Photoepilation with a diode laser vs. intense pulsed light: a randomized, intrapatient left-to-right trial.

BACKGROUND: Safe and efficient options for removing unwanted hair are in great demand. Laser devices and intense pulsed light (IPL) sources are the most commonly used treatment modalities. Yet, only a few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing laser and IPL devices are available, and RCTs with long-term results are missing from the literature. OBJECTIVES: To compare the safety and long-term efficacy of diode lasers (DL) and IPL sources for axillary hair removal, we conducted an intrapatient, left-to-right, assessor-blinded and controlled trial. METHODS: IPL (Ellipse Flex PPT; Danish Dermatological Development, Hoersholm, Denmark; λem=600-950 nm) and DL (LightSheer XC system; Lumenis Inc., Santa Clara, CA, U.S.A.; λem=800 nm) treatments were evaluated in 30 study participants (skin type II-III) with unwanted axillary hair growth. Six treatments with each device were carried out at 4-week intervals. Final assessment was conducted 12 months after the last treatment by means of hair counts using close-up photographs. The primary endpoint was reduction in hair growth, analysed on an intention-to-treat and last-observation-carried-forward basis (n=30), and secondary endpoints were patient-rated efficacy, treatment-related pain, adverse effects and treatment duration. RESULTS: Both devices significantly reduced hair counts. Mean reductions from baseline (3 and 12 months after the last treatment) were 59·7% and 69·2% for DL and 42·4% and 52·7% for IPL treatment (P<0·01), respectively. DL treatment induced significantly more pain [3·7±2·1 (DL) vs. 1·6±1·4 (IPL); P<0·01; visual analogue scale] but could be conducted faster [33·1±3·8 s (DL) vs. 40·1±5·0 s (IPL); P<0·01]. No severe side-effects were observed for either therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Both DL and IPL treatments are highly effective, long lasting and safe. DL was found to be more effective than IPL treatment. DL treatment was more painful but less time-consuming than IPL therapy.

Indocyanine green-augmented diode laser therapy vs. long-pulsed Nd:YAG (1064 nm) laser treatment of telangiectatic leg veins: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Telangiectatic leg veins (TLV) represent a common cosmetic problem. Near infrared lasers have been widely used in treatment because of their deeper penetration into the dermis, but with varying degrees of success, particularly because of different vessel diameters. Indocyanine green (ICG)-augmented diode laser treatment (ICG+DL) may present an alternative treatment option. OBJECTIVES: This trial evaluates the efficacy of ICG+DL in the treatment of TLV and compares the safety and efficacy of therapy with the standard treatment, the long-pulsed neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) laser. METHODS: In a prospective randomized controlled clinical trial, 29 study participants with TLV were treated with a Nd:YAG laser (λem = 1064 nm, 160-240 J cm(-2) , 65-ms pulse duration, 5-mm spot size) and ICG+DL (λem = 810 nm, 60-110 J cm(-2) , 48-87-ms pulse duration, 6-mm spot size; total ICG dose 4 mg kg(-1) ) in a side-by-side comparison in one single treatment setting that included histological examination in four participants. Two blinded investigators and the participants assessed clearance rate, cosmetic appearance and adverse events up to 3 months after treatment. RESULTS: According to both the investigators' and participants' assessment, clearance rates were significantly better after ICG+DL therapy than after Nd:YAG laser treatment (P < 0·05). On a 10-point scale indicating pain during treatment, participants rated ICG+DL therapy to be more painful (6·1 ± 2·0) than Nd:YAG laser (5·4 ± 2·0). CONCLUSIONS: ICG+DL therapy represents a new and promising treatment modality for TLV, with high clearance rates and a very good cosmetic outcome after one single treatment session.

