Psychological Distress and Its Association with Functional Disability Index Among Acne Patients Attending Dermatology Clinics in the Kuantan Tertiary Hospitals

@#Introduction: Acne is the most common skin disease among adolescents and has significant psychological distress. Our objective is to assess acne severity, functional disability, and its psychological distress among acne patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2021 to May 2022 among 163 acne patients attending Dermatology Clinics in the district of Kuantan, Pahang. The severity of acne was graded using the Comprehensive Acne Severity Scale (CASS). The functional disability index was measured using a Cardiff Acne Disability Index (CADI), while Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) questionnaires were used as a screening tool to detect the psychological distress of acne. Data were analysed using a Chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test and multiple logistic regression. Results: The mean age was 23 years, 60.1% were female, 94.5% were Malay, and 68.1% were unemployed. The severity of acne was more prominent in the mild (30.7%) and moderate (28.2%) categories. A total of 20.2%, 11.7%, and 4.9% of the respondents had anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms, respectively. Regarding the respondents’ functional disability, 40.5% had mild impairment, 38.0% had moderate impairment, and 13.5% had severe impairment. Acne severity was found to be significantly associated with the functional disability index (P<0.05). The functional disability index was also found to be significantly associated with depression (p=0.019) and anxiety symptoms (p=0.042). Conclusion: Clinical management of acne patients should include not only pharmacological treatment but also consideration of the disease’s functional disability status and psychological distress.

Instability of tear film and loss of meibomian glands in patients with acne vulgaris / Instabilidade do filme lacrimal e perda de glândulas meibomianas em pacientes com acne vulgaris

ABSTRACT Purpose: In this prospective study, we compared ocular clinical variables in patients with acne vulgaris with those of healthy controls. These variables included tear film break-up time, meibomian gland dropout rate, and anterior chamber parameters. Methods: Our sample comprised 73 eyes from 73 patients with acne vulgaris and 67 eyes from 67 healthy controls. All participants underwent a non-invasive first tear film break-up time test and the average tear film break-up time was evaluated. Meibography was used to identify any meibomian gland dropout. The parameters of the cornea and anterior chamber were measured using Scheimpflug topography imaging. Finally, the ocular surface disease index questionnaire was administered to score each participant on their subjective experience of ocular complaints. Results: The noninvasive first tear film break-up time values of the acne vulgaris Group and the control Group were 4.7 ± 2.8 and 6.4 ± 3.5 sec, respectively. There was a significant difference between the groups (p=0.016). The number of eyes with tear break-up at any time during the measurement period was also significantly higher in the acne Group (p=0.018). In the acne vulgaris Group, the mean meibomian gland dropout rates were 33.21 ± 15.5% in the upper lids and 45.4 ± 14.5% in the lower lids. In the control group, these rates were 15.7 ± 6.9% and 21 ± 9.7% respectively. Dropout was significantly higher in the acne group for both the upper and lower lids (p=0.000). Conclusion: We found impaired tear stability in patients with acne vulgaris and a high rate of meibomian gland dropout. These glands play a key role in tear stability and their dropout is likely to result in evaporative dry eye. Measurement of the variables in this study allows objective diagnosis of this condition using a non-invasive, dye-free methodology, with minimum contact.

RESUMO Objetivo: Neste estudo prospectivo, pacientes com acne vulgaris e indivíduos saudáveis do grupo controle foram comparados em relação ao tempo de ruptura do filme lacrimal, taxa de abandono de glândulas meibomianas e parâmetros da câmara anterior, usando o tempo de ruptura do filme lacrimal topográfico não invasivo, meibografia não invasiva e fotografia de Scheimpflug, respectivamente. Métodos: Setenta e três olhos de 73 pacientes com acne vulgaris e 67 olhos de 67 indivíduos saudáveis foram incluídos. Todos os participantes submetidos ao primeiro tempo de ruptura do filme lacrimal não-invasivo e ao tempo médio de ruptura do filme lacrimal não-invasivo foram avaliados pelo uso do tempo de ruptura do filme lacrimal; perda de glândulas meibomianas foram avaliadas por meibografia; os parâmetros da córnea e da câmara anterior foram medidos por fotografia de Scheimpflug; e, finalmente, as queixas oculares subjetivas foram pontuadas com o uso do questionário do Indice de doenças de superfície ocular. Resultados: Os valores do tempo de ruptura do primeiro filme lacrimal não-invasivo do Grupo com acne vulgaris e do Grupo controle foram 4,7 ± 2,8 e 6,4 ± 3,5 segundos, respectivamente, refererindo-se a uma diferença significativa entre os valores dos grupos (p=0,016). Qualitativamente, o número de olhos com ruptura lacrimal a qualquer momento durante o período de medição foi significativamente maior no grupo de pacientes. (p=0,018). No Grupo com acne vulgaris, a perda de glândulas meibomianas nas pálpebras superiores foi de 33,21 ± 15,5% e nas pálpebras inferiores foi de 45,4 ± 14,5%; por outro lado, no Grupo controle foi de 15,7 ± 6,9% e 21 ± 9,7% respectivamente; ambos os casos referem-se a uma diferença significativa entre os grupos (p=0,000). Conclusão: Encontramos estabilidade comprometida do filme lacrimal em pacientes com acne vulgaris. No entanto, o comprometimento foi de grau muito menor, em comparação com a taxa de perda das glândulas meibomianas que desempenham um papel fundamental na estabilidade do filme lacrimal. Esta condição pode ser documentada de forma objetiva - uma metodologia parcialmente sem contato, totalmente não-invasiva e livre de corantes.

