Medium-long-term efficacy of trabeculectomy in the treatment of pigmentary glaucoma / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To observe the medium-long-term efficacy of trabeculectomy in the treatment of pigmentary glaucoma(PG).METHODS: The clinical data of 38 patients(51 eyes)who were diagnosed with PG and received trabeculectomy at the Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University from January 2010 to September 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The postoperative follow-up ranged from 3 to 144mo. The intraocular pressure(IOP), visual acuity and refractive status were analyzed, complications were recorded and surgical efficacy was evaluated.RESULTS: The average preoperative use of IOP lowering drugs was 2.90±0.12, with a mean IOP of 18.89±7.40mmHg. The IOP at 3d, 1, 3, 6mo, 1a after surgery and the last follow-up visit were 14.68±5.08, 13.99±2.95, 14.25±2.50, 14.36±2.83, 14.33±2.66, 14.94±1.95mmHg, respectively, and postoperative IOP was significantly lower at all time points than that before surgery(P<0.05), while there was no significant difference at all time points after surgery(P>0.05). During the follow-up period, the visual acuity of all patients was stable, and no endophthalmitis or malignant glaucoma occurred. At the last follow-up, the complete success rate was 90%, the qualified success was 8%, and the failure rate was 2%.CONCLUSION: Trabeculectomy is a safe and effective treatment method for PG, which can effectively control the IOP, and stabilize the visual acuity and relieve the reverse pupil block.

Potpourri of retinopathies in rare eye disease – A case series

This case series describes the ocular and retinal manifestations of rare eye diseases in systemic syndromes. This observational case series consists of five patients with varied ophthalmic manifestations and documentation of imaging in rare pediatric and adult retinopathies. Two patients had Kearns Sayre syndrome (KSS) based on the classical triad of external ophthalmoplegia, pigmentary retinopathy, and onset before 20 years of age. In one patient of KSS, the mitochondrial retinopathy was seen in an asymmetric pattern, and the second patient presented with KSS after being mis-diagnosed as myasthenia gravis elsewhere. A case of Senior Loken syndrome in pediatric age is described in this series with varied ophthalmic manifestations ranging from retinitis pigmentosa to orbital abscess. This series also enlightens features of Hallervorden Spatz syndrome presenting with bull’s eye maculopathy and a case of spino-cerebellar ataxia type 7 presenting with pigmentary retinopathy.

Comparison of anterior chamber angle parameters and iris structure of juvenile open-angle glaucoma and pigmentary glaucoma

Purpose: To compare the quantitative measurements of the anterior chamber angle (ACA) and iris parameters in patients with juvenile open?angle glaucoma (JOAG), pigmentary glaucoma (PG), and healthy controls using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS?OCT). Methods: This was a retrospective, cross?sectional study of 25 eyes with JOAG, 25 eyes with PG, and 25 control eyes. Anterior chamber depth, angle?opening distance 500 and 750, trabecular–iris space 500 and 750, scleral spur angle, iris thickness (IT, measured at the thickest part), and iris bowing were obtained using AS?OCT (Visante” OCT 3.0 Model 1000, Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc). Results: The quantitative ACA parameters were found to be significantly higher in JOAG and PG patients compared to healthy controls (P < 0.001); there was no significant difference between the eyes with JOAG and PG (P > 0.05). In eyes with JOAG and PG, there was significantly backward bowing of the iris in temporal and nasal angles compared to control subjects (P < 0.001). Median iris bowing was not significantly different between the patients with JOAG and PG (P > 0.05). The temporal and nasal angle iris thickness were significantly thinner in eyes with JOAG than the eyes with PG (P < 0.001) and age?matched control subjects (P < 0.001). The median IT did not differ between the patients with PG and control subjects (P > 0.05). In patients with JOAG, the intraocular pressure (IOP) was inversely correlated with IT (r = ?0.43, P < 0.05). Conclusion: AS?OCT provided quantitative data on the ACA and iris parameters in JOAG and PG. The evaluation of the ACA and iris structures using AS?OCT revealed higher ACA measurements and posterior bowing of the iris in patients with JOAG and PG. Furthermore, the patients with JOAG were found to have thinner IT than the ones with PG and healthy controls

Incontinencia pigmentaria. Presentación de un caso / Incontinentia pigmenti. A case report

