Clinical effectiveness of efinaconazole 10% solution for treatment of onychomycosis with longitudinal spikes.

Onychomycosis with longitudinal spikes in the nail plate has been reported to be refractory to oral drugs as with dermatophytoma. We evaluated the efficacy of 10% efinaconazole solution in the treatment of onychomycosis with longitudinal spikes. Of the 223 subjects who were enrolled in a previous study, a post-hoc analysis of 82 subjects with longitudinal spikes was performed in this study. The opacity ratio of longitudinal spikes was decreased over time from 8.1 to 0.9 at the final assessment. In addition, the longitudinal spike disappearance rate increased early after the application to 81.7% at the final assessment. Therefore, 10% efinaconazole solution can be a first-line drug for longitudinal spikes, which have been regarded as refractory to oral drugs.

A phase III, 52-week, open-label study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of 5% sofpironium bromide (BBI-4000) gel in Japanese patients with primary axillary hyperhidrosis.

A long-term study was conducted in Japanese patients with primary axillary hyperhidrosis who completed the preceding 6-week phase III, confirmatory study of 5% sofpironium bromide gel (hereinafter referred to as sofpironium) to evaluate the safety and efficacy of 52-week treatment with sofpironium. In the long-term study, 185 patients who completed the confirmatory study (94 and 91 patients in the vehicle and sofpironium groups, respectively) started to receive sofpironium (switching and extension groups, respectively), and all these patients were included in both the full analysis set (FAS) and the safety analysis set (SAF). In the FAS, there were more females than males (73.0% vs. 27.0%), and median age was 38.0 years. A total of 161 patients (86 and 75 patients in the switching and extension groups, respectively) completed the study at week 52. The proportions of patients with hyperhidrosis disease severity score of 1 or 2 and a 50% or more reduction in total gravimetric weight of sweat were 57.4% in the switching group and 58.2% in the extension group at week 52. The proportions of patients who achieved this efficacy end-point in the long-term study were similar to that (53.9%) in the sofpironium group in the confirmatory study. In the SAF, the incidences of adverse events (AEs) were 80.9% in the switching group and 83.5% in the extension group, and the incidences of adverse drug reactions were 39.4% and 45.1%, respectively. AEs that occurred in at least 20% of patients in both treatment groups were application site dermatitis (25.5% and 33.0%, respectively) and nasopharyngitis (31.9% and 23.1%, respectively). Reported AEs were generally mild, and there were no deaths. Serious AEs occurred in three patients, but none were considered related to the study drug. In this study, the efficacy of sofpironium was maintained during 52-week treatment, and no new safety risk was observed.

A phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled, parallel-group study of 5% sofpironium bromide (BBI-4000) gel in Japanese patients with primary axillary hyperhidrosis.

A phase 3 study was conducted to verify the efficacy and safety of 5% sofpironium bromide (BBI-4000) gel (hereinafter referred to as sofpironium) administrated for 6 weeks in Japanese patients with primary axillary hyperhidrosis. The primary efficacy end-point was the proportion of patients who satisfied both criteria of a Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Score (HDSS) of 1 or 2 at the end of 6-week treatment and a 50% or more reduction in total gravimetric weight of sweat at the end of treatment relative to baseline. A total of 281 patients were randomized to receive 5% sofpironium (141 patients) or vehicle (140 patients), and all patients were included in the full analysis set (FAS). In the FAS, 70.1% of patients were female, and the median age was 35.0 years. The proportion of patients who achieved the primary efficacy end-point was 53.9% in the sofpironium group and 36.4% in the vehicle group, with a statistically significant difference of 17.5% (95% confidence interval, 6.02-28.93) between these two groups (P = 0.003). The incidence of adverse events was 44.0% in the sofpironium group and 30.7% in the vehicle group, and the incidence of adverse drug reactions was 16.3% in the sofpironium group and 5.0% in the vehicle group. Reported adverse events were generally mild or moderate in severity. In the sofpironium group, common events (incidence, ≥5%) were nasopharyngitis (14.2%) and dermatitis/erythema at the application site (8.5%/5.7%), with no serious adverse events reported. This study demonstrated the efficacy and safety of 5% sofpironium.

Efficacy of long-term treatment with efinaconazole 10% solution in patients with onychomycosis, including severe cases: A multicenter, single-arm study.

