ABSTRACT
Body image refers to how we feel about our bodies. It does not refer to what we actually look like, but rather to our perceptions, opinions and ways of thinking about our appearance. How we feel about our appearance is part of our body image and self-image. The hair is a significant part of this image. The problem of alopecia affects both sexes and all ages with significant sequelae. Along with androgenetic alopecia, there are forms of alopecia of various origins: traumatic, surgical, pharmacological and others. Polyamide artificial hair implant (Biofibre®) is one of the current techniques used to treat this problem.
Subject(s)
Alopecia/psychology , Alopecia/surgery , Artificial Organs , Hair , Prostheses and Implants , Quality of Life , Body Image , Female , Humans , Male , NylonsABSTRACT
Ensuring the safety of hair implant fibers is essential. At the same time, good aesthetic quality and durability should also be considered in order to maintain expected result over the years. The main features required are biocompatibility, resistance to traction, absence of capillarity, resistance to physical-chemical stress, and low tissue trauma, in addition to good aesthetics. Biofibre® medical hair prosthetic fibers meet all the biocompatibility and safety requirements established by international standards for medical devices. They are available in 13 colors, with different lengths (15, 30 or 45 cm) and various shapes (straight, wavy, curly and afro). Biofibre® hair implants are indicated for diffuse hair loss or hair thinning in cases where an immediate aesthetic result is required, when patients request minor surgery without hospitalization, both for male and female patients, in combination with other hair restoration techniques to improve the final aesthetic result, to correct scars or scalp burns and in cases of poor donor areas. Biofibre® Hair Implant is in fact a minor surgery technique, performed under local anesthesia by either a manual implanter or an automatic machine which enables an immediate aesthetic result and the desired quantity of hair without pain or hospitalization. Clinical and histological studies have demonstrated that Biofibre® hair Implants are safe and well tolerated by patients and can be totally reversible if the need arises. This technique requires good after-care, periodical check-ups and yearly implant re-touches to maintain the best cosmetic result.
Subject(s)
Alopecia Areata/surgery , Artificial Organs , Hair , Prostheses and Implants , Artificial Organs/adverse effects , Female , Humans , Male , Prostheses and Implants/adverse effects , Surgery, Plastic/adverse effectsABSTRACT
Sarcoidosis is an insidious disorder that virtually affects every body organ. Lungs are the site most often affected (in up to 90% of patients) followed by intra thoracic more often than peripheral lymph nodes and other sites can be involved in different percentages. The evaluation of pulmonary sarcoidosis is best performed with high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), as traditional chest X-ray has a low resolution and can be negative or give non-significant results. Disorders such as interstitial lung diseases (ILDs), tuberculosis, lung cancer and lymphangitis carcinomatosis can manifest with similar radiological findings that can deceive clinics and radiologists. The need of a clear distinction between these conditions is important not only for diagnostic purposes but also because treatment differs significantly in different conditions. However, conventional Ultrasound (US) can be negative if small lesions are present and false negative images can result if US is not followed by a contrast-imaging technique. Contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) and magnetic resonance imaging (CEMRI) are preferred to detect single or multiple masses, which appear hypodense and hypointense after contrast agent administration, respectively. We think that a correct algorithm should include a thorough clinical and radiological evaluation, a definite biopsy of affected tissues revealing classical non-caseating granulomas and a certain exclusion of conditions that can give similar clinical/histophatological patterns before considering the diagnosis of sarcoidosis. Only in these cases, a diagnosis of sarcoidosis can be sufficiently achieved before starting an appropriate treatment.
