A systematic review of procedural modalities in the treatment of notalgia paresthetica.

BACKGROUND: Notalgia paresthetica (NP) is a rare condition characterized by localized pain and pruritus of the upper back, associated with a distinct area of hyperpigmentation. Given the lack of standardized treatment and the uncertain efficacy of available options, applying procedural methods is of growing interest in treating NP. AIMS: We sought to comprehensively evaluate the role of procedural treatments for NP. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed/Medline, Ovid Embase, and Web of Science until November 14th, 2023. We also performed a citation search to detect all relevant studies. Original clinical studies published in the English language were included. RESULTS: Out of 243 articles, sixteen studies have reported various procedural modalities, with or without pharmacological components, in treating NP. Pharmacological procedures, including injections of botulinum toxin, lidocaine, and corticosteroids, led to a level of improvement in case reports and case series. However, botulinum toxin did not show acceptable results in a clinical trial. Moreover, non-pharmacological procedures were as follows: physical therapy, exercise therapy, kinesiotherapy, acupuncture and dry needling, electrical muscle stimulation, surgical decompression, and phototherapy. These treatments result in significant symptom control in refractory cases. Physical therapy can be considered a first-line choice or an alternative in refractory cases. CONCLUSION: Procedural modalities are critical in the multidisciplinary approach to NP, especially for patients who are refractory to topical and oral treatments. Procedural modalities include a spectrum of options that can be applied based on the disease's symptoms and severity.

Treatment of periorbital hyperpigmentation using light devices.

The treatment of dark circles is one of the most common request from the patients attending to the esthetics clinic. A tired, sad or aged appearance is perceived by our patients. Moreover, it is a multifactorial problem and we could treat it with a wide range of treatments. With this systematic review, we want to check the best available evidence regarding the treatment of periorbital hyperpigmentation using light devices. We have reviewed 208 papers, including 14 of them for full consideration. Several light sources have demonstrated to be effective treating pigmented dark circles. The best results have been reported using intense pulsed light and rubi laser together with depigmenting substances. If we want to treat periocular hyperpigmentation, soft wrinkles, rhytides and skin density we should use carbo dioxide laser or Erbium:Yttrium Scandium Gallium Garnet. The Neodymium-Doped Yttrium Aluminium Garnet, alexandrite and diode lasers were the ones giving the worst outcome regarding pigmentation treatment. The concomitant use of depigmenting treatment may help getting better results and reducing the rate of post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. A better standardization and measuring of the obtained results is needed regarding pigmentation changes. We must keep on investigating on this topic with new clinical trials measuring objective results and combining different light devices for a multifactorial treatment of the dark circles.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: A systematic review of treatment outcomes.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is a common consequence of inflammatory dermatoses. It is more common in patients with darker skin and has significant morbidity. This systematic review summarizes treatment outcomes for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation to help physicians better predict clinical response and improve patient outcomes. Embase, MEDLINE, PubMed databases and clinicaltrials.gov were searched in accordance with PRISMA guidelines using a combination of relevant search terms. Title, abstract and full text screening were done in duplicate. Studies were included if they met our predetermined PICOS framework criteria. Results are presented in descriptive form. In total, 41 studies representing 877 patients were included. Complete response was achieved by laser and energy-based devices in 18.1% (n = 56/309) of patients, topicals in 5.4% (n = 20/369) and combination therapies in 2.4% (n = 4/166). Partial response was achieved by combination modalities in 84.9% (n = 141/166) of patients, topicals in 72.4% (n = 267/369), laser and energy-based devices in 61.2% (n = 189/309) and peels in 33.3% (n = 5/15). Poor to no response occurred with peels in 66.7% (n = 10/15) of patients, topicals in 22.2% (n = 82/369), laser and energy-based devices in 18.1% (n = 56/309) and combination modalities in 12.7% (n = 21/166). Additionally, in 2.6% (n = 8/309) of patients treated with laser and energy-based devices, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation worsened. Adverse events were reported in 10 patients, all while using topical treatments. In conclusion, the current treatment approaches yielded unsatisfactory rates of complete response. However, combination therapies, laser and energy-based devices and topical therapies showed high rates of partial response. Of note, the majority of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation cases included were associated with acne, and therefore, the findings and conclusions drawn may have limited applicability to other types of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Same But Different: An 18-Month Cross-Sectional Study of Cosmetic Procedures in Patients With Skin Phototype I-III Versus IV-VI in Toronto, Canada.

