Chinese herbal medicine bath therapy for psoriasis vulgaris using topical calcipotriol as the comparator: A systematic review with meta-analysis and association rule analysis.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. Vitamin D analogues are the first-line topical agents for the long-term management of psoriasis. Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) bath therapy is commonly employed for psoriasis. However, the effects and safety of CHM bath therapy for psoriasis vulgaris, using topical calcipotriol as the comparator, remain inconclusive. Furthermore, the combination of herbs, a distinctive feature of CHM, is essential for its therapeutic effects due to the individual and synergistic properties of the herbs involved. AIM OF THE STUDY: The review was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of CHM bath therapy for psoriasis vulgaris, using calcipotriol as the comparator. Potential herbs and herb combinations of CHM bath therapy were also explored for further drug discovery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine databases were searched from inception until March 05, 2024. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) investigating CHM bath therapy, using calcipotriol as the comparator, were included. Statistical analyses were performed using RevMan 5.4, Stata 12.0 and SPSS Clementine 12.0 software. The evidence certainty for outcomes was assessed using the approach proposed by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) Working Group. Moreover, association rule analysis on herbs identified in the systematic review was conducted to explore the potential herbs and herb combinations. RESULTS: A total of 17 RCTs involving 1,379 participants were included in this systematic review. The findings of this review revealed that: 1) CHM bath therapy produced comparable effects to calcipotriol in reducing Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), Psoriasis Scalp Severity Index (PSSI), and itch visual analogue scale (VAS) at the end of the treatment phase; as well as exhibited a superior long-term effect than calcipotriol through decreasing relapse rates at the end of the follow-up phase; 2) CHM bath therapy showed an additional benefit when combined with calcipotriol in managing psoriasis vulgaris at the end of the treatment phase, in terms of PASI, PSSI, itch VAS, IL-17, IL-23, CD3+ and CD4+ T cells. The certainty of the evidence was rated as 'very low', 'low' or 'moderate' based on the GRADE assessment, considering some concerns or high risk of bias of included studies, substantial heterogeneity, and existing publication bias of some outcomes. Additionally, the proportions of participants reporting adverse events were similar in both groups. Association rule analysis of all included herbs identified 23 herb combinations including Prunus persica (L.) Batsch and Carthamus tinctorius L., as well as 11 frequently used herbs, such as Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrad., Dictamnus dasycarpus Turcz. And Sophora flavescens Ait. CONCLUSIONS: The effects of CHM bath therapy were comparable with those of topical calcipotriol but demonstrated a longer-lasting effect. Combining CHM bath therapy with calcipotriol also provided an additional benefit for adult psoriasis vulgaris. However, the certainty of the evidence was downgraded due to the methodological limitations of included studies. To confirm the findings of this review, future investigations should involve double-blinded, placebo-controlled RCTs. Importantly, it appears worthwhile to consider further research for drug development utilising the identified herbs or herb combinations.

755-nm picosecond laser plus topical 20% azelaic acid compared to topical 20% azelaic acid alone for the treatment of melasma: a randomized, split-face and controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Melasma remains a refractory skin condition that needs to be actively explored. Azelaic acid has been used for decades as a topical agent to improve melasma through multiple mechanisms, however, there is a lack of research on its combination with laser therapy. This study evaluated the effectiveness of isolated treatment with topical 20% azelaic acid and its combination with 755-nm picosecond laser in facial melasma patients. METHODS: A randomized, evaluator-blinded, controlled study was conducted on 30 subjects with facial melasma in a single center from October 2021 to April 2022. All subjects received topical 20% azelaic acid cream (AA) for 24 weeks, and after 4 weeks, a hemiface was randomly assigned to receive 755-nm picosecond (PS) laser therapy once every 4 weeks for 3 treatments. Treatment efficacy was determined by mMASI score evaluations, dermoscopic assessment, reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) assessments and patient's satisfaction assessments (PSA). RESULTS: Treatment with 20% azelaic acid, with or without picosecond laser therapy, significantly reduced the hemi-mMASI score (P < 0.0001) and resulted in higher patient satisfaction. Improvements in dermoscopic and RCM assessments were observed in both sides of the face over time, with no difference between the two sides. RCM exhibited better dentritic cell improvement in the combined treatment side. No patients had serious adverse effects at the end of treatment or during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: The additional use of picosecond laser therapy showed no clinical difference except for subtle differences detected by RCM assessments.The study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100051294; 18 September 2021).