Effects of oral isotretinoin treatment for acne vulgaris patients on anger responses and the relationship with temperament

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Isotretinoin is the only medication against all the factors involved in acne vulgaris pathogenesis. The aim of our study was to verify whether patients with acne vulgaris receiving isotretinoin therapy exhibit elevated anger levels and to observe the correlation between age, temperament traits, and anger. METHODS: The study group comprised a sum of 100 cases, involving 50 individuals with acne vulgaris-required high-dose retinol therapy and 50 controls who did not start any medication. RESULTS: Our study showed that anger levels increased with drug use. A positive correlation between cyclothymic temperament, the anxiety-related behavior subdimension, and the introvert and passive-aggressive subdimension of interpersonal anger reactions has been recognized. In addition, a positive one was observed between hyperthymic temperament and the introvert subdimension, which is one of the anger-related thoughts and interpersonal anger reactions. CONCLUSION: This study elucidates anger dimensions such as anger-related thoughts, behaviors, and reactions in individuals who received retinol treatment for acne vulgaris. In addition to anger and its dimensions, temperament was also investigated. Although several studies have investigated the relationship between acne vulgaris and psychiatric symptoms, to the best of our knowledge, no research has been reported in the English-language literature regarding the relationship between anger dimensions and temperament after retinol treatment that might make our study an original and valuable contribution to the literature.

Factores de riesgo y comorbilidades en pacientes con acné vulgar de grados I y II / Risk factors and comorbidities in patients with grade I and II acne vulgaris i: en

Introducción: El acné vulgar es la enfermedad más frecuente en adolescentes y adultos jóvenes; constituye un estado obstructivo e inflamatorio crónico de folículos pilosebáceos, caracterizado por la formación de lesiones inflamatorias. Objetivo: Identificar los factores de riesgo y las comorbilidades asociados al acné vulgar de grados I y II y su impacto psicosocial. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal de 50 pacientes con acné vulgar de grados I y II, atendidos en el Hospital General Docente Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso de Santiago de Cuba, desde enero de 2018 hasta igual periodo de 2020. Se valoraron los factores de riesgo y las comorbilidades asociados a la dermatosis, así como el tiempo de aparición de estos. Resultados: En la serie predominaron el grupo etario de 18-24 años de edad y el sexo femenino (60,0 %, respectivamente), la ansiedad (58,0 %), el estado seborreico de la piel y los hábitos tóxicos (44,0 % en cada caso). También primaron el nivel de escolaridad de técnico medio y el color de la piel mestizo (60,0 % cada uno), el estado civil acompañado (44,0 %), la procedencia urbana (88,0 %), los afectados con evolución de la enfermedad entre 4 a 12 meses, sin antecedentes patológicos familiares de esta, y los trastornos endocrinos como las comorbilidades asociadas a la dermatosis. Conclusiones: Una buena parte de los pacientes presentaron, como factores de riesgo, algún episodio emocional de ansiedad y estado seborreico de la piel relacionado con el acné, los cuales estuvieron asociados a comorbilidades endocrinometabólicas.

