Adapalene/benzoyl peroxide gel 0.3%/2.5% for acne vulgaris

Acne vulgaris is typically treated with a combination of a topical retinoid plus an antimicrobial agent, as recommended by national and international evidence-based guidelines around the globe. Adapalene, a synthetic topical retinoid, is available in two concentrations (0.1% and 0.3%) and in once-daily fixed-dose combinations with benzoyl peroxide (BPO) 2.5%. Adapalene 0.3%/BPO 2.5% is approved for use for moderate-to-severe acne with proven efficacy, good safety and tolerability across a spectrum of patient variables (different ages, genders, and skin types) and disease severity. While some patients experience issues with transient tolerability during retinoid and BPO therapy, it is our clinical experience that good patient education to set expectations and provide strategies to minimize irritation can overcome the majority of issues. This article reviews the data supporting the use of adapalene 0.3%/2.5% in practice, including the complementary mechanism of action of adapalene and BPO, clinical data from a range of settings, and key aspects of patient education.

Practical management of acne for clinicians: An international consensus from the Global Alliance to Improve Outcomes in Acne.

Scientific advances are continually improving the knowledge of acne and contributing to the refinement of treatment options; it is important for clinicians to regularly update their practice patterns to reflect current standards. The Global Alliance to Improve Outcomes in Acne is an international group of dermatologists with an interest in acne research and education that has been meeting regularly since 2001. As a group, we have continuously evaluated the literature on acne. This supplement focuses on providing relevant clinical guidance to health care practitioners managing patients with acne, with an emphasis on areas where the evidence base may be sparse or need interpretation for daily practice.

Refining the ideas of "ethnic" skin.

Skin disease occur worldwide, affecting people of all nationalities and all skin types. These diseases may have a genetic component and may manifest differently in specific population groups; however, there has been little study on this aspect. If population-based differences exist, it is reasonable to assume that understanding these differences may optimize treatment. While there is a relative paucity of information about similarities and differences in skin diseases around the world, the knowledge-base is expanding. One challenge in understanding population-based variations is posed by terminology used in the literature: including ethnic skin, Hispanic skin, Asian skin, and skin of color. As will be discussed in this article, we recommend that the first three descriptors are no longer used in dermatology because they refer to nonspecific groups of people. In contrast, "skin of color" may be used - perhaps with further refinements in the future - as a term that relates to skin biology and provides relevant information to dermatologists.

Refining the ideas of "ethnic" skin

Abstract: Skin disease occur worldwide, affecting people of all nationalities and all skin types. These diseases may have a genetic component and may manifest differently in specific population groups; however, there has been little study on this aspect. If population-based differences exist, it is reasonable to assume that understanding these differences may optimize treatment. While there is a relative paucity of information about similarities and differences in skin diseases around the world, the knowledge-base is expanding. One challenge in understanding population-based variations is posed by terminology used in the literature: including ethnic skin, Hispanic skin, Asian skin, and skin of color. As will be discussed in this article, we recommend that the first three descriptors are no longer used in dermatology because they refer to nonspecific groups of people. In contrast, "skin of color" may be used - perhaps with further refinements in the future - as a term that relates to skin biology and provides relevant information to dermatologists.

[Argentine guidelines for urticaria and angioedema]. / Guía argentina de urticaria y angioedema.

This interdisciplinary paper summarizes the news in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic urticaria (CU), and provides concepts, definitions and evidence-based suggestions for its management. Urticaria occurs in at least 20% of the population at some point in their lives. Acute urticaria (less than 6 weeks' duration), differs from CU in its etiology, but the onset of this disease is always acute. CU may occur as spontaneous (SCU) or induced (ICU). The diagnosis is simple, although a careful evaluation is necessary for differential diagnosis. ICU's diagnosis is mainly clinical, even if provocation tests can be useful. Supplementary studies should be limited and based on the clinical suspicion. Treatment may be divided into three approaches: avoidance, elimination or treatment of the cause, and pharmacological treatment. Recently treatment has been modified with the use of second-generation antihistamines as first-line and increased doses of nonsedating H1 antihistamines, up to 4 times, as second line. Antihistamines are essential to treat CU; however, 40% of patients do not achieve good control despite increased doses and require additional treatment. The most recent evidence indicates a group of drugs to be used as third line in these cases, to improve quality of life and to limit toxicity from frequent or chronic use of systemic steroids. Only 3 drugs are recommended as third line: omalizumab, cyclosporin A or anti-leukotrienes.