We evaluated the efficacy of efinaconazole 10% topical solution in long-term use, for up to 72 weeks, for onychomycosis, including severe cases. Among 605 participants, 219 patients diagnosed as having onychomycosis were evaluated for the efficacy of efinaconazole. The treatment success rate (<10% clinical involvement of the target toenail) at the final assessment time point was 56.6%, the complete cure rate was 31.1% and the mycological cure rate was 61.6%, all of which increased over time, demonstrating that continuous application contributed to the improvement of cure rate. Even in severe cases, reduction of the affected nail area was observed, showing the potential efficacy of the treatment. Responses to a quality of life questionnaire among patients with onychomycosis, OnyCOE-t, suggested that efinaconazole treatment improved the patients' quality of life. The incidence of adverse drug reaction in the patients eligible for the assessment was 6.3%, and this developed only in the administration site in all cases. No systemic adverse event was observed. In addition, no increase in the incidence of adverse drug reaction due to long-term use was found. Efinaconazole therapy was proved to exhibit excellent balance between efficacy and safety, and thus may serve as a useful treatment option for onychomycosis.

Static and dynamic modes of 810 nm diode laser hair removal compared: A clinical and histological study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Laser hair removal has recently become a major indication. Diode lasers have become commercially available offering two modes of application: a stamping or static mode, and a dynamic mode whereby the handpiece is continuously moved across the target tissue. The present study was designed to compare the efficacy of these two approaches clinically and histologically. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty-five subjects participated in the study, 12 males and 13 females, ages ranging from 20 to 57 yr (Mean age 41.6 yr). A baseline hair count was performed on both the target areas. The ms-pulsed diode laser delivered 810 nm via a handpiece with a cooled tip, offering both static and dynamic modes which were used on the subjects' left and right crura, respectively. Pain during treatment was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) and gross inspection was performed immediately after treatment for any abnormality in the treated skin. Hair counts were performed on both crura at 1 and 3 months after the treatment, and compared with the baseline counts. Biopsies were performed in the dynamic mode treated skin at baseline and at 1 month after the treatment, and assessed with light microscopy, immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). RESULTS: All subjects completed the study. Compared with baseline, hair counts were significantly lower at 1 and 3 months post-treatment with no significant difference between the static and dynamic laser depilation modes, nor in the severity of the pain experienced during the procedure. Histologically, degenerative changes in the hair follicles were noted immediately after laser treatment. At one month, cystic formation was seen in the hair follicles showing a strong tendency towards apoptotic cell death. CONCLUSIONS: With the diode laser system and at the parameters used in the present study, high depilation efficacy was seen with no significant difference between the static and dynamic modes. Interestingly, good long-term depilation is probably a result of induced apoptotic cell death in the follicles rather than any other mechanism.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis with clinical manifestations resembling dermatomyositis: a case report.

We report on a 59-year-old man with a 1-year history of forearm erythema, bilateral limb arthralgia, and muscle weakness. During the initial examination we observed infiltrative erythema of the forearm and muscle weakness and atrophy of the limbs. Blood tests revealed marked increases in myogenic enzymes. Because histopathological studies showed lymphocytic infiltration around the small blood vessels in the dermis and mucin deposition, we made a tentative diagnosis of dermatomyositis. However, the specific cutaneous manifestations of dermatomyositis, including heliotrope erythema and Gottron's sign, were absent, and the findings of electromyography were normal. A subsequent detailed examination revealed hypothyroidism and high titers of antithyroglobulin and antimicrosome antibodies, and we made a definitive diagnosis of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. The thyroid function and skin manifestations both improved after treatment with levothyroxine sodium. Dermatomyositis and Hashimoto's thyroiditis can exhibit similar characteristics, and caution is required because of the possibility of misdiagnosis.

The diagnostic usefulness of video capsule endoscopy in adolescent immunoglobulin A vasculitis (Henoch-Schonlein purpura).

Immunoglobulin (Ig) A vasculitis (IgAV), previously known as Henoch-Schönlein purpura, is a systemic IgA-mediated leukocytoclastic vasculitis that usually affects children. We report the usefulness of video capsule endoscopy in 2 adolescent patients with IgAV having gastrointestinal involvement. Both patient 1, a 15-year-old girl, and patient 2, a 14-year-old boy, presented with purpuric rash and abdominal pain. Video capsule endoscopy showed multiple areas of purpuric erythema throughout the small bowel in both patients and showed multiple ulcers with bleeding in patient 2. Patient 1 responded well to oral prednisolone at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg/day. However, in patient 2, prednisolone at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg/day failed to control the symptoms; therefore, the dose was increased to 1 mg/kg/day to provide relief. Video capsule endoscopy was safe in both cases and produced no side effects. In conclusion, video capsule endoscopy is a useful tool for evaluating small bowel lesions in patients with IgAV and provides valuable information for the treatment of IgAV with gastrointestinal involvement.