A Breakthrough in the Treatment of Necrobiosis Lipoidica? Update on Treatment, Etiopathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Clinical Presentation.

Necrobiosis lipoidica (NL) is a rare granulomatous disease of a not fully understood etiopathogenesis. Classically, NL is associated with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. The disease often fails to respond to conventional treatments and adversely affects patients' quality of life. First-line medications are usually topical corticosteroids, but patients respond to them with varying degrees of success. Other options include tacrolimus, phototherapy, cyclosporine, fumaric acid esters, and biologics (adalimumab, etanercept, and infliximab). Our review aims to present new therapeutic approaches potentially effective in patients with refractory lesions, describe the presumed etiopathogenesis, and provide diagnostic guidance for clinicians. The review concludes that Janus kinase inhibitors and biologics such as ustekinumab and secukinumab can be used effectively in patients with recalcitrant NL. Another promising treatment option is tapinarof (an aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist). However, studies on larger groups of patients are still needed to evaluate the effectiveness of different therapeutic options and to define consistent treatment regimens for NL. It is advisable to improve the awareness of physicians of various specialties regarding necrobiosis lipoidica as lesions diagnosed earlier usually have a better response to treatment.

Clinical pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of topical non-biological therapies for psoriasis patients.

INTRODUCTION: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory cutaneous disease that causes patients psychosocial distress. Topical therapies are utilized for mild-to-moderate disease and for more severe disease in conjunction with systemic therapies. Topical corticosteroids are a cornerstone of treatment for psoriasis, but long-term use can cause stria and cutaneous atrophy and as well as systemic side effects such as topical steroid withdrawal. Non-steroidal topical therapies tend to be safer than topical corticosteroids for long-term use. AREAS COVERED: We conducted a literature review on the pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) properties of topical therapies for psoriasis. We discuss how the PK and PD characteristics of these therapies inform clinicians on efficacy and toxicity when prescribing for patients. EXPERT OPINION: Topical corticosteroids, used intermittently, are very safe and effective. Long-term, continuous use of topical corticosteroids can cause systemic side effects. Several generic and newly approved non-steroidal options are available, but no head-to-head studies compare the effectiveness of the generics (vitamin D analogs, tacrolimus, pimecrolimus) against the newer therapies (roflumilast, tapinarof). Patients often do not respond to topical therapies due to poor adherence to treatment regimens. For patients resistant to topical treatment, phototherapy or systemic therapy may be an option.

Characteristics of atopic dermatitis patients using complementary and alternative medicine: A literature review.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. Due to the burden of the disease, some patients try complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). OBJECTIVE: To identify characteristics associated with CAM use in children and adults with AD. METHODS: We conducted a literature review in accordance with the PRISMA international guidelines for literature reviews and meta-analyses. A systematic search was performed in the PubMed database. Qualitative and quantitative analyses using a χ2 test were performed to compare characteristics between CAM users and non-users. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Out of 514 articles retrieved, 12 studies were included, giving a total of 2240 patients. Our statistical analysis identified an association between CAM use and rhino-conjunctivitis (p = 0.015 in children, p = 0.041 in adults), topical corticosteroid use (p = 0.042 in children, p = 0.008 in adults), and daily application of moisturizing cream (p = 0.002 in children, p < 0.001 in adults). Gender did not affect the decision to use CAM (p > 0.05). In studies, a higher number of affected eczema sites (p < 0.001), prior use of more than two conventional treatments (p = 0.047), and food avoidance diets (p = 0.016) were predictive of CAM use in children. In adults, a younger age (p < 0.05), higher education level (p = 0.043), and lower age at AD onset (p = 0.004) were related to CAM use. DISCUSSION: To our knowledge, this is the first literature review focusing on socio-demographic and disease determinants related to CAM use among AD patients. The lack of homogeneity in measuring tools makes it difficult to compare and synthesize the studies.

