Definition of refractory melasma and its treatment: a review.

Although patients with refractory melasma have been treated using various methods, there is still no precise definition or summary of the therapies. To define refractory melasma and conduct a review of the treatments, we searched for relevant publications in PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, and a total of 35 references were obtained. Refractory melasma can be roughly defined as an ineffective treatment for melasma, including topical bleaching agents, chemical peels, laser therapy, microdermabrasion for more than six months, or chemical peels treated more than six times. Meanwhile, physicians should be careful when treating patients with darker skin and dermal or mixed types of melasma since these individuals do not respond well to treatment. Lasers combined with other methods, especially different types of lasers or topical agents, are considered more effective than monotherapy. Oral tranexamic acid (TXA) is a prospective cure for refractory melasma. Other methods include a combination of chemical peels, microneedling, or injections with additional therapies. In conclusion, we were able to provide a rough definition of refractory melasma and list the available therapies. According to the literature, the most prevalent treatment is laser combination therapy. However, laser treatment should be considered only after topical agents and chemical peeling have failed. Considering its side effects, efficacy, and safety, oral TXA may be a better option, but more research is needed to make a firm conclusion. Moreover, maintenance therapy is required after treatment.

[A randomized controlled trial on the effect of early eschar dermabrasion combined with antimicrobial soft silicone foam dressing in the treatment of deep partial-thickness burn wounds in children].

Objective: To explore the effect of early eschar dermabrasion combined with antimicrobial soft silicone foam dressing (hereinafter referred to as foam dressing) in treating the deep partial-thickness burn wounds in children. Methods: This study was a randomized controlled trial. From June 2021 to December 2022, 78 pediatric patients with deep partial-thickness burns who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to the Department of Burns in Guiyang Steel Plant Employees Hospital. According to the random number table, the pediatric patients were divided into two groups, with 38 cases left in combined treatment group (with 20 males and 18 females, aged 26.00 (16.75, 39.75) months) and 39 cases in foam dressing group (with 21 males and 18 females, aged 19.00 (14.00, 31.00) months) after the exclusion of one dropped-out child in follow-up. The pediatric patients in combined treatment group underwent eschar dermabrasion of the wound within 48 hours after injury, the wound was covered with foam dressing after operation, and the dressing was replaced once every 7 days; for the pediatric patients in foam dressing group, the wound was sterilized within 48 hours after injury and covered with foam dressing, and the dressing was replaced once every 2 to 3 days. After the wound healing, the children in both groups were routinely applied with silicone gel twice a day for 3 weeks before started wearing elastic sleeves for more than 18 hours a day, and continuously for over than 6 months. The degree of pain during dressing change was evaluated using the children's pain behavior inventory FLACC. The adverse reactions during the treatment period, number of dressing changes, and wound healing time were observed and recorded. Six months after wound healing, the Vancouver scar scale (VSS) was used to evaluate the condition of the wound scar. Results: When changing dressing, the FLACC score for pain of pediatric patients in combined treatment group was 3.5 (2.0, 5.0), which was significantly lower than 6.0 (5.0, 8.0) in foam dressing group (Z=-5.40, P<0.05). During the treatment period, no adverse reactions such as wound edema, fluid accumulation, or peripheral skin rash allergies occurred in any pediatric patient in both groups. The number of dressing changes of pediatric patients in combined treatment group was 3 (3, 4) times, which was significantly less than 8 (7, 10) times in foam dressing group (Z=-7.58, P<0.05). The wound healing time of pediatric patients in combined treatment group was (19±5) days, which was significantly shorter than (25±6) days in foam dressing group (t=-4.48, P<0.05). Six months after wound healing, the VSS score for scar of pediatric patients in combined treatment group was 5 (2, 8), which was significantly lower than 7 (5, 10) in foam dressing group (Z=-3.05, P<0.05). Conclusions: Compared with using foam dressings alone, early eschar dermabrasion combined with foam dressings can reduce the number of dressing changes, alleviate the pain during dressing changes, and shorten the wound healing time in treating children with deep partial-thickness burns, and effectively alleviate scar hyperplasia by combining with anti-scar treatment post burns.

The role of the beautician in reducing striae.

