Efficacy, safety, tolerability, and satisfaction of N-acetylcysteine and pentoxifylline in lichen planopilaris patients under treatment with topical clobetasol: A triple arm blinded randomized controlled trial.

Lichen planoplaris (LPP) is one of the most common causes of inflammatory cicatricial alopecias. There is no definitive cure for the disease and most of the available therapeutic options can potentially lead to serious complications following their use for extended durations. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and pentoxyfillin (PTX), as adjunctive therapies, in the management of LPP. In a randomized, assessor- and analyst-blinded controlled trial, patients with proven LPP were randomly assigned to three groups of 10. Group I (the control group) received clobetasol 0.05%lotion; Group II, a combination of clobetasol 0.05% lotion and oral PTX; Group III, a combination of clobetasol lotion 0.05% and oral NAC. Lichen planopilaris activity index (LPPAI), the possible side effects, tolerability and patients satisfaction were assessed before and two and four months after the initiation of the treatments. Thirty patients, 96.7% women, with a mean age of 46.8 ± 13.3 years old, were included in the study. Four months into the treatments, the overall LPPAI and the severity and/or frequency of most of its determinants significantly decreased in all groups. In a comparison among the groups, patients who received either of the combination therapies showed more decline in their LPPAI than those receiving only clobetasol. The decline was more noticeable and statistically significant only in the NAC group. Three patients in the PTX group developed complications that were not statistically significant when compared with the other groups. There were no substantial differences in the tolerability of the treatments among the study arms. The use of oral NAC and PTX added to the therapeutic efficacy of topical clobetasol in the treatment of LPP, suggesting that they might be beneficial and safe adjuvant therapies and add to the efficacy of topical treatment without any noticeable impact on the adverse effects experienced by patients.

Case Report: Pemphigoid Nodularis-Five Patients With Many Years of Follow-Up and Review of the Literature.

Pemphigoid nodularis is a rare form of pemphigoid that joins the clinical picture of prurigo nodularis and the immunological features of bullous pemphigoid, which is therapeutically challenging. Here, we analyze five female patients with a long-lasting course of nodular pemphigoid in terms of clinical and immunological characteristics and therapy. All the patients fulfilled clinical and immunological criteria of nodular pemphigoid. We applied numerous techniques allowing the proper diagnosis: direct and indirect immunofluorescence, salt split skin, ELISA, BIOCHIP, and fluorescence overlay antigen mapping using laser scanning confocal microscopy. Our study showed that 4 of 5 patients fulfilled the clinical and immunological criteria of nodular bullous pemphigoid. Two out of 4 patients presented exclusively nodular lesions; in the other two patients, blisters and erythematous lesions preceded prurigo-like lesions by a few years. The remaining patient had clinical and immunological criteria of nodular mucous membrane pemphigoid, presenting oral erosions, scarring conjunctivitis, and numerous disseminated nodules on the skin. All the patients were treated with multiple medicines; however, it was observed that the use of clobetasol propionate on the entire body plus antidepressants best controlled the disease. Pemphigoid nodularis mainly occurs in elderly women. In cases with coexisting psychological problems, antidepressants should be considered as an important complementary therapy to the basic one with clobetasol propionate.

Oral lichen planus: comparative efficacy and treatment costs-a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the reported efficacy and costs of available interventions used for the management of oral lichen planus (OLP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed from database inception until March 2021 in MEDLINE via PubMed and the Cochrane library following PRISMA guidelines. Only randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing an active intervention with placebo or different active interventions for OLP management were considered. RESULTS: Seventy (70) RCTs were included. The majority of evidence suggested efficacy of topical steroids (dexamethasone, clobetasol, fluocinonide, triamcinolone), topical calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus, pimecrolimus, cyclosporine), topical retinoids, intra-lesional triamcinolone, aloe-vera gel, photodynamic therapy, and low-level laser therapies for OLP management. Based on the estimated cost per month and evidence for efficacy and side-effects, topical steroids (fluocinonide > dexamethasone > clobetasol > triamcinolone) appear to be more cost-effective than topical calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus > pimecrolimus > cyclosporine) followed by intra-lesional triamcinolone. CONCLUSION: Of common treatment regimens for OLP, topical steroids appear to be the most economical and efficacious option followed by topical calcineurin inhibitors. Large-scale multi-modality, prospective trials in which head-to-head comparisons interventions are compared are required to definitely assess the cost-effectiveness of OLP treatments.