Introduction: Common acne is the most frequent disease in adolescents and young adults; it constitutes a chronic obstructive and inflammatory state of pilosebaceous follicles, characterized by the formation of inflammatory lesions. Objective: To identify the risk factors and comorbidities associated to grade I and II common acne and its psychosocial impact. Methods: An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study of 50 patients with grade I-II common acne was carried out; they were assisted at Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso Teaching General Hospital in Santiago de Cuba, from January, 2018 to the same period in 2020. The risk factors and comorbidities associated with the dermatoses were valued, as well as the onset time of them. Results: In the series there was a prevalence of the 18-24 age group and the female sex (60.0%, respectively), the anxiety (58.0%), seborrheic state of the skin and toxic habits (44.0% each one). Also, the school level of technician and mixed race (60.0% each one), accompanied as marital status (44.0%), the urban origin (88.0%), as well as those affected with evolution of the disease between 4 to 12 months, without family pathological history, as well as endocrine disorders as the comorbidities associated with the dermatoses. Conclusions: A great part of the patients presented, as risk factors, some emotional event of anxiety and seborrheic state of the skin related to the acne, which were associated with endocrine-metabolic comorbidities.

Acné conglobata familiar

El acné conglobata es una forma severa de acné que produce muchas lesiones inflamatorias y cicatrices, marcando la vida del paciente de manera negativa. Presentamos el caso de 2 hermanos con acné conglobata, ambos con lesiones en piel de 2 años de evolución con aparición de nódulos, quistes y fístulas en territorio corporal extenso. El primero con diagnóstico reciente de leucemia promielocítica aguda en planes de iniciar quimioterapia y, el segundo, sin patologías de base. El primer caso recibió tratamiento antibiótico sistémico por complicaciones infecciosas propias de la inmunodepresión, además recibió dexametasona y ácido transretinoico como quimioterapia, y es dado de alta con dichos medicamentos y antibiótico profiláctico. El segundo caso recibió tratamiento con antibiótico sistémico y dapsona. Ambos acuden a control a los 2 meses y se observó mejoría importante de las lesiones en piel. El primer paciente falleció por complicaciones inherentes a su patología de base y el segundo paciente abandonó el tratamiento.

Acne conglobata is a severe form of acne that produces many inflammatory lesions and scars, marking the patient's life in a negative way. We present the case of two brothers with acne conglobata, both with 2-year-old skin lesions with the appearance of nodules, cysts, and fistulas in extensive body territory. The first with a recent diagnosis of acute promyelocytic leukemia with plans to start chemotherapy and the second with no underlying pathologies. The first case received systemic antibiotic treatment due to infectious complications typical of immunosuppression, he also received dexamethasone and transretinoic acid as chemotherapy, and was discharged with the mentioned drugs and prophylactic antibiotic. The second case received treatment with systemic antibiotic and dapsone. Both cases returned for control at 2 months and significant improvement in skin lesions was observed. The first patient died due to complications inherent to his underlying pathology and the second patient abandoned treatment.

Myths, misconceptions and attitudinal trends among patients with acne

Background: Despite acne being a common dermatological problem, there is a paucity of literature addressing the knowledge, attitude and practice about it. Aims/Objectives: To find out what patients know about acne, its cause and treatment, as well as myths, misconceptions and attitude towards it. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive questionnaire-based study on acne patients at Maharana Bhupal Hospital, RNT Medical College, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. Results: Most (84.8%) patients belonged to the age group of 16–25 years. The majority (63.9%) presented 12 months after the onset of acne. More than half had average knowledge, a positive attitude and good practices, related significantly to gender and education. Limitations: A standardized questionnaire suitable for all dialects and regional languages would have yielded more uniform results. Conclusion: Study revealed that acne patients still need to acquire accurate, adequate and easily accessible information to seek timely and appropriate treatment, and alleviate their psychological suffering.

Comparative efficacy and safety of six photoelectric therapies for the atrophic acne scars: A network meta-analysis

Objectives: This network meta-analysis assessed the relative efficacy and safety of six common photoelectric therapies including 1064-nm neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd: YAG), fractional carbon dioxide laser(FSCO2), fractional micro-plasma radiofrequency(Plasma), micro-needling fractional radiofrequency (MRF), 1550nm or 1540nm erbium-glass non-ablative fractional laser (NAFL) fractional erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er: YAG). Methods: A comprehensive search to identify relevant studies was conducted using four electronic databases. Outcome measures were extracted based on subjective and objective indexes, including the dermatologists’ evaluation(DE), the patients’ overall satisfaction(PS), VAS score, and Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Results: Eleven published clinical research studies, involving 405 patients were included in this study. Ranking of DE from large to small is as follows: Nd: YAG, FSCO2, Er: YAG, Plasma, NAFL, MRF. In terms of PS, the rand from high to low can be described as follows: Er: YAG, Nd: YAG, FSCO2, Plasma, NAFL, MRF. In connection with the sequencing of adverse events, pain severity from slight to severe as follows: Er:YAG, Nd:YAG, FSCO2, NAFL, MRF, Plasma. The probability of having PIH are presented in order from lowest to highest as follows: MRF, Plasma, Nd: YAG, NAFL, Er: YAG, FSCO2. Conclusion: FSCO2 remains the mainstream of potentially curative treatment, then again Nd: YAG and Er: YAG require greater efforts to prove their superior effectiveness. NAFL might be appropriate for mild and moderate improvement with its strengths of good tolerance while Plasma fits into patients with higher pain thresholds but an expectation of higher results. MRF has not given expression on absolute predominance for the present. Registration: PROSPERO CRD42021242160(available from https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO)