BACKGROUND: Patients with darker skin phototypes self-report less facial aging than their lighter-skinned counterparts. However, the association of skin phototype with the type of cosmetic procedures received, is yet to be established in a Canadian context. OBJECTIVE: To compare the pattern of nonsurgical cosmetic procedures performed on people with different Fitzpatrick SPTs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study of patient encounters from October 2020-April 2022. Charts and photographs were reviewed and analyzed for age, sex, SPT, and procedure type. Participants were stratified by SPT into 2 cohorts: SPT I-III and SPT IV-VI. SPTs were collapsed into groups based on definitions of "skin of color" (SPT IV-VI) in previous literature. RESULTS: We analyzed 350 patients with mean age 43.4, of whom 320 (91%) were female and 30 (9%) were male. The SPT I-III cohort was older (mean age 45 vs 38.5 years, p < .0001) and more frequently underwent neuromodulator injection. The SPT IV-VI cohort more frequently underwent microneedling, platelet-rich plasma, or electrodessication. CONCLUSION: There are distinct patterns of cosmetic procedures performed. The SPT I-III cohort more commonly received procedures to manage facial aging. The SPT IV-VI cohort was younger and more commonly underwent procedures to manage hyperpigmentation.

Acquired dermal macular hyperpigmentation: an overview of the recent updates.

Acquired dermal macular hyperpigmentation (ADMH), previously known as macular pigmentation of uncertain etiology (MPUE), is an umbrella concept that unifies the distinct but overlapping acquired dermal pigmentary disorders like lichen planus pigmentosus, ashy dermatosis, erythema dyschromicum perstans, Riehl's melanosis and pigmented contact dermatitis. All of these disorders usually lack a clinically apparent inflammatory phase, are characterised by dermal pigmentation clinically and histologically, and have a variable protracted disease course. Recently, a proposal has been made to classify these disorders into those with and without contact sensitisation. Dermoscopy is essentially similar across the spectrum of these disorders, and is useful for diagnosis and therapeutic response monitoring. Scoring system has been validated for the same. The treatment of ADMH remains challenging, with multiple topicals, oral therapies including mycophenolate mofetil, and lasers tried. Need of the hour is randomised controlled trials to enhance the therapeutic armamentarium.

Managing Facial Hyperpigmentation.

This JAMA Network Insight describes dermatologists' role in managing hyperpigmentation, from counseling on photoprotection to prescribing treatment regimens, for this psychosocially distressing entity.

Erythema Ab Igne: A Clinical Review.

Erythema ab igne (EAI) is a skin condition caused by chronic heat-induced damage. The rash usually progresses over weeks to months of repeated or prolonged exposure to subthreshold-intensity infrared radiation that is not hot enough to cause a burn. The diagnosis is clinical based on patient history and physical examination, but a biopsy can reveal dilated vasculature, interface dermatitis, and pigment incontinence. Erythema ab igne initially was described in association with patients cooking over wood-fire stoves but has been shown over the decades to have a variety of causes. Herein, we describe various etiologies of EAI, including new heat-producing technologies, cultural practices, psychiatric illnesses, and even iatrogenic causes. However, the cause most commonly is application of heat for treatment of chronic pain, which may be a diagnostic clue for an underlying chronic illness. Although there are no current US Food and Drug Administration-approved therapies for treatment of EAI hyperpigmentation, the prognosis is excellent because removal of the heat source often will result in spontaneous resolution over time. Finally, chronic EAI rarely has been reported to evolve into squamous cell carcinoma, poorly differentiated carcinoma, cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma, and even Merkel cell carcinoma.