Guía Argentina de urticaria y angioedema

Se actualiza el diagnóstico de la urticaria crónica (UC) y los conceptos, definiciones y sugerencias basados en la evidencia para su tratamiento. La urticaria ocurre en al menos 20% de la población en algún momento de la vida. Su etiología difiere en la forma aguda (menos de 6 semanas), y en la crónica. No es posible pronosticar si las formas agudas evolucionarán a UC, ya que todas son agudas al comienzo. La UC ocurre como espontánea (UCE) o inducible (UCI). El diagnóstico es sencillo, pero incluye un minucioso estudio para descartar diagnósticos diferenciales; para UCI son útiles las pruebas de provocación en la caracterización y manejo. Los estudios complementarios se deben limitar y orientar según sospecha clínica. El tratamiento se divide en tres enfoques: evitación, eliminación o tratamiento del estímulo desencadenante o de la causa, y tratamiento farmacológico. Recientemente éste se modificó, con empleo de antihistamínicos de segunda generación como primera línea y aumento de dosis de antihistamínicos H1 no sedantes, hasta 4 veces, como segunda línea. Los antihistamínicos son fundamentales para tratar la UC; sin embargo, un 40% de los pacientes no logra un buen control pese al aumento de dosis y requiere otro medicamento adicional. La evidencia más reciente considera que un grupo de fármacos puede utilizarse como tercera línea en estos casos, para mejorar la calidad de vida y limitar la toxicidad por el uso frecuente o crónico de esteroides sistémicos. Se recomiendan para esta tercera línea solo 3 fármacos: omalizumab, ciclosporina A o antileucotrienos.

This interdisciplinary paper summarizes the news in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic urticaria (CU), and provides concepts, definitions and evidence-based suggestions for its management. Urticaria occurs in at least 20% of the population at some point in their lives. Acute urticaria (less than 6 weeks' duration), differs from CU in its etiology, but the onset of this disease is always acute. CU may occur as spontaneous (SCU) or induced (ICU). The diagnosis is simple, although a careful evaluation is necessary for differential diagnosis. ICU´s diagnosis is mainly clinical, even if provocation tests can be useful. Supplementary studies should be limited and based on the clinical suspicion. Treatment may be divided into three approaches: avoidance, elimination or treatment of the cause, and pharmacological treatment. Recently treatment has been modified with the use of second-generation antihistamines as first-line and increased doses of nonsedating H1 antihistamines, up to 4 times, as second line. Antihistamines are essential to treat CU; however, 40% of patients do not achieve good control despite increased doses and require additional treatment. The most recent evidence indicates a group of drugs to be used as third line in these cases, to improve quality of life and to limit toxicity from frequent or chronic use of systemic steroids. Only 3 drugs are recommended as third line: omalizumab, cyclosporin A or anti-leukotrienes.

Guía Argentina de urticaria y angioedema

Se actualiza el diagnóstico de la urticaria crónica (UC) y los conceptos, definiciones y sugerencias basados en la evidencia para su tratamiento. La urticaria ocurre en al menos 20% de la población en algún momento de la vida. Su etiología difiere en la forma aguda (menos de 6 semanas), y en la crónica. No es posible pronosticar si las formas agudas evolucionarán a UC, ya que todas son agudas al comienzo. La UC ocurre como espontánea (UCE) o inducible (UCI). El diagnóstico es sencillo, pero incluye un minucioso estudio para descartar diagnósticos diferenciales; para UCI son útiles las pruebas de provocación en la caracterización y manejo. Los estudios complementarios se deben limitar y orientar según sospecha clínica. El tratamiento se divide en tres enfoques: evitación, eliminación o tratamiento del estímulo desencadenante o de la causa, y tratamiento farmacológico. Recientemente éste se modificó, con empleo de antihistamínicos de segunda generación como primera línea y aumento de dosis de antihistamínicos H1 no sedantes, hasta 4 veces, como segunda línea. Los antihistamínicos son fundamentales para tratar la UC; sin embargo, un 40% de los pacientes no logra un buen control pese al aumento de dosis y requiere otro medicamento adicional. La evidencia más reciente considera que un grupo de fármacos puede utilizarse como tercera línea en estos casos, para mejorar la calidad de vida y limitar la toxicidad por el uso frecuente o crónico de esteroides sistémicos. Se recomiendan para esta tercera línea solo 3 fármacos: omalizumab, ciclosporina A o antileucotrienos.(AU)