INTRODUCTION: Striae distensae are a permanent skin defect that can affect 50%-90% of the population. The appearance of the changes resembles spindle-shaped skin bands. The skin in this area is wrinkled, thin and looks like a scar. Most often, the changes are found on the skin of the abdomen, buttocks, breasts, thighs, and back. The appearance of striae means that the skin in this area has no hair follicles, sebaceous, and sweat glands. This skin is flabby, not very elastic and, what is very characteristic, the pigmentation of the skin affected by striae is much lower than in healthy skin. Cosmetology in the 21st century is developing very dynamically, new technologies are being developed, new cosmetological devices are being created and combined with treatments that have been known for a long time. Today's science offers hope for people who have struggled with reducing striae for many years and nowadays, nothing is impossible. AIMS: The objective of this article is to provide information about cosmetological treatment used to reduce striae. METHODS: In this article, we reviewed the published literature, article published in peer-reviewed journals. RESULTS: Today's cosmetology offers a wide range of numerous treatments, but the best results are achieved through a synergy of two or more treatments. But we should not forget that we should respond to each customer individually. CONCLUSION: The striae are not a problem that should be ignored. The beauty therapist is able to reduce them and help the client to improve the appearance of their skin.

Efficacy and safety of novel topical pigment-correcting regimen with biweekly diamond tip microdermabrasion procedures on facial hyperpigmentation.

BACKGROUND: Facial hyperpigmentation can negatively affect an individual's emotional and psychosocial well-being. AIMS: Assess safety and tolerability of a combination of microdermabrasion (DG) procedures using a novel brightening pro-infusion serum (EC-DG) with a targeted at-home treatment regimen in subjects with mild to severe facial hyperpigmentation, including melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and dark spots. PATIENTS/METHODS: This 12-week, open-label study enrolled 18 subjects (Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV) who underwent 6 in-office DG procedures with EC-DG (one procedure administered biweekly), along with daily topical application of a brightening treatment serum and dark spot cream. End points included change from baseline across multiple skin quality attributes and the Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI), self-assessment questionnaires, and tolerability assessments. RESULTS: The combination treatment was well tolerated and resulted in significant (p ≤ 0.05) improvements from baseline in radiance, tactile roughness, and moisturization/hydration immediately after the first treatment, in MASI score at day 3, and in overall hyperpigmentation at week 4. Most (94.1%) subjects were satisfied with treatment. CONCLUSIONS: DG procedures using EC-DG combined with a targeted at-home skincare regimen are effective and tolerable for treating facial hyperpigmentation across a broad range of skin types.

The Pathogenesis and Management of Acne-Induced Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation.

Acne vulgaris is a common inflammatory disease. Among patients with darker skin phototypes (Fitzpatrick III-VI), the inflammatory processes of acne stimulate excess melanogenesis and abnormal melanin deposition, leading to pigmentary sequelae known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and post-inflammatory erythema in all skin tones, although post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is more common in darker skin and post-inflammatory erythema in lighter skin. These pigmentary alterations can be long lasting and are often more distressing to patients than the active acne lesions. This article discusses what is known about acne-related pigmentation, much of which is extrapolated from general study of nonspecific pigment deposition. Because dyspigmentation poses both a significant clinical concern to patients and a therapeutic challenge to clinicians, we formed a working group consisting of pigmentary experts with the aim of increasing awareness and education of acne-related pigmentary sequelae.

An update on congenital melanocytic nevus syndrome: A case report and literature review.

Congenital melanocytic nevus syndrome (CMNS) is a rare condition characterized by pigmented skin lesions that are usually present at birth and are associated with an increased risk of neurological abnormalities and malignant melanoma. It mostly results from a post-zygotic NRAS mutation of neural-derived crest cells, leading to uncontrolled cell growth. Because of the increased knowledge of the genetics underlying CMNS, targeted therapy becomes a promising treatment option. We present a case of CMNS in a newborn. Physical examination at birth showed a giant congenital melanocytic nevus, extending from the occipital to the lower lumbar region. A magnetic resonance imaging scan revealed multiple cerebral and cerebellar parenchymal lesions. Genetic analysis of the cutaneous lesions showed the presence of an NRAS Q61R mutation. The patient was treated with dermabrasion to reduce the color intensity of the nevus. However, this was complicated by recurrent wound infections and laborious wound healing. At the age of 1 year, the patient had an age-appropriate psychomotor development, without neurological deficits.

Striae Distensae: Scars without Wounds.

SUMMARY: Striae distensae, or stretch marks, are common linear lesions of atrophic skin characterized histologically by epidermal atrophy, absent rete ridges, and alterations in connective tissue architecture. Hormonal excess, mechanical stress, and genetic predisposition are all associated with striae distensae, but their exact pathogenesis remains unknown. Despite a multitude of options, no single treatment has yet proven effective. In this article, the authors describe an up-to-date overview of striae distensae in terms of their etiology, pathophysiology, and therapeutic options. Further research is required to better elucidate their pathophysiology and to develop targeted effective treatments.