Assessments of the ocular surface and meibomian gland morphology in patients with treatment-naive acne vulgaris / Avaliação da superfície ocular e da morfologia das glândulas meibomianas em pacientes com acne vulgar virgens de tratamento

ABSTRACT Purpose: To investigate ocular surface and meibomian glands in patients with treatment-naive acne vulgaris. Methods: The Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, invasive tear film breakup time, fluorescein staining of the ocular surface, and Schirmer II test were performed for all subjects. Total eyelid and meibomian gland secretion scores were assessed. Non-contact meibography was performed with the Sirius corneal topographic device. Results: The right eyes of 35 patients with acne vulgaris and 35 healthy volunteers were included the study. While the OSDI and staining scores were significantly higher in the acne group than in the control group (p=0.01 and p=0.003, respectively), the invasive tear film breakup time and Schirmer measurements were significantly lower in the acne group (p=0.000 and p=0.003, respectively). The total eyelid and meibomian gland secretion scores were also higher in the acne group than in the control group (p=0.003 and p=0.000, respectively). On the morphological evaluation of the meibomian glands, the thickening, thinning, tortuosity, and presence of ghost areas were statistically significantly more common in the acne vulgaris group than in the control group (p=0.000, p=0.001, p=0.05, and p=0.006, respectively). The percentage of the meibomian gland loss area was significantly high in the acne vulgaris group on both upper and lower meibography. The meibomian gland loss area positively correlated with total eyelid and meibomian gland secretion scores. Conclusion: Acne vulgaris may have a predisposition to meibomian gland dysfunction and ocular surface damage. Early recognition of meibomian gland and ocular surface alterations seems important, especially in acne vulgaris cases for which oral isotretinoin treatment is planned.

RESUMO Objetivo: Todos os indivíduos responderam ao questionário Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) e tiveram avaliados o tempo de ruptura do filme lacrimal pelo método invasivo, a coloração da superfície ocular com fluoresceína e o teste de Schirmer II. Foram ainda avaliados o escore palpebral total e o de secreção das glândulas meibomianas. Foi realizada meibografia sem contato com um dispositivo topográfico corneano Sirius. Métodos: Todos os indivíduos responderam ao questionário Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) e tiveram avaliados o tempo de ruptura do filme lacrimal pelo método invasivo, a coloração da superfície ocular com fluoresceína e o teste de Schirmer II. Foram ainda avaliados o escore palpebral total e o de secreção das glândulas meibomianas. Foi realizada meibografia sem contato com um dispositivo topográfico corneano Sirius. Resultados: Foram incluídos no estudo os olhos direitos de 35 voluntários com acne vulgar e 35 saudáveis. Os escores do Ocular Surface Disease Index e da coloração foram significativamente maiores no grupo com acne em comparação com o grupo controle (p=0,01 e p=0,003, respectivamente), mas o tempo de ruptura do filme lacrimal pelo método invasivo e as medidas do teste de Schirmer II foram significativamente menores (p=0,000 e p=0,003, respectivamente). O escore palpebral total e o escore de secreção das glândulas meibomianas também foram maiores no grupo com acne que no grupo controle (p=0,003 e p=0,000). Na avaliação morfológica das glândulas meibomianas, o espessamento, o afinamento, a tortuosidade e a presença de áreas fantasmas nas glândulas foram mais comuns no grupo acne vulgar que no grupo controle, com significância estatística (p=0,000, p=0,001, p=0,05 e p=0,006 respectivamente). A porcentagem da área de perdas das glândulas meibomianas foi significativamente mais alta no grupo com acne vulgar, tanto na meibografia superior quanto na inferior. A área de perda das glândulas meibomianas demonstrou uma correlação positiva com o escore palpebral total e com o escore de secreção das glândulas meibomianas. Conclusão: A acne vulgar pode levar a uma predisposição para a disfunção das glândulas meibomianas e para danos na superfície ocular. Parece ser importante reconhecer precocemente as alterações das glândulas meibomianas e da superfície ocular, especialmente nos casos de acne vulgar para os quais se planeja o tratamento oral com isotretinoína.