Disorders of Facial Hyperpigmentation.

Disorders of hyperpigmentation are common and challenging conditions which can arise due to a myriad of etiologic factors. Many of them can present across skin types but are more common in skin of color individuals with Fitzpatrick skin types III-VI. Facial hyperpigmentation, in particular, can have a significant impact on the quality of life of affected individuals due to its increased visibility. This article provides a comprehensive review of disorders of facial hyperpigmentation including epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnostic considerations, and treatment approaches for these conditions.

Treatment of Periorbital Vascularity, Erythema, and Hyperpigmentation.

Periorbital hyperpigmentation (POH) is a common aesthetic concern that impacts patients' emotional well-being and quality of life. POH can be difficult to manage as the etiology is often multifactorial or difficult to elucidate. An understanding of different contributing factors and ability to classify hyperpigmentation can aid in the management of POH. Classification of POH is divided into pigmented, vascular, structural, and mixed subtypes. A wide array of treatment options has been proposed belying the challenges inherent to improving POH. Modalities vary from topical therapies, chemical peels, dermal fillers, and lasers, to surgical intervention. Because POH can be multifactorial, successful management of POH will depend on elucidating the etiology and often requires a combination of therapies.

Avaliação da rotulagem de cosméticos clareadores de pele comercializados em Juazeiro, Bahia, Brasil / Evaluation of the labeling of skin lightening cosmetics marketed in Juazeiro, Bahia, Brazil

A hiperpigmentação da pele, principalmente na região facial, resulta em um incômodo estético que afeta a qualidade de vida do indivíduo, levando a busca por produtos clareadores. Este estudo avaliou a conformidade dos rótulos de cosméticos comercializados como "produtos clareadores de pele", bem como a existência de substâncias clareadoras proibidas neste tipo de produto. Foi realizada uma análise transversal descritiva qualitativa no período de abril a maio de 2022, em busca por cosméticos comercializados em estabelecimentos farmacêuticos e lojas de produtos cosméticos localizadas no município de Juazeiro/BA. Foram selecionados 18 produtos e os desvios de rotulagem identificados com base na legislação utilizada vigente à época do estudo, foram: ausência de informações sobre advertências/restrições de uso e número de registro incompleto, equivalente a 16,7% (n = 3) das amostras. A hidroquinona, proibida nesse tipo de produto, foi encontrada em um cosmético (5,5%). Embora a maioria das amostras analisadas esteja em conformidade com as exigências legais, os resultados evidenciam descumprimentos, indicando a necessidade de uma fiscalização mais rigorosa a fim de evitar possíveis danos à saúde do usuário.

Skin hyperpigmentation, particularly in the facial region, can be an aesthetic nuisance that affects an individual's quality of life, leading them to seek out whitening products. This study evaluated the compliance of cosmetics labels marketed as "skin lightening products", and assessed the presence of whitening substances prohibited in this type of product. A qualitative, descriptive, cross-sectional analysis was conducted between April and May 2022 in Juazeiro, Bahia, Brazil, focusing on cosmetics sold in pharmaceutical establishments and cosmetic product stores. Eighteen products were selected, and labeling deviations identified based on the legislation in force at the time of the study. These included a lack of information on warnings/use restrictions and incomplete registration numbers, affecting 16.7% (n = 3) of the samples. Hydroquinone, prohibited in this type of product by the legislation, was detected in one cosmetic (5.5%). Although most of the analyzed samples comply with legal requirements, the observed non-compliance highlights the need for more stringent inspection to prevent potential harm to user's health.

Treatment of burn hypertrophic scar with fractional ablative laser-assisted drug delivery can decrease levels of hyperpigmentation.