Ruxolitinib Cream Has Dual Efficacy on Pruritus and Inflammation in Experimental Dermatitis.

The goal of this study was to elucidate the anti-pruritic and anti-inflammatory efficacy of ruxolitinib cream in experimentally-induced dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis (AD), the most common chronic relapsing inflammatory skin disease, significantly impairs patients' quality of life, with pruritus being a common complaint. The sensation of itch results from the interplay between epidermal barrier dysfunction, upregulated immune signaling and the activation of the central nervous system. The Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway plays a central role in pro-inflammatory cytokine signaling in AD. Ruxolitinib cream is a potent and selective JAK1/2 inhibitor currently undergoing clinical evaluation in adults with mild-to-moderate AD (NCT03745638, NCT03920852 and NCT03745651). The efficacy of ruxolitinib cream was tested in murine models of acute and chronic dermatitis and was also characterized in an ex vivo human skin dermatitis model. Ruxolitinib cream was highly effective at ameliorating disease symptoms in multiple murine dermatitis models through downregulation of T helper (Th)2-driven inflammation, resulting in reduced skin thickening and decreased itch. Pathway analysis of mouse ear tissue and human skin explants underscored the role for ruxolitinib in ameliorating inflammation and reducing itch via modulation of the JAK-STAT pathway. Together, the data offer a strong rationale for the use of ruxolitinib cream as a potent therapeutic agent for the clinical management of atopic dermatitis.

The comparison of therapeutic effect of Clobetasol propionate lotion and squill extract in alopecia areata: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial.

Alopecia areata is a chronic inflammatory disease that characterized by round or oval patches of non-scarring hair loss. From the past, Urginea maritima (white squill) was used for the treatment of hair loss in Iranian traditional medicine. We aimed the comparison of Clobetasol lotion and squill extract efficacy in treatment of alopecia areata in a randomized, double-blind clinical trial. The 42 patients were randomized into two groups. Both groups received topical squill and clobetasol lotion twice daily lotion for 12 weeks. Clinical evaluation included size of patches (using 1×1 cm2 schablone), total number of grown hair and number of terminal hair was performed every 2 weeks. Re-growth of terminal coarse hairs was evaluated using a semi-quantitative regrowth score (RGS) (0: no regrowth, 1: growth of <25%, 2: growth of 25-50%, 3: growth of 51-75%, 4: growth of >75%). There were significant differences between RGS4 in two groups after 2- and 3-month treatment (P<0.05). At the end of follow-up period, the mean hair growth rates increased significantly from 6.5 to 11.3 in squill group (P = 0.031) and it improved significantly from 10.3 to 17.9 in clobetasol group (P = 0.001). There were no significant differences between mean hair growth rates in two groups after 3-month treatment (P = 0.969). The lotion 2% of U. maritima bulbs extract showed good effect in 45% patients with patchy alopecia areata and showed moderate effect on re-growth of terminal hairs.