Subject(s)
Sarcoidosis, Pulmonary/diagnostic imaging , Sarcoidosis/diagnostic imaging , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Diagnosis, Differential , Diagnostic Errors , Humans , Lung/diagnostic imaging , Magnetic Resonance ImagingABSTRACT
We report the case of a 67-year-old female with a rare variant of interstitial granulomatous dermatitis showing multiple skin-colored papules. Clinically, numerous skin-colored or reddish papules were distributed on her back and posterior thighs with itchy scaly erythema on the upper back. After topical steroid application, skin-colored papules still remained after the disappearance of itchy scaly erythema. Histopathologically, perivascular and interstitial infiltration of lymphocytes and histiocytes with occasional multinucleated giant cells were observed in the superficial and mid reticular dermis, accompanied by mild mucin deposition. Interstitial granulomatous dermatitis is similar to interstitial granuloma annulare, but can be differentiated from it by lesser degrees of collagen degeneration with mucin deposition and frequent association with arthritis or rheumatic diseases. As previously reported, multiple asymptomatic skin-colored papules are considered a rare but distinct variant of interstitial granulomatous dermatitis. Although no apparent underlying disorder has developed in the presented case, careful follow-up needs to be continued.
Subject(s)
Dermatitis/pathology , Granuloma/pathology , Skin Pigmentation , Skin/pathology , Aged , Autoimmune Diseases/diagnosis , Autoimmune Diseases/pathology , Dermatitis/diagnosis , Female , Granuloma/diagnosis , HumansABSTRACT
Psoriasis is a chronic, recurring skin disease affecting 2-4% of the population. Genetic predisposition and precipitating factors play a role in its etiology. The disease can occur in any age or gender group. The most frequently affected areas of the body include scalp, extensor surfaces of the extremities, skin folds and nails. While a number of therapies exist for the treatment of psoriasis with a total resolution of the skin, achieving remission in a high percentage of sufferers, a treatment that results in the maintenance of remission and is free of side effects is still a desirable goal. The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy and tolerability of Dr Michaels® (Soratinex®) topical product family in psoriasis, in terms of decreasing parakeratosis, inflammation, infiltration and involved area. Seven-hundred-and-twenty-two subjects, mean age 42.3 years (range: 18-68 years) with mild to moderately severe psoriasis, with no other current anti-psoriatic therapy, consisting of 382 males and 340 females, above 18 years of age were included and the observations were subjected to statistical analysis. Triphasic application of Dr Michaels® (Soratinex®) products was employed for 8 weeks, using Cleansing Gel, Scalp and Body Ointment and Skin Conditioner. The treatment proved to be ineffective for 22 patients (3.1%) out of 722. 84 patients (11.6%) had moderate improvement with 26-50% of cleared skin lesions; 102 patients (14.1%) had good improvement with 51-75% of cleared skin lesions; 484 patients (67.0%) experienced outstanding improvement with 76-100% of the cleared skin lesions, with 52% of them achieving total resolution. Twelve patients worsened and discontinued treatment; 18 patients discontinued because of non-compliance; 33 patients developed folliculitis as a side effect. Based on the results of this study, the Dr Michaels® (Soratinex®) product family can be successfully applied in mild to moderately severe psoriasis when considering the exclusion criteria.
Subject(s)
Ointments/therapeutic use , Psoriasis/drug therapy , Administration, Topical , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Female , Folliculitis/chemically induced , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Ointments/administration & dosage , Ointments/adverse effects , Skin/drug effects , Young AdultABSTRACT
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease with negative impacts both physically and psychologically. It is a common disorder affecting 2-3% of the total world population, in some cases causing changes to the nail and joints as well as skin lesions. The cutaneous manifestations of psoriasis can vary in morphology and severity and therapy should be tailored accordingly. The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy of Dr Michaels® (Soratinex®) product line in the treatment of psoriatic patients with different age and disease severity. A total number of 270 patients with verified psoriasis, aged 9-60 years old participated in the studies, including 128 children: 23 girls and 105 boys, (all of them selected from the Department of Dermato-allergology of the Russian Pediatric Hospital Clinic, Moscow, and of the 4th Department of Dermatology of the 52nd Moscow City Hospital Clinic). The patients were separated into 3 groups according to the severity of the disease (based on the PASI-index). All the patients have been treated with Dr Michaels® (Soratinex®) products twice daily, as three different forms were available for application: a cleansing gel, an ointment and a conditioner. The severity of the disease and the efficacy of the treatment have been defined with the evaluation of the PASI index of each patient. The obtained results were recorded in a graphic form showing the changes of the PASI-index on days 3, 7, 14, and 21 counted from the start of the trial. Clinical remission was achieved in 147 patients, a significant improvement in 73, partial improvement in 32, while no effect was seen in 12 patients and deterioration in 6. This open trial demonstrated the clinical efficacy of topical application of Dr Michaels® (Soratinex®) preparation. We observed clinical remissions of psoriasis in adults and in children.
