Efficacy and Safety of Q-switched Double-frequency 532-nm Neodymium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Laser in the Treatment of Lip Hyperpigmentation: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Lip hyperpigmentation is a common cosmetic problem with multiple causative factors and limited treatment options. OBJECTIVE: This study sought to assess the efficacy and safety of Q-switched (QS) double-frequency 532-nm neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser therapy for dark lips. METHODS: A prospective pilot study of 24 patients with lip hyperpigmenation treated with a QS double-frequency 532-nm Nd:YAG laser was performed. Photographs taken before and three months after the laser therapy sessions were evaluated for improvement and/or any complication by two blinded dermatologists using the color score chart and a visual analog scale (VAS). Patients were asked to assess their pain and satisfaction scores following the procedure using a VAS. RESULTS: The mean VAS scores of the photographs decreased by 10.18 percent, from a baseline of 6.09±1.53 to 5.47±1.72 (p=0.16). Also, the color score decreased by 9.38 percent, from 2.44±0.61 to 2.23±0.71 points (p=0.23) after the last treatment. Overall, the photographic assessment indicated that, of the 24 participants, 14 (58.3%) showed moderate to excellent improvement, four (16.7%) showed mild or no improvement, and six (25.0%) showed worsening/mottling of the pigmentation. The overall mean pain and satisfaction scores were 4.08±1.14 and 6.50±2.92, respectively. CONCLUSION: QS Nd:YAG 532-nm laser therapy appears to be a safe and moderately effective treatment for hyperpigmentation of the lips. Further studies should evaluate a larger number of patients and undertake a longer period of follow-up.

Hypotrichosis with Juvenile Macular Dystrophy in Saudi Arabia: A Case Report.

Hypotrichosis with juvenile macular dystrophy is an autosomal recessive disorder due to a mutation in the CDH3 gene. As its name indicates, the disease classically presented with hypotrichosis and early visual impairment. We describe herein a family member with alopecia since birth associated with severe visual impairment in their early life. We suspect the diagnosis of hypotrichosis with juvenile macular dystrophy. Genetic testing confirms the clinical suspension. We emphasize the importance of genetic testing for proper genetic counseling.

Unusual Clinical Presentation of Autosomal Recessive Woolly Hair.

Autosomal recessive woolly hair/hypotrichosis (ARWH/H) is a rare nonsyndromic hair abnormality characterized by sparse, short, and curly hair. we report a case of a 5-year-old girl from consanguineous parents, who presented with ARWH/H since birth. Dermoscopic findings showed thin sparse hair. Genetic testing showed homozygous mutation in the LPAR6 gene.

Multiple bilateral Becker's nevus in a Saudi female: a rare presentation.

Becker's nevus (BN) classically presents as a single, sharply demarcated, unilateral, hyperpigmented, tan colored macule over the shoulder or pectoral area and is more frequent in adolescent males than females. In this study, we present an acquired, non-syndromic atypical BN in a Saudi female.

Nevus Lipomatosis Cutaneous Superficialis: A Single-Center Case Series of 5 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Nevus lipomatosis cutaneous superficialis (NLCS) is a rare hamartoma of mature adipose tissue characterized by solitary or multiple, soft, skin-colored or yellowish lobules that may coalesce to give rise to plaques with a cerebriform surface. There are two clinical types: (1) multiple lesions that are usually presented in a segmental distribution and (2) a solitary papule or nodule. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical and histopathological features of 5 Saudi patients with NLCS. METHOD: A retrospective analysis of clinical data and histopathological findings of 5 cases of NLCS in King Khalid University Hospital between January 2011 and November 2016. Demographic and clinical data were obtained from the clinical case files. Slides and tissue blocks were retrieved. H&E- and EVG-stained slides were studied in all cases. RESULTS: We identified 5 patients with NLCS, of whom 4 were female. The average age at diagnosis was 36 years. The mean duration of the lesion was 4.4 years. The most common location was the lower part of the body. Most of the cases were diagnosed as skin papilloma before skin biopsy. Surgical excision was effective and no recurrence was observed. CONCLUSION: This is the first study about this rare type of skin tumor in Saudi Arabia and highlights the need for awareness of this clinical condition among dermatologists.