Treatment Update of Port-Wine Stain: A Narrative Review.

BACKGROUND: Port-wine stain (PWS) is a congenital vascular malformation affecting 0.3–0.5% of normal population. These characteristic lesions arise due to the interplay of vascular, neural, and genetic factors. Treatment options include lasers, cosmetic tattooing, electrotherapy, cryosurgery, derma-abrasion, and skin grafting; however, none of these treatment alternatives appears to be satisfactory and is unable to provide consistent, satisfactory responses or even complete cures. Currently, laser is the treatment of choice, as it is comparatively safe and more effective than other procedures. The most commonly used modality is pulsed dye laser (PDL). The literature research includes peer-reviewed articles (clinical trials or scientific reviews). Studies were identified by searching electronic databases (MEDLINE and PubMed) to January 2020 and reference lists of respective articles. Only articles published in English language were included. J Drugs Dermatol. 20(5): doi:10.36849/JDD.5005.

Comparative Evaluation of Efficacy and Safety of Tacrolimus and Dinoprostone Following Dermabrasion in Stable Vitiligo.

BACKGROUND: Dinoprostone (DNP), a prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) analogue, has been found to cause repigmenation in vitiliginous lesions. Combined medical and surgical therapy might be more useful for successful treatment of vitiligo. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of dermabrasion followed by dinoprostone gel and to compare it with tacrolimus ointment following the same procedure in the treatment of localized stable vitiligo. METHODS: 40 patients of stable vitiligo were enrolled which were divided in two groups of 20 patients each. In group 1, dermabrasion followed by tacrolimus 0.1% ointment was done and in group 2, dermabrasion followed by dinoprostone gel was done. RESULTS: Group 1 patients showed slightly better response (P=0.039), whereas the side effect profile was better for group 2. CONCLUSION: DNP and tacrolimus have immunomodulatory and melanocyte stimulating effect and are well tolerated when combined with dermabrasion. Their effect on skin pigmentation could be enhanced by dermabrasion. J Drugs Dermatol. 2021;20(5):519-522. doi:10.36849/JDD.5751.

New Pigmentation After Medical Treatment Suggests Increased Efficacy of Dermabrasion and Noncultured Epidermal Cell Suspension Techniques in Stable Vitiligo.

BACKGROUND: Stable vitiligo has been treated by dermabrasion and noncultured epidermal cell suspension (NCES) effectively. However, not all patches respond well. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of new pigmentation after medical treatment in the therapy of stable vitiligo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records were retrospectively reviewed from October 2016 to March 2019, and 134 patients with stable vitiligo after medical therapy were further treated with NCES. They were divided into 2 groups: 70 patients in Group 1 had new pigmentation, whereas 64 patients in Group 2 did not. Repigmentation and satisfaction of patients and third-party assessors were evaluated at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Repigmentation was scored as excellent (≥76%), good (51%-75%), fair (26%-50%), or poor (≤25%). Repigmentation of the 2 groups at 6 months postoperatively was excellent in 82.9% versus 23.4%, good in 10.0% versus 15.6%, fair in 7.1% versus 13.0%, and poor in 0% versus 48.4%, respectively. A positive correlation between satisfaction and repigmentation was found. CONCLUSION: New pigmentation after medical treatment suggests increased efficacy of NCES in treating stable vitiligo.

A Split-Scar Study Investigating the Effectiveness of Early Intervention With Electroabrasion on Improving the Cosmetic Appearance of Postsurgical Scars.

BACKGROUND: Electroabrasion, which uses an in-office electrosurgical device, is a method of surgical planning that ablates the skin to the papillary dermis. Several reports demonstrate that intraoperative ablative interventions with lasers or dermabrasion can modulate scar formation more effectively. This investigation uses electroabrasion intraoperatively to mitigate scar formation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of intraoperative electroabrasion for scar revision. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized, observer-blinded, split-scar study with 24 linear scar segments resulting from primary closures in patients undergoing Mohs micrographic surgery. After placement of dermal sutures, half of the wound was randomly treated with electroabrasion. The other half was used as the control. Scar appearance was assessed by a blinded observer and by the patient using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale at 1 to 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months after surgery. RESULTS: At the 3-month follow-up, both patient and observer variables measuring scar contour improved on the treated side, whereas erythema was worse. Overall, no difference was seen in total scores between the 2 sides. CONCLUSION: Based on this pilot study, scars treated with electroabrasion revealed improved surface topography but worsened erythema. Future studies with more refined electrosurgical settings are needed for further evaluation.