Subject(s)
Phytotherapy , Psoriasis/drug therapy , Psoriasis/pathology , Adolescent , Adult , Child , Chronic Disease/therapy , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Moscow , Severity of Illness Index , Skin Care/methods , Treatment Outcome , Young AdultABSTRACT
Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory dermatosis that causes significant distress and morbidity. Approximately 50% of patients with cutaneous psoriasis and 90% of patients with psoriatic arthritis demonstrate nail involvement of their psoriasis. Left untreated, nail psoriasis may progress to debilitating nail disease that leads to not only impairment of function but also on quality of life. We report the case of a 50-year-old male patient with recalcitrant nail dystrophies on the fingers since the age of 40, who responded successfully to Dr. Michaels® product family. The patient had a 35-year history of plaque psoriasis localised on the scalp, ears, groin, limbs, and trunk and with psoriatic arthritis. The nail symptoms consisted of onycholysis, onychomycosis, leukonychia, transverse grooves, nail plate crumbling and paronychia of the periungal skin. This case represents the efficacy and safety of the Dr. Michaels® (Soratinex® and Nailinex®) product family with successful resolution of nail dystrophies and surrounding paronychia with no reported adverse events.
Subject(s)
Nail Diseases/therapy , Psoriasis/therapy , Skin Care , Arthritis, Psoriatic/complications , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Nail Diseases/etiology , Nail Diseases/pathology , Psoriasis/complications , Psoriasis/pathology , Quality of LifeABSTRACT
Psoriasis is generally considered as an autoimmune inflammatory cutaneous-systemic disease, with chronic course and high rate of recurrence, while its high risk of comorbidities affect the patients quality of life significantly. Despite the good therapeutic response, most of the available options show tendency for poor tolerance and high rate of occurrence of side effects. Therefore, the interest of patients and doctors to investigate the possibility of treating psoriasis with natural substances is not surprising. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of the herbal skin-care product Dr Michaels® (Soratinex®) for the management of chronic plaque psoriasis, within a 6 to 8 week treatment course. Thirty patients of both sexes, aged between 24 and 70 years with mild to moderate psoriasis vulgaris were included in this study. The products of Dr Michaels® (Soratinex®) were applied in sequence: cleansing gel, ointment after 3-4 minutes and tonic care (for the fire-smeared ointment) 2 times per day for restorative care and cleansing gel for psoriasis within scalp 3 times a week. The study lasted six weeks. The severity and extent of the lesions were evaluated by PASI score (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index). Based on the obtained result, the products of Dr Michaels® (Soratinex®) have proved to be effective in the treatment of mild and moderate psoriasis vulgaris. In the study group, no improvement was observed in 10% of patients, a slight improvement in 20%, good in 40% and very good in 16.6% of patients.
