverse reactions were also recorded. One and eight weeks after the last treatment session, hair fall count and total hair density significantly improved in both groups (p-value <0.01 for hair fall count and 0.04 and 0.02, for hair density in Pars and Bayer groups, respectively). There was no significant difference between the two groups in any other trichoscan parameter, except for improvement in terminal/vellus hair ratio in the Bayer group in both follow up visits, compared to the Pars group (p-value = 0.02 and 0.033 for weeks one and eight). Six-week treatment with both brands of biotin and dexpanthenol was effective and safe in people with diffused pattern hair loss.
Subject(s)
Alopecia , Biotin , Pantothenic Acid , Alopecia/diagnosis , Alopecia/drug therapy , Biotin/therapeutic use , Double-Blind Method , Female , Hair , Humans , Injections, Intramuscular , Male , Pantothenic Acid/analogs & derivatives , Pantothenic Acid/therapeutic use , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
The unpleasant appearance of the neck through the aging process could burden the psychosocial quality of life, therefore various treatment modalities have been used to rejuvenate the neck. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of botulinum toxin injection as a single or combined treatment with Profhilo gel for neck rejuvenation. Patients with a request for neck rejuvenation meeting the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into two groups. Initial clinical scoring based on Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale (WSRS) and skin biomechanical parameters using a multiadaptor system (MPA) were performed before starting the treatment. Dysport Botox was injected for all of the participants, moreover, in one of the groups (intervention), Profhilo gel was injected after 2 weeks and a follow-up visit was performed for both groups 3 months later. Patients were evaluated according to the GAIS (global aesthetic improvement scale) by two blind dermatologists and skin biophysical parameters were measured by MPA such as TEWL, hydration, thickness, density, visco-elasticity, net elasticity, pliability/firmness. In this study, 19 participants in the control (Dysport) and intervention (Dysport + PROFhilo gel) groups were evaluated. Before starting the treatment, the two groups were similar in terms of WSRS scores and biophysical skin parameters. Three months after the treatment, it was observed that Hydration (p < 0.001) and Thickness of the skin (p = 0.028) in the intervention group were significantly higher than in the control group. Similarly, the GAIS scores of the intervention group showed significantly better results comparing to the control group (p < 0.001). Profhilo gel following Dysport Botox can be considered as a safe and more effective treatment of neck aging comparing to Dysport Botox injection alone in patients who are not a candidate for surgery due to any reason.
Subject(s)
Botulinum Toxins, Type A , Skin Aging , Humans , Hyaluronic Acid/adverse effects , Molecular Weight , Quality of Life , Rejuvenation , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Despite the considerably high prevalence of cutaneous warts, no optimally effective and safe treatment is available. Leaves of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.; Arecaceae) have long been used in Iran's folk medicine as a remedy for warts. To assess the state-of-the-art evidence on using P. dactylifera L. for warts, we conducted a systematic review using CINAHL (via EBSCO), Embase, Medline (via PubMed), ProQuest, Scopus, and Web of Science. We conducted an open-label uncontrolled pilot clinical study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a proprietary topical date palm leaf-based ointment for the treatment of various types of nongenital warts. This study consisted of an 8-week treatment phase and a 4-week follow-up phase. The assessed outcomes included complete clearance, patient satisfaction (on Likert scale), and the occurrence of any adverse effect. The systematic review demonstrated that the effects of date palm on warts have not been scientifically studied. Thirty patients entered the study with a mean age of 29.5 years (SD = 14.04); among which 17 were female and 13 were male. The patients presented diverse types of warts: verruca vulgaris 15 (50%), plantar 9 (30%), plane 2 (7%), periungual 2 (7%), and warts at multiple sites 2 (7%). In this trial, 19 patients (63.3%) experienced complete clearance and 5 patients (16.6%) experienced partial clearance. Eight patients (26.67%) dropped out during the study. 21 (70%) patients were very satisfied (score on Likert scale = 5) while 1 (3.3%) patient with partial clearance was somewhat satisfied (score on Likert scale = 4). No adverse effect was observed. The results of this pilot study indicate that the date palm leaf-based ointment is a promising treatment whose efficacy and safety should be further investigated in a randomized controlled clinical trial.