BACKGROUND: Laser treatments have been used to treat a variety of scar symptoms, including the appearance of scars following burn injury. One such symptom is hyperpigmentation. There are several qualitative and quantitative measures of assessing improvement in hyperpigmentation over time. The Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) and Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) are two scales that describe characteristics of scar such as pigmentation level. These scales are limited by their qualitative nature. On the other hand, spectrophotometers provide quantitative measures of pigmentation. Prior studies have reported that laser can change scar pigmentation, but no quantitative values have been reported. The current study examines changes in scar melanin index after CO2 fractional ablative laser scar revision (FLSR) via noninvasive probe measurement in patients of various Fitzpatrick skin types (FST). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with scars of various sizes and etiologies were treated with FLSR. A database was constructed including 189 patients undergoing laser treatment. From this pool, individuals were selected based on the criteria that they completed at least two laser sessions and had Melanin index measurements for both of these sessions and the pre-operative visit. This criteria resulted in 63 patients of various FST in the cohort. Melanin index, POSAS-Observer (O) and -Patient (P) pigmentation and color scores and VSS-pigmentation scores were examined over time. Demographic information (age of patient at time of first treatment, age of scar at time of first treatment, use of laser-assisted drug delivery (LADD), gender, FST, and Ethnicity) were collected from the medical record. Patients were grouped as "responder" if their Melanin index indicated decreased levels of hyperpigmentation after FLSR treatment in more than half of their total number of visits and "nonresponder" if it did not. RESULTS: The majority of patients were responders (41/63). In responder patients, measurements of Melanin index showed significantly improved levels of hyperpigmentation in hypertrophic scars after two FLSR sessions (p < 0.05). Age of patient, gender, FST, age of scar, ethnicity, or type of drug delivered by LADD did not predict responder grouping. POSAS-O and -P pigmentation/color scores showed improved scores after two FLSR sessions within the responder group. POSAS-P color scores showed improved scores after two and three FLSR sessions in the nonresponder group. VSS pigmentation scores showed improved scores after three FLSR sessions in the responder group only. CONCLUSION: Based on Melanin index values, FLSR leads to improvements in hyperpigmentation in certain patients.

Treatment recommendations for acne-associated hyperpigmentation: Results of the Delphi consensus process and a literature review.

Acne vulgaris can be associated with hyperpigmentation, particularly in individuals with skin of color. This acne-induced macular hyperpigmentation (AMH), also called postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, is often long lasting and negatively impacts quality of life. Large-scale, randomized, controlled clinical trials with regard to the treatment of acne and AMH are lacking. For this reason, evidence-based treatment recommendations cannot be made. However, AMH is a common condition, and it is important for clinicians to have guidance on management strategies. The authors, a group of 10 board-certified dermatologists, conducted a modified Delphi consensus process to reach a consensus on first-line therapy for AMH and determine whether therapeutic choices change in different patient subgroups. We reached a consensus that most patients with acne and AMH should receive early and efficacious acne treatment with a topical retinoid and benzoyl peroxide. Therapies aimed at addressing AMH-including hydroquinone, azelaic acid, chemical peel, or antioxidants-may also be considered for enhancing the effect of the treatment regimen on acne and pigmentation. Chemical peels may be used as adjunctive or second-line therapy. This article details the results of the Delphi process, reviews relevant literature for providing recommendations for AMH, and discusses appropriate treatment options.

Review of Laser Treatments for Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation in Skin of Color.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is an extremely common disorder of pigmentation in skin of color. It most frequently and severely affects phototypes that are rich in melanin and often has a chronic and unpredictable course. It presents significant treatment challenges and often requires a multi-factorial approach. We review the literature available for the optimal use of laser-based devices in the treatment of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, particularly for Fitzpatrick skin phototypes III-VI. For the treatment of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in skin of color, lasers remain second line to topical agents based on the variable response, cost, and risk of complications with laser use. For post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation resistant to topicals, laser devices, particularly neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet and fractional photothermolysis systems, can provide adjunctive treatment in skin of color patients when appropriate parameters are used. Future studies would benefit from an objective and consistent assessment to assist with a systematic analysis.

Inflammatory response: The target for treating hyperpigmentation during the repair of a burn wound.