This interdisciplinary paper summarizes the news in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic urticaria (CU), and provides concepts, definitions and evidence-based suggestions for its management. Urticaria occurs in at least 20% of the population at some point in their lives. Acute urticaria (less than 6 weeks duration), differs from CU in its etiology, but the onset of this disease is always acute. CU may occur as spontaneous (SCU) or induced (ICU). The diagnosis is simple, although a careful evaluation is necessary for differential diagnosis. ICU´s diagnosis is mainly clinical, even if provocation tests can be useful. Supplementary studies should be limited and based on the clinical suspicion. Treatment may be divided into three approaches: avoidance, elimination or treatment of the cause, and pharmacological treatment. Recently treatment has been modified with the use of second-generation antihistamines as first-line and increased doses of nonsedating H1 antihistamines, up to 4 times, as second line. Antihistamines are essential to treat CU; however, 40% of patients do not achieve good control despite increased doses and require additional treatment. The most recent evidence indicates a group of drugs to be used as third line in these cases, to improve quality of life and to limit toxicity from frequent or chronic use of systemic steroids. Only 3 drugs are recommended as third line: omalizumab, cyclosporin A or anti-leukotrienes.(AU)

Guía argentina de urticaria y angioedema / Argentine guidelines for urticaria and angioedema

This interdisciplinary paper summarizes the news in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic urticaria (CU), and provides concepts, definitions and evidence-based suggestions for its management. Urticaria occurs in at least 20

of the population at some point in their lives. Acute urticaria (less than 6 weeks’ duration), differs from CU in its etiology, but the onset of this disease is always acute. CU may occur as spontaneous (SCU) or induced (ICU). The diagnosis is simple, although a careful evaluation is necessary for differential diagnosis. ICU’s diagnosis is mainly clinical, even if provocation tests can be useful. Supplementary studies should be limited and based on the clinical suspicion. Treatment may be divided into three approaches: avoidance, elimination or treatment of the cause, and pharmacological treatment. Recently treatment has been modified with the use of second-generation antihistamines as first-line and increased doses of nonsedating H1 antihistamines, up to 4 times, as second line. Antihistamines are essential to treat CU; however, 40

of patients do not achieve good control despite increased doses and require additional treatment. The most recent evidence indicates a group of drugs to be used as third line in these cases, to improve quality of life and to limit toxicity from frequent or chronic use of systemic steroids. Only 3 drugs are recommended as third line: omalizumab, cyclosporin A or anti-leukotrienes.

Guía argentina de urticaria y angioedema. / [Argentine guidelines for urticaria and angioedema].

This interdisciplinary paper summarizes the news in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic urticaria (CU), and provides concepts, definitions and evidence-based suggestions for its management. Urticaria occurs in at least 20

of the population at some point in their lives. Acute urticaria (less than 6 weeks duration), differs from CU in its etiology, but the onset of this disease is always acute. CU may occur as spontaneous (SCU) or induced (ICU). The diagnosis is simple, although a careful evaluation is necessary for differential diagnosis. ICUs diagnosis is mainly clinical, even if provocation tests can be useful. Supplementary studies should be limited and based on the clinical suspicion. Treatment may be divided into three approaches: avoidance, elimination or treatment of the cause, and pharmacological treatment. Recently treatment has been modified with the use of second-generation antihistamines as first-line and increased doses of nonsedating H1 antihistamines, up to 4 times, as second line. Antihistamines are essential to treat CU; however, 40

of patients do not achieve good control despite increased doses and require additional treatment. The most recent evidence indicates a group of drugs to be used as third line in these cases, to improve quality of life and to limit toxicity from frequent or chronic use of systemic steroids. Only 3 drugs are recommended as third line: omalizumab, cyclosporin A or anti-leukotrienes.