Subject(s)
Phoeniceae , Warts , Humans , Male , Female , Adult , Ointments/therapeutic use , Pilot Projects , Warts/drug therapy , Plant Leaves , Treatment Outcome , Randomized Controlled Trials as TopicABSTRACT
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a skin disease caused by intracellular protozoa, which is endemic in Iran. The goal of this study was to compare biophysical characteristics in CL lesions with uninvolved skin. Stratum corneum hydration, transepidermal water loss, surface friction, pH, sebum, melanin, erythema, temperature, elasticity parameters (R0, R2, and R5), thickness and echo-density of epidermis and dermis were measured on the active erythematous indurated part of a typical CL lesion in 20 patients, and compared with the same location on the other side of the body as control. Paired t-test was used for statistical analyses and a p < 0.05 was considered significant. Melanin content, R2 and echo-density of dermis were significantly lower, whereas transepidermal water loss, friction index, pH, erythema index, temperature, and the thickness of dermis were significantly higher in CL lesions. There was no significant difference in stratum corneum hydration, sebum, R0, R5, thickness of epidermis, and density of epidermis between CL and normal skin. CL lesions are characterized by certain changes in biophysical and ultrasonographic properties, which are mostly correlated with histological features. These changes are likely to be useful in the non-invasive early detection of CL and also as treatment outcome measures for clinical trials of new treatment modalities for CL in the future.
Subject(s)
Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous , Melanins , Erythema , Humans , Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous/diagnostic imaging , Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous/pathology , Outcome Assessment, Health Care , Skin/diagnostic imaging , Skin/pathology , WaterABSTRACT
In this case-control study, class Ð and ÐÐ human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles in Iranian patients with benign and severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions (CADRs) due to aromatic anticonvulsants and antibiotics were evaluated. Patients diagnosed with CADRs (based on clinical and laboratory findings) with a Naranjo score of ≥ 4 underwent blood sampling and HLA-DNA typing. The control group comprised 90 healthy Iranian adults. Alleles with a frequency of more than two were reported. Deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were not observed. Eighty patients with CADRs including 54 females and 26 males with a mean age of 41.49 ± 16.08 years were enrolled in this study. The culprit drugs included anticonvulsants (lamotrigine, carbamazepine, and phenytoin) and antibiotics (ciprofloxacin and co-trimoxazole). The comparison of allele frequencies in the Iranian healthy control group and the group with benign CADRs revealed that HLA-Cw*04, and HLA-A*24 were significantly associated with lamotrigine-induced maculopapular CADRs. Furthermore, HLA-B*51 showed a significant correlation with carbamazepine-induced maculopapular CADRs. Significant associations were also detected between ciprofloxacin-induced urticarial CADRs with HLA-B*40, and HLA-DRB1*14. In the severe group, HLA-B*38 and HLA-DRB1*13 were significantly associated with lamotrigine-induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN). Moreover, HLA-A*31 and HLA-Cw*04 were significantly correlated with carbamazepine-induced drug reactions with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS). HLA-B*08 also showed a significant correlation with ciprofloxacin-induced acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP). In conclusion, Lamotrigine-induced MPE was significantly correlated with HLA-Cw*04, and HLA-A*24. Similarly, lamotrigine-induced SJS/TEN was significantly associated with HLA-B*38 and HLA-DRB1*13. Additionally, HLA-A*31 was associated with DRESS caused by carbamazepine. The most frequent CADR-inducing drugs were anticonvulsants.