Efficacy of photobiomodulation on oral lichen planus: a protocol study for a double-blind, randomised controlled clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is an idiopathic chronic mucocutaneous disease with a wide range of clinical manifestations, including white reticular patches, erosive/ulcerative and atrophic lesions, both associated with intense symptomatology. Topical corticosteroids are commonly used as standard therapy. However, patients frequently present relapses after the discontinuation of treatment as well as developing resistance to corticosteroid therapy. Photobiomodulation (PBM) has been shown to be a potential therapeutic tool to treat inflammatory disorders, including OLP. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of PBM (660 nm) with corticosteroid therapy with clobetasol propionate 0.05% for the treatment of OLP. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Forty-four patients with symptomatic and histopathological diagnosis of OLP will be randomised into two experimental groups in a double-blind manner: control group (n=22): clobetasol propionate 0.05%+placebo PBM, and experimental group (n=22): PBM (λ=660 nm, power 100 mW, radiant exposure: 177 J/cm2 and 0.5J per point)+placebo gel. Laser will be applied 2×/week for 1 month and clobetasol propionate three times a day for 30 days and the same for placebo treatments. The primary variable (pain) and the secondary variables (clinical score, evaluation of functional scores, clinical resolution, OLP recurrence, quality of life and anxiety and depression) will be evaluated at the baseline, once a week during treatment (depending on the variables) and after 30 days and 60 days of follow-up. Pain will be evaluated using visual analogue scale and clinical characteristics will be scored using the Thongprasom Index. The quality of life and anxiety and depression will be evaluated by Oral Health Impact Profile-14 questionnaire and by Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale for anxiety scale, respectively. The serum and salivary levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, IL-1ß, INF-γ and tumour necrosis factor-α will be evaluated by ELISA at baseline and at the end of treatment. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This protocol was approved (#2.375.410) by the Nove de Julho University (UNINOVE) Research Ethics Committee. The data gathered using this protocol will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03320460.

Dermatitis de contacto alérgica aerotransportada por aceite de neem / Airborne Allergic Contact Dermatitis Caused by Neem Oil

No disponible

Potential emerging treatment in vitiligo using Er:YAG in combination with 5FU and clobetasol.

BACKGROUND: Vitiligo is a pigmentary disorder of skin affecting at least 1% of the world population of all races in both sexes. Its importance is mainly due to subsequent social and psychological problems rather than clinical complications. Various treatment choices are available for vitiligo; however, laser-based courses have shown to give more acceptable results. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this trial was to evaluate the efficacy of Er:YAG laser as a supplementary medicine to topical 5FU and clobetasol in vitiligo patients. METHODS: Two comparable vitiligo patches from 38 eligible patients were randomized to receive topical 5FU and clobetasol in control group and additional Er:YAG laser in intervention group. Major outcomes of interest were the size of patch and pigmentation score at randomization and 2 and 4 months after therapy. RESULTS: Final sample included 18 (47%) male patients and age of 35.66±8.04. The performance Er:YAG group was superior in all sites. Reduction in the size of patches was greater in Er:YAG group (p-value=.004). Also, this group showed a higher pigmentation scores in the trial period than control group (p-value<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Greater reduction in the size and increase in pigmentation score was seen in Er:YAG group especially for short periods after therapy and repeating laser sessions may help improving final outcomes. Er:AYG could help in reducing complications of long-term topical treatments, achieving faster response, and improving patient adherence.

Tratamiento del liquen plano oral. Revisión sistemática y protocolo de actuación / Treatment of oral lichen planus. Systematic review and therapeutic guide

En la presente revisión sistemática se analizaron 55 artículos estructurados sobre la eficacia terapéutica frente al dolor y a los signos clínicos del liquen plano oral (LPO). La búsqueda bibliográfica se elaboró siguiendo los criterios del sistema PRISMA, seleccionando los ensayos realizados mediante alguno de los siguientes diseños metodológicos: entre fármaco (principio activo) vs. mismo fármaco en diferente excipiente o concentración, fármaco vs. diferente principio activo, fármaco vs. fitoterapia y fármaco vs. tratamiento con fototerapia. Basándonos en los resultados se propone un algoritmo que sirva de guía para establecer el tratamiento del LPO en sus formas clínicas atrófica y erosiva. Se destaca el empleo del propionato de clobetasol al 0,025-0,05% de aplicación tópica como primera alternativa terapéutica. En segundo lugar, el tacrolimús al 0,1% y pimecrolimús al 1% también formulado para su pauta tópica. Y, finalmente, se aborda el empleo de corticosteroide sistémico y la aplicación de láser de diodo (AU)