The Role of the CO2 Laser and Fractional CO2 Laser in Dermatology.

BACKGROUND: Tremendous advances have been made in the medical application of the laser in the past few decades. Many diseases in the dermatological field are now indications for laser treatment that qualify for reimbursement by many national health insurance systems. Among laser types, the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser remains an important system for the dermatologist. RATIONALE: The lasers used in photosurgery have wavelengths that differ according to their intended use and are of various types, but the CO2 laser is one of the most widely used lasers in the dermatology field. With its wavelength in the mid-infrared at 10,600 nm, CO2 laser energy is wellabsorbed in water. As skin contains a very high water percentage, this makes the CO2 laser ideal for precise, safe ablation with good hemostasis. In addition to its efficacy in ablating benign raised lesions, the CO2 laser has been reported to be effective in the field of esthetic dermatology in the revision of acne scars as well as in photorejuvenation. With the addition of fractionation of the beam of energy into myriad microbeams, the fractional CO2 laser has offered a bridge between the frankly full ablative indications and the nonablative skin rejuvenation systems of the 2000s in the rejuvenation of photoaged skin on and off the face. CONCLUSIONS: The CO2 laser remains an efficient, precise and safe system for the dermatologist. Technological advances in CO2 laser construction have meant smaller spot sizes and greater precision for laser surgery, and more flexibility in tip sizes and protocols for fractional CO2 laser treatment. The range of dermatological applications of the CO2 laser is expected to continue to increase in the future.

Evaluation of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for chronic wounds.

BACKGROUND: Treating chronic wounds is challenging. Despite standard wound care, some chronic wounds fail to heal. Therefore, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) was developed as an adjunct to standard wound care. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of HBOT for treating chronic wounds due to a variety of causes at our institution. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of patients with chronic wounds treated with HBOT in addition to standard wound care at the Department of Dermatology, Nippon Medical School Hospital, from 2009 through 2012. Twenty-nine patients were reviewed (14 men and 15 women; mean age, 64.1±14.4 years). The cause of chronic wounds was diabetes mellitus (DM) in 13 patients, venous stasis in 10, polyarteritis nodosa cutanea in 2, and livedoid vasculopathy, pyoderma gangrenosum, chronic renal failure, and systemic sclerosis in 1 patient each. The patients underwent HBOT for 60 minutes with 100% oxygen delivered via a mask in a hyperbaric chamber pressurized to 2.8 atmospheres of absolute pressure. The response of the chronic wounds to HBOT was evaluated according to the following criteria: "excellent": more than 90% wound healing; "good": a greater than 30% reduction in wound size, and wound healing was confirmed on follow-up visits within 6 weeks; "fair": wound healing was achieved with a combination of further invasive interventions; and "poor": the wound showed a less than 30% reduction or worsened during HBOT, or wound healing had not been completed by follow-up visits within 6 weeks. RESULTS: The response to HBOT was "excellent" in 6 patients, "good" in 8, "fair" in 11, and "poor" in 4. All 4 patients with a "poor" response had DM and had undergone hemodialysis. CONCLUSIONS: HBOT is an effective treatment for patients with chronic wounds, due to a variety of causes, when used in combination with conventional standard therapy or further interventions. However, HBOT is less effective in patients with DM than in patients with venous stasis because hemodialysis, which is more common in patients with DM, has negative effects on wound healing.

IgA vasculitis complicated by cytomegalovirus enteritis: a case report.

A 61-year-old man was admitted to our department with purpura and hemorrhagic bullae on his lower limbs, dull pain affecting the entire abdomen, and hematochezia. Histopathological examination and immunostaining revealed leukocytoclastic vasculitis of the small blood vessels of the dermis and IgA deposition; multiple ulcers were observed in the ileum during lower gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy, so we made a diagnosis of IgA vasculitis (Henoch-Schönlein). Treatment with oral prednisolone (PSL) at a dose of 80 mg/day (1 mg/kg/day) for one week resolved the symptoms almost completely. However, when the PSL dose was later reduced, dull epigastric pain and discomfort flared up again. Multiple punched-out ulcers were observed in the duodenum during upper GI endoscopy, and immunostaining revealed cytomegalovirus (CMV) in vascular endothelial cells and infiltrating cells. The patient's serum was positive for CMV antigenemia. On the basis of these findings, we concluded that the CMV enteritis had developed as a complication arising from the patient's immunosuppressed state, which was itself a result of the steroid therapy. We treated the patient with ganciclovir, which relieved the abdominal symptoms.