Subject(s)
Anticonvulsants , Stevens-Johnson Syndrome , Adult , Anti-Bacterial Agents/adverse effects , Anticonvulsants/adverse effects , Carbamazepine/adverse effects , Case-Control Studies , Ciprofloxacin/adverse effects , Female , Genotype , HLA Antigens/genetics , HLA-A Antigens/genetics , HLA-B Antigens/genetics , HLA-DRB1 Chains/genetics , Humans , Iran , Lamotrigine , Male , Middle Aged , Stevens-Johnson Syndrome/etiologyABSTRACT
Ziziphus jujuba Mill. (jujube) is an invaluable medicinal plant in traditional and modern medicine. Jujube syrup is a complex of herbal extracts including Z. jujuba, Berberis vulgaris, Rhus coriaria, Prunus domestica, and Rosa damascene. The purpose of the present study was to formulate and investigate the efficacy and safety of jujube syrup on brightening of facial skin. In this randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical study, 46 participants consumed jujube syrup or placebo (23 in each group) twice a day for 8 weeks. The number of pigments, area of pigmentation, and physician's global assessment score (PGAS) were evaluated at baseline and after 8 weeks. The results showed the amounts of total phenolics and flavonoids were 81.97 ± 0.25 and 4.98 ± 1.04 mg/ml, respectively. The amounts of organic acids (gallic acid and chlorogenic acid) were quantified at 1140 ± 17.65 and 1520 ± 25.77 µg/ml, respectively. The amounts of total phenolic and flavonoids were stable under accelerated conditions. Eight weeks after treatment, the number of pigment counts reduced to 0.545 ± 0.307 compared to the placebo group. Moreover, the pigmented area and its percentages were significantly reduced to 0.556 ± 0.285 and 0.561 ± 0.288 in jujube syrup compared with placebo, respectively. Jujube syrup is efficient and safe for treating hyperpigmentation of the face.
Subject(s)
Plants, Medicinal , Ziziphus , Flavonoids/adverse effects , Fruit , Humans , Plant Extracts/adverse effectsABSTRACT
Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease that targets the hair follicles (HF) and results in non-scarring hair loss. AA results from the collapse of the HF's immune privilege due to a combination of environmental and genetic factors that either change the local HF dynamics or dysregulate the central immune tolerance. Multiple genetic studies have attempted to identify AA susceptibility genes through candidate gene approaches and genome-wide analysis. These studies were able to show an association between AA and multiple immune-related genes such as those encoding cytokines, chemokines, molecules involved in regulatory T-cell functions, and adaptor molecules along with genes involved in autophagy, melanogenesis, and hair cycling pathways. This chapter aims to explore these genes and their contribution to the pathogenesis of the AA.
Subject(s)
Alopecia Areata , Autoimmune Diseases , Alopecia Areata/genetics , Alopecia Areata/pathology , Chemokines , Hair Follicle , Humans , ImmunogeneticsABSTRACT
As COVID-19 vaccination has started worldwide to control this pandemic, dermatologists may face various challenges with these new vaccines. In this manuscript, we review different types of available COVID-19 vaccines and their various production platforms. Vaccination considerations in patients with skin diseases, especially those using immunomodulatory drugs will be presented. Finally, adverse cutaneous reactions of COVID-19 vaccines will be reviewed.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Vaccines , COVID-19 Vaccines , Dermatologists , Humans , SARS-CoV-2 , Vaccines/adverse effectsABSTRACT
Adapalene (ADA) is believed to be one of the topical treatments utilized commonly in case of acne. Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) have been established as an effective carrier system with certain advantages, for instance increased solubility, drug targeting, controlled drug release, and stability of ADA. This study was conducted to obtain the formulation with a good therapeutic property. All formulations were formed by probe sonicator and its characterizations were analyzed. Finally, the therapeutic effects of 0.1% ADA-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC-ADA) were evaluated. This formulation had a great entrapment efficiency (EE) that illustrated a controlled drug release profile. A pilot clinical evaluation conducted on 15 patients (age 25.23 ± 12.24 years) with mild to moderate acne vulgaris lesions. The results demonstrated significant reduction in acne severity index and the number of inflammatory and noninflammatory lesions after 12 weeks of treatment (P-value .02, .04, and .01, respectively). Subjective results were confirmed with significant improvement in size and intensity of porphyrin production in pilosebaceous follicles (P-value = .03). The study demonstrated that the formulation was safe and revealed the proper improvement rate of acne lesions after 12 weeks.