Hyperpigmentation is a common complication in patients with burn injuries during wound healing; however, the mechanisms underlying its occurrence and development remain unclear. Recently, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) was found to result from overproduction of melanin. Local or systemic inflammatory responses are often observed in patients who develop hyperpigmentation. However, we lack studies on the relationship between PIH and burn injury. Therefore, we comprehensively reviewed the existing literature on the melanogenesis of the skin, inflammatory mechanisms in pigmentation, and local or systemic alteration in inflammatory cytokines in patients suffering from burn trauma to elucidate the relationship between PIH and burn injury. We believe that this review will guide further research on regulating melanin production in the burn management process.

Comprehensive treatment of Cronkhite-Canada syndrome: A case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Cronkhite-Canada syndrome (CCS) is currently considered to be a non-hereditary disease, which is relatively rare clinically. It is also known as polyposis hyperpigmentation alopecia nail dystrophy syndrome, it is a syndrome characterized by gastrointestinal polyposis and ectodermal changes, the main manifestations are gastrointestinal symptoms, skin pigmentation, alopecia, and hypothyroidism. CASE PRESENTATION: In this paper, the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of a case of CCS admitted to Huanghe Sanmenxia Hospital were analyzed. In the course of treatment, traditional Chinese medicine was used, but no hormone, and the patient's clinical symptoms were greatly relieved. CONCLUSIONS: CCS is rare, there is no specific treatment, and traditional Chinese medicine may can greatly relieve the clinical symptoms of patients. However, it's still having to be verified by a large sample, multi-center, long-term treatment follow-up studies.

Cutaneous interaction with visible light: What do we know?

Visible light has been used therapeutically in dermatology for years for a variety of cosmetic and medical indications, including skin rejuvenation and the treatment of inflammatory and neoplastic conditions, among others. Until recently, visible light was thought to be relatively inert compared to its spectral neighbors, ultraviolet and infrared radiation. However, recent literature has described the ability of visible light to cause erythema in light skin and pigmentary changes in individuals with darker skin types. Concern surrounding its potentially damaging cutaneous effects has been raised in both the medical community and social media outlets. In this article, we provide an evidenced-based review describing what is currently known about visible light, focusing on its role in dermatologic diseases including disorders of hyperpigmentation such as melasma and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Disorders of hyperpigmentation. Part I. Pathogenesis and clinical features of common pigmentary disorders.

Disorders of hyperpigmentation are common and, depending on the extent and location of involvement, can affect the quality of life and pose a significant psychologic burden for patients. Given the similarities in presentation of the various causes of hyperpigmentation, it is often difficult to elucidate the etiology of these conditions, which is important to guide management. Furthermore, certain disorders, such as lichen planus pigmentosus and ashy dermatosis, have similar clinical and/or histologic presentations, and their classification as distinct entities has been debated upon, leading to additional confusion. In this review, the authors selected commonly encountered disorders of hyperpigmentation of the skin, subdivided into epidermal, dermal, or mixed epidermal-dermal disorders based on the location of pigment deposition, along with disorders of hyperpigmentation of the mucosa and nails. Melanocytic nevi, genetic disorders, and systemic causes of hyperpigmentation were largely excluded and considered to be outside the scope of this review. We discussed the pathogenesis of hyperpigmentation as well as the clinical and histologic features of these conditions, along with challenges encountered in their diagnosis and classification. The second article in this 2-part continuing medical education series focuses on the medical and procedural treatments of hyperpigmentation.

Disorders of hyperpigmentation. Part II. Review of management and treatment options for hyperpigmentation.

Key challenges in the management of pigmentary disorders such as melasma and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation are their resistance to treatment, tendency to recur after treatment, and the risk of exacerbating hyperpigmentation with many treatment modalities. The second article in this 2-part continuing medical education series on pigmentary disorders focuses on the evidence behind medical and procedural treatments of dyschromias, including photoprotection, topical lightening agents, oral agents, chemical peels, and laser therapy.