In this systematic review, 55 structured articles on the therapeutic efficacy against pain and clinical signs of oral lichen planus (OLP) were analysed. The literature search was developed according to the criteria of the PRISMA system, selecting the tests performed using one of the following methodological designs: drug (active ingredient) vs. drug in different excipient or concentration, drug vs. different active principle, drug vs. phytotherapy and drug vs. treatment with phototherapy. Based on the results, an algorithm is proposed to guide the treatment of OLP in its atrophic and erosive clinical forms. The use of clobetasol propionate at 0.025-0.05% of topical application as the first therapeutic alternative is highlighted. Secondly, 0.1% tacrolimus and 1% pimecrolimus also formulated for its topical regimen. And finally, we address the use of systemic corticosteroids and the application of diode lasers (AU)

Hypopigmented Mycosis Fungoides with Large Cell Transformation in a Child.

Hypopigmented mycosis fungoides (HMF) is the most common variant of mycosis fungoides (MF) in children. Large-cell transformation in HMF has never been reported. Herein we report a case of HMF in an 8-year-old boy who presented with a 6-year history of hypopigmented patches on the bilateral arms, lower back, buttocks, posterior thighs, and lower legs. Biopsy revealed an abnormal CD8+ epidermotropic T-cell infiltrate consistent with the diagnosis of MF. The T-cell clonality study was positive. The patient was started on narrowband ultraviolet B (NBUVB) phototherapy and topical steroids. He had a 50% reduction in his patches after 10 months of treatment, after which he developed a single annular plaque on his left thigh. The biopsy specimen demonstrated large cells that were diffusely CD8+ and CD30- . Clobetasol propionate ointment was prescribed, which led to complete resolution of the plaque within 2 weeks. NBUVB phototherapy was continued and the patient had a complete response within the following 5 months. The case is an example of exceptionally rare large-cell transformation in pediatric MF and stresses the importance of regular follow-up of these patients.

Beyond monotherapy: a systematic review on creative strategies in topical therapy of psoriasis.

The largest proportion of psoriasis patients are candidates for topical treatment rather than treatment paradigms encompassing systemic, biologic and apremilast, and phototherapy, making skillfulness with topical therapy of paramount importance. As such, numerous studies have been conducted to demonstrate the benefits of using topical therapy in combination with other therapies. In addition, innovative uses of otherwise conventional methods, such as proactive use to minimize flare, have been developed. This article reviews five types of strategies for improved efficacy from topical agents beyond monotherapy. These strategies include proactive use, rotational therapy, sequential therapy, using topical agents to shorten the onset of therapeutic action for slower internal agents or phototherapy, and combination use for added efficacy. Each of these is reviewed in detail.

A comparative study of combined treatment with fractional carbon dioxide and targeted ultraviolet B phototherapy for facial vitiligo.

Facial vitiligo is associated with considerable psychological impact. The management is challenging and requires multidisciplinary treatment. Adding fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) to the conventional treatment has been reported as an effective modality. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of combined fractional CO2 laser, targeted ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy, and topical steroid on facial vitiligo. A prospective, randomized, split face study was conducted on 14 patients with symmetrical non-segmental facial vitiligo. Ten sessions of fractional CO2 laser was performed on the lesions on one side of face with 2-week interval. Immediately after laser, the lesions on both side of face were treated with 10 sessions of 2-week interval targeted UVB phototherapy and twice daily application of topical 0.05 % clobetasol propionate cream. The patients were followed up for 12 weeks after the last treatment. Clinical improvement was graded by blinded dermatologists and patients using a quartile grading scale. Twelve out of 14 patients completed the study. The degree of improvement was not different between both sides in nine patients. One patient showed more improvement on the combined laser side, and two patients showed inferior results on the combined laser side. Two patients with lesser improvement on the laser-treated side had positive Koebner phenomenon on the non-facial area. The combined treatment with laser, targeted UVB, and topical steroids are not superior to targeted UVB and topical steroids in facial vitiligo. Furthermore, laser may retard the response to the standard treatment in patients with Koebner phenomenon on non-treated areas.