Histological study on the treatment of vascular malformations resistant to pulsed dye laser.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The pulsed dye laser (PDL) is recognized both as an effective treatment for vascular malformations and the as first treatment of choice for these lesions. However, PDL irradiation has poor efficacy in some patients, particularly the elderly. The present study histologically assessed such patients to try to elucidate the reason. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A pulsed dye laser was used in 3 subjects in whom previous laser treatment was ineffective. Three-millimeter punch biopsies were obtained before laser treatment, 1 week and 3 months after the laser treatment. Each specimen was stained with toluidine blue and examined under light microscopy followed by electron microscopy with oolong tea extract (OTE) staining. RESULTS: Microscopy revealed an increase in the vasculature at baseline and an increased number of dermal fibroblasts. One week post-irradiation, inflammatory cell infiltration was observed together with extensive interstitial perivascular edema. At 1 week and 3 months after laser irradiation, normal structures were observed for both blood vessels and capillary endothelial cells. Mild changes were noted in other interstitial features, but findings obtained 3 months after irradiation were almost similar to those before irradiation. CONCLUSIONS: The lower efficacy of PDL treatment in the elderly was possibly due to the markedly low amount of red blood cells in our subjects' blood vessels, a major chromophore for the PDL, was markedly low. It is possible that age-related denaturation of dermal matrix collagen plays some role in maintaining the vasculature in the interstitium with edema, and inflammatory cell infiltration could lead to the cellular release of some cytokines which favor reconstruction of the vasculature.

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Churg-Strauss Syndrome) with microscopic eosinophilic thromboembolism and cardiac involvement: report of two cases.

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a multisystem vasculitis of small- and medium-sized vessels and approximately 40% of patients with EGPA have circulating anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs). Recent studies have demonstrated that ANCA-negative EGPA patients have cardiac involvement and tissue eosinophilic infiltration more frequently than ANCA-positive patients. However, a causative relationship between cardiac involvement and tissue eosinophilic infiltration remains to be elucidated. Here we report two cases of ANCA-negative EGPA with microscopic eosinophilic thromboembolism as well as cardiac impairment. Although the cutaneous manifestations of the two cases were quite different, skin specimens from both patients demonstrated that the vessels in the mid- to deep dermis were occluded with fibrin materials and surrounded by marked eosinophilic infiltration without overt leukocytoclastic vasculitis or extravascular necrotizing granuloma. The thrombogenic potential of the eosinophil was revealed by the strong expression of major basic protein, which is thought to be involved in the inhibition of natural anti-coagulation activity and activation of platelets, in the walls of the occluded vessels. The implication of microscopic eosinophilic thromboembolism in EGPA without vasculitic or granulomatous lesions is discussed.

Recalcitrant molluscum contagiosum successfully treated with the pulsed dye laser.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Molluscum contagiosum is caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) and is a very common skin disorder mainly involving young children Cryotherapy, curettage or some topical therapies have been applied for MC, but all of these treatments need several sessions, can be somewhat ineffective, and very painful. The present study assessed the impact of a single session of pulsed dye laser treatment of MC lesions which had proved resistant to other approaches Subjects and methods: Fifteen children comprised the study subjects, 11 boys and 4 girls, 3-5 years of age (mean 4.2 yr) with recalcitrant MC. Lesions were counted at baseline, and a single shot from a 585 nm pulsed dye laser was applied to each lesion (3 mm, 300 ms, 8.0 J/cm(2)). Lesions were counted again at 1 week post-treatment and followed for up to 3 months thereafter. RESULTS: All patients completed the study and no patient dropped out through pain or discomfort. Purpura was seen at each treated lesion immediately after irradiation, but at 1 week after treatment, lesion clearance was virtually complete which was maintained for 1 month, and no recurrence was seen at 3 months in 8 of the 15 patients who remained available for followup. CONCLUSIONS: A single treatment of MC lesions with the pulsed dye laser successfully cured even recalcitrant lesions with no recurrence on follow up, and was well tolerated by the young subjects.

Ultrastructural assessment of cellulite morphology: clues to a therapeutic strategy?