Subject(s)
Acne Vulgaris , Nanostructures , Pharmaceutical Preparations , Acne Vulgaris/diagnosis , Acne Vulgaris/drug therapy , Adapalene , Adolescent , Adult , Child , Humans , Lipids , Young AdultABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Prostaglandins play a pivotal role in modulating hair growth cycle. Prostaglandin F2α and prostaglandin E have stimulating and prostaglandin D has inhibitory effects on hair follicle. Cetirizine inhibits release of prostaglandin D2 and stimulates the release of prostaglandin E2. In the present study, the efficacy and safety of twice daily application of topical cetirizine 1% versus minoxidil 5% solutions for 16 weeks were compared in male androgenetic alopecia (AGA). METHODS: Forty men, aged 18 to 49 years, were randomly divided into two equal groups to apply either cetirizine 1% or minoxidil 5% solutions. The study was divided into two phases, a 16-week treatment phase either with cetirizine or minoxidil (anagen phase), followed by an 8-week drug-free (telogen phase) with a follow-up when patients used placebo. Efficacy outcomes included the change in total hair density, vellus and terminal hair density, hair diameter and the percentage of hair in anagen and telogen phases from baseline in 16 and 24 weeks. RESULTS: After 16 weeks, we observed a significant increase in total and vellus hair density in both minoxidil and cetirizine groups, but the improvement was much higher in the minoxidil group. The percentage of hair in the anagen phase also increased in both groups after 16 weeks of treatment, but then diminished after 8 weeks of placebo consumption. No significant adverse reactions associated with the administration of cetirizine solution were reported. CONCLUSION: Cetirizine 1% solution was effective in hair growth without any complications for treatment of male AGA.
Subject(s)
Alopecia/drug therapy , Cetirizine/therapeutic use , Histamine Antagonists/therapeutic use , Minoxidil/therapeutic use , Administration, Topical , Adult , Humans , Male , Minoxidil/adverse effects , Single-Blind Method , Solutions , Treatment Outcome , Young AdultABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The goal of this study was evaluation of the skin biophysical properties in early patch/plaque stage of mycosis fungoides (MF) and its comparison with uninvolved skin in order to gain a better understanding of the pathogenesis of diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The stratum corneum hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), surface friction, pH, sebum, melanin, erythema, temperature, elasticity parameters (R0, R2, R5), thickness, and echo density of epidermis and dermis were measured on lesions of 21 patients and compared with controls (average measures of uninvolved perilesional and symmetrical skins) by paired sample t test. RESULTS: Stratum corneum hydration (P < 0.001) and echo density of dermis (P = 0.044) were significantly lower, whereas pH (P-value = 0.007), erythema (P < 0.001), and melanin content (P = 0.007) were significantly higher in lesions. There was not any significant difference in TEWL, friction index, sebum, temperature, R0, R2, R5, thickness of epidermis and dermis, and echo density of epidermis between lesions and normal skin. CONCLUSION: Parapsoriasis/MF lesions are specified by a set of certain changes in biophysical properties which are mainly correlated with histological changes. These sets of alterations may help in noninvasive, early diagnosis of parapsoriasis/MF.