Melanoma glúteo en mujeres jóvenes / Cutaneous melanoma of the buttocks in young women

Antecedentes. La incidencia del melanoma cutáneo (MC) en mujeres jóvenes está en aumento. En los últimos años nos llamó la atención la relativa frecuencia con que observamos MClocalizados en región glútea (MCG).Objetivo. Describir las características epidemiológicas e histológicas de pacientes con MCG tratados en un período de 22 años y compararlas con las características de MC de las demáslocalizaciones durante el mismo período.Diseño. Estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo y observacional. Métodos. Se analizaron 960 casos de MC tratados entre 9/1990-9/2012. Se diagnosticaron 13/960 (1,35%) MCG. Todos correspondieron al sexo femenino. Se los comparó con los MC en mujeres de otras localizaciones (n=463). Se consideró edad, fototipo, color de ojos/cabello, antecedentes de síndrome de nevo atípico (SNA) e historia familiar de melanoma; localización; subtipo histológico, nivel de Clark, espesor de Breslow y ulceración.Resultados. Se trataron 13/476 (2,7%) MCG en mujeres. La mediana de edad fue diferente entre ambos grupos, MC: 50 años vs. MCG: 33 años (sólo 2 pacientes mayores de 50). La mediana delespesor de Breslow fue mayor en MC: 0,8 mm vs. MCG: 0,6 mm. No registramos otras diferencias de importancia.Conclusiones. En esta corta serie se observó un aumento del número de casos de MCG a través de los años. Los casos ocurrieron mayoritariamente en mujeres jóvenes. Creemos que esto puederelacionarse con cambios en los hábitos de exposición solar (intermitente/camas solares) y en la vestimenta (bikinis/cola-less). Recomendamos insistir a los pacientes en la fotoprotección de todos los sitios expuestos, incluyendo esta región anatómica y su autoexamen, y a los especialistas no olvidar esta localización en el examen dermatológico...

Community study of fixed-combination adapalene 0.1% and benzoyl peroxide 2.5% in acne.

A new fixed-dose combination formulation of adapalene 0.1% and benzoyl peroxide (BPO) 2.5% has shown excellent efficacy and safety in registration studies; however, it can be difficult to judge the real-world performance of a product using only the results from controlled clinical trials. This 12-week, open-label, community-based study evaluated adapalene/BPO in 91 patients with mild to moderate acne (20-50 inflammatory lesions and 30-100 noninflammatory lesions) who were treated at dermatology centers throughout Argentina. The study evaluated efficacy, described the most common side effects, determined tolerability, and assessed the level of patient satisfaction with treatment. By week 12, there were statistically significant reductions in both inflammatory and noninflammatory lesions (80.6% and 69.3% from baseline, respectively; P < .001); there were also significant improvements in the Investigator's Global Assessment scores (median score, 2.9 at baseline and 1.0 at week 12; P < .001). By week 12, 67% of patients were rated clear or almost clear by investigators. Local tolerability was good overall. When cutaneous irritation was present, it typically occurred in the first 2 weeks of treatment and improved or resolved with continuing therapy. Patients were highly satisfied with the results of treatment, and 74% of patients felt that they had marked or total improvement by week 12. Patient survey also revealed that 94% rated the efficacy as good or very good and 87.5% rated tolerability as good or very good. A significant majority (81%) felt that the treatment met expectations, and 62% perceived that improvement had been rapid during adapalene/BPO therapy. These results demonstrate that adapalene/BPO has good efficacy and tolerability in routine practice, resulting in continuous reductions in lesion counts throughout the study. Adapalene/BPO therapy is also associated with high patient satisfaction, which is important for therapeutic adherence and satisfaction with the physician's care.

Lupus eritematoso cutáneo subagudo (LECSA): a propósito de 17 casos con anticuerpo anti-Ro positivo / Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE): 17 patients with anti-Ro antibodies