Management of Acne in Pregnancy.

Acne is one of the most common dermatological conditions to affect women of childbearing age, so it is important to consider the safety of long-term acne treatments on women who could become pregnant. In this review article, we clarify what management options are available to treat acne during pregnancy. Topical treatments, typically first-line for acne, such as azelaic acid, clindamycin, erythromycin, metronidazole, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, dapsone, and retinoids, were reviewed. Systemic treatments, such as zinc supplements, cephalexin, cefadroxil, amoxicillin, azithromycin, erythromycin, and corticosteroids, typically second-line for acne, were also reviewed. Alternative treatments such as light therapy and cosmetic procedures were also evaluated. Due to recommendation of sunscreen utilization during acne treatments, sunscreen usage during pregnancy was also assessed. Management of acne during unplanned pregnancy was discussed in further detail regarding safety and adverse effects. Through summarized tables and examples of studies demonstrating safety and efficacy of treatments, the following is a resource for providers and patients to utilize for management of acne during pregnancy.

TWEAK levels in psoriatic patients treated with narrowband ultraviolet B and methotrexate.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease which has an effect on the joints and skin. Tumor Necrosis Factor-Like Weak Inducer of Apoptosis (TWEAK) is a multi-functional cytokine which regulates the cellular processes and has been related to a variation of conditions. OBJECTIVES: To measure the level of serum TWEAK in psoriatic diseased persons and its relationship to the PASI score pre- and post-therapy with narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy (NB-UVB) and methotrexate (MTX). METHODS: This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 40 patients and 20 healthy persons as controls. Patient Group was randomly subdivided to two groups. The 1st group consisted of 20 patients who received NB-UVB treatment. The 2nd group included 20 MTX-treated candidates. Blood samples were drawn from patients in order to detect serum TWEAK levels using ELISA. The research was registered on Clinical Trials Registration: RCT approval numbers: NCT0481191. RESULTS: The mean PASI score percent improvement after 12 weeks of treatment was higher in the MTX group (90%) than NB-UVB group (60%). The serum TWEAK level at baseline was 60.47 ± 12.6 pg/mL in NB-UVB group and 54.69 ± 21.7 pg/mL in MTX group which reduced to 24.93 ± 17.6 pg/mL and 32.13 ± 23.6 pg/mL, respectively (p < 0.001), after 12 weeks of treatment. There was a positive correlation between the serum levels of TWEAK and severity of PASI score (r = 0.399, p = 0.014). CONCLUSION: TWEAK grades in psoriasis are substantially higher than in controls. TWEAK levels were dramatically reduced during NB-UVB and MTX treatment. TWEAK may have a potential sign for psoriasis diagnosis and prognosis.

The Pediatric Dermatologist's View of Pediatric Vitiligo.

BACKGROUND: No guidelines exist for pediatric vitiligo. OBJECTIVE: To identify practice patterns of pediatric dermatologists treating vitiligo. METHODS: A PeDRA survey was completed online by 56 pediatric dermatologists. RESULTS: Practitioners reported feeling most comfortable treating 13- to 17-year-olds and least comfortable treating infants. Quality of life was assessed by interview in 89.3%. Topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs), topical corticosteroids (TCSs), narrowband UVB, coverup makeup, topical JAK inhibitors (tJAKis), and 308-nm laser were the leading vitiligo therapeutics chosen. 94.5% of practitioners reported experiencing frustration due to difficulties procuring therapies. CONCLUSION: Pediatric vitiligo has notable effects on quality of life. Some therapeutic options exist which are preferred by pediatric dermatologists. There is a need for more data on therapeutics in infants and young children, J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(2): doi:10.36849/JDD.7572e.

Non-Systemic Medication for the Treatment of Prurigo Nodularis: A Systematic Review.

Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a skin disease characterized by firm, itchy, erythematous lesions. Treatment consists of systemic and non-systemic modes of therapy. Non-systemic forms of treatment are first-line and include topical corticosteroids, topical steroid-sparing agents, and phototherapy. The objective was to review the efficacy of non-systemic treatment used to treat PN. A systematic search was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023412012). The search consisted of keywords and Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms and translated to Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus. Google Scholar was also searched for the first 200 articles. Article quality of evidence was scored using GRADE criteria. The search yielded 1151 results; 37 met criteria for inclusion. There were 14 studies on phototherapy, and 11 studies on topical corticosteroids, most of which were also combined with topical antihistamines, antipruritics, and/or phototherapy. There were 2 studies each on topical antipruritics used in isolation, vitamin D analogues, and intralesional triamcinolone acetonide. There was 1 study each on topical pimecrolimus, tacrolimus, 2% dinitrochlorobenzene, cryotherapy, acupuncture, and the Paul Gerson Unna boot. Most were case reports and case series, although 2 randomized controlled trials on phototherapy and topical pimecrolimus were included. Corticosteroids had varying levels of positive response in patients and appeared more effective when used in combination or under occlusive dressing. Phototherapy is likely effective, but the risk of relapse is high. Cryotherapy may also be a lesion-directed agent to circumvent challenges to adherence and avoidance of systemic medication.

Immunosuppressive and immunomodulating therapy for atopic dermatitis in pregnancy: an appraisal of the literature.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common dermatological diagnosis during pregnancy. Treatment of AD during pregnancy can be challenging, due to the unpredictable course and the fact that the therapy needs to be safe for both the mother and the fetus. Here we present an up-to-date appraisal of the literature on the treatment options available for AD in patients planning pregnancy, during pregnancy, and during breastfeeding. All patients with AD are recommended to supplement any medical treatment with daily applications of emollients. The first step in the medical treatment for AD during pregnancy are topical corticosteroids, and/or topical tacrolimus. If required, UV-light therapy can also be considered. Treatment with systemic therapy during pregnancy should always rely on a careful risk-benefit assessment and be based on shared-decision making between the treating physician and patient. The first-line systemic treatment option is cyclosporine A, whereas azathioprine may be considered in patients already receiving this treatment prior to pregnancy. Systemic glucocorticoids may also be used. Treatment with systemic JAK inhibitors is not recommended, whereas treatment with mycophenolate mofetil and methotrexate is contraindicated. Targeted therapy with dupilumab is not generally recommended, due to lack of experience in human pregnancies, yet some case-reports on their use are emerging. These recommendations are based on the authors appraisal of existing literature and the current recommendation from the European Task Force on Atopic Dermatitis. It is always the responsibility of the treating physician to stay updated on the newest guidelines and literature when treating patients with AD during pregnancy.

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

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.

A practical approach to caring for atopic dermatitis in children.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, systemic disease with primary cutaneous clinical manifestations and is commonly attributed to an exaggerated Th2 inflammatory response. Recent research regarding risk factors, prevention, clinical features, and management of atopic dermatitis will be reviewed. RECENT FINDINGS: In the last decade, advances have been made in identifying the factors that either confer increased risk for or protection from atopic dermatitis and associated atopy. Progress has also been made in the clinical management of this disease. Promising biomarkers and therapeutically informative characteristics of this disease have been identified in young children with and without the presence of eczema, but much has yet to be elucidated. Progress has also been made in clarifying the advantages and disadvantages of respective medical managements, including but not limited to topical corticosteroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors, phototherapy, systemic immunosuppressants, and targeted immunotherapy. Given that medical management may show variable efficacy in a child, an optimized skin care regimen is of utmost importance as well. SUMMARY: Atopic dermatitis is a challenging, chronic systemic disease that incurs significant morbidity in affected children. Although management options have been somewhat disappointing in years past, promising results have been observed in recent advances in targeted immunotherapy.

INDIVIDUAL ARTICLE: Vehicles Matter: Calcipotriene and Betamethasone Dipropionate Foam as a Topical Psoriasis Therapy.

Topical medications are commonly used to manage mild-to-moderate psoriasis and serve as adjunct therapies used in combination with phototherapy and systemic treatments. Fixed-dose calcipotriene (Cal) 0.005%/betamethasone dipropionate (BD) 0.064% aerosol foam is a safe, efficacious topical therapy approved for the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris in the United States and European Union. Several investigator-initiated studies (IISs) have been conducted to provide real-world evidence related to the safety, effectiveness, and therapeutic indications of Cal/BD foam and are relevant to clinicians' every-day practice. This paper summarizes the findings of the IISs around the globe published to date and presents the real-world data related to the effectiveness and clinical considerations of Cal/BD foam as a treatment for psoriasis.

