Evaluating medical undergraduates' and dermatology faculty members' perception of using three-dimensional images as part of dermatology education in a time of COVID-19: a mixed-methods study.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus-19 pandemic has impacted the delivery of medical education in dermatology, leading to decreased patient contact. There arose a need to pioneer innovative teaching tools to augment current methods for now and beyond the pandemic. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to assess the utility of three-dimensional (3D) images in the learning and teaching of dermatology by analysing the perceptions of medical undergraduates and faculty members in a qualitative and quantitative study. METHODS: Medical undergraduates (n = 119) and dermatology faculty members (n = 20) were recruited on a voluntary basis to watch a showcase session using a portable 3D imaging system allowing 3D images of skin lesions to be examined and digitally manipulated. After the session, participants filled in an anonymous questionnaire evaluating their perceptions. RESULTS: Of the 119 learners, most (> 84%) strongly agreed/agreed that (i) they would have more confidence in the field of dermatology; (ii) their ability to describe skin lesions would increase; (iii) their understanding of common dermatological conditions would increase; (iv) 3D images allow a greater approximation to real-life encounters than 2D images; and (v) learning with this modality would be useful. Of the 20 faculty members, most (> 84%) strongly agreed/agreed that (i) it is easier to teach with the aid of 3D images, and (ii) they would want access to 3D images during teaching sessions. Skin tumours were perceived to be learnt best via this modality in terms of showcasing topography (P < 0.01) and close approximation to real-life (P < 0.001). Overall, thematic analysis from qualitative analysis revealed that conditions learnt better with 3D images were those with surface changes and characteristic topography. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that the greatest utility of 3D images lies in conditions where lesions have skin surface changes in the form of protrusions or depressions, such as in skin tumours or ulcers. As such, 3D images can be useful teaching tools in dermatology, especially in conditions where appreciation of surface changes and topography is important.

Clinical efficacy of a gentle anti-dandruff itch-relieving shampoo formulation.

Dandruff is a common scalp condition affecting almost half of the world's population. Despite its high prevalence, the exact pathophysiology is not well established and is understood to be multifactorial, with factors such as fungal colonization, sebaceous gland activity and individual factors being implicated. There is a need for an effective and safe shampoo that can target the above factors. Hence, we have developed a shampoo formulation with properties of oil control, moisturizing, non-irritative, anti-fungal, anti-microbial and itch-relieving. In this interventional, open-label study, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of this shampoo in reducing the clinical signs of dandruff and pruritus in patients with pre-existing mild-to-moderate dandruff over a course of 21-day treatment duration through self-assessment and objective clinical evaluations. After continued use of the shampoo, there was a significant decrease in the adherent and loose scalp flaking scores. Mean pruritus scores also decreased significantly across the 21-day time points. There were also no adverse events or skin intolerances reported. This study showed that our shampoo formulation has led to a significant reduction in both adherent and loose scalp flaking and pruritus when used in individuals suffering from mild to moderate dandruff. As such, it is an ideal shampoo, which can be used to effectively control dandruff.

Les pellicules sont une affection courante du cuir chevelu qui touche près de la moitié de la population mondiale. Malgré sa prévalence élevée, la physiopathologie exacte n'est pas bien établie et est comprise comme étant multifactorielle, avec des facteurs impliqués tels que la colonisation fongique, l'activité des glandes sébacées et des facteurs individuels. Un shampooing sûr et efficace pouvant cibler les facteurs évoqués ci-dessus est nécessaire. Par conséquent, nous avons développé une formulation de shampooing présentant des propriétés de contrôle du sébum, d'hydratation, non irritante, antifongique, antimicrobienne et de soulagement des démangeaisons. Dans cette essaie interventionnelle ouvert, nous avons évalué l'efficacité et la sécurité d'emploi de ce shampooing dans la réduction des signes cliniques de pellicules et de prurit chez des patients présentant des pellicules préexistantes légères à modérées sur une durée de traitement de 21 jours par le biais d'auto-évaluations et d'évaluations cliniques objectives. Après une utilisation continue du shampooing, une diminution significative des scores de squames adhérents et d'excoriation du cuir chevelu a été observée. Les scores de prurit moyens ont également significativement diminué tout au long de la période de 21 jours. De même, aucun événement indésirable ou intolérance cutanée n'a été rapporté. Cette étude a montré que notre formulation de shampooing a entraîné une réduction significative des squames adhérents, de l'excoriation du cuir chevelu et du prurit lorsqu'elle est utilisée chez des personnes souffrant de pellicules légères ou modérées. Il s'agit donc d'un shampooing idéal qui peut être utilisé pour contrôler efficacement les pellicules.