Lip mesotherapy with dexpanthenol in the treatment of isotretinoin-induced cheilitis.

INTRODUCTION: Cheilitis is the most common mucocutaneous side effect of isotretinoin (ISO). Dexpanthenol (DXP) increases fibroblast proliferation and re-epithelialization in wound healing. We aimed to investigate the effect of DXP-mesotherapy in ISO-induced cheilitis in this study. METHODS: This study was conducted on patients who had been using ISO (0.5-1 mg/kg/day) for at least 2 months. Twenty-five patients who administered DXP-mesotherapy (mesotherapy group) and 33 patients without the procedure (control group, only ointment) participated in this study. All patients were prescribed only hamamelis virginiana distillate in ointment form as a lip balm. The efficacy of the treatment was interpreted by the change in lip balm use frequency, quality of life, and Isotretinoin Cheilitis Grading Scale (ICGS). RESULTS: There was a statistically significant decrease in all ICGS-subgroups scores in the mesotherapy group after 1 month compared with the baseline (p = <0.001), although in the controls, erythema, crust, and fissure scores significantly increased (p = 0.001, p = 0.002).While there was no difference between the groups in terms of ICGS total scores at baseline, there was a significant difference after 1 month in favor of the mesotherapy group (p < 0.001). In the mesotherapy group, lip balms were needed significantly less frequently and there was a significant improvement in quality of life compared with both the control group and at baseline after 1 month (both; p < 0.001). On the other hand, the control patients suffered more from cheilitis and dryness than at baseline (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Dexpanthenol-mesotherapy seems to be a safe, and so effective method in management of ISO-related cheilitis.

Effectiveness Of Oral Omega 3 In Reducing Mucocutaneous Side Effects Of Oral Isotretinoin In Patients With Acne Vulgaris.

BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris has been a common clinical condition. Due to. high prevalence and unclear etio-pathogenesis of acne vulgaris, large number of treatment options have been available across the globe. Limited work has been done to explore the options which may manage or prevent these adverse effects and improve the adherence to the prescribed medications. We therefore conducted this trial to look for effectiveness of oral omega 3 in reducing mucocutaneous side effects of oral isotretinoin in patients with acne vulgaris. OBJECTIVE: To look for effectiveness of oral omega 3 in reducing mucocutaneous side effects of oral isotretinoin in patients with acne vulgaris. It was a randomized control trial conducted at Department of Dermatology Pak Emirates Military Hospital Rawalpindi. Ten months, June 2019 to May 2020. METHODS: A total of 60 patients of acne vulgaris put on oral isotretinoin by consultant dermatologist were included in the study. Patients were randomized into groups by lottery method. Group A received the placebo along with oral isotretinoin while Group B received oral omega 3 in standard dose in addition to oral isotretinoin. Comparison was made in both the groups regarding common mucocutaneous side effects. RESULTS: Out of 60patients with acne vulgaris and put on isotretinoin included in the study, 26 (43.3%) received placebo in addition to isotretinoin while 34 (56.7%) received omega 3 in addition to isotretinoin. Forty (66.7%) patients were female while 20 (33.3%) were male. Cheilitis 35 (58.3%) was the commonest side effect followed by lip dryness 33 (55%). Application of chi-square test revealed that cheilitis, lip dryness and xerosis were significantly found in more patients who received placebo as compared to those who received omega 3 along with isotretinoin. CONCLUSION: Mucocutaneous side effects were a very common finding among patients of acne vulgaris managed with isotretinoin. Cheilitis was the most reported mucocutaneous side effects among the target population. This RCT demonstrated that omega 3 was superior to placebo in order to prevent or manage cheilitis, xerosis or dry lips.

PLACK syndrome is potentially treatable with intralipids.

We describe an 11-year-old girl with PLACK Syndrome (peeling skin, leukonychia, acral punctate keratosis, cheilitis, and knuckle pads), who was found to have a novel homozygous variant in CAST, the pathogenicity of which was confirmed using blood-derived RNA. There is no established treatment for PLACK syndrome. However, we demonstrate for the first time that this condition is associated with low levels of vitamin A and essential fatty acids, which prompted us to consider a potential treatment strategy. Indeed, we initiated this patient on intravenous lipid infusion (Vitalipid®; an emulsion of fat-soluble vitamins and lipofundin-MCT/LCT 20%) and the response was dramatic. Following the fourth monthly course of treatment, pruritis disappeared and the skin lesions showed remarkable objective improvement. PLACK syndrome is a very rare genodermatosis and only six families have been described to date with pathogenic CAST variants. This is the first report of an objective response to a therapeutic agent, which suggests that PLACK is a potentially treatable condition. The remarkable response we report and the relative safety of the intervention should prompt healthcare providers who care for PLACK syndrome patients to explore this as a potential treatment strategy in future studies.

Fludroxycortide cream as an alternative therapy for actinic cheilitis.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study is to assess, by clinical follow-up, the efficacy of the dermatological cream Fludroxycortide 0.125 mg/g (Drenison®) in the treatment of actinic cheilitis (AC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-three patients diagnosed with AC participated in the study. Fifteen were submitted to corticotherapy with Fludroxycortide, applied three times a day for up to 6 weeks, associated with lip sunscreen (LS) before sun exposure. In the control group of eight patients, only the use of LS was established. At each weekly return, a photographic record was made of the lesion. After treatment, images were evaluated and scores were assigned to verify clinical evolution. Also, patients treated with Fludroxycortide responded to a questionnaire, to assess drug tolerability and treatment satisfaction. RESULTS: In the group treated with Fludroxycortide (n = 15), five patients showed total improvement, seven presented partial improvement, and three showed no clinical change. Concerning the patients treated with LS (n = 8), one presented total remission of the clinical lesion characteristics, four exhibited partial improvement, and three exhibited no clinical lip alteration. No case presented symptom worsening. Of the 15 patients undergoing corticotherapy, 12 were satisfied and reported that the product was not irritating and contributed to lesion improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Conventional treatment with LS was effective in the remission of some AC lesions, but treatment responses were improved when associated with Fludroxycortide, especially in the more severe cases. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: As it is a non-invasive therapy leading, in most cases, to adequate clinical results, safety, and tolerability, Fludroxycortide can be considered an effective alternative treatment for AC.

Diclofenac sodium gel therapy as an alternative to actinic cheilitis.

OBJECTIVE: Actinic cheilitis (AC) is a potentially malignant lesion caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light. The aim of this research was to analyze the efficacy of diclofenac sodium 3% gel in the treatment of this condition, through clinical follow-up. METHODS: Thirty-one patients diagnosed with AC were instructed to perform a topical application of the gel three times a day for a period of 90 days. In each visit, a digital photography was obtained for verified progress and response to treatment. Two researchers evaluated all images after treatment was completed and assigned the following scores regarding clinical aspect of the lip: 1, complete improvement; 2, partial improvement; 3, no changes; 4, worsening of the clinical condition. In addition, the patients' tolerability to the drug and their satisfaction after treatment were evaluated. RESULTS: Twelve cases abandoned the treatment for reasons unrelated to the study. Ten participants showed total remission of all clinical features of the lesion and three had partial improvement of the characteristics. One participant presented worsening of clinical condition, and in five cases, treatment was discontinued due to development of mild adverse effects at the site of gel application. Regarding satisfaction analyses and tolerability to the drug, from 14 patients who completed treatment without adverse effects or complications, most agreed fully that they were satisfied with the therapy (n = 11) and that the drug was not irritating to the mouth (n = 9). Patients are being monitored without clinical signs of recurrence and/or progression of the lesions. CONCLUSION: Topical application of the drug has provided a convenient and well tolerated in most cases. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Diclofenac sodium gel (3%) may be a promising alternative for treatment of actinic cheilitis.

Treatment of exfoliative cheilitis with Traditional Chinese Medicine: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review treatments of exfoliative cheilitis based on symptom patterns in terms of Traditional Chinese Medicine. METHODS: PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Wanfang data were screened for case reports, case series or clinical trials that were published in English or Chinese from January, 1973 to September, 2015. The keyword of "exfoliative cheilitis or scaling cheilitis or factitious cheilitis" was used. Effectiveness or ineffectiveness was investigated as outcome for Meta analysis, which is based on effective index in each study. Response to treatment was described for case reports or case series. RESULTS: From 38 screened studies, 17 were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 5 were single-arm trials, and 16 were case reports or case series. Three RCTs were eligible for Meta analysis and all of them compared managements between Traditional Chinese Medicine and corticosteroids for exfoliative cheilitis, which involved 223 participants. Interestingly, data of Meta analysis showed similar effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine and corticosteroids for patients with exfoliative cheilitis [relative risk ratio: 1.10; 95% CI (1.00-1.21), P = 0.06]. CONCLUSION: Traditional Chinese Medicine might be a substitute for corticosteroids on exfoliative cheilitis. However, the evidence and recommendation of exfoliative cheilitis managements need to be taken with caution because of the low quality of evidence in the studies obtained.

Daylight photodynamic therapy with methyl-aminolevulinate for the treatment of actinic cheilitis.

Actinic cheilitis (AC) is a common premalignant condition that requires an effective treatment to reduce the risk of malignant transformation. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been recently added to the armamentarium available for AC treatment. Daylight PDT (D-PDT) is a novel PDT modality in which the activation of the topical photosensitizer is induced by the exposure to natural daylight instead of artificial light sources without preliminary occlusion. This simplified procedure was found to be more tolerated as compared to conventional PDT. We report our preliminary experience on the use of D-PDT using methyl-aminolevulinate cream in 10 patients with refractory AC of the lower lip. Patients received two consecutive D-PDT sessions with an interval of 7-14 days. At 3 months after therapy, a complete response was observed in seven patients, with sustained results in five patients over an observational period of 6-12 months. Treatment was well tolerated.

Aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy for actinic keratoses/actinic cheilitis/acne: vascular lasers.

The combination of newer laser and light sources, the long-pulsed pulsed dye laser (LP PDL) and intense pulsed light, with topical aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (PDT) has achieved enhanced efficacy and rapid treatment and recovery, while diminishing unwanted side effects. In particular, LP PDL PDT has been shown to be safe and effective in the treatment of actinic keratoses, actinic cheilitis, photodamage, and acne vulgaris with minimal discomfort, rapid treatment and recovery, and excellent posttreatment cosmesis.

Cheilitis glandularis in an African-American woman: response to antibiotic therapy.

A 52-year-old black woman presented with a 2-day history of lower lip swelling 5 days after starting a new medication, lisinopril. She had never experienced similar episodes in the past. She denied shortness of breath, tightening of the throat, swelling of the tongue, generalized cutaneous eruption, urticaria, or pruritus. She also denied symptoms consistent with facial paresis. Her past medical history was significant for hepatitis C infection, coronary artery disease, and hypertriglyceridemia. She had a 15 pack-year smoking history and denied both alcohol and drug abuse. She had never received a blood transfusion and was HIV negative. Physical examination disclosed a tender, swollen, and erythematous lower lip with induration, oozing, and crusting (Figure 1). Pinpoint openings evident throughout the lip surface exuded a clear, sticky, mucoid secretion. Tongue, parotid glands, and regional lymph nodes were normal. The working diagnosis was angioedema secondary to lisinopril. The presumptive offending drug was discontinued, and conservative therapy (topical clobetasol ointment, oral ranitidine, and oral fexofenadine) was initiated. Despite treatment, signs and symptoms persisted unabated. One week after initial presentation, a punch biopsy of her lower lip was taken to rule out granulomatous cheilitis and sarcoidosis. Histopathology included diffuse lymphohistiocytic infiltrate, minimal microabscess formation, and notable absence of granulomata. There was neither hypertrophy nor detectable abnormality of the salivary glands, with the exception of infiltrating mononuclear cells. Based on the clinical history and compatible pathologic findings, a diagnosis of cheilitis glandularis was made. Specifically, crusting and erosion clinically suggested a diagnosis of the superficial suppurative subtype of cheilitis glandularis. The patient received oral penicillin (dicloxacillin, 1.0 g/d) combined with oral fluoroquinolone (ciprofloxacin, 1.0 g/d). Within 2 weeks of starting the antibiotics, the lip swelling significantly decreased (Figure 2) and the patient was left with a mildly indurated nodule at the labial commissure. Following a 4-week course of continued antibiotic treatment, the lip returned to near baseline state. At both 6-month and 1-year follow-up visits, the lip remained normal.