Subject(s)
Mycosis Fungoides , Skin Neoplasms , Epidermis , Humans , Mycosis Fungoides/diagnostic imaging , Sebum , Skin/diagnostic imaging , Skin Neoplasms/diagnostic imagingABSTRACT
Although several commercial moisturizers are available in the market, the continued role of pharmaceutical compounding has been still felt in dry skin management. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a ureabased compounded moisturizer on barrier function, compared with a similar commercial product. Thirty volunteers with a mean age of 36.15 ± 9.55 years (range 21-56 years) and dry skin were recruited in two groups, one group to apply 5% urea containing hydrophilic petrolatum and the other 10% urea containing hydrophilic petrolatum. In each cohort, the upper parts of right and left forearms were randomly assigned for twice a day application of commercial or compounded products. Whereas the right lower forearm was assigned for application of a cream-based formulation, the left lower one served as the control site and with application of no topical product. Biophysical assessments [transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin hydration, friction coeffi cient, pH, and surface lipids], were performed before intervention, at 1 and 4 h after single application, and at 24 h and 1 week twice daily application. In both groups, commercial and compounded moisturizers showed an appropriate and comparable effect on skin barrier function compared with creambased formulation and no treatment area. However, commercial products led to better improvement in TEWL, 4 h after single application in both groups (p-value = 0.04). In case of 10% urea base formulation, the rate of increase in skin hydration was also signifi cantly higher for a commercial emollient than a compounding product (57.48 ± 11.23 vs. 50.59 ± 11.42, p-value = 0.02). Commercial formulation led to higher acceptability and better improvement in the skin barrier function after single application, probably because of the influence of excipients. The present study did not find sufficient added value for cream-based pharmacy product relative to commercial one and suggests to be replaced in a similar condition.
Subject(s)
Urea , Water Loss, Insensible , Adult , Biometry , Emollients/pharmacology , Humans , Middle Aged , Skin , Urea/pharmacology , Young AdultABSTRACT
Herpes zoster, a common inflammatory viral disease, results in several complications. Pain and sensory disorders are the main symptoms of herpes zoster. We reported a case of segmental abdominal zoster with progression to motor involvement and pseudohernia.
Subject(s)
Abdominal Wall , Herpes Zoster , Neuralgia, Postherpetic , Herpes Zoster/complications , Herpes Zoster/diagnosis , Herpes Zoster/drug therapy , Humans , Neuralgia, Postherpetic/diagnosis , Neuralgia, Postherpetic/drug therapy , Neuralgia, Postherpetic/etiologyABSTRACT
Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most common autoimmune blistering disease with subepidermal involvement, typically affecting the elderly. It has spontaneous remissions and exacerbations with significant morbidity. A novel coronavirus called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the new universal coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The pandemic made concerns, especially about immunosuppressive therapy. In this article, we reviewed the management of BP in the COVID-19 pandemic era. The data about the best management of autoimmune bullous diseases like BP, during the outbreak of COVID-19, are evolving and updated every day.
Subject(s)
Autoimmunity/drug effects , COVID-19/virology , Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use , Pemphigoid, Bullous/drug therapy , SARS-CoV-2/pathogenicity , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/immunology , Host-Pathogen Interactions , Humans , Immunocompromised Host , Immunosuppressive Agents/adverse effects , Pemphigoid, Bullous/epidemiology , Pemphigoid, Bullous/immunology , Risk Assessment , Risk Factors , SARS-CoV-2/drug effects , SARS-CoV-2/immunology , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Little research on impact of air pollution on human skin is available. We aimed to clarify the association between acute exposure to criteria air pollutant with biophysical characteristics of the skin. We followed a panel of 20 volunteers free of any skin diseases in skin evaluation study in Tehran, Iran from April 2017 to April 2018. Two distinct body parts including middle forehead and inside the right upper arm were evaluated at six time periods. The associations of the weighted averages of personal exposure to air pollutants at 24 hours up to 6 days, and multiday average before the skin assessment with biophysical characteristics of normal skin including sebum content, hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), erythema index, melanin index, pH, temperature, friction, and elasticity were assessed in a random intercept linear mixed effects modeling approach. We observed significant positive association for the arm sebum content with exposure to PM2.5 , and SO2 ; the arm and forehead TEWL with NO2 , the arm and forehead friction with O3 , and forehead hydration with PM2.5 and PM10 in early lags. We found significant negative association for the arm melanin index, elasticity, and erythema index with exposure to O3 ; and forehead elasticity with PM2.5 and PM10 . Our results provided some evidence that short-term exposure to particulate and gaseous air pollutants have detrimental effects on biophysical and biomechanical properties of skin. The association varied across body area and depended on pollutant type.