Indocyanine green-augmented diode laser treatment of port-wine stains: clinical and histological evidence for a new treatment option from a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Complete clearance of port-wine stains (PWS) is difficult to achieve, mainly because of the resistance of small blood vessels to laser irradiation. Indocyanine green (ICG)-augmented diode laser treatment (ICG+DL) may overcome this problem. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the feasibility of ICG+DL therapy of PWS and to compare the safety and efficacy of ICG+DL with the standard treatment, flashlamp-pumped pulsed dye laser (FPDL). METHODS: In a prospective randomized controlled clinical study, 31 patients with PWS were treated with FPDL (λ(em)=585 nm, 6 J cm(-2) , 0.45 ms pulse duration) and ICG+DL (λ(em)=810 nm, 20-50 J cm(-2) , 10-25 ms pulse duration, ICG-concentration: 2 mg kg(-1) body weight) in a split-face modus in one single treatment setting that included histological examination (haematoxylin and eosin, CD34). Two blinded investigators and the patients assessed clearance rate, cosmetic appearance and side-effects up to 3 months after treatment. RESULTS: ICG+DL therapy induced photocoagulation of medium and large blood vessels (>20 µm diameter) but not of small blood vessels. According to the investigators' assessment, clearance rates and cosmetic appearance were better after ICG+DL therapy than after FPDL treatment (P=0.114, P=0.291, respectively), although not up to a statistically significant level, whereas patients considered these parameters superior (P=0.003, P=0.006, respectively). On a 10-point scale indicating pain during treatment, patients rated ICG+DL to be more painful (5.81 ± 2.12) than FPDL treatment (1.61 ± 1.84). CONCLUSION: ICG+DL represents a new and promising treatment modality for PWS, but laser parameters and ICG concentration need to be further optimized.

Clinical, histopathological and immunohistochemical assessment of human skin field cancerization before and after photodynamic therapy.

BACKGROUND: The field cancerization concept in photodamaged patients suggests that the entire sun-exposed surface of the skin has an increased risk for the development of (pre)-malignant lesions, mainly epithelial tumours. Topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a noninvasive therapeutic method for multiple actinic keratosis (AK) with excellent outcome. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical, histological and immunohistochemical changes in human skin with field cancerization after multiple sessions of PDT with methyl-aminolaevulinate (MAL). METHODS: Twenty-six patients with photodamaged skin and multiple AK on the face received three consecutive sessions of MAL-PDT with red light (37 J cm(-2)), 1 month apart. Biopsies before and 3 months after the last treatment session were taken from normal-appearing skin on the field-cancerized area. Immunohistochemical stainings were performed for TP-53, procollagen-I, metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and tenascin-C (Tn-C). RESULTS: All 26 patients completed the study. The global score for photodamage improved considerably in all patients (P < 0·001). The AK clearance rate was 89·5% at the end of the study. Two treatment sessions were as effective as three MAL-PDT sessions. A significant decrease in atypia grade and extent of keratinocyte atypia was observed histologically (P < 0·001). Also, a significant increase in collagen deposition (P = 0·001) and improvement of solar elastosis (P = 0·002) were noticed after PDT. However, immunohistochemistry showed only a trend for decreased TP-53 expression (not significant), increased procollagen-I and MMP-1 expressions (not significant) and an increased expression of Tn-C (P = 0·024). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical and histological improvement in field cancerization after multiple sessions of MAL-PDT is proven. The decrease in severity and extent of keratinocyte atypia associated with a decreased expression of TP-53 suggest a reduced carcinogenic potential of the sun-damaged area. The significant increase of new collagen deposition and the reduction of solar elastosis explain the clinical improvement of photodamaged skin.

Off-label use of fumarate therapy for granulomatous and inflammatory skin diseases other than psoriasis vulgaris: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Fumarates are approved for the systemic treatment of moderate and severe psoriasis vulgaris in Germany. However, a number of studies and case reports indicate their efficacy in the treatment of further inflammatory skin disorders or granulomatous skin diseases. OBJECTIVES: To examine the efficacy and safety of fumarates for the treatment of granulomatous and inflammatory skin diseases other than psoriasis vulgaris. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The therapeutic efficacy and side-effects of fumarate therapy were analysed retrospectively in patients with granuloma annulare (GA, n = 4), cutaneous sarcoidosis (SA, n = 1), lichen planus (LP, n = 3), pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP, n = 1) or chronic discoid lupus erythematosus (CDLE, n = 1). RESULTS: Six patients (GA: 3/4; LP: 2/3; PRP: 1/1) showed complete clearance and two patients (GA: 1/3; SA: 1/1) had a partial response, and the CDLE patient showed stable disease under a combination therapy with hydroxychloroquine. Side-effects associated with fumarate therapy were seen in seven of ten patients and resolved spontaneously upon dose reduction or discontinuation of the therapy. CONCLUSION: According to this data, fumarates may represent a new approach in the treatment of granulomatous and inflammatory skin diseases other than psoriasis vulgaris. For the first time, the successful treatment of LP and CDLE with fumarates is reported. Side-effects are not limiting in most cases, but can hamper a dose escalation.

