A randomized study to evaluate the efficacy and effectiveness of two sunscreen formulations on Indian skin types IV and V with pigmentation irregularities

Background: Regular exposure to ultraviolet rays is high in India, where most Indians present Fitzpatrick skin phototypes IV and V. Aims: To evaluate the efficacy and compare the effectiveness of two sunscreen products on Indian skin types IV and V with pigmentation irregularities. Methods: A randomized, uncontrolled and investigator-blinded, single-center study enrolled adult men and women (18–45 years) with Fitzpatrick skin phototypes IV (28° < individual typological angle <10°) and V (10° < individual typological angle < −30°) with pigmentary abnormalities seen on the face in adults (actinic lentigines and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation), who did not use sunscreens. Participants were randomized (1:1) to either of the two marketed sunscreen products, Product A (sun protection factor 50 PA+++) or Product B (sun protection factor 19 PA+++), applied twice daily before sun exposure for ≥2 h. Primary objectives aimed at assessing possible improvement in hyperpigmented spots and overall skin appearance after 12 weeks of use. Evaluation of skin radiance and skin color was done by means of L'Oréal color chart and colorimetric measurements (Chromameter®). Results: Among the 230 enrolled participants, 216 (93.91%) completed the study. The clinical assessment of the density of pigmented spots and skin radiance showed significant (P < 0.001) improvement in both groups during all visits. The qualitative (participant perception) and quantitative (Chromameter®) data indicated improvement in pigmentation from Week 0 to Week 12. Both products were well-tolerated. Limitations: The study was conducted over a rather short period of time (12 weeks) at a single location. Conclusions: This is the first study conducted on Indian skin phototypes IV and V under real-life conditions. It demonstrated the effect of regular sunscreen usage in the prevention of certain signs of skin photoaging such as increased pigmentation or pigmentary abnormalities, thus providing support and assistance to clinicians in suggesting the use of efficient sun-screening products to patients.

Oncocytoma of parotid gland: A rare case report.

Oncocytomas are benign salivary gland tumors composed of oncocytes, cuboidal to columnar epithelial cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm secondary to the accumulation of excessive number of mitochondria. In 1894, the German pathologist Hurthle first described these granular cells in normal canine thyroid glands, while the term "Oncocyte" was coined by Hamperl in 1931. Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) has increasingly been used as a primary screening tool for salivary gland lesions with high levels of sensitivity and specificity. However, caution should be exercised when interpreting aspirates with predominant oncocytic population. Final diagnosis is assisted by CT and/or magnetic resonance imagine (MRI) of the neck and histopathologic examination.