A Single Centre Open Label Post Marketing Surveillance Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Roop Mantra Cucumber Ayurvedic Medicinal Face Wash

The objective of the study was to assess the safety and efficacy of Roop Mantra Cucumber Ayurvedic Medicinal Face Wash in subjects with acne, facial scars, pimples, blemishes, dull skin and dry skin. Methods: This was a single-center, open-label, non-randomized post-marketing surveillance study with 120 subjects. Subjects were selected on the basis of inclusion criteria. The study included three scheduled clinical visits on days 0 (screening and baseline visit), 15 (follow-up visit), and 30 (final visit). Following an assessment of baseline data, all subjects were given Roop Mantra Cucumber Ayurvedic Medicinal Face Wash for 30 days. The efficacy of Roop Matra Cucumber Ayurvedic Medicinal Face Wash was determined by measuring changes in parameters such as skin characteristics, skin appearance, and Global Acne Assessment (GAA) score. Product safety was assessed by determining local intolerance and adverse effects of Roop Mantra Cucumber Ayurvedic Medicinal Face Wash. Results: The results of the study showed that applying Roop Mantra Cucumber Ayurvedic Medicinal Face Wash for 30 days significantly improved skin’s characteristic and appearance. Roop Mantra Cucumber Ayurvedic Medicinal Face Wash was also found to be dermatologically well tolerated and had no negative impacts over the course of the study. Conclusion: The polyherbal Roop Mantra Cucumber Ayurvedic Medicinal Face Wash was found to be very safe and effective in reducing acne, pimples, blemishes, and skin dryness with improved skin texture and appearance. Roop Mantra Cucumber Ayurvedic Medicinal Face Wash is therefore a clinically feasible and safe alternative for treating the aforementioned skin conditions.

Adult acne versus adolescent acne: a narrative review with a focus on epidemiology to treatment

Abstract Acne vulgaris is one of the most common chronic inflammatory diseases and is characterized by papules, pustules, comedones, and nodules. Although adolescence is the preferential age group, acne may affect various age groups. Acne shares different properties in adults and adolescents. These differences extend from epidemiology to treatments. Increased awareness of these two subtypes will allow for better management of the disease. In this review, the authors examined all aspects of acne in adults and adolescents under the light of current literature.

VITAMIN D LEVELS AS PREDICTORS OF ACNE SEVERITY

Background: Acne is the most common skin disease of adolescents and young adults. It is a complex skin disorder that distresses many patients because of its chronicity. Acne vulgaris is a common in?ammatory disorder of the pilosebaceous unit. Vitamin D regulates the immune system and the proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes and sebocytes. Vitamin D de?ciency may facilitate the pathogenesis of acne This Methods: research is an observational study with cross-sectional data collection methods to determine Vitamin D levels as a predictor of acne severity in patients. The study was conducted in a laboratory at the Royal Prima Medan General Hospital, starting in July 2022. Sampling was carried out consecutively for all affordable populations who met the study criteria, namely 30 patients suffering from acne. The cut Point value of 23.57 pg/mL for vitamin D levels to predict the severity of Results and Discussion: acne vulgaris, a sensitivity value of 87.5%, a speci?city of 78.6%, a positive predictive value of 87.5% and a negative predictive value are obtained. of 84.6%, the accuracy of vitamin D levels to predict the severity of acne vulgaris was 83.3%. Conclusions and suggestions: Our study shows that vitamin D levels can be used to predict the severity of acne vulgaris. The more severe the severity of the acne, the lower the Vitamin D in the blood.

A cross-sectional study of prescription pattern of drugs used in the treatment of acne vulgaris at a tertiary care hospital in India

Background: Acne vulgaris is a common dermatological disease affecting 85% of adolescents across the globe with 40% having persistent acne well into their twenties. Acne and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation often negatively impact self-perception, social interactions, and affect quality of life scores in adolescents. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the prescription pattern of drugs used in the treatment of acne to find out the current prescribing practices relating to comprehensive care being provided at a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional and observational study conducted after getting approval of Institutional Ethics Committee on 135 patients of either sex and age more than 12 and ?40 years diagnosed with acne. Results: Data of 135 prescriptions of acne patients were analyzed. Most patients presented with Grade 2 (n = 56; 41.5%) acne followed by Grade 3 acne (n = 40; 29.6%) patients. The average numbers of drugs per prescription was 3.87. Out of 522 drugs prescribed, 436 (83.5%) were topical and 86 (16.5%) were oral formulations. Among topical formulations, most frequently prescribed drug was tretinoin prescribed to 92 (68.1%) patients whereas, doxycycline was the most preferred oral antibiotic prescribed to 66 (48.9%) patients. Conclusion: The study revealed that drugs prescribed were found to be in accordance with the treatment guidelines proposed by Indian dermatologists and American Academy of Dermatology.

