Combining topical tretinoin with mometasone furoate in the treatment of vulvar lichen sclerosus: Results of dermoscopic assessment.

The main purpose of the present study was to compare the dermoscopic changes on vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) induced by two different 12-week treatment protocols, namely mometasone furoate 0.1% ointment plus tretinoin 0.05% cream in short-contact therapy (group A) versus the same corticosteroid plus emollient (group B). All dermoscopic images captured before and after treatment were assessed. Each dermoscopic variable selected for the study purpose was arbitrarily graded according to a 4-point scale by dermatologists blinded to both the time at which the images were captured and treatment allocation. Seventeen patients in group A and 15 in group B were included. The vessel mean dermoscopic scores increased significantly after treatment, whereas the scores of (a) patchy, structure-less, whitish areas, (b) whitish background, (c) comedo-like openings, and (d) purpuric blotches decreased. At the control visit, the two protocols did not differ significantly for any of the dermoscopic parameters, both in terms of mean score change and in the number of patients showing changes. Although the complementary action of the two molecules may suggest a therapeutic benefit, the association of tretinoin in short contact therapy with a potent corticosteroid did not induce significant changes in the dermoscopic features of VLS compared with the same corticosteroid alone.

Level of use and safety of botanical products for itching vulvar dermatoses. Are patch tests useful?

BACKGROUND: Topical remedies based on botanical ingredients are popular. OBJECTIVES: To assess: (i) the usage of botanical substances in subjects affected with itching and chronic vulvar complaints; (ii) the incidence of side-effects associated with their use and the frequency of contact allergy; (iii) the diagnostic usefulness of patch testing. METHODS: Sixty-six patients were provided with a questionnaire to assess the prevalence and type of topical botanical preparations used and the occurrence of adverse reactions. Patients were patch tested with (i) the Italian baseline series, (ii) a topical medicament series, and (iii) a botanical series. RESULTS: Forty-two patients (63.6%) reported the use of natural topical products on the vulva. Seven (16.7%) noted adverse reactions; 27 showed positive reactions with the baseline series; 14 (21.2%) had at least one relevant reaction, mainly to allergens in topical products and cosmetics; and 2 (3%) showed positive reactions to the botanical series. Of the 7 patients complaining of adverse effects of botanical products, 3 (42.8%) showed relevant sensitization. CONCLUSIONS: The use of natural topical products is widespread among women affected with itching vulvar diseases. Contact dermatitis is a possible adverse effect. Botanical series are of questionable usefulness, owing to the wide variety of botanical ingredients.

Topical botanically derived products: use, skin reactions, and usefulness of patch tests. A multicentre Italian study.

BACKGROUND: The evidence on the safety of topical preparations containing botanical extracts is limited. OBJECTIVES: To assess (i) the use of botanically derived compounds in a large population, (ii) the incidence of cutaneous side-effects, and (iii) the diagnostic usefulness of patch testing. METHODS: A questionnaire was used in 2661 patients to assess both the prevalence and type of topical botanical preparations used, and the occurrence of adverse skin reactions. Patients declaring adverse reactions were patch tested with (i) the Italian (SIDAPA) baseline series, (ii) an additional botanical series, and (iii) the patients' own products. RESULTS: Of the patients, 1274 (48%) reported the use of topical botanical products; 139 patients (11%) commented on adverse cutaneous reactions; 75 (54%) showed positive reactions with the Italian baseline series. Among the 122 patients tested with the botanical series, 19 (16%) showed positive reactions, in many cases with concomitant relevant positivity to at least one allergen of the Italian series connected with cosmetics. The commonest botanically derived allergens were propolis, Compositae extracts, and Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil. CONCLUSIONS: Contact allergy is a possible adverse effect of natural products. Baseline series supplemented with the commonest botanical allergens may be adequate for detecting most of the cases of contact allergy to natural topical products.