Photodynamic therapy using chlorophyll-a in the treatment of acne vulgaris: a randomized, single-blind, split-face study.

BACKGROUND: Chlorophyll-a is a novel photosensitizer recently tested for the treatment of acne vulgaris. OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of chlorophyll-a photodynamic therapy used for acne treatment. METHODS: Subjects with acne on both sides of the face were included. Eight treatment sessions were performed over a 4-week duration. Half of the face was irradiated using a blue and red light-emitting diode after topical application of chlorophyll-lipoid complex. The other half underwent only light-emitting diode phototherapy. The lesion counts and acne severity were assessed by a blinded examiner. Sebum secretion, safety, and histologic changes were also evaluated. RESULTS: In total, 24 subjects completed the study. Facial acne improved on both treated sides. On the chlorophyll-a photodynamic therapy-treated side, there were significant reductions in acne lesion counts, acne severity grades, and sebum levels compared with the side treated with light-emitting diode phototherapy alone. The side effects were tolerable in all the cases. LIMITATIONS: All the subjects were of Asian descent with darker skin types, which may limit the generalizability of the study. A chlorophyll-a arm alone is absent, as is a no-treatment arm. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that chlorophyll-a photodynamic therapy for the treatment of acne vulgaris can be effective and safe with minimal side effects.

A Split-face Study on Rejuvenation Efficacy According to Monopolar Radiofrequency Tip Size.

Monopolar radiofrequency (RF) non-invasively tightens and rejuvenates the skin by stimulating collagen fiber production. Since the introduction of the monopolar RF device in the early 2000's, RF devices have advanced and they can rejuvenate of periorbital and forehead wrinkles, as well as skin laxity of the lower face and neck. We compared the differences in the treatment effects based on the tip size. This randomized split-face study comprised 31 participants aged 29 to 75 years old (three males and 28 females) who underwent one session of monopolar RF; one side of the face was treated with a 3cm2 tip and the other with a 4cm2 tip. Facial wrinkle scores were measured on the upper face and the lower face before and after treatment for up to three months. Significant improvement was observed in the periorbital area (p<0.001), forehead (p=0.72), and glabellar (p=0.63) treated with a smaller tip. However, nasolabial folds (p=0.8) and marionette lines (p=0.13) showed better improvement when treated with a larger tip.

Mucinous nevus with fat: an unusual case report and literature review.

Mucinous nevus is a rare entity classified as either cutaneous mucinosis or connective tissue nevi. Clinically, multiple papules or plaques develop at birth or in early adulthood and grow to form verrucous or nevoid feature with a unilateral or often zosteriform distribution on the trunk. Histopathologically, it is characterized by mucin deposits localized in the papillary dermis, clearly distinguishing this entity from other types of cutaneous mucinosis. A 18-year-old male presented with multiple, skin-colored, pinhead to pea-sized, grouped, flat tapped, soft papules on the back. This skin lesion was found accidentally 3 years ago with no symptom. Histologic findings revealed an acanthotic epidermis with thin elongated rete ridges and orthohyperkeratosis. In papillary dermis, fine collagen fibers were interspersed in an abundant ground substance that stained positively with Alcian blue at pH2.5. Herein the authors describe an unusual case of mucinous nevus and review the relevant literature.

A Case of Becker's Nevus with Osteoma Cutis.

Becker's nevus is a relatively common acquired focal epidermal melanotic hypermelanosis usually found in the region of the shoulder girdle of young men. Various skeletal malformations and cutaneous dermatoses have been reported in Becker's nevus. Osteoma cutis is a rare disorder characterized by compact bone formation in the dermis or subcutaneous tissue. Secondary ossification on nevi has been reported, but not with Becker's nevus. Herein, we report a case of Becker's nevus with accompanying osteoma cutis in an 18-year-old female.

A case of sinusoidal hemangioma with lipoma.

Sinusoidal hemangioma is a distinctive subset of a group of lesions known collectively as cavernous hemangiomas. Clinically, it develops in adults, predominantly females, and presents as a solitary, painless, bluish, deep dermal or subcutaneous nodule. Lipoma is the most common benign soft tissue tumor. Lipoma is distinguished from sinusoidal hemangioma on both clinical and histological grounds. Several studies have suggested that adipocytes originate from perivascular cells during adipogenesis. Angiogenic cytokines released by adipocytes play a role in the vasoproliferative response. The rearrangement or loss of chromosome 13 can also be associated with hemangioma. However, no previous cases of sinusoidal hemangioma have been associated with benign tumors like lipoma. Here, we describe an unusual case of sinusoidal hemangioma that occurred together with a lipoma on the right upper arm of a 43-year-old male.