Hidradenitis supurativa: reporte de un caso / Hidradenitis suppurativa: a case report

Resumen La hidradenitis supurativa (HS) es una enfermedad dolorosa y crónica, que afecta en especial la unidad folículo-pilosebácea de la piel ubicada en ingle, axilas, región perianal, perineo, genitales y submamaria,regiones anatómicas donde se encuentran glándulas sudoríparas apocrinas. El curso clínico de la HS es heterogéneo pues varía desde formas muy graves con abscesos fluctuantes profundos y drenajes eventuales; concicatricesresiduales graves, hasta otra forma de enfermedad comparativamente leve caracterizada por la aparición de algunos nódulos inflamatorios,pústulas ypápulas,de manera recidivante. Comunicamos el caso de un niño de 12 añosde edad, con diagnóstico de hidradenitis supurativa,quien fue tratado con Adalimumab. Realizamos la revisión del estado de arte de esta patología, describimos sus características clínicas, criterios diagnósticos, diagnósticos diferenciales y los posibles tratamientos. Nuestra presentación, tiene por objeto relatar nuestra experiencia en el seguimiento del caso del paciente, y las vicisitudes diagnósticas al respecto, que variaron desde acné inflamatorio grave hasta finalmente arribar al diagnóstico de certeza de hidradenitis supurativa, basándonos en criterios clínicos y ecográficos.Consideramos de interés haber podido emplear el "agente biológico" inhibidordel factor de necrosis tumoral (FNT) que hemos mencionado, con excelente respuesta.

Abstract Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a painful and chronic disease that particularlyaffects the follicle-pilosebaceous unit of the skin located in the groins, armpits, perianal region, perineum, genitals, and submammary glands, which areanatomical regions whereapocrine sweat glands are found. The clinical course of HS is heterogeneous as it varies from very severe forms with deep fluctuating abscesses and eventual drainage; with severe residual scars, to another form ofacomparatively mild condition characterized by the presence of some recurrent inflammatory nodules, pustules and papules as well. We report the case of a 12-year-old boy, diagnosed with hidradenitis suppurativa, who was treated with Adalimumab. We reviewed the state of the art of this pathology, described its clinical characteristics, diagnostic criteria, differential diagnoses and carried out possible treatments. The purpose of our presentation is to report our experience in monitoring the patient's case, along with the diagnostic vicissitudes in this regard, which ranged from severe inflammatory acne to finally arriving at a certain diagnosis of hidradenitis suppurativa, based on clinical and ultrasound criteria. We consider of interest the possibility of having been able to use the "biological agent" inhibitor of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) that we have mentioned, with an excellent response.

Acné queloideo nucal y adherencia al tratamiento: a propósito de un caso y revisión del tema / Acne keloidalis nuchaeand adherence to the treatment: A proposal of a case and review

Resumen El acné queloide nucal es una forma crónica de foliculitis cicatricial, caracterizada por el desarrollo de papulo-pústulas que se convierten en queloides cuyo proceso fisiopatológico no está bien dilucidado. Se presenta un paciente de 19 años, con antecedente familiar de acné queloideo nucal, cuya aparición es posterior al ingreso de una bacteria en el cuero cabelludo. El caso se reporta por la rara frecuencia de la enfermedad y como conocimiento de una posible activación de la enfermedad por el ingreso de una bacteria al organismo del paciente. En este caso, se realiza una revisión breve del tema y resalta la exacerbación del proceso inflamatorio y empeoramiento de la enfermedad con medicina alternativa usada deliberadamente por familiares del paciente.

Abstract Keloid acne nuchae is a chronic form of cicatricial folliculitis, characterized by the development of papules, pustules, and keloid-like plaques which pathophysiological process is not well elucidated. We report a 19-year-old patient, with a family backgroundof keloid acne nuchae, whose appearance is after the entry of a bacterium into the scalp. The case is also reported due to the rare frequency of the disease and as knowledge of a possible activation of the disease by the entry of a bacterium into the patient's organism. In this case, a brief review of the subject is made and the exacerbation of the inflammatory process and worsening of the disease with alternative medicine deliberately used by the patient's relatives is emphasized.