Mixed vitiligo of Blaschko lines: a newly discovered presentation of vitiligo responsive to combination treatment.

Vitiligo, depigmenting disorder of the skin and mucous membranes, affects up to 1% of the population worldwide. It is classified into four major types: segmental, non-segmental, mixed, and unclassified type. Non-segmental vitiligo refers to non-dermatomal distribution of lesions, while dermatomal distribution of lesions is present in patients with segmental vitiligo. Segmental vitiligo can also follow Blaschko lines - pathways of epidermal cell migration and proliferation during the development of the fetus. Here, we present patient with segmental and non-segmental vitiligo following Blaschko lines with excellent therapeutic response to combined therapy. Prior to our report, a case of segmental and non-segmental vitiligo followed by Blaschko lines was never described, therefore we suggest the term "mixed vitiligo of Blaschko lines" to describe this entity. This is also a rare case in which 90% repigmentation was achieved in patient with segmental and nonsegmental vitiligo following Blaschko lines in only 2 months of combined therapy.

Effects of a preceding fractional carbon dioxide laser on the outcome of combined local narrowband ultraviolet B and topical steroids in patients with vitiligo in difficult-to-treat areas.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Conventional treatment of vitiligo on hands and feet often produces an unsatisfactory result. Various ablative treatment methods were tried with favorable results in facial, neck, and truncal areas. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combined fractional CO2 laser, narrowband UVB (NB-UVB) phototherapy, and topical clobetasol propionate in managing stable vitiligo in difficult-to-treat areas. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective randomized-intraindividual study was conducted on 27 patients with 27 pair-lesions of non-segmental vitiligo on both hands. The lesions were randomized to receive treatment with fractional CO2 laser, NB-UVB phototherapy, and 0.05% clobetasol propionate cream (Group A) or NB-UVB phototherapy and 0.05% clobetasol propionate cream (Group B). Fractional CO2 laser was performed at 1-week interval for 10 sessions. NB-UVB phototherapy was administered twice weekly for 20 sessions. Patients were evaluated 12 weeks after the last treatment. Outcome was evaluated objectively based on standard digital photographs, patient satisfaction, and adverse events. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients completed the study. Six vitiligious lesions (23.1%) in group A achieved good to excellent repigmentation compared with one lesion (3.9%) in group B (P = 0.065). The overall mean improvement score was 1.35 (± 1.38) in group A and 0.50 (± 0.95) in group B (P = 0.0004). Patients' satisfaction score was significantly higher for the lesions in group A than group B. Lesions on the dorsum of the hand showed a higher response rate than those on the fingers. No serious side-effects were noted. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that adding fractional CO2 laser treatment to NB-UVB phototherapy and topical steroids improves the repigmentation rate of vitiliginous lesions on hands in some patients. This technique may be offered to vitiligo patients who are unresponsive to other treatments.

Selection of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and treatment regimen for sulfur mustard-induced cutaneous lesions.