Cytokines, chemokines and growth factors in wound healing.

In wound healing, a variety of mediators have been identified throughout the years. The mediators discussed here comprise growth factors, cytokines and chemokines. These mediators act via multiple (specific) receptors to facilitate wound closure. As research in the last years has led to many new findings, there is a need to give an overview on what is known, and on what might possibly play a role as a molecular target for future wound therapy. This review aims to keep the reader up to date with selected important and novel findings regarding growth factors, cytokines and chemokines in wound healing.

Skin signs in diabetes mellitus.

Diabetes mellitus is the most common endocrine disorder with continuously increasing prevalence. Blood vessels, nerves, eyes, kidneys and skin are affected, which causes both an enormous financial burden and a reduced quality of life of the affected patients. Long-standing diabetes may impair skin homeostasis resulting in skin manifestations in at least one third of all diabetics. The skin involvement may be the first presenting sign of diabetes, thus the respective skin signs should lead to diabetes focused diagnostic. Besides, the skin signs may be considered as a marker for the course of the disease or for the success of therapeutic interventions.

The impact of 10% α-hydroxy acid emulsion on skin pH.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The effects of a 10% α-hydroxy acid (AHA) oil/water (O/W) emulsion on the pH of human skin surface (pH(ss)) and stratum corneum (SC; pH(sc)) were evaluated in vivo. METHODS: The AHA O/W emulsion was applied to an area on the volar forearm of male volunteers (n = 12), and then wiped off after 10 min. Prior to application and over the following 3 h, the pH(ss) was measured. We used glass electrode measurements and time domain dual lifetime referencing (tdDLR) with luminescent sensor foils. In another experiment (n = 5), the impact of the AHA O/W emulsion on the pH(sc) gradient was measured by tape stripping of the SC of the volar forearm after application of the AHA O/W emulsion. RESULTS: Compared with pH(ss) values prior to treatment [5.2 ± 1.7 (tdDLR) or 4.8 ± 0.5 (electrode)], the pH(ss) was significantly reduced 10 min after application [4.0 ± 0.3 (tdDLR) or 4.1 ± 0.1 (electrode)] and the pH(ss) remained significantly reduced over the measurement period of 3 h [after 3 h: 4.4 ± 0.2 (tdDLR) or 4.5 ± 0.3 (electrode)]. The AHA O/W emulsion significantly reduced the pH(sc) even down to deep layers of the SC. CONCLUSION: After a 10-min application time, the 10% AHA O/W emulsion reduces the pH(ss) (for at least 3 h) and pH(sc) in deep layers of the SC.

[New developments in laser therapy]. / Neue Entwicklungen in der Lasertherapie.

Based on the theory of stimulated emission of radiation that was proposed by Albert Einstein in 1916, the first lasers were developed in the 1960s. The first clinical use of laser technology in a German university took place in 1978 in the Department of Dermatology of the Ludwig-Maximilian-University in Munich under the guidance of the former director, Prof. Dr. med. Dr. h.c. mult. Otto Braun-Falco. In the following years, laser technology developed rapidly. Today laser technology is a widely used interdisciplinary therapeutic procedure that has deep clinical and scientific roots in dermatology. There are many conditions in both classic and aesthetic dermatology that are routinely - and sometimes exclusively - treated with lasers. Here we review recent developments in laser medicine. There seems to be a trend to combination procedures. To enhance efficacy, different laser systems are together or lasers are combined with specific topical medications.

[Cutaneous amyloidosis]. / Kutane Amyloidosen.