Study the effect of erbium:YAG laser plus topical 5-flurouracil in stable vitiligo resistant to NB-UVB phototherapy.

BACKGROUND: NB-UVB phototherapy is still an effective treatment in vitiligo but requires more than 1 year for its completion. Topical 5-flurouracil could improve the proliferation and migration of melanocytes. Laser-assisted dermabrasion results in stimulation of the inactive melanocytes present at the outer root sheath of the lower portion of the hair follicle, which migrates upward until they reach the surface of the skin. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of Er:YAG laser skin ablation followed by topical 5-flurouracil on the outcome of NB-UVB phototherapy as a short term technique in resistant and stable vitiligo. METHODS: The current study included 40 patients suffering from bilateral stable vitiligo resistant to NB-UVB. For each patient, one side of the body subjected to 4 months NB-UVB sessions (control side). While the other side of the body subjected to one session of Er:YAG laser ablation combined with topical 5% 5-flurouracil application under occlusion followed by NB-UVB sessions for 4 months after complete re-epithelization. Outcomes were evaluated objectively based on standard digital photographs, histopathological examination, patient satisfaction, and adverse effects. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant improvement in the repigmentation in laser side compared with control side. Histopathological examination revealed expression of prominent melanin pigmentation, with marked expression for Melan-A in laser side, whereas these findings were negative in control side. CONCLUSION: Er:YAG laser ablation, followed by 5FU application before NB-UVB phototherapy for vitiligo, is a safe and tolerable technique that improves the outcome of short-term NB-UVB therapy and is expected to increase patient compliance.

Treatments of actinic cheilitis: A systematic review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: No large studies have defined the best treatment of actinic cheilitis. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review to define the best therapies for actinic cheilitis in clinical response and recurrences. RESULTS: We first identified 444 papers, and 49 were finally considered, including 789 patients and 843 treated areas. The following therapies were recorded in order of frequency: laser therapy, photodynamic therapy (PDT), 3% diclofenac in 2.5% hyaluronic acid, PDT + 5% imiquimod, aminolevulinic acid-laser or methyl-aminolevulinic acid-laser, 5% imiquimod, fluorouracil, partial surgery, 0.015% ingenol mebutate, 50% trichloroacetic acid, and laser + PDT. Concerning the primary outcome, complete clinical response was achieved in 76.5% of patients, and 10.2% had clinical recurrences. Partial surgery and laser therapy showed the highest complete response rates (14 of 14 [100%] and 244 of 260 [93.8%], respectively) with low recurrences. Only a limited number of patients were treated with other therapies, with the exception of PDT, with 68.9% complete responses and 12.6% of recurrences. Interestingly, when combined with 5% imiquimod, the efficacy of PDT was significantly enhanced. LIMITATIONS: Heterogeneity across studies. CONCLUSION: Laser therapy appears the best option among nonsurgical approaches for actinic cheilitis, and PDT showed higher efficacy when sequentially combined with 5% imiquimod. Larger studies are needed to confirm these data.

Microdermabrasion and topical tacrolimus: A novel combination therapy of vitiligo.

BACKGROUND: Topical immunomodulators have been successfully used as monotherapy or in combination with other therapeutic modalities in treating vitiligo. To the best of our knowledge, no previous studies have evaluated the combination of tacrolimus 0.03% ointment and microdermabrasion as a therapeutic modality to hasten response time and improve repigmentation rate in vitiligo vulgaris. AIMS: To explore the efficacy and safety of the combination of MDA and topical tacrolimus (0.03%) as a novel therapeutic approach for stable vitiligo vulgaris. METHODS: Thirty-five patients with vitiligo were enrolled in this randomized placebo-controlled study. Three vitiligenous patches were chosen in each patient. The first lesion (A) was treated by tacrolimus 0.03% ointment, the second lesion (B) was treated by tacrolimus and microdermabrasion, and the third lesion (C) was treated by petrolatum as a placebo. Treatment course was 3 months, and follow-up was done for three extra months. Vitiligenous patches were assessed at baseline and monthly for 6 months. RESULTS: Moderate to excellent response was observed in 65.7% of lesions B, compared with 25.8% of lesions A (P = .001). Improvement in VASI score was significantly better in patients treated by the combination therapy (P = .000). Disease duration has a negative impact on therapeutic response. Patients were more satisfied with the combination treatment. CONCLUSION: Microdermabrasion combined with tacrolimus 0.03% ointment represents a new therapeutic option for the treatment of vitiligo which appears to be an easy, safe, and effective.