Subject(s)
Ointments/therapeutic use , Psoriasis/therapy , Skin Care/methods , Skin/drug effects , Administration, Topical , Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Ointments/administration & dosage , Quality of Life , Skin Care/adverse effects , Treatment Outcome , Young AdultABSTRACT
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory T cell-mediated skin disease, affecting about 2% of Hungarian population. Genetic predisposition as well as environmental triggering factors, and innate immune processes play a role in its etiology. Treatment of psoriasis during the initial stages and first years of disease tend to be conservative and frequently based on topical agents. The aim of this study was to investigate and to describe the efficacy and safety of Dr Michaels® (Soratinex®) skin-care products for the topical treatment of stable chronic plaque psoriasis in a Hungarian population. Two-hundred-and-eight-six (120 female/166 male) patients, aged 10-80 years old (mean age 43 years) with mild to moderate plaque psoriasis had participated in the study. The products, including cleansing gel containing a coal tar solution, herbal oils and emulsifiers, were used twice daily and in the same manner for all the skin lesions. The study period was eight weeks. Assessment, using the Psoriasis Activity Severity Index (PASI) scores and photographic analysis, was done 2 weeks before treatment, at time 0, and after 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks. Patients improvement was determined by the percentage reduction of the PASI scores. Side effects and tolerability were also evaluated. After 8 weeks treatment course, 46 patients had a moderate improvement, with the regression of 25-50% of skin lesions; 77 patients showed a good improvement, with the resolution of 51-75% of lesions. Another 115 patients had an outstanding improvement, with the regression of 76-98.9% of lesions. Only 13 patients did not achieve an improvement of psoriasis. Fifteen patients experienced folliculitis, which resolved after cessation of treatment. Seven patients worsened and discontinued treatment. Thirteen patients dropped out because of non-compliance. Our investigation demonstrates that Dr Michaels® (Soratinex®) products, an Australian treatment, can be used successfully in the treatment of stable chronic plaque psoriasis.
Subject(s)
Psoriasis/drug therapy , Skin Care/methods , Administration, Topical , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Child , Coal Tar/administration & dosage , Coal Tar/adverse effects , Coal Tar/therapeutic use , Czech Republic , Emulsifying Agents/administration & dosage , Emulsifying Agents/adverse effects , Emulsifying Agents/therapeutic use , Female , Humans , Hungary , Male , Middle Aged , Plant Oils/administration & dosage , Plant Oils/adverse effects , Plant Oils/therapeutic use , Psoriasis/pathology , Skin Care/adverse effects , Slovakia , Treatment Outcome , Young AdultABSTRACT
As one of the most common dermatologic chronic-recurrent disease, variable therapeutic options are available today for management of psoriasis. Although topical high potency corticosteroids, alone or in association with salicylic acid or vitamin D analogues, are still considered the best treatment, they do not seem to possess the capability for a long-term control of the disease or prevent recurrences, as their side effects are major contraindications for continuative use. The aim of this study was to investigate whether Dr. Michaels® product family is comparable to methylprednisolone aceponate (MPA) as a viable alternative treatment option for the treatment and management of stable chronic plaque psoriasis. Thirty adults (13 male, 17 female, mean age 40 years) with mild to severe stable chronic plaque psoriasis, were included in the study. Patients were advised to treat the lesions of the two sides of their body (left and right) with two different unknown modalities for 8 weeks; the pack of Dr. Michaels® products on the left side (consisting of a cleansing gel, an ointment and a skin conditioner) and a placebo pack on the right side, consisting of a cleansing gel, methylprednisolone ointment and a placebo conditioner. Assessment was done using the Psoriasis Activity Severity Index (PASI) scores before treatment and after 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks. The results achieved with the Dr. Michaels® (Soratinex®) product family for the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis were better than the results achieved with methylprednisolone aceponate (MPA), even though quicker resolution was achieved with the steroid with 45% of patients achieving resolution within 8-10 days in comparison to 5-6 weeks in the Dr. Michaels® (Soratinex®) group. Before therapy, the mean PASI score of the LHS in Dr. Michaels® (Soratinex®) group was 13.8±4.1 SD and 14.2±4.2 SD in the RHS methylprednisolone aceponate (MPA) group. After 8 weeks of treatment 62% of the Dr. Michaels® (Soratinex®) group had achieved resolution whilst in the methylprednisolone aceponate (MPA) group, the figure remained at 45%. The mean PASI score after 8 weeks of treatment was calculated and in the LHS Dr. Michaels® (Soratinex®) group it was 2.8±1.6 SD and 6.8±2.4 SD in the RHS methylprednisolone aceponate group. In the RHS -methylprednisolone aceponate (MPA) group, 22% of patients failed to respond to the treatment in comparison to 6% in the LHS Dr. Michaels® (Soratinex®) group. Based on the results of this study, Dr. Michaels® products are a more effective treatment option, with insignificant side effects, compared to local treatment with methylprednisolone aceponate (MPA).