Research progress in gut-skin axis and its association with traditional Chinese medicine theory / 中国中药杂志

Currently, the gut-organ axis has become a hot research topic. As increasing attention has been paid to the role of gut microbiota in the health of organs, the complex and integrated dialogue mechanism between the gastrointestinal tract and the associated microbiota has been demonstrated in more and more studies. Skin as the largest organ in the human body serves as the primary barrier protecting the human body from damage. The proposal of the gut-skin axis has established a bidirectional link between the gut and the skin. The disturbance of gut microbiota can lead to the occurrence of skin diseases, the mechanism of which is complex and may involve multiple pathways in immunity, metabolism, and internal secretion. According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), the connection between the intestine and the skin can be established through the lung, and the interior disorders will definitely cause symptoms on the exterior. This paper reviews the research progress in the gut-skin axis and its correlation with TCM theory and provides ideas and a basis for cli-nical treatment and drug development of skin and intestinal diseases.

Effects of different frequencies of pricking-bloodletting at auricular points plus auricular point sticking therapy on the serum levels of related factors in patients with acne vulgaris / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To observe the effects of different frequencies of pricking-bloodletting at auricular points plus auricular point sticking therapy on the levels of the serum immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin M (IgM), testosterone (T), and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in patients with acne vulgaris (AV). Methods: Ninety patients with AV were randomly assigned to treatment group 1, treatment group 2, and treatment group 3 according to the random number remainder grouping method, with 30 cases in each group. All three groups received pricking-bloodletting at auricular points plus auricular point sticking therapy. Treatment group 1 was treated once a week, treatment group 2 was treated twice a week, and treatment group 3 was treated 3 times a week. Four-week treatment was taken as 1 treatment course, and 3 treatment courses were observed. On the day before the start of the study and on the day next to the end of each course, the global acne grading system (GAGS) score was recorded, and 3 mL of blood from the median cubital vein was collected to test the serum levels of IgG, IgM, T, and IGF-1. After 3 courses of treatment, the efficacy index was calculated according to the GAGS score, and the serum indicators in patients with effective treatment (efficacy index ≥20％) and complete sampling were analyzed. Results: A total of 60 patients were included in the final blood indicator analysis. After 3 courses of treatment, the intra-group comparisons showed that the serum IgG level increased significantly in patients in treatment group 1 (P<0.01); the serum T level decreased significantly in the female patients in treatment group 2 (P<0.05); the IGF-1 level significantly decreased in the patients in all three groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01). There were no significant differences in the serum levels of IgG, IgM, T, and IGF-1 among the three groups at each time point (P>0.05). Conclusion: Pricking-bloodletting at auricular points plus auricular point sticking therapy can affect the levels of serum IgG, T, and IGF-1 in AV patients. The level of the serum IGF-1 can be reduced by treatment once a week, twice a week, or 3 times a week. Treatment once a week can increase the patients' serum IgG level, and treatment twice a week can significantly decrease the serum T level in female patients. Reducing the serum IGF-1 level may be one of the action mechanisms of pricking-bloodletting at auricular points plus auricular point sticking therapy in treating AV.

Effects of lattice superpulsed CO 2 laser combined with asiaticoside cream ointment on repair of facial depression acne scar / 中华医学美学美容杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of lattice superpulsed CO 2 laser combined with asiaticoside cream ointment on the repair of facial depression acne scar. Methods:A total of 124 patients with facial acne depression scar who visited the dermatology department of Zhengzhou People's Hospital from January 2019 to December 2020 were selected as subjects, including 60 males and 64 females, aged 16-38 (27.2±4.8) years. According to the random number table, the patients were divided into the control group ( n=62) and observation group ( n=62). The control group were treated with lattice superpulsed CO 2 laser, and the observation group were treated with lattice superpulsed CO 2 laser combined with asiaticoside cream ointment for 6 months. The therapeutic efficacy, Vancouver scar scale (VSS), ECCA score, skin barrier related indicators, pain duration, healing time, delayed duration and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups. Results:The total effective rate in the observation group (91.94%) was significantly higher than that in the control group (77.42%) (χ 2=5.04, P<0.05), pain duration, scab formation time, scab removal time, complete healing time, delay period and the incidence of adverse reactions were significantly lower than those in the control group [(2.76±1.04) h, (2.64±1.03) d, (6.18±1.47) d, (8.87±1.75) d, (7.89±2.16) d, 3.23% vs. (4.11±1.29) h, (3.87±1.14) d, (7.24±1.56) d, (11.05±1.93) d, (10.52±3.01) d, 12.90%, detection value = 6.42, 6.30, 3.90, 6.59, 5.59, 3.92, P<0.05]. After treatment, the VSS scale and ECCA score in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (5.71±1.06, 39.12±10.64 vs. 6.42±1.17, 42.61±11.51, t=3.54, 2.26, P<0.05). After treatment, the water content of cuticle in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group [(40.02±14.14) vs. (34.35±11.50) AU, t=2.45, P<0.05], and transepidermal water loss, lactic acid stimulation test score and cuticle protein content were significantly lower than those in the control group [(19.07±5.70) g/(h·m 2), (2.62±1.27) score, (30.12±10.63) μg vs. (21.39±6.51) g/(h·m 2), (3.25±1.89) score, (35.10±11.19) μg, t=2.11, 2.18, 2.54, P<0.05]. Conclusions:Lattice superpulsed CO 2 laser combined with asiaticoside cream ointmentis can effectively treat acne scar and reduce adverse reactions, and the curative effect is better than single laser treatment.