The inflammatory process plays an important role in sulfur mustard (HD) injury and HD pathogenesis, suggesting that anti-inflammatory treatments applied as soon as possible following HD injury may reduce tissue damage and accelerate healing. This study used the HD dermal weanling swine model to investigate the efficacy of two non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, capsaicin and diclofenac, when applied in combination with the steroid, clobetasol. The therapeutic regimen was also investigated with respect to initiation of treatment post-exposure, frequency and duration. Yorkshire-cross pigs were randomly assigned to experimental groups, corresponding to all combinations of treatment (capsaicin with clobetasol or diclofenac with clobetasol), onset time (1, 2 or 4 h post-exposure), treatment duration (1, 3 or 5 days) and frequency of applications (2, 3 or 4 per day). For each animal, two sites on the ventral abdomen were exposed to 400 µL of neat HD for 8 min to achieve superficial dermal (SD) lesions and two sites were exposed to 400 µL neat HD for 30 min to achieve deep dermal (DD) lesions. Each treatment regimen was tested against a SD and a DD injury. Untreated SD and DD lesion sites served as within-animal controls. Assessments, up to one week post-challenge, included digital photographs, clinical assessments (lesion size measurements and modified Draize scoring), transepidermal water loss (TEWL), reflectance colorimetry and histopathologic evaluations that included an estimate for depth of injury and wound healing parameters. Diclofenac plus clobetasol treatment resulted in significant reductions in lesion contracture and modified Draize scores, increased barrier function (decreased TEWL), and increased healing as determined by histopathology for both SD and DD injury when compared with untreated sites and sites treated with capsaicin plus clobetasol. An increased duration of treatment from 1 to 5 days was most commonly associated with decreased clinical assessment and histopathological severity scores. Therefore, a combination of diclofenac and clobetasol application, when administered for at least five days, shows promise in ameliorating HD-induced lesions.

Secuquinumabe para o tratamento da psoríase vulgar / Secuquinumab for the treatment of vulgar psoriasis

CONTEXTO: A psoríase é uma doença relativamente comum, crônica, inflamatória, multisistêmica e não contagiosa, com predominância na pele e na articulação. Sua causa é desconhecida, mas sabe-se que pode estar relacionada ao sistema imunológico, às interações com o meio ambiente e à suscetibilidade genética. TECNOLOGÍA: Cosentyx™ (secuquinumabe). PERGUNTA: o secuquinumabe é eficaz e seguro para o tratamento da psoríase vulgar? EVIDÊNCIAS: Foi analisada uma revisão sistemática que avaliou a eficácia e a segurança do secuquinumabe em relação ao placebo, ao etanercepte e ao ustequinumabe. O secuquinumabe demonstrou eficácia em relação ao etanercepte e ao placebo e segurança em relação ao etanercepte, embora necessite de estudos que avaliem o seu perfil de segurança por um período superior a 52 semanas de utilização. Não foram encontrados estudos que comparassem, de forma direta ou indireta, a eficácia e a segurança do secuquinumabe em relação à acitretina, a ciclosporina e ao metotrexato. CONCLUSÕES: o secuquinumabe é indicado para o tratamento da psoríase vulgar, moderado a grave, para os pacientes adultos e candidatos à terapia sistêmica ou fototerapia. O secuquinumabe é eficaz e seguro em relação ao etanercepte e necessita de estudos que avaliem o seu perfil de segurança por períodos superiores de utilização. Não foram encontrados estudos que comparem a eficácia e a segurança do secuquinumabe frente à acitretina, a cliclosporina e ao metotrexato.

Successful treatment of palmoplantar pustulosis with isotretinoin.

IMPORTANCE: Variably considered as a localized subtype of pustular psoriasis, palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) is commonly treated with topical steroids, acitretin, and local phototherapy with oral or topical psoralen (PUVA). The utility of acitretin for PPP is limited by adverse effects such as myalgias and an extended risk of teratogenicity in female patients. Isotretinoin is a more tolerable retinoid with a shorter teratogenic window, but to date its effectiveness in PPP has not been reported. Herein we present two patients with PPP who responded well to isotretinoin treatment. OBSERVATIONS: Two patients with PPP refractory to topical therapies were started on acitretin. Both patients developed adverse effects (including headache, myalgias, and mood alterations) leading to acitretin discontinuation. Isotretinoin monotherapy was started in one patient resulting in significant clearing of palmar plaques and scale, and the addition of isotretinoin to UVA therapy resulted in near-complete clearing of recalcitrant plantar plaques in the second patient. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Acitretin represents an important treatment for PPP, but is limited by adverse effects and extended teratogenicity. Our experience supports the utility of isotretinoin as a potential therapeutic alternative, which may be particularly beneficial in patients who are poor candidates for or unable to tolerate acitretin therapy.