Subject(s)
Dermatologic Agents/therapeutic use , Methylprednisolone/analogs & derivatives , Psoriasis/drug therapy , Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Methylprednisolone/therapeutic use , Psoriasis/pathology , Skin/drug effects , Skin/pathology , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory, recurrent, genetically determined dermatitis that affects the skin and joints. Many patients affected by this condition seek alternatives and complementary treatment options such as herbal medicines. In order to establish the safety of these products, trials, according to medical standards should be performed to provide the highest quality of data. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of an Australian series of herbal skincare products [Dr. Michaels® (Soratinex®) skin-care products for psoriasis] for the management of stable chronic plaque psoriasis. We studied 142 patients (68 females and 74 males) with mild to moderate, stable, chronic plaque psoriasis and they were randomly assigned to either verum or control group. Exclusion criteria were: severe psoriasis, arthropathic psoriasis, intertriginous psoriasis, palmoplantar psoriasis, use of any antipsoriatic treatment and any medication which could influence or interfere with the course of the disease. Both groups consisted of a cleansing gel, an ointment and an oil blend (skin conditioner), packed in neutral bottles, used twice daily for all lesions except the scalp, for 8 weeks. As control products, we used compositions of well-known neutral ointments and medicinal bathing oil. Assessment, using the Psoriasis Activity Severity Index (PASI) scores, was done before treatment and after 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks. Patient improvement was determined by the percentage reduction of the PASI scores. Statistical analysis was carried out using the Mann-Whitney-U Test with SPSS for Windows. Our investigation demonstrates that complementary methods can play a role in dermatologic therapy as long as they undergo standardised clinical trials and fulfil the basic requirements such as product safety and quality assurance. This study shows that Dr Michaels (Soratinex®) herbal skin-care products improve mild to moderate stable chronic plaque psoriasis significantly.
Subject(s)
Phytotherapy , Psoriasis/drug therapy , Skin Care/methods , Australia , Double-Blind Method , Female , Humans , Male , Psoriasis/pathology , Skin/drug effects , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
UNLABELLED: Alopecia areata is a highly prevalent organ restricted autoimmune disorder that leads to disfiguring hair loss and is thought to involve a T cellmediated response to the hair follicle. The treatment of alopecia areata is often problematic and very frustrating, partly due to the unknown aetiology of the condition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of complementary medicine, Dr. Michaels® product family, in the treatment of alopecia areata. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 40 patients (27 female/13 male), with a mean age of 20.3 years, all of them with 1-3 lesions of stable alopecia areata localized on the scalp were included in this trial. Four patients suffered from Hashimoto thyroiditis, and one had a familial history of LES. Exclusion criteria were the use of any treatment or medication, which may influence or interfere with the course of the disease. All patients were treated with Dr. Michaels® StimOils - applied twice daily (morning and night), Hair Lotion applied twice daily (morning and night), and oral herbal formulation - PSC 900 2ml twice daily with food for 16 weeks. For each patient, photographs of typical lesions were taken at the beginning and at 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks follow-up. Patient improvement was determined by the percentage of hair regrowth for each lesion. RESULTS: After 10 weeks of treatment using StimOils, Hair Lotion and PSC 900 from Dr. Michaels® product family, 18 patients had achieved an excellent response with regrowth in all the affected alopecia areata patches. 17 patients achieved the same results after 12 weeks of treatment; the other 5 patients had to continue the therapeutic protocol for another 2-3 weeks. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the Dr. Michaels® StimOils, Hair Lotion and PSC 900 are an effective therapeutic option for the treatment of alopecia areata. This has important implications for resistant cases of alopecia areata where traditional systemic and topical corticosteroid therapies have failed. In addition, this treatment approach may be an attractive option for patients who have growing concern regarding side-effects of long-term corticosteroid therapy.