Gold microneedling radio-frequency treatment for depression scar of facial acne: a meta-analysis / 中华医学美学美容杂志

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of gold micrhenedle radiofrequency and other photoelectric methods in the treatment of facial acne depression scar by using a meta-analysis.Methods:From January 2015 to August 2022, gold microneedles and radio frequence for treatment of facial acne depression scar of randomized controlled trial were retrieved from CNKI, Wanfang Database, VIP, China Biomedical Literature Service System, PubMed database, Cochrane Library and Embase database, including 12 papers. There were 6 Chinese and 6 English literatures, with a sample size of 612 cases.Results:Gold microneedling radio-frequency showed better efficacy in the treatment of facial acne depression scar ( P<0.05). After subgroup analysis, the effective rate in the observation group was higher than that in the control group after 4 treatments, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). Clinical acne scarring assessment scale, pain score and recovery time had statistically significant difference ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Gold microneedling radiofrequency alone or in collaboration with other photoelectricity in the treatment of acne depression scar has short rest period, slight pain, and obvious improvement of scar effect. However, the improvement effect on icicle depression scar is limited.

Efficacy and safety of fractional radiofrequency in treatment of acne scar / 中华医学美学美容杂志

Objective:To observe the efficacy and adverse reactions of fractional radiofrequency (FRF) in the treatment of facial acne scars.Methods:Fifty-seven patients with facial acne depressed scars were enrolled with the nature of Dreno scars as the diagnostic criteria. They were treated with lattice radiofrequency. The treatment heads were arranged in a matrix with a treatment area of 1.2 cm ×1.2 cm, an energy density of 80-100 mJ/pin, and an interval of five-seven once a week. And they were followed up and evaluated for the clinical efficacy and adverse reactions 6 months after the last treatment. Scoring was carried out according to the ECCA weight scores, and the efficacy judged according to complete improvement, significant improvement, moderate improvement, and mild improvement.Results:After 3 times of fractional radiofrequency treatment of 57 patients, the effective rate was 44 cases, accounting for 77.2%; the ECCA weight scores before and after treatment were 65.9±25.0 and 47.7±20.2, respectively; the difference was statistically significant ( t=13.92, P<0.001); At the same time of improvement, 32 cases of patients' complexion, fineness of pores, and skin elasticity had been improved to varying degrees, and patient satisfaction was high. Adverse reactions were mainly mild burning sensation, erythema and edema, and some patients had pale yellow exudate, etc, which could be relieved in 5-7 days. Conclusions:Fractional radiofrequency treatment of facial acne scars is safe and effective, with short recovery period, few adverse reactions and high patient satisfaction.

Symbiotic homeostasis of Staphylococcus epidermidis is associated with common skin disorders / 中华皮肤科杂志

Staphylococcus epidermidis can exhibit both protective and opportunistic pathogenic effects on the skin: on the one hand, it suppresses pathogenic bacteria and inflammation, assists the innate immune system of the skin, and maintains homeostasis of skin microenvironment; on the other hand, it exhibits pathogenic potential. How Staphylococcus epidermidis affects human skin conditions depends not only on itself, but also on the communication among it, the host immune system, other microorganisms and environment factors. The balance of this interaction is the symbiotic homeostasis of Staphylococcus epidermidis, and when the homeostasis is disrupted, a variety of skin diseases such as acne vulgaris, atopic dermatitis, rosacea and melanoma can occur. Factors affecting the symbiotic homeostasis of Staphylococcus epidermidis include environmental conditions such as temperature, oxygen content and nutrition, antibiotics, the number of other microorganisms, microecological diversity, etc. This review summarizes recent research progress in symbiotic homeostasis of Staphylococcus epidermidis.