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Cellulite is a problematic condition affecting mostly women, characterized by a bumpy or nodular skin surface. Recent approaches with laser treatment have offered some promise. The present study sought to identify possible targets for laser treatment or light therapy through an ultrastructural investigation of the condition. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Study subjects comprised 7 healthy Japanese female volunteers (Age range 37-46 yr, average 38.4) with cellulite, graded on the 4-point Nurnberger-Muller cellulite severity scale. Four patients were at grade 2 and 3 at grade 3. Three millimeter punch biopsies were obtained and routinely processed for light and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: Microphotography of specimens from cellulite patients demonstrated the presence of fibrotic septa which divided up larger clusters of adipose tissue into smaller packets, with the septa acting as a tethering system, thus producing the typical dimpling pattern. Ultrastructural findings showed proliferation of collagen and elastic fibers down into the cellulite tissue with compression of capillaries and congestion of arterioles, resulting in poor blood flow. CONCLUSIONS: The histological and ultrastructural findings of cellulite clearly distinguish the condition from simple fat deposition. The remodeling of the fat layer into lobulated packets of lipocytes sequestered by fibrotic septa with a high proportion of elastic fibers would suggest the use of a fiber-based interstitial laser-assisted lipolysis system at an appropriate wavelength which might offer benefits through disruption of the septae through a photomechanical effect and lipolysis of the sequestered lipocytes. This could be followed by a course of near-infrared phototherapy to accelerate clearance of freed lipid and debris and reestablish the vascular system.

Clinical significance of blood coagulation factor XIII activity in adult Henoch-Schönlein purpura.

BACKGROUND: A correlation between decreased blood coagulation factor XIII activity and the severity of organ disorders in pediatric Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) has been demonstrated, but possible correlations in adult HSP have not been thoroughly investigated. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between factor XIII activity with varying clinical severities of HSP and the severity of organ disorders and to examine the efficacy of factor XIII substitution therapy. METHODS: The distribution of purpura and the severities of joint, abdominal, and renal symptoms were scored in 44 adults with HSP. Plasma factor XIII activity was measured with the latex agglutination immunoturbidity method. RESULTS: Reduced factor XIII activities were correlated with clinical severity scores (the total of all scores), organ disorder severity scores (the total score excluding the purpura score), joint symptom scores, and abdominal symptom scores but not with renal disorder scores. Factor XIII activities were increased in patients during posttreatment remission. Factor XIII substitution therapy was performed in 7 patients with severe organ disorders. Consequently, joint and abdominal symptoms markedly improved, but renal symptoms did not. CONCLUSION: Measurement of plasma factor XIII activity in adult HSP is clinically useful because it indicates disease severity and the severity of digestive tract and joint disorders. Factor XIII substitution therapy is effective for joint and abdominal symptoms but not for renal symptoms. Further investigation of the effect of this treatment on renal symptoms is necessary.

Pigmentation: selective photothermolysis or non-specific skin necrosis using different intense pulsed light systems?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: This study considers end point tissue responses and side effects to determine whether 'square pulse' IPL is more or less effective than the traditional IPL. Supporting histological data and computational modelling results are provided. It provides guidance for IPL users unfamiliar with constant spectrum IPL devices and redirects attention to treatment end points. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty subjects of Fitzpatrick Skin Types I-III, presenting with various epidermal pigmented lesions, were treated 1-3 times with two different IPLs. Coupling gel was used and firm pressure was applied to exclude blood from the treatment area. Immediate and post-treatment side effects, degree of discomfort and end results at fourteen and thirty days were evaluated by professional observation, digital photography and a patient questionnaire. RESULTS: Both IPLs showed a mean clearance of over 80% after 1-3 treatments but the free discharge IPL demonstrated a greater side effect profile with a higher incidence of ulceration, crusting and erythema. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical observation and mathematical modelling suggests that the square pulse, partial discharge IPL system may provide the IPL operator with greater control over the coagulation of pigment and is therefore the more efficient device for effective pigment lightening with fewer side effects.

Low Fluence Q-Switched Nd: YAG Laser Toning and Q-Switched Ruby Laser in the Treatment of Melasma:A Comparative Split-Face Ultrastructural Study.