Randomized Phase 3 trial demonstrating high efficacy, favourable safety and convenience of a novel calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate cream for the treatment of psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: The fixed dose combination of calcipotriene (CAL) and betamethasone dipropionate (BDP) is a well-established topical treatment option for psoriasis based on strong scientific rationale for the single agents having complementary efficacy and safety. CAL/BDP PAD-cream is an easily spreadable cream based on PAD Technology™, an innovative formulation and drug delivery system. OBJECTIVES AND METHODS: A Phase 3, multicentre, randomized, investigator-blind, active and vehicle-controlled trial enrolling 490 patients with mild to moderate psoriasis according to the Physician Global Assessment (PGA) scale was conducted in three European countries. Products were applied once daily for 8 weeks. The aim of the trial was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CAL/BDP PAD-cream as well as treatment acceptability compared to CAL/BDP gel and PAD-cream vehicle. Primary endpoint was percentage change in modified Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (mPASI) from baseline to Week 8. RESULTS: The percentage mean change from baseline to Week 8 in mPASI for CAL/BDP PAD-cream (67.5%) was superior compared to PAD-cream vehicle (11.7%; p < 0.0001) and non-inferior to CAL/BDP gel (63.5%). The proportion of patients achieving PGA treatment success (at least two-step improvement to clear or almost clear) after 8 weeks was superior for CAL/BDP PAD-cream (50.7%) compared to PAD-cream vehicle (6.1%, p < 0.0001) and statistically significantly greater than CAL/BDP gel (42.7%, p = 0.0442). Patient-reported psoriasis treatment convenience score (PTCS) for CAL/BDP PAD-cream was rated superior to CAL/BDP gel at Week 8 (p < 0.0001) and the mean change in DLQI from baseline to Week 8 improved statistically significantly more in the CAL/BDP PAD-cream group compared to both PAD-cream vehicle (p < 0.0001) and CAL/BDP gel (p = 0.0110). Safety assessments during the trial demonstrated that CAL/BDP PAD-cream was well-tolerated. CONCLUSION: CAL/BDP PAD-cream is a novel topical treatment of psoriasis that has a high efficacy and a favourable safety profile combined with a superior patient-reported treatment convenience.

Comparative evaluation of efficacy and safety of calcipotriol versus calcitriol ointment, both in combination with narrow-band ultraviolet B phototherapy in the treatment of stable plaque psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D analogues and NBUVB are both well-recognised modes of therapy in the treatment of chronic stable plaque psoriasis. The objective of this open label intraindividual, left right study was to compare two different vitamin D analogues, calcipotriol and calcitriol, in combination with NBUVB phototherapy in psoriasis. METHODS: Thirty patients with stable plaque psoriasis were enrolled for a 12-week clinical trial. The target lesion on the left side was treated topically with calcitriol ointment, while that on the right side was treated with calcipotriol ointment once daily. The whole body was irradiated with narrow-band ultraviolet B phototherapy (NBUVB) three times per week. Efficacy was assessed by target plaque scoring. RESULTS: Both therapies resulted in a statistically significant reduction in erythema, scaling, thickness, and target plaque score, seen as early as 2 weeks into therapy. However, the calcipotriol combination led to an earlier clearance of plaques and a lesser relapse rate than the calcitriol combination. The number of treatment sessions and cumulative NBUVB doses were significantly lower in the calcipotriol-treated group. CONCLUSION: Both vitamin D analogues appear to be safe, effective, and cosmetically acceptable, with calcipotriol being more efficacious, well tolerated, with a rapid onset of action and a better maintenance of response.

Healthcare utilization for atopic dermatitis: An analysis of the 2010-2018 health insurance review and assessment service national patient sample data.

