Therapeutic Effects of New Pulsed-Type Microneedling Radiofrequency for Refractory Facial Pigmentary Disorders.

BACKGROUND: Numerous treatments for pigmentary disorders have been used with variable outcomes. Recently, a new radiofrequency (RF) device with minimal pulse duration has been introduced. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a pulsed-type microneedling RF device for treatment of facial pigmentary disorders. METHODS: Forty-four patients diagnosed with facial melasma or Riehl melanosis received 5 treatments with RF at 2-week intervals, and evaluation was performed at each visits, including 4 and 8 weeks after the last treatment. Treatment outcomes were evaluated by investigator global assessment, patient global assessment score, and skin biophysical parameters of erythema index, melanin index (MI), and transepidermal water loss. Gene array and immunohistochemical staining including melan-A, Fontana silver, CD44, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and periodic acid-Schiff were performed. RESULTS: Most of the patients showed clinical improvement. Erythema index, MI, and transepidermal water loss decreased after the first treatment. Histopathologic examination showed decrease of melanin pigment, melanophages, and blood vessel proliferation but thickened basement membrane after treatment. Expression of CD44 and b-FGF was decreased after treatment. There were no serious adverse events reported during the study. CONCLUSION: Pulsed-type microneedling RF could be a treatment option for facial pigmentary disorders.

A split-face comparative trial of photopneumatic therapy versus intense pulsed light for the treatment of acne vulgaris.

A novel photopneumatic (PPX) technology, combining blue light-emitting diode (LED) and broadband intense pulsed light (IPL) with vacuum pressure, was developed for the treatment of acne vulgaris (AV). In this study, we enrolled 50 patients with mild to moderate AV. Five successive treatments were performed on one side of the face with a combined PPX device, and the opposite side was treated with only IPL with the same fluences at 2-week intervals. Clinical improvement was evaluated by inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesion counts. Additionally, patient self-assessment scores were assessed. The results showed that inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesion counts were significantly improved on both sides of the face after treatment (p < .001, p = .001, respectively). Both inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesion counts were significantly reduced on the side treated with PPX when compared to the side treated with IPL alone (p = .008, p = .045, respectively). Thirty-eight of 44 patients reported slight to moderate improvement on the patient self-assessment score. No significant side effect was observed during the study periods.In conclusion, PPX therapy is an effective and safe modality to treat mild to moderate AV. This study shows that PPX therapy has superior efficacy for the treatment of AV compared to IPL monotherapy.

Skin subtype categorization based on a new questionnaire for Korean women.

BACKGROUND: Several terms have been used to characterize skin types. However, these are not based on evident dermatologic definitions, which usually include subjective and psychological properties. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to establish a new practical questionnaire to classify skin subtypes in Korean women to establish treatment and skin care guidance. METHODS: Eight experts developed consensus statements about skin types and created a questionnaire. The content was categorized into four major subtypes: dry or non-dry; oily or nonoily; sensitive or nonsensitive; and pigmented or nonpigmented. A total of 512 patients completed the questionnaire. Correlations with age, skin Fitzpatrick's phototypes, and dermatologic comorbidities were analyzed. RESULTS: Korean women commonly have oily skin but complain of dryness after cleansing. They are especially sensitive to skin care products and prone to developing pigmentary lesions. There was a trend in the proportion of dry skin subtype that increased as pigmented skin increased and oily skin decreased with advanced age. The proportion of sensitive skin was higher in patients with dermatologic comorbidities. The proportion of the pigmented skin was higher in darker Fitzpatrick skin phototypes. CONCLUSION: This is the first questionnaire established for Korean women to classify practical skin subtypes and may provide a basis for treating various skin conditions.

A Case of Cutaneous Myiasis Caused by Cordylobia anthropophaga Larvae in a Korean Traveler Returning from Central Africa.

The cutaneous myiasis has been rarely reported in the Republic of Korea. We intended to describe here a case of furuncular cutaneous myiasis caused by Cordylobia anthropophaga larvae in a Korean traveler returned from Central Africa. A patient, 55-year-old man, had traveled to Equatorial Guinea, in Central Africa for a month and just returned to Korea. Physical examinations showed 2 tender erythematous nodules with small central ulceration on the left buttock and thigh. During skin biopsy, 2 larvae came out from the lesion. C. anthropophaga was identified by paired mouth hooks (toothed, spade-like, oral hooklets) and 2 posterior spiracles, which lack a distinct chitinous rim. Although rarely described in Korea until now, cutaneous myiasis may be encountered more frequently with increasing international travel and exchange workers to tropical areas.