BACKGROUND: Melasma still presents as a difficult entity to treat, especially in the Asian skin phe-notype. Recently laser toning with the Q-switched Nd:YAG has attracted attention. The present study investigated the efficacy of Q-switched Nd:YAG laser toning for melasma, with a histopathological comparison with the Q-switched ruby laser. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Eight Japanese females (41-57 yr, mean 52.5 yr) with Fitzpatrick skin type III and bilateral melasma participated in the study. One half of each subject's face (randomly chosen) was treated with Q-switched 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser toning (pulse width 5-20 ns; spot size, 6 mm diameter; fluence, 3.0 J/cm(2), 5-7 passes, once/week, 4 weeks: QS:YAG group), and the contralateral half with a single treatment using a Q-switched ruby laser (694.5 nm, pulse width 20 ns, spot size 4 mm diameter; fluence 4.0 J/cm2, 1 pass with approximately 20% overlap: QS:Ruby group). Skin biopsies were taken immediately after the 4(th) Nd:YAG session and the single ruby session, and histopathological comparison was performed with light- and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). RESULTS: Improvement in melasma pigmentation was seen in both the QS:YAG- and QS:Ruby-treat-ed sides, and this was well-maintained in the QS:YAG group. Ultrastructurally, melanin granules were destroyed in both groups, but there was considerably more morphological epidermal and dermal damage in the QS:Ruby specimens compared with minimal epidermal disruption and cellular damage in the QS:YAG specimens. CONCLUSIONS: Q-switched 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser toning offered superior results in the treatment of melasma in the Japanese skin type compared with the Q-switched ruby laser, both ultrastructurally with less immediately post-treatment cellular damage and macroscopically, and a longer recurrence-free interval.

Photopneumatic technology in acne treatment and skin rejuvenation: histological assessment.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Recent reports indicate that a variety of light-based devices have been used for acne treatment and skin rejuvenation. A new technology combining intense pulsed light with negative pressure, photopneumatic technology, has recently attracted interest. The present study assessed acne treatment and skin rejuvenation with this novel approach Subjects and Methods: Acne, 450 nm tip. Five Japanese volunteers (1 male, 4 female; mean age 28.6 yr; skin type III) with mild to moderate/moderate active acne participated. The face was treated with 2 sessions, 2 weeks apart. Biopsies were obtained immediately after the first session and 1 week after the second session, and routinely processed for transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Rejuvenation, profusion tip with topical preparation . In 5 Japanese volunteers (3 male, 2 female; mean age 37.6 yr, skin type III), the volar aspect of both forearms was treated with the 530 nm head at P6 (around 12 J/cm(2)). The left arm was then treated with a pre-infused profusion tip and vacuum only. Four sessions were given, 14-day intervals. Biopsies were taken from both arms 2 weeks after the 2nd session and 3 weeks after the 4th session. One-half of each biopsy was assessed with histo-and immunohistochemistry, and the other with TEM. RESULTS: Acne trial: A combination of physical extraction of comedones, mild photothermal damage of the follicle and damage to identified bacilli was noted post-treatment, with macroscopic improvement of the skin. Rejuvenation with profusion: Significant morphological and immunohistochemical differences were seen between the control and profusion-treated arms at the first assessment. These differences became less significant at the 2nd assessment. CONCLUSIONS: Macroscopically and histologically, photopneumatic technology improved acne lesions, suggesting a synergistic effect between the components of the technology. In skin rejuvenation, the profusion therapy accelerated the regenerative process, and could have excellent additional potential as a noninvasive transepidermal drug delivery system.

Fractional CO2 laser for the treatment of acne scars.

BACKGROUND: Numerous reports have been published on skin rejuvenation by the so-called fractional laser device that delivers a laser beam in a dot form over a grid pattern. AIMS: In this study, we characterized the effects of a fractional CO(2) laser on atrophic acne scars at the clinical and ultrastructural levels. METHODS: Seven healthy adult Japanese volunteers (aged 32-46 years, mean 37.6, five men and two women of Fitzpatrick skin type III) were recruited for this study. A fractional CO(2) laser device, SmartXide DOT (DEKA, Florence, Italy), was used with irradiation parameters set as follows: output power 10 W, pulse width 600 µs, dot spacing 800 µm, and stack 2 (irradiation output power 0.91 J/cm(2) ). A clinical examination and punch biopsy of each subject was performed before and just after the irradiation, and also at week 3 after three irradiation sessions. The biopsy specimens were stained with toluidine blue and were examined ultrastructurally. RESULTS: Clinical improvement of the atrophic acne scars was observed at week 3 after the third irradiation session in all cases compared with the condition before treatment. Histologically, outgrowths of many degenerated elastic fibers were observed as irregular rod-shaped masses in the superficial dermis prior to the treatment in the region of the acne scars. At week 3 after the third irradiation, the degenerated elastic fibers were no longer observed, and the elastic fibers were elaunin-like. CONCLUSIONS: The fractional CO(2) laser is considered to be very effective for treating atrophic acne scars.