BACKGROUND: Micro-focused ultrasound (MFU) is a technique for skin rejuvenation and lifting, targeting the facial SMAS-a fibrous network encompassing the platysma muscle and parotid fascia. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to propose a novel and cost-effective method (suggested by Fatemi) for Ultherapy, comparing its effectiveness with the conventional approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective double-blind clinical trial was conducted with 30 female volunteers randomly assigned to two groups: The control group (conventional method) and the experimental group (new method). Ultherapy procedures utilized MFU technology with low energy and a higher frequency. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences in lifting effects and improvement in skin laxity were observed between the two groups. The new method, with a focus on the parotideal area of the SMAS, demonstrated superior outcomes and higher patient satisfaction. CONCLUSION: The parotideal region's accessibility, increased thickness, and safety profile make it an ideal target for Ultherapy. This not only reduces the risk of nerve injury but also yields effective collagen remodeling and skin-lifting results.
Background: Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is a rare inflammatory disorder of the scalp that causes cicatricial alopecia. No therapeutic approach has been approved for this disease due to the rare frequency. Methotrexate and corticosteroid are commonly considered second- or third-line therapy. The efficacy of a combination of methotrexate and corticosteroid has been reported in some dermatological and immunological diseases. However, the efficacy of this combination in LPP is not clear. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the impact of methotrexate alone and in combination with corticosteroid on LPP. Materials and Methods: This randomized clinical trial was performed on 28 patients who referred to the dermatology clinic affiliated with Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran during February 2015-December 2016, and 24 of them completed the trials. Fourteen patients received 15 mg methotrexate per week alone and the other fourteen subjects received 200 mg prednisolone plus 15 mg methotrexate per week. The primary outcome was Lichen planopilaris activity index (LPPAI) score. Moreover, we evaluated photographic changes and symptoms during the study. Results: The mean of LPPAI in both groups decreased during the follow-up with a similar pattern of LPPAI changes in both groups. No statistically significant difference was found between the two intervention groups regarding the LPPAI score. We found no difference in the symptoms and photographic assessments in methotrexate and combination therapy groups during follow-up. In both groups, exclusively one adverse effect was reported. Conclusions: Our results showed that methotrexate therapy with and without corticosteroids had similar efficacy and safety.
Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is an exanthematous condition, predominantly occurring as a result of drug reactions. We, hereby, present the first case of AGEP following treatment with remdesivir in a patient with COVID-19, without hydroxychloroquine use, which serves as a reminder to consider remdesivir as a possible causative agent when dealing with AGEP presentation in COVID patients.
The purpose of this study is to compare oral betamethasone pulse therapy, methotrexate therapy and a combination of the two for patients with Alopecia Areata (AA) as an autoimmune disorder. In this study, 36 patients with severe AA were selected and classified into three groups of 12: 1- Oral betamethasone therapy (3 mg, once a week) with placebo; 2- Oral methotrexate (15 mg, once a week) with placebo; and 3- A combination of methotrexate (15 mg, once a week) and betamethasone (3 mg, once a week). The Severity Alopecia Tool (SALT) was used to measure improvements in the lesions through photographs, and the patients also rated their condition on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Assessments were performed, and the results were compared at baseline and then at intervals of three months for nine months. The demographics and SALT score were similar in the three groups (P > 0.05). All the groups showed improvements in SALT, VAS and photographic scores three months after beginning the treatment (P < 0.001). Betamethasone therapy (P = 0.006) and combination therapy (P < 0.001) provided greater SALT improvement than methotrexate, and combination therapy led to a greater improvement in VAS and photographic findings compared to the two other groups (P < 0.05). Oral steroid, methotrexate and combination pulse therapy were effective treatments for AA, while oral steroid pulse therapy and combination therapy were superior to methotrexate.
Despite the little information about the facial papules due to Lichen planopilaris (LPP), we have many cases with facial skin roughness in which histological study has showed LPP. Additionally, in those patients treating for frontal fibrosing alopecia or scalp LPP there was no improvement in facial papules.
Mycosis fungoides (MF) is an extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with primary involvement of the skin. The aim of the present study was to determine the incidence rate of MF in Isfahan (Iran) and to compare the results with other reports. We collected our data from the MF clinic of Alzahra Hospital which is the main center for treatment of MF patients in Isfahan (2007-2008). Eleven cases were reported to the MF clinic of Alzahra during the study, seven of which were diagnosed as MF. The incidence rate of MF in Isfahan in 2007-2008 was 3.91/1 million persons. The age spectrum was 28-80 years and the mean 43.14 years. The male : female ratio was 3:4. In conclusion, the incidence rate of MF in Isfahan (Iran) is similar to other areas. However, the male : female ratio is opposite to that of other studies.
Mycosis Fungoides/epidemiology , Skin Neoplasms/epidemiology , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Incidence , Iran/epidemiology , Male , Middle Aged