Depth Map for Face and Neck Deep Chemical Peel Resurfacing.

BACKGROUND: Chemical peels are applied to the face and neck to improve rhytides and the photoaged appearance of the skin. Peels can be applied to different skin depths depending on the types of chemicals, the volume of solution, and the amount of pressure or friction applied. If a peel is applied too superficially, rhytides will not be removed. If a peel is applied too deeply, scarring or hypopigmentation could occur. OBJECTIVE: To create face and neck depth maps for chemical peeling, which can guide safety when removing rhytides and improving the skin's appearance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multicenter retrospective review of records was conducted of patients who underwent phenol-croton oil peeling, from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2018. Information was collected on facial and neck cosmetic units peeled, peel formula and strength used, outcomes, and complications. RESULTS: A total of 410 patients received deep peels. Two depth maps were created that corresponded to the most common patterns of deep chemical peel applications. CONCLUSION: Different areas of the face and neck are treated with different chemical peel application depths to safely improve rhytides and appearance. Depth maps are created to balance safety and efficacy.

Therapeutic options for management of Hori's nevus: A systematic review.

Hori's nevus is a pigmentation disorder reported mainly in middle-aged Asian women. There is no systematic review addressing its pharmacotherapy. The population for our systematic review was patients with a clinical/histological diagnosis of Hori's nevus (both sex, any age group). We screened five literature databases using relevant keywords. All RCTs, observational studies and case series mentioning at least one intervention and outcome of that intervention were included. Nineteen studies were included in the final systematic review from total 680 identified nonduplicate records. Different forms of laser (alexandrite laser [QSAL and PSAL], Nd:YAG laser [QSNYL high fluence, low fluence, 532 followed by 1064 nm], Er: YAG and Nd:YAG combination, ruby laser [QSRL], CO2 laser followed by QSRL) and dermabrasion were found to be useful in treatment of Hori' nevus. Among alexandrite lasers, PSAL is more efficacious and safe than QSAL. In case of high fluence QSNYL, hyperpigmentation rate is quite high while low fluence QSNYL requires more number of treatment sessions. The combined 1064 nm + 532 nm protocol is better in terms of efficacy and safety. Er:YAG + Nd:YAG combination have similar efficacy and added advantage of synergistic action and no adverse event.

Mycobacterium abscessus infection following home dermabrasion.

With an ever-increasing prevalence of cosmetic treatments, there also have been increasing rates of skin and soft tissue infections due to cosmetic procedures and other popular procedures such as acupuncture. We report a case of a 32-year-old woman who presented with a tender lump on the face of 6 weeks' duration that developed acutely after using an at-home microdermabrasion device. She was eventually diagnosed with a skin infection due to Mycobacterium abscessus, which is part of a more specific group known as rapidly growing nontuberculous mycobacteria. Due to multidrug resistance, treatment of the solitary lesion required combination intravenous (IV) antibiotic therapy for more than 2 months. This report considers the significance of these infections within the context of cosmetic procedures that are generally considered to be minimally invasive.

Combination of Fractional Resurfacing and Dermabrasion Techniques to Improve Aesthetic Outcomes of Facial Grafts

The use of full-thickness skin grafts (FTSG) in facial reconstruction during dermatologic surgery is well-established. Surgical sites that commonly receive a skin graft include the scalp, nose and ear

Acne and Rosacea: Special Considerations in the Treatment of Patients With Latin American Ancestry

Acne is a common disease among patients with Latin American ancestry. Its presentation is very similar to that in all skin types, but nodulocystic acne is more frequent in patients with oily and darker skin than in white Caucasians. Acne sequelae in patients with Latin American ancestry and with darker skin include postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and atrophic and hypertrophic scars or keloids, with PIH being the most common complication affecting the quality of life of patients. Lately, more attention has been paid to rosacea in patients with darker skin. It has been seen that some of the patients, especially women, diagnosed with adult acne and who did not respond to treatment, were actually patients with rosacea. It is important to recognize the clinical characteristics of this disease in patients with darker skin in whom erythema and telangiectasia are difficult to observe. Here, we present the most relevant clinical characteristics of both diseases, as well as their treatment in patients with darker skin with Latin American ancestry. J Drugs Dermatol. 2019;18(3 Suppl):s124-126.