Amyloids are common protein aggregates in nature. Some amyloids fulfill important biological tasks while others are known to cause diseases. Despite the fact that the ultrastructure of amyloid is highly conserved, the mechanism of amyloidogenesis remains a challenging research topic. In humans, amyloidoses may develop in the skin or lead to skin signs due to secondary cutaneous involvement. An accurate diagnostic procedure is crucial for planning the therapy of this heterogeneous group of diseases. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to give an overview on the different kinds of amyloidoses as well as on diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Furthermore, the discrimination between functional and disease-causing amyloid is briefly presented.

Oxygen in acute and chronic wound healing.

Oxygen is a prerequisite for successful wound healing due to the increased demand for reparative processes such as cell proliferation, bacterial defence, angiogenesis and collagen synthesis. Even though the role of oxygen in wound healing is not yet completely understood, many experimental and clinical observations have shown wound healing to be impaired under hypoxia. This article provides an overview on the role of oxygen in wound healing and chronic wound pathogenesis, a brief insight into systemic and topical oxygen treatment, and a discussion of the role of wound tissue oximetry. Thus, the aim is to improve the understanding of the role of oxygen in wound healing and to advance our management of wound patients.

The impact of the pH value on skin integrity and cutaneous wound healing.

The process of cutaneous wound healing comprises three overlapping major phases: inflammation, proliferation and tissue remodelling. However, while mechanisms are studied scientifically on the cellular and subcellular level, there is still a lack of knowledge concerning basic clinical parameters like wound pH or pO2. It could be proven that wound healing is affected by wound pH changes as they can lead to an inhibition of endogenous and therapeutically applied enzymes. Besides, the conformational structure of proteins and their functionality in wound healing is altered. Furthermore, the likelihood of bacterial colonization, which is a common problem in chronic wound pathogenesis, is affected by wound pH alterations. However, wound pH is rarely taken into account in current wound therapy strategies. A routinely performed monitoring of the wound pH and a subsequently adapted wound therapy would most possibly improve chronic wound therapy.

[Cutaneous wound healing. Therapeutic interventions]. / Wundheilung. Therapeutische Interventionen.

In modern medicine chronic wounds are an interdisciplinary major therapeutic and financial issue. Essential for therapy is both the causal treatment of the underlying disease and the symptomatic treatment depending on the phase of wound healing. The physiological process of cutaneous wound healing is divided into three overlapping phases: inflammation, proliferation and tissue remodelling. The choice of a suitable therapy depends on the extent of the wound, the localization, exudation and bacterial infestation. In recent years a number of novel findings were made about this complex biological process and the insights gained have resulted in new therapeutic concepts. In the following article we give an overview about possible therapeutic options and present the various modern wound dressings.

[Incoherent light in dermatology]. / Inkohärentes Licht in der Dermatologie.

In the everyday practice of dermatology, we encounter light in many ways. The biological and physical interactions between light and skin make light a potent diagnostic and therapeutic tool when well directed. This contribution intends to illuminate the possible uses of light-emitting diodes and high-energy flashlamps in dermatology. Both sources of light have only recently been employed in dermatology and in addition to broadband ultraviolet (UV) light sources, high-pressure gas discharge lamps, and halogen lamps enrich the armamentarium of incoherent light sources.

The use of photodynamic therapy in dermatology.

In dermatology, topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a well established treatment modality which has mainly shown to be effective for dermato-oncologic conditions like actinic keratosis, Bowen's disease, in-situ squamous cell carcinoma and superficial basal cell carcinoma. However, a therapeutical benefit of PDT is also evident for inflammatory dermatoses like localized scleroderma, acne vulgaris and granuloma annulare as well as for aesthetic indications like photo aged skin or sebaceous gland hyperplasia. Recent work has been focused on the development and evaluation of topical photosensitizers like the hem precursor 5-aminolevulinic acid or its methyl ester inducing photosensitizing porphyrins. These drugs do not induce strong generalized cutaneous photosensitization like the systemically applied porphyrins or their derivatives. For dermatological purposes incoherent lamps or LED arrays can be used for light activation. Depending on the applied light dose and the concentration of the photosensitizer either cytotoxic effects resulting in tumor destruction or immunomodulatory effects improving the inflammatory conditions occur. Treating superficial oncologic lesions (tumor thickness < 2-3 mm) cure rates achieved by PDT are equal to the cure rates of the respective standard therapeutic procedure. The benefits of PDT are the low level of invasiveness and the excellent cosmetic results after treatment.

Effects of maleimide-polyethylene glycol-modified human hemoglobin (MP4) on tissue necrosis in SKH1-hr hairless mice.

OBJECTIVE: Tissue hypoxia after blood loss, replantation and flap reperfusion remains a challenging task in surgery. Normovolemic hemodilution improves hemorheologic properties without increasing oxygen carrying capacity. Red blood cell transfusion is the current standard of treatment with its attendant risks. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of the chemically modified hemoglobin, MP4, to reduce skin flap necrosis and its effect on selected blood markers and kidneys. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tissue ischemia was induced in the ear of hairless mice (n=26). Hemodilution was performed by replacing one third of blood volume with the similar amount of MP4, dextran, or blood. The extent of non-perfused tissue was assessed by intravital fluorescent microscopy. RESULTS: Of all groups, MP4 showed the smallest area of no perfusion (in percentage of the ear +/- SEM: 16.3% +/- 2.4), the control group the largest (22.4% +/- 3.5). Leukocytes showed a significant increase in the MP4 and dextran group (from 8.7 to 13.6 respectively 15.4*109/l). On histology no changes of the kidneys could be observed. CONCLUSION: MP4 causes an increase of leukocytes, improves the oxygen supply of the tissue and shows no evidence of renal impairment.

[Hereditary and non-hereditary cutaneous amyloidoses]. / Hereditäre und nichthereditäre kutane Amyloidosen.

Amyloid and amyloidosis describes a heterogeneous group of diseases which are characterized by the pathological extracellular deposition of autologous proteins. Basically, amyloidoses can be divided into systemic or organ-limited (e.g. cutaneous) forms and can be acquired or hereditary in nature. The subclassification discriminates between primary amyloidosis (in the absence of an obvious predisposing disease) and secondary amyloidosis (if caused by a certain underlying disease). The subclassification of amyloidoses is based on the main protein constituent and therefore on the chemical composition of the amyloid fibrils. However, the exact etiopathogenesis of amyloid formation remains unclear. In addition to the clinical presentation, histology, electron microscopy and biochemical-immunological differentiation are also decisive for a proper diagnosis. In cutaneous amyloidosis the deposition of amyloid either occurs along reticulin fibers and the basal membrane (perireticulary amyloidoses) or along collagen fibers (pericollagenous amyloidosis). The purpose of this article is to provide an up-to-date overview on the different kinds of cutaneous amyloidoses.

Transcutaneous pO2 measurement during tourniquet-induced venous occlusion using dynamic phosphorescence imaging.

A sufficient oxygen supply in skin grafts requires a functioning microcirculation. Venous occlusion impairs the microcirculation and is therefore a major threat of healing. Luminescence life time imaging (LLI) enables the non-invasive and two-dimensional assessment of the transcutaneous oxygen partial pressure (p(tc)O2). In the current trial this new device was applied for monitoring of venous congestion. A tourniquet on the upper arm was inflated up to 40-50 mmHg and released after 10 min in eight healthy volunteers. The p(tc)O2 was measured at the lower arm every minute prior to, during and up to 10 min after cuff occlusion (40 degrees C applied skin temperature) using LLI of platinum(II)-octaethyl-porphyrin immobilized in a polystyrene matrix. For validation the polarographic Clark electrode technique was applied in close proximity and measurement was performed simultaneously. p(tc)O2 measurements prior to (Clark: 50.68+/-5.69 mmHg vs. LLI: 50.89+/-4.96 mmHg) and at the end of the venous congestion (Clark: 16.41+/-4.54 mmHg vs. LLI: 23.82+/-3.23 mmHg) did not differ significantly using the Clark electrode vs. LLI. At the initial congestion respectively reperfusion phase the Clark electrode measured faster decreases respectively increase of p(tc)O2 due to oxygen consumption of this method. This experimental trial demonstrates the applicability of LLI to quantify the p(tc)O2 under changing venous blood flow. The use of planar transparent sensors allows the non-invasive generation of two-dimensional maps of surface pO2 what makes this method particular suitable for monitoring of skin grafts.