HPMC-Zein Film-forming Gel Loaded with 5-Fluorouracil Coupled with CO2 Laser Dermabrasion for Managing Stable Vitiligo.

Vitiligo is a significant dermatological challenge affecting 0.5 to 2% of the global population. Despite the various existing medical approaches, current vitiligo treatments are far from ideal. The present study aimed to prepare and evaluate a film-forming gel of 5 fluorouracil (5FU) using different ratios of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and Zein for treating vitiligo. The prepared film-forming gels were fully characterized in terms of morphology, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, drug content, pH, drying time, in-vitro drug release, and clinical investigation. A 32-full factorial design was used to study the impact of varying concentrations of HPMC (X1) and Zein (X2) on the percentage of 5FU released (Y1) from the prepared film-forming gels. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a cross-linked network structure between polymers. An increase in HPMC concentration (2-4%) correlated with higher 5FU release, whereas increased Zein concentration (1-2%) resulted in reduced 5FU release. Furthermore, patients treated with 5FU film-forming gel after dermabrasion with fractional CO2 (FCO2) laser exhibited a significant decrease in JAK3 gene expression and higher effectiveness than those treated with FCO2 laser alone. Our results suggest that the film-forming gel of 5FU is promising as an effective formulation for treating vitiligo.

The 577-nm pro-yellow diode laser as a reliable and effective tool for facial telangiectasia.

BACKGROUND: Laser treatment of vascular skin conditions is very useful option yet remains to be a very challenging task. AIMS: To evaluate the efficacy of 577-nm diode laser for treating facial telangiectasia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty patients with facial telangiectasia were included in this prospective study. All participants received 3 sessions of a single-pass 577-nm diode laser. Sessions were delivered on a monthly basis, and digital photographic assessment was made at baseline and on follow-up 1 month after the last treatment. RESULTS: At the final visit, there was a significant improvement (> 50%) reported in 21/30 (70%) patients while a poor response was reported in 2/30 (6.7%) patients. The skin phototype and site of the lesions significantly affected the result outcome (P < .05) while none of the patients' age, sex, or duration of facial telangiectasia significantly affected the treatment outcome (P > .05). Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation occurred in 2(6.7%) patients which resolved within 1.5 months. CONCLUSION: Facial telangiectasia can be successfully treated with a 577-nm diode laser with minimal side effects.