Subject(s)
Alopecia Areata/therapy , Complementary Therapies/methods , Hair/drug effects , Alopecia Areata/complications , Female , Hashimoto Disease/complications , Humans , Male , Treatment Outcome , Young AdultABSTRACT
Psoriasis is a lifelong chronic inflammatory disease affecting 2-3% of the worldwide population. Scalp psoriasis is a particular form of psoriasis characterized by lesions on the scalp, which may occur isolated or in association with other skin lesions. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safeness of an innovative treatment of scalp psoriasis, which is based on the topical application of natural products. Fifty adult subjects with scalp psoriasis (23 females, 27 males) from different European dermatological centres were included in the study. Forty-six patients with severely infiltrated psoriatic lesions were invited to use the products of Dr Michaels® (Soratinex®), according to a three-phase application, twice a day (morning and evening). The other 4 patients followed a different regimen: after a shampoo in the evening, they applied the conditioner in the night and washed it in the morning with the cleansing gel. The application time of Dr Michaels® (Soratinex®) products was 8 weeks. The treatment was evaluated at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 weeks. The evaluation was based on the Psoriasis Scalp Severity Index (PSSI) and on a photographic analysis at each of the medical evaluation points. At the end of the study, all patients showed an outstanding improvement. Five patients referred a transient pruritus, which regressed spontaneously without discontinuing the application. No other side effects have been described. We observe that Dr Michaels® (Soratinex®) natural product family can be considered as a valid therapeutic tool for scalp psoriasis when considering the exclusion criteria. The tested products provided an outstanding improvement of lesions in all the patients, without side effects.
Subject(s)
Biological Products/therapeutic use , Hair Preparations/therapeutic use , Psoriasis/pathology , Psoriasis/therapy , Scalp/drug effects , Scalp/pathology , Administration, Topical , Adult , Biological Products/administration & dosage , Biological Products/adverse effects , Europe , Female , Hair Preparations/administration & dosage , Hair Preparations/adverse effects , Humans , Male , Psoriasis/drug therapy , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease with negative impacts both physically and psychologically. It is a common disorder affecting 2-3% of the total world population, in some cases causing changes to the nail and joints as well as skin lesions. The cutaneous manifestations of psoriasis can vary in morphology and severity and therapy should be tailored accordingly. Even if today many therapeutic options are available for psoriasis treatment, none of them provide excellent clinical results without the risk of side effects. The authors investigate the efficacy of Dr. Michaels® (Soratinex®) natural products in the topical treatments of a group of psoriatic patients. Sixty-two patients (34 male/28 female) from Romania, aged 18-70 years (mean age: 52 years), affected by a mild to severe form of chronic plaque psoriasis were included in this study. Each patient has been treated with a triphasic application of Dr. Michaels® (Soratinex®) natural products, twice a day for six weeks. The products were applied on skin and scalp lesions, but not on the face, genital and flexures. The evaluation of the tested products was based on the PASI of each patient at time 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 weeks. The tested products were ineffective in five of 57 patients. Eleven patients had a moderate improvement (PASI decrease 26-50%); 11 patients had a good improvement (PASI decrease 51-75%) and 30 patients an outstanding one (PASI decrease 76-100%). Twenty-three% of patients developed folliculitis that regressed upon discontinuation of the application. Five patients developed pruritus, which regressed spontaneously. The cosmetic effect was evaluated as indifferent by 44% of patients, as good by 40% of patients and as excellent by 16% of patients. Ninety-five% of patients stated that they would continue to use the tested products, because it was effective and with poor side effects since the products were natural. In our experimental study, the topical application of Dr. Michaels® (Soratinex®) natural products proved to be an effective natural therapeutic option for psoriasis treatment.
