safety and efficacy of the 1540nm non-ablative fractional XD probe of star lux 500 device in the treatment of Striae alba: before-after study

Striae distensae [SD] are a frequent skin condition for which treatment remains a challenge. The 1540-nm non-ablative fractional laser [Star Lux 500] has been shown to improve atrophic scars by increasing the amount of dermal collagen. To assess the safety and efficacy of the Star Lux 500 laser in the treatment of mature hypopigmented striae in Persian people [Striae Alba]. Ten women aged 26-50 years with SD and Fitzpatrick skin types III-V were enrolled in the study. The exclusion criteria were a history of keloids, photosensitivity and collagen, elastin disorders as well as history of other striae treatment within one year. The lesions were treated with non-ablative fractional laser 1540nm, and a total of four treatments were given at 4-week intervals. Clinical standard photographs were taken before each treatment. Also, patients were followed up at 3 months after the last treatment. Clinical improvement was assessed by comparing baseline and post-treatment photographs by two independent blinded physicians using grading scale. Treatment efficacy analysis was performed via the comparison between the images taken before and after each treatment session. There was a clinically appreciable improvement in striae ranging from 1 to 24%. A significant improvement in striae between the 16-week treatment and the 4-week treatment was identified [P<0.0001]. Three months after the final treatment, patients showed noticeable improvement in the striae, compared with baseline [P<0.048]. Mild post inflammatory hyperpigmentation was observed in one patient after the 8-week treatment and mild to moderate acne occurred in another patient after 4 weeks of treatment. Therapy with Star lux 500 laser had clinically and statistically striae improvement with no adverse events. This may be a safe and an effective treatment modality for Striae Alba lesions

Does short-term low-dose methotrexate treatment affect homocysteine blood level in patients with psoriasis?

An elevated homocysteine level is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disorders. Psoriatic patients have an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases; In addition, hyperhomocysteinemia is a complication of methotrexate treatment. We undertook a study to evaluate the plasma levels of homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folate in patients with psoriasis before and after short-term low-dose methotrexate treatment. Twenty six patients with psoriasis were recruited. The plasma levels of homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folate were evaluated before and 8 weeks after methotrexate therapy [in the peak of methotrexate effect]. No significant difference was found between the plasma profile of homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folate before and after methotrexate treatment. In the short-term treatment of psoriasis, methotrexate does not increase homocysteine level

Interplay among antioxidants and oxidants in psoriasis

The etiology of psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease, has not been elucidated. However, Oxidant / antioxidant imbalance is suspected. The aim of this study was to evaluate oxidant / antioxidant status in psoriatic patients. Forty two psoriatic patients and 42 age and sex matched controls were recruited for this study. Serum total antioxidant capacity [TAC], oxidized light density lipoprotein [Ox-LDL] and malondialdehyde [MDA] levels were determined. A statistically significant increase in the serum level of MDA was found between patients and controls. No significant difference was found in the serum levels of other parameters in the two groups. Our results supported the hypothesis of an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants in psoriasis and pointed to the probability of an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases in psoriatic patients

Elastosis perforans serpiginosa: a case report

We report a 61-yearold man with multiple colored skin papules with central crusts in an archiform and linear pattern on his forehead as well as verrucus and hyperkeratotic plaques with central perforation on hands. Histologic examination of the lesions demonstrated a narrow channel of epidermal perforation containing notrophils, basophilic debris and elastic fibers with eosinophilic degeneration compatible with the diagnosis of elastosis perforans serpiginosa

Prevalence of scabies and pediculosis in Ghezel Hesar prison

Pediculosis and scabies are infectious diseases that can spread easily in overcrowded places, like prisons. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of these diseases in Ghezel Hesar prison [a male prison]. For this descriptive study, 1404 prisoners in Ghezel Hesar prison were included. The prisoners were evaluated clinically by two experienced dermatologists for scabies and pediculosis. Of 1404 prisoners, 31 [2.2%] were infested with Sarcoptes scabiei and 12 [0.9%] with body louse. There were no cases of head or crab lice. All of the subjects with scabies and 83% of Pediculosis corporis infestation had intense pruritus. There was a significant reverse association between the duration of imprisonment and these diseases. Pediculosis and scabies were more common among new prisoners [p<0.001]. Scabies was more common in overcrowded cells. In Pediculosis group there were more opium addicted individuals [p<0.01]. We recommend examining the newly admitted prisoners for scabies and pediculosis by a dermatologist or a trained doctor in order to reduce the spread of these diseases