RESUMEN La incontinencia pigmentaria, también conocida como síndrome de Bloch-Sulzberger, es una rara genodermatosis ligada al cromosoma X, localizado en el Xq28. Afecta al sexo femenino y tiene diferentes expresiones clínicas en una misma familia. Es una enfermedad multisistémica, caracterizada por afectar de forma variable a los tejidos derivados del neuroectodermo, la piel, ojos, dientes y el sistema nervioso central. Las lesiones cutáneas son las más significativas desde el nacimiento, y la biopsia confirma el diagnóstico. Debido a la rareza de esta entidad, se presentó el caso de una lactante de un mes, con antecedente familiar de incontinencia pigmentaria, quien exhibía lesiones típicas en la piel desde la primera semana de vida, en diferentes fases, que siguen las líneas de Blaschko. Se constataron manifestaciones oculares y eosinofilia (AU).

ABSTRACT Pigmentary incontinence, also known as Bloch-Sulzberger syndrome, is a rare X chromosome-linked genodermatosis, located in Xq28. It affects the female sex and has different clinical manifestations in the same family. Ii is a multi-systemic disease characterized by affecting, in a variable way, the tissues derived from the neuroectoderm, the skin, the eyes, the teeth and the central nervous system. Skin lesions are the most significant ones since birth time, and skin biopsy confirms the diagnosis. Due to the rareness of this entity, we presented the case of a nursing female infant aged one month, with a family history of pigmentary incontinence, who presented typical lesions in the skin, since his first week of life, in different phases, following the lines of Blaschko. Ocular manifestations and eosinophilia were confirmed (AU).

Incontinentia pigmenti: genodermatosis multisistémica / Incontinentia pigmenti: multisistemic genodermatosis

Resumen La incontinentia pigmenti es una genodermatosis ligada al cromosoma X, generalmente letal en los hombres. Está causada por una mutación con pérdida de función en el gen IKBKG (inhibitor of kappa polypeptide gene enhancer in B cells kinase gamma), que impide que la proteína NFкβ (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) migre al núcleo y comience la transcripción de factores que amplifican la respuesta inmunitaria y previenen la apoptosis. Por tanto, las células mutantes se vuelven vulnerables a la apoptosis cuando son expuestas a citocinas y provocan vaso-oclusión e isquemia de tejidos como la piel, el sistema nervioso central y la retina. Las lesiones dermatológicas son características; se distribuyen a lo largo de las líneas de Blaschko, las cuales siguen el patrón de migración de las células de la piel en la embriogénesis, y ocurren en el 100% de los pacientes. Las manifestaciones cutáneas aparecen en una secuencia de cuatro fases que inicia desde el nacimiento: vesicular, verrucosa, hiperpigmentada e hipopigmentada. Estas lesiones son relevantes, puesto que orientan al clínico hacia el diagnóstico. Además, se acompañan de anomalías neurológicas, como crisis convulsivas, y múltiples manifestaciones oftalmológicas, como el desprendimiento de la retina. Los pacientes con incontinentia pigmenti, pero sin compromiso oftalmológico o neurológico clínicamente significativo, tienen un pronóstico bueno y una esperanza de vida normal. Las anomalías que se presentan son permanentes, lo que puede generar preocupación en los pacientes.

Abstract Incontinentia pigmenti is an X-linked genodermatosis generally lethal in males; thus, it presents almost exclusively in females. It is caused by a loss-of-function mutation in the IKBKG (inhibitor of kappa polypeptide gene enhancer in B cells, kinase gamma) gene that prevents the NFкβ (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) protein from migrating to the nucleus to begin the transcription of factors that amplify the immune response and prevent apoptosis. Consequently, mutant cells become vulnerable to apoptosis when exposed to cytokines and, in turn, lead to vaso-occlusion and ischemia of tissues, such as the skin, the central nervous system and the retina. Dermatological lesions are characteristic and occur in 100% of patients; they are distributed along Blaschko lines, which follow the pattern of migration of skin cells in embryogenesis. The cutaneous manifestations follow a sequence of four phases since birth: vesicular, verrucous, hyperpigmented and hypopigmented. These lesions are relevant for the disease because they guide the clinician towards the diagnosis. Additionally, they are accompanied by neurological abnormalities, such as seizures, and multiple ophthalmological manifestations, such as retinal detachment. Incontinentia pigmenti patients with no clinically significant ophthalmic or neurological compromise have a good prognosis and a normal life expectancy. The abnormalities present are permanent, which can be a cause of concern for the patients.

Newborn transient patterned hyperpigmentation and anophthalmia / Patrón de hiperpigmentación transitoria del recién nacido y anoftalