Advances in non-invasive imaging for dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: A review.

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare soft tissue sarcoma characterized by an asymmetric, infiltrative growth pattern and a high risk of local recurrence. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of various imaging modalities in the assessment and management of DFSP. Nine imaging modalities were reviewed including: Ultrasound (US), High-Frequency Doppler Ultrasound (HFUS), Computed tomography (CT), Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT), and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), High-resolution-MRI (HR-MRI), Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS), Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), and Dermatoscopy. Imaging is mainly used for preoperative assessment and surgical planning, not routine diagnosis. US is effective for initial evaluations, demonstrating superior ability in detecting muscle invasion and defining tumour boundaries (sensitivity - 81.8%, specificity - 100%). MRI is valuable for preoperative evaluation, surgical planning, and monitoring DFSP recurrence. It more accurately assesses tumour depth than palpation, with a sensitivity of 67% and specificity of 100%, but was inferior when compared to US. CT is utilized in cases of suspected bone involvement or pulmonary metastasis. For advanced or recurrent DFSP, PET-CT helps manage treatment responses and imatinib therapy. Emerging technologies like MRS and OCT show potential in improving diagnostic accuracy and defining surgical margins, though more data are needed. US, MRI, and CT are the primary imaging modalities for DFSP. Emerging technologies like HR-MRI, PET-CT, MRS, and OCT hold promise for refining diagnostic and management strategies. Integrating multiple technologies could enhance management, particularly in atypical or aggressive cases. Further studies are required to refine imaging protocols and improve DFSP outcomes.

Dermatologic Procedures for the Treatment of Seborrheic Dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: This paper examines alternative procedural interventions for Seborrheic Dermatitis (SD), aiming to offer clinicians more treatment options and encourage further research. METHOD: A search was conducted on PubMed using specific search terms related to SD and various dermatological procedures. Studies in English, focusing on SD in human patients, and in-office treatments were included. Data were analyzed for procedure type, effectiveness, and side effects. RESULTS: Nine studies were reviewed, covering phototherapy, indole-3-acetic acid photodynamic therapy (IAA-PDT), Picosecond Nd:YAG laser, botulinum toxin (BoNT) injections, triamcinolone injections, hair growth factor therapy, and precision cryotherapy. Most showed significant efficacy in small cohorts with high patient satisfaction. Hair growth factor therapy had long-term benefits, while narrow-band ultraviolet B phototherapy showed relapse within one month. Intense pulsed light with supramolecular salicylic acid, IAA-PDT, and laser therapy reduced sebum output and Malassezia furfur. Triamcinolone injections were effective against SD's immunological aspects. Hair growth factor therapy and precision cryotherapy have been successfully used to treat scalp SD. The role of BoNT in SD is still being explored; however, current evidence does not support its use. CONCLUSION: Limited data reveal the need for further research on dermatological procedures for SD. These methods show promise for better patient compliance but face challenges such as cost, variable effectiveness, and unknown long-term safety. Future research should focus on protocol standardization and comprehensive evaluation of long-term outcomes. J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(10):819-824. doi:10.36849/JDD.8116.

The impact of energy-based devices on sebum in acne vulgaris: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris (AV) is a widespread inflammatory skin condition associated with increased sebum production, abnormal keratinization, bacterial overgrowth, and inflammation. Overactive sebaceous glands (SGs) produce excess sebum, promote Cutibacterium acnes growth, and affect acne development. Energy-based treatments (EBDs), including light therapy, photodynamic therapy (PDT), lasers, and radiofrequency (RF) devices, have emerged as effective treatment options. As the use of EBDs becomes more widespread, it is imperative to understand their effects on skin parameters, such as sebum, in AV. METHODS: Searches were conducted in Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. The studies included were randomized and nonrandomized trials on facial AV that used EBDs and featured objective casual sebum level (CSL) measurements via Sebumeter. Data synthesis involved percentage reductions in CSL at follow-ups compared to baseline. RESULTS: Twenty-three studies were analyzed. PDT and RF consistently reduced CSL by 30%-40% and 30%-35%, respectively. Laser therapy showed lesser reductions, whereas light therapy varied significantly and studies had a high risk of bias. All EBD therapies were more effective than no treatment and PDT was superior to light monotherapy. Laser therapy combined with fractional microneedling radiofrequency (FMR) or as a standalone was more effective than laser alone. CONCLUSION: Noninvasive sebum measurement provides valuable insights into AV treatment efficacy. PDT, lasers, especially the 1450-nm diode laser, and FMR are promising for reducing sebum. Standardization of measurement techniques and further research are vital for enhancing treatment personalization, reducing side effects, and improving AV management.

The Immunomodulatory Power of Dupilumab: -Implications for Keloid Scar Treatment.

Keloids are pathologic responses to cutaneous injury. Current treatments, such as topical and intralesional steroids and even surgical excision, have limited efficacy, creating a demand for improved therapies. Our study explores the functioning of dupilumab, an interleukin-4 and inter-leukin-13 signaling pathway inhibitor, in this context. We have reviewed the literature for using dupilumab to treat keloids, evaluating safety and efficacy and offering recommendations for its application. We searched PubMed and Google Scholar using "Dupilumab" and "Keloid" as keywords. To ensure relevance, we limited the search to English language publications of 2018-2023. Dupilumab exhibited efficacy in keloid treatment, with notable improvements in patients. One patient reported a 50% reduction in the fibrotic plaque and complete resolution of smaller keloids without adverse effects. Two other patients reported successful stabilization and reduction in keloids following dupilumab therapy; however, the 12-week treatment demonstrated no response or reduction in post-treatment size or height of keloidals, with disease progression observed in one patient. One report discouraged the use of dupilumab for keloids due to limited positive responses. Considering dupilumab as the last therapeutic option to treat keloids may benef patients resistant to standard therapies and/or those highly motivated to reduce keloids.

Aspirin as a chemopreventive agent for cutaneous melanoma: a literature review.

Rising melanoma rates have spurred interest in preventive strategies. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), particularly aspirin, show potential in reducing cancer risks. NSAIDs act on cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, impacting COX-2 associated with inflammation and cancer progression. This paper explores aspirin's role in cutaneous melanoma prevention, elucidating its mechanisms and acknowledging varying literature outcomes. Rather than providing conclusive recommendations, the review emphasizes the influence of individual factors, contributing to the ongoing dialogue on aspirin's complexities in melanoma prevention. A PubMed search using "Aspirin" AND "Cutaneous melanoma" yielded relevant English-language, peer-reviewed studies. Selection criteria focused exclusively on skin cancers, specifically cutaneous melanoma. Exclusions included studies covering various cancers, some non-dermatologic, and those not evaluating aspirin use independently but in conjunction with NSAIDs. The potential chemopreventive effects of aspirin and NSAIDs against melanoma have gained attention due to their association with a reduced risk of various cancers including gastric, colorectal, and breast. By inhibiting COX enzymes and the NF-κB pathway, these agents theoretically slow malignant cell activities, presenting a prospect for cancer prevention. Aspirin exhibits noteworthy effects, depleting growth-stimulating hormones, generating reactive oxygen species harmful to cancerous cells, and inhibiting COX-2 linked to cancer progression. Limited literature suggests survival benefits with aspirin use in stage II and III melanoma, possibly due to slowing disease progression, evident in smaller Breslow depths. Gender-specific responses to aspirin are notable, with some studies reporting a stronger chemopreventive correlation in females. It's crucial to note that geographic disparities, demographic cohorts, and individual-specific factors are confounding variables that may contribute to conflicting findings regarding aspirin's impact on melanoma. The association between aspirin use and melanoma risk is complex, with conflicting findings across diverse populations. Although it appears that more studies suggest a protective role for aspirin rather than not, evidence lacks consistency. Factors such as gender, geography, race, sun exposure, and health conditions play a role in shaping these varied outcomes, necessitating large-scale, prospective studies research and standardized parameters for more conclusive insights that may help guide tailored clinical strategies for melanoma prevention.

Targeting sebaceous glands: a review of selective photothermolysis for Acne Vulgaris treatment.

Acne vulgaris (AV), characterized by excessive sebum production and Cutibacterium acnes proliferation in the sebaceous glands, significantly impacts physical and psychological health. Recent treatment advancements have focused on selective photothermolysis of sebaceous glands. This review evaluates two innovative therapies: the 1726-nm laser and nanoparticle-assisted laser treatments. We conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed and Embase using the primary terms "acne vulgaris" or "acne" AND "laser," "photothermal therapy," "nanoparticles," "treatment," or "1726 nm laser." Inclusion criteria were articles published in English in peer-reviewed journals that focused on treating AV through targeting the sebaceous glands, yielding 11 studies. Gold nanoparticles, used with 800-nm laser, 1064-nm Nd: YAG laser, or photopneumatic device, and platinum nanoparticles with 1450-nm diode laser, showed notable improvements in severity and number of acne lesions, safety, and patient satisfaction. The 1726-nm laser treatments also showed considerable lesion reduction and tolerability, with minimal side effects such as erythema and edema. Its efficiency is credited to its short, high-power pulses that effectively target sebaceous glands, offering precise treatment with fewer side effects compared to lower-power pulses. Selective photothermolysis using nanoparticle-assisted laser therapy or the 1726-nm laser offers a promising alternative to conventional AV treatments, showcasing efficacy and high patient satisfaction. The 1726-nm laser streamlines treatment but involves new equipment costs, while nanoparticle-assisted therapy integrates well into existing setups but relies on external agents and is unsuitable for certain allergies. Future research should include long-term studies and comparative analyses. The choice of treatment modality should consider patient preferences, cost implications, and availability of specific therapies.

Lasers for the treatment of nail psoriasis: a systematic review.

This systematic review assesses the evidence concerning laser treatments for nail psoriasis (NP), a prevalent condition among individuals with cutaneous psoriasis that notably affects their quality of life. Traditional treatments have limitations in terms of drug delivery and poor patient adherence, leading to interest in laser therapies for their targeted approach, extended treatment intervals, and the potential to enhance topical medication effectiveness. The MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched. English-language randomized and non-randomized controlled trials with full-text availability were included. Data on the laser type, treatment protocol, Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI) outcomes, and adverse events were extracted, and nail bed and matrix features and patient satisfaction were assessed. The primary effect measure was a percentage reduction in NAPSI scores from baseline. Nineteen studies involving the pulse dye laser (PDL), long-pulsed neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser and fractional carbon dioxide laser (FCL) were identified. Lasers, particularly those used in conjunction with topical agents, have shown favorable results. PDL effectively lowered NAPSI scores, and the Nd:YAG laser had comparable effectiveness but more discomfort. FCL also shows promise, particularly for topical drug delivery. PDL and Nd:YAG laser treatment were more effective at reducing nail bed features, whereas FCL was effective at reducing both nail bed and matrix features. Overall, lasers are promising treatment alternatives for NP, with similar NAPSI outcomes to topical therapies and intralesional injections.

The role of vitamins and nutrients in rosacea.

Rosacea is a common inflammatory skin condition displaying symptoms like flushing, erythema, papules, and pustules. Oral antibiotics, despite long-term adverse effects, are often used due to topical treatment limitations, underscoring the need for cost-effective choices like dietary modifications. Our review investigates the role of vitamins and minerals in rosacea, and provides evidence-based recommendations for supplementation and topical treatment of these nutrients for rosacea. An online search was performed on PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and ClinicalTrials.gov from 1998 to 2023. Included studies were summarized and assessed for quality and relevance in rosacea management. Varied outcomes emerged concerning the impact of essential vitamins and minerals on rosacea treatment. Vitamin A derivatives, specifically oral isotretinoin, demonstrated significant efficacy, with a 90% reduction in lesions, complete remission in 24% of patients, and marked improvement in 57% of patients. Vitamin B3 derivatives, such as topical 1-methylnicotinamide 0.25% and NADH 1%, improved symptoms in 76.4% (26/34) and 80% of patients, respectively. Outcomes for vitamin D, vitamin C, and zinc supplementation varied across studies. However, zinc sulfate solution 5% significantly reduced acne rosacea severity for patients with 40% and 60% exhibiting a moderate or good response, respectively. Omega-3 fatty acids showed significant improvement in alleviating xerophthalmia in 64% of patients with ocular rosacea. Vitamins and minerals hold potential in managing rosacea symptoms, offering a safe and cost-effective alternative or adjunctive treatment option. Currently, there are no established recommendations regarding their supplementation for rosacea. Studies assessing serum levels of vitamins and minerals in relation to rosacea are warranted, as this avenue holds potential for future advancements in the field.

The palliative role of lasers in the treatment of melanoma.

Melanoma, accounting for a significant proportion of skin cancer-related deaths, has variable survival outcomes based on the stage at diagnosis and treatment efficacy. Traditional treatments, while effective, pose risks of scarring and systemic side effects. Laser therapy offers an emerging non-surgical alternative, with CO2 lasers particularly showing promise in palliative care.A comprehensive search was conducted using PubMed, focusing on laser therapy for melanoma treatment. The search included studies on both stand-alone and adjunct laser therapies, with inclusion criteria requiring peer-reviewed articles detailing treatment outcomes for primary, recurrent, or metastatic melanoma.The literature shows that laser therapy for melanoma falls into four major types when categorized by laser medium: solid-state, diode, pulse-dye, and gas (CO2). Data on solid-state lasers for melanoma are limited and their use remains controversial. However, one study with high-energy pulsed neodymium lasers reported a 5-year survival of 82.9% with minimal adverse effects for primary melanoma. CO2 laser therapy has been effective for palliative treatment, with one study showing 54.8% of patients with recurrent melanoma surviving 5.4 years post-ablation. For metastatic melanoma, numerous studies have shown that CO2 laser therapy can provide symptomatic relief and disease control. Combination therapies using lasers and immune-based therapies have demonstrated enhanced outcomes and immune activation, highlighting the potential of laser therapies in melanoma management.While traditional treatments remain the standard for primary melanoma, laser therapies, particularly CO2 laser ablation, show substantial promise in palliative care for metastatic melanoma. Careful patient selection and assessment are crucial for achieving positive outcomes.

3D bioprinting: a review and potential applications for Mohs micrographic surgery.

Mohs Micrographic Surgery (MMS) is effective for treating common cutaneous malignancies, but complex repairs may often present challenges for reconstruction. This paper explores the potential of three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting in MMS, offering superior outcomes compared to traditional methods. 3D printing technologies show promise in advancing skin regeneration and refining surgical techniques in dermatologic surgery. A PubMed search was conducted using the following keywords: "Three-dimensional bioprinting" OR "3-D printing" AND "Mohs" OR "Mohs surgery" OR "Surgery." Peer-reviewed English articles discussing medical applications of 3D bioprinting were included, while non-peer-reviewed and non-English articles were excluded. Patients using 3D MMS models had lower anxiety scores (3.00 to 1.7, p < 0.0001) and higher knowledge assessment scores (5.59 or 93.25% correct responses), indicating better understanding of their procedure. Surgical residents using 3D models demonstrated improved proficiency in flap reconstructions (p = 0.002) and knowledge assessment (p = 0.001). Additionally, 3D printing offers personalized patient care through tailored surgical guides and anatomical models, reducing intraoperative time while enhancing surgical. Concurrently, efforts in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine are being explored as potential alternatives to address organ donor shortages, eliminating autografting needs. However, challenges like limited training and technological constraints persist. Integrating optical coherence tomography with 3D bioprinting may expedite grafting, but challenges remain in pre-printing grafts for complex cases. Regulatory and ethical considerations are paramount for patient safety, and further research is needed to understand long-term effects and cost-effectiveness. While promising, significant advancements are necessary for full utilization in MMS.

The role of teledermatology in Mohs micrographic surgery: a review.

This paper explores the role of teledermatology (TD) in Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) at various stages of patient care. The study aims to assess the benefits, limitations, and patient experiences surrounding TD integration into MMS practices. We conducted a PubMed search using keywords related to TD and MMS, categorizing selected articles into pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative stages of MMS. TD reduced waiting times (26.10 days for TD compared to 60.57 days for face-to-face [FTF]) and consultation failure rates (6% for TD vs. 17% for FTF) for MMS preoperative consultations. It also shortened time to treatment by two weeks and led to notable travel savings (162.7 min, 144.5 miles, and $60.00 per person). Telepathology facilitated communication and decision-making during MMS, improving accuracy and efficiency, especially in challenging cases requiring collaboration where physical presence of another surgeon or pathologist is not feasible. Telepathology definitively diagnosed benign lesions and malignant tumors in 81.8% of cases (18/22). Additionally, there was a 95% agreement between conventional light microscopy diagnosis and telepathology in tumors (19/20), and 100% agreement for all 20 Mohs frozen section consultations. For post-operative follow-up, telephone follow-up (TFU) and text messaging proved effective, cost-efficient alternatives with high patient satisfaction (94% in New Zealand and 96% in the U.K.) and early complication identification. This study underscores TD's multifaceted benefits in MMS: enhanced patient experience preoperatively, improved communication during surgery, and cost-effective postoperative follow-up. Limitations include the financial expense and technical issues that can arise with TD (connectivity problems, delays in video/audio transmission, etc.). Further studies are needed to explore emerging TD modalities in post-operative patient management. The integration of TD into MMS signifies a progressive step in dermatological care, offering convenient, cost-effective, and better solutions with the potential to enhance patient experiences and outcomes.

Painful, Tender, Localized, Idiopathic Livedo Reticularis.

Livedo reticularis (LR) is a unique cutaneous condition characterized by a reddish-blue to purple, net-like cyanosis of the skin, often associated with disturbances in cutaneous blood flow. This case report discusses a 30-year-old woman with a history of Hashimoto thyroiditis, vitamin D deficiency, migraines, and goiter who presents with painful, localized LR on her right flank. Despite her extensive medical history, there were no significant findings in her laboratory and imaging studies, including a normal epidermis in skin biopsies. The LR in this case is distinguished by its persistence and the presence of pain, a symptom not commonly associated with LR. Various treatments, including 5% lidocaine ointment, oral analgesics, and gabapentin, were considered, but her symptoms remained stable over 13 months. This case exemplifies the complexity of LR, particularly when presenting with atypical symptoms like pain. It highlights the need for further research into the pathophysiology and treatment of LR, especially in cases deviating from the typical symptomatology, and suggests the potential value of a multi-disciplinary approach to management.

The Impact of Acculturation on Skin Cancer Risk and Protective Behaviors in Hispanic Populations.

The US Hispanic population faces rising skin cancer risks and poorer clinical outcomes, despite lower incidence rates. Acculturation, adopting elements of the dominant culture, may influence skin cancer attitudes and behaviors among Hispanics. We systematically reviewed PubMed articles from 2000 to 2023. Peer-reviewed English articles that assessed the relationship between acculturation and skin cancer in the Hispanic population were included. Andreeva et al. observed that lower acculturation levels correlated with increased use of shade and protective clothing (P < 0.05). More acculturated Latinos were more likely to use sunscreen, but this association weakened after adjusting for covariates (P > 0.48). Heckman et al. highlighted significant differences in skin cancer concern among Hispanic youth, with less acculturated individuals expressing greater worry (P < 0.05). Coups et al. found that higher acculturation was linked to less sun protective clothing usage and more frequent sunburns. Their subsequent online survey indicated that English-acculturated Hispanics engaged less in protective behaviors. Viola et al. reported that English-acculturated Hispanics perceived greater suntan benefits and had lower perceptions of skin cancer risk, severity, and concerns about photo-aging, along with higher melanoma risk factors, compared to Spanish-acculturated Hispanics. Acculturation influences skin cancer attitudes and behaviors in Hispanics. Tailored interventions based on acculturation levels are essential to reduce skin cancer risk. For example, educating English-acculturated Hispanics about skin cancer risks and prioritizing knowledge dissemination for Spanish-acculturated individuals may be effective approaches. These findings emphasize the need for targeted skin cancer prevention efforts to address disparities among US Hispanics.

Exploring the potential role for extended reality in Mohs micrographic surgery.

Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is a cornerstone of dermatological practice. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technology, initially used for entertainment, have entered healthcare, offering real-time data overlaying a surgeon's view. This paper explores potential applications of VR and AR in MMS, emphasizing their advantages and limitations. We aim to identify research gaps to facilitate innovation in dermatological surgery. We conducted a PubMed search using the following: "augmented reality" OR "virtual reality" AND "Mohs" or "augmented reality" OR "virtual reality" AND "surgery." Inclusion criteria were peer-reviewed articles in English discussing these technologies in medical settings. We excluded non-peer-reviewed sources, non-English articles, and those not addressing these technologies in a medical context. VR alleviates patient anxiety and enhances patient satisfaction while serving as an educational tool. It also aids physicians by providing realistic surgical simulations. On the other hand, AR assists in real-time lesion analysis, optimizing incision planning, and refining margin control during surgery. Both of these technologies offer remote guidance for trainee residents, enabling real-time learning and oversight and facilitating synchronous teleconsultations. These technologies may transform dermatologic surgery, making it more accessible and efficient. However, further research is needed to validate their effectiveness, address potential challenges, and optimize seamless integration. All in all, AR and VR enhance real-world environments with digital data, offering real-time surgical guidance and medical insights. By exploring the potential integration of these technologies in MMS, our study identifies avenues for further research to thoroughly understand the role of these technologies to redefine dermatologic surgery, elevating precision, surgical outcomes, and patient experiences.

Exploring dermatologists' perspectives on vaccines in dermatology: a qualitative study.

Vaccination rates among adults in the United States, including dermatology patients, remain suboptimal. Previous research has concluded that outpatient specialty offices often have administrative and patient-related barriers to administering vaccines in their clinics, however, this has never been examined specifically in dermatology. This study aims to examine dermatologists' perspectives on vaccine education in dermatology clinics, identify facilitators and barriers to vaccine administration in dermatology clinics, and explore strategies to improve vaccination rates in dermatology patients. Virtual, semi-structured interviews were conducted with board-certified dermatologists to explore their perspectives on vaccines in dermatology clinic. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research was used to analyze the data. Participating dermatologists were 60% female (n = 9) and 40% male (n = 6) and had a median of 7 years of clinic experience (min-max: 3-39 years). Vaccine education emerged as one of the prominent themes during the interview with dermatologists, who emphasized the importance of comprehensive vaccine education for both healthcare providers and patients. Barriers identified encompassed patient hesitancy, lack of provider knowledge, resource limitations, and logistical challenges. Dermatologists proposed solutions such as standardized protocols, improved patient communication, enhanced coordination with other healthcare providers, and increased clinic resources. These results emphasize that dermatologists can play a crucial role in advocating for and addressing preventative care through vaccine implementation and provide a high-level framework to think about implementation. Additionally, this study highlights the need for comprehensive vaccine education, systematic implementation strategies, and organizational support within dermatology clinics to improve vaccine administration for patients.