Se presentan, analizan y comparan con otras series los hallazgos dermatológicos, clínicos, histopatológicos e inmunológicos de 17 casos de lupus eritematoso cutáneo subagudo (LECSA) con anticuerpos (Ac) anti-Ro positivos.Las manifestaciones dermatológicas de nuestros pacientes fueron lesiones papuloescamosas policíclicas, más frecuentes que las psoriasiformes. Se localizaban preferentemente en miembros superiores, dorso y zonas de exposición sola. Presentaban un borde eritematovesiculoso bien delimitado. Otras lesiones adoptaron la forma de reloj de arena. Estas manifestaciones fueron recurrentes con períodos de actividad y calma. También fueron relevantes la fotosensibilidad, la hipopigmentación y, en algunos casos, discreta atrofia. Histopatológicamente lo más destacable fue la degeneración vacuolar de la capa basal de queratinocitos y la ausencia de hiperqueratosis folicular, diferenciándose del lupus eritematoso discoide crónico (LEDC). Las restantes lesiones se parecían a las del lupus eritematosos sistémico (LES), pero con menor intensidad. Hubo poco engrosamiento de la menbrana basal PAS positiva, y el infiltrado linfocitario subpapilar y perivascular fue escaso. En algunos casos se demostró edema dérmico alcian blue positivo, poniendo de manifiesto la presencia de mucina. A diferencia de lo relatado por otros autores, encontramos discreta atrofia en 4 pacientes. Lo más significativo de los exámenes inmunológicos fue la presencia del Ac anti-Ro en el 100% de los enfermos y el anti-La solo en el 17,6%. Fue criterio de inclusión para esta serie tener anti-Ro positivo con anti-ADN y anti-Sm negativos. El FAN fue positivo en el 70%. Con respecto a las manifestaciones clínicas generales, se observaron artritis/artralgias en el 100% de los casos. Las lesiones fueron simétricas, no erosivas ni deformantes. Un solo enfermo tuvo pleuresia y glomerulonefritis crónica difusa...

Clinical, histopathologic, and immunological findings in 17 patients with subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) and Roantibodies are described. Skin manifestations consisted of recurrent, polycyclical, circumscribed papulosquamous, psoriasiform, or hourglass-like lesions with vesiculoerythematous borders, mainly on the upper limbs, back, and sun-exposed areas. Photosensitivity, hypopigmentation, and occasionally mild atrophy were also noted. Histopathologic features included vacuolar degenerative changes involving keratinocyte basement membrane. Unlike chronic discoid lupus erythematosus lesions, follicular hyperkeratosis was absent. Although other characteristics were similar to those seen in systemic lupus erythematosus patients, specimens from SCLE showed less basement membrane thickening and inflammatory cell infiltrates. A few samples revealed positive alcian blue staining for dermal mucin. Only four patients had moderateatrophy. Since only Ro-positive, and DNA- and Sm-negative patients were assessed, immunological studies showed Ro antibodies in 100%of cases and La antibodies in 17.6%. FAN measurements using rat liver and Hep-2 cells were positive in 70% of patients. SCLE was associated with symmetrical, non-erosive, and non-deforming arthritis/arthralgia in all patients, vasculitis in three (17.8%), Raynaud’s syndrome in two (11.8%), pleuritis and chronic glomerulonephritis in one, and panniculitis in one. Ro antibody screening tests were reviewed.

Mucinosis papular acral persistente: presentación de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Acral popular persisntent mucinosis: case report and review of the literature

La mucinosis papular acral persistente (MPAP) es una forma clínica e histológicamente distinta de mucinosis cutánea. Esta variante afecta principalmente a mujeres, se caracteriza por pápulas de color piel, de 2 a 3 mm de diámetro, en el dorso de las manos y menos frecuentemente en los antebrazos. Habitualmente no se asocia a otras enfermedades. Presentamos una paciente de 47 años que reúne los criterios de esta entidad

Mucinosis papular acral persistente: presentación de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Acral popular persisntent mucinosis: case report and review of the literature

La mucinosis papular acral persistente (MPAP) es una forma clínica e histológicamente distinta de mucinosis cutánea. Esta variante afecta principalmente a mujeres, se caracteriza por pápulas de color piel, de 2 a 3 mm de diámetro, en el dorso de las manos y menos frecuentemente en los antebrazos. Habitualmente no se asocia a otras enfermedades. Presentamos una paciente de 47 años que reúne los criterios de esta entidad (AU)

Mucinosis papular acral persistente: presentación de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Acral popular persisntent mucinosis: case report and review of the literature

La mucinosis papular acral persistente (MPAP) es una forma clínica e histológicamente distinta de mucinosis cutánea. Esta variante afecta principalmente a mujeres, se caracteriza por pápulas de color piel, de 2 a 3 mm de diámetro, en el dorso de las manos y menos frecuentemente en los antebrazos. Habitualmente no se asocia a otras enfermedades. Presentamos una paciente de 47 años que reúne los criterios de esta entidad (AU)