This cross-sectional, retrospective, observational study aimed to analyze the distribution and healthcare usage patterns of patients with atopic dermatitis using the 2010-2018 Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service data. Patients diagnosed with atopic dermatitis in Korea between January 2010 and December 2018 and registered in the Health Insurance Review and Assessment national database were identified, and 270,008 patients who used healthcare services at least once during this period were evaluated to ascertain the healthcare usage patterns and treatment methods for atopic dermatitis. The number of patients with atopic dermatitis plateaued during the study period, while the number of claims and total expenses increased by a small margin. Atopic dermatitis prevalence was the highest among patients aged <5 years (31.4%), followed by those aged 5-14 years (23.53%) and 15-24 years (15.33%). However, the prevalence in these age groups showed a decreasing trend over time. The most used Western medicine treatments were injections and oral medications involving topical corticosteroids, antihistamine agents, and oral steroids, while it was acupuncture therapy in Korean medicine. The frequency of the most frequently prescribed medication, topical corticosteroid, showed a decreasing trend over time. The findings in this study will inform healthcare policy makers and clinicians across different countries on the usage trends of Western medicine and Korean medicine treatment.

Comparative efficacy of chemical and botanical pediculicides in Thailand and 4% dimeticone against head louse, Pediculus humanus capitis.

Head louse infestations remain a global public-health concern due to increased resistance of lice to artificial pediculicides. In Thailand, there is a lack of comparative data on the current efficacy of pediculicides for treating head lice. In this study, we explored the status of botanical and toxic synthetic pediculicides with that of 4% dimeticone liquid gel for treating head lice in Thailand. The ex-vivo pediculicidal activity of various pediculicidal shampoos available at drugstores in Thailand was assessed and compared with that of 4% dimeticone liquid gel. The shampoos chosen were based on active ingredients toxic to lice (1% permethrin, 0.6% carbaryl, 0.15% Stemona root crude extract, or mixed plant extracts), whereas dimeticone acts physically on lice. We found that exposure to 4% dimeticone liquid gel following the manufacturer's instructions completely killed 100% of head lice in 15 min, whereas other pediculicide products failed to kill the great majority of head lice, whether treatment was for 10 min (resulting in 0% to 50.0% mortality) or 30 min (resulting in 17.0% to 60.0% mortality). We also extended a clinical assessment to confirm the efficacy of 1% permethrin for treating head lice in infested schoolchildren. In this clinical assessment, none of the 26 children treated with 1% permethrin shampoo achieved a cure after two applications. These results highlight that 4% dimeticone demonstrated a higher ex-vivo pediculicidal efficacy compared to both chemical and botanical pediculicides in Thailand. Conversely, 1% permethrin showed low efficacy in both laboratory and clinical assessments. Given its physical mode of action, 4% dimeticone merits consideration as an alternative treatment option for lice in Thailand, particularly in cases where treatment with toxic pediculicides has proven ineffective.

Real-world efficacy of adjunctive calcipotriene/betamethasone dipropionate foam for recalcitrant psoriatic lesions on the scalp or lower legs with biologic therapy.

Many patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis may not achieve complete skin clearance with recalcitrant lesions despite being on biologics. We aimed to evaluate the real-world effectiveness and safety of combining topical calcipotriene/betamethasone dipropionate (Cal/BD) foam with biologic therapy for the treatment of recalcitrant psoriatic lesions over the scalp or lower legs. We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts of psoriasis patients receiving adjunctive topical Cal/BD foam with biologics for at least 16 weeks on recalcitrant psoriatic lesions of the scalp or lower legs between 2020 and 2021 at a tertiary referral medical center in southern Taiwan. Among the 18 recruited patients, the severity outcomes of body surface area (BSA), Physician's Global Assessment (PGA), and BSA × PGA of the recalcitrant areas decreased by approximately 31%, 48%, and 50%, respectively, after 4 weeks of once-daily adjunctive Cal/BD foam use. Thereafter, the effect remained nearly constant after dose reduction to twice weekly until week 16. The Dermatology Life Quality Index and the nine-item Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication questionnaire revealed improved life quality and a high level of satisfaction, with only a few mild adverse effects reported. In conclusion, adjunctive topical Cal/BD foam might be an effective and safe option for patients with recalcitrant lesions on the scalp and lower legs despite biologics use.