Subject(s)
Biological Products/therapeutic use , Psoriasis/drug therapy , Administration, Topical , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Biological Products/administration & dosage , Chronic Disease/therapy , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Romania , Treatment Outcome , Young AdultABSTRACT
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease, affecting about 3% of the worldwide population. Although there are many therapeutic options available today for psoriasis, none of them can be considered as the gold standard treatment for maintaining a sustained period of remission. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a maintenance dosage of Michaels® Soratinex® product family is effective in maintaining a symptom-free state for patients in remission. Fifty patients (23 male, 27 female), aged 18-58-years-old (mean age: 38.3), affected by mild to severe plaque psoriasis (mean duration: 29.5), were included in this retrospective study. All of them had completed previous treatment and achieved remission. Twenty-eight had been previously treated with an Australian series of herbal skin-care products (Dr. Michaels® Soratinex® skincare products for psoriasis) and 22 treated with biologics. We evaluated the clinical condition of the member of each group every 4 weeks, for 16 times following remission. Maintenance group continued treatment with Dr Michaels® (Soratinex®). Non-Maintenance group discontinued both forms of treatment. The evaluation was based on the PASI score, assuming that at baseline it was zero. Out of 34 patients who continued treatment with Dr Michaels® (Soratinex®) product family in the Maintenance group (22 previously treated with Dr Michaels and 12 previously treated with Biologic), 26 remained symptom free with baseline PASI of zero. Six patients had a mild flare with a PASI increase of 0-25%. Two patients were in the moderate group with a PASI increase of 26-50% and were initially treated with biologic. Out of 6 patients in Dr Michaels non-maintenance group, 3 patients remained symptom free, 1 had a rebound starting on week 36 and 2 rebounded at week 44. Out of 10 patients who were in the non-maintenance from the biologic group, 6 rebounded at week 12, 2 rebounded at week 16, 1 rebounded at week 24 and 1 rebounded at week 32. In the maintenance group no side effects were described, except for a mild form of folliculitis in 3 patients. Treatment did not have to be discontinued and all 3 patients cleared. Based on the results of this study, Dr. Michaels® (Soratinex®) product family can be safely and successfully applied to maintain a symptom-free state, after patients go into remission following treatment with Dr. Michaels® (Soratinex®) product family or biologics in mild to very severe psoriasis, when considering the exclusion criteria.
Subject(s)
Psoriasis/pathology , Psoriasis/therapy , Adolescent , Adult , Australia , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies , Severity of Illness Index , Treatment Outcome , Young AdultABSTRACT
Malherbes calcifying epithelioma is an uncommon cutaneous tumour that originates from the matrix cells of hair follicle. It was initially described by Malherbe as a benign calcifying epithelioma. Several ultra-structural and electron-microscopic studies later demonstrated its origin from matrix cells and the term pilomatrixoma was introduced. The treatment of this tumour remains mainly surgical. Malignant cases with post-surgical recurrences have been described in literature and recurrences have been related to an incomplete surgical treatment or tumour aggressiveness. We present the case of 31-year-old female patient with pilomatrixoma of the breast, which was very similar to fibroadenoma, in terms of size and other clinical features. We successfully treated this patient surgically, and the aesthetic results were good, despite the proximity of the tumour to the areola-nipple complex. Fifteen months later, the patient is doing well, free of any clinical local recurrence.
Subject(s)
Myotonic Dystrophy/complications , Pilomatrixoma/complications , Pilomatrixoma/surgery , Skin Neoplasms/complications , Skin Neoplasms/surgery , Adult , Female , HumansABSTRACT
Lyme boreliosis is caused by the spirochete Borrelia burdorferi, which is transmitted by ticks. A 59 year-old woman developed pyrexia, strong headaches, ataxia, dysarthria and tremor of the limbs after a tick bite. She was unable to work and eat on her own. She was hospitalized three times and diagnosed with cerebellar intention tremor, cerebellar ataxia, dysarthria, bilateral horizontal gaze paralysis and a central lesion of the left facial nerve. There were no pyramidal, sensory or psychiatric disturbances. The brain MRI showed multifocal leucoencephalopathy with many hyperintense areas in both hemispheres, as well as in the left superior pedunculus cerebellaris. Diagnosis was confirmed by serologic examination. Treatment with cephtriaxone, doxycycline, methylprednisolone, cephixime and ciprofloxacine was administered without effect on the tremor, ataxia and horizontal gaze paralysis. Treatment was then administered with 5-hydroxytriptamine (5-HT) in increased doses. The result of the three-month treatment with 5-HT was a gradual diminution of the tremor and the ataxia and an increase in the ability to eat, walk and work independently.
Subject(s)
Lyme Disease/drug therapy , Lyme Disease/physiopathology , Serotonin/therapeutic use , Tremor/drug therapy , Tremor/physiopathology , Cerebellar Ataxia/complications , Cerebellar Ataxia/drug therapy , Cerebellar Ataxia/physiopathology , Female , Humans , Lyme Disease/complications , Lyme Disease/diagnostic imaging , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Middle Aged , Tremor/complicationsABSTRACT
Trichilemmoma and trichoblastoma are benign adnexal neoplasms derived from the hair follicle unit. While trichilemmomas are closely associated with the epidermis, trichoblastomas are found within the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Both tumors have been reported to arise within nevus sebaceus of Jadassohn (NSJ). We present a 42-year-old white male with a 5 mm crusted, erythematous papule on the right occipital scalp that had been present for years. A shave biopsy was performed and read as trichilemmoma involving the biopsy base. The patient returned for follow-up 2 months later with recurrence of a crusted papule, measuring 9 mm in greatest diameter at the site of the previous biopsy. The lesion was excised for complete histologic evaluation, diagnosed as trichilemmoma with verrucoid features and associated basaloid proliferation with adnexal differentiation, again involving the biopsy base. The lesion recurred 2 months later in the form of an 8 mm multilobulated pink nodule. It was again excised and diagnosed as trichoblastoma with overlying trichilemmoma. The significance of this finding is that coexistent lesions do not necessarily necessitate a preexisting nevus sebaceous. Rather, this finding supports the notion of a common stem cell capable of differentiating toward the various portions of the hair follicle unit and adnexal structures. The idea is that any portion of the skin adnexal structure may develop out of a pluripotential germ cell and develop into a tumor.
Subject(s)
Nevus, Sebaceous of Jadassohn , Skin Neoplasms/complications , Skin Neoplasms/pathology , Adult , Hair Follicle/pathology , Humans , Male , Neoplasm Recurrence, LocalABSTRACT
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a DNA virus estimated to infect 70-90% of the worlds population, producing minimal symptoms in immunocompetent hosts. In the immunocompromised host, CMV infection can be potentially fatal, producing systemic or localized forms. We report the case of a 52-year-old female with acquired immunodeficiency virus (AIDS) who presented multiple sacral and perineal ulcers clinically and histopathologically consistent with CMV ulcerations. We discuss the patients clinical presentation and histologic findings to remind physicians to consider CMV as a cause for cutaneous and systemic infection in the immunocompromised host.
Subject(s)
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/complications , Anal Canal/pathology , Cytomegalovirus Infections/complications , Cytomegalovirus Infections/pathology , Sacrum/pathology , Ulcer/pathology , Female , Humans , Middle AgedABSTRACT
We present a case of a 27 year-old Malian male referred to our hospital for two large, painless retroauricolar masses that had appeared two years earlier. Bilateral cervical painless lymphadenopathy was present at physical examination, without any other systemic symptoms. His history was relevant for bilateral Kimuras disease lesions resected 5 years earlier in the same locations. Lymphocytosis and a mild hypereosinophilia were found in routine blood tests, together with increased total IgE levels. After surgery, histology showed lymphoid infiltrates with reactive prominent germinal centres containing eosinophils, suggesting relapse of Kimuras disease, in the context of nonencapsulated fibrous proliferation with discontinuous collagen fibers, consistent with keloid. Three months after removal of retroauricular masses, abnormal laboratory findings reverted to normal. To the best our knowledge, this is the first case in literature of bilateral keloid lesions developed after surgery for Kimura Disease and harbouring its histopathologic features. Clinicians should be aware of these unusual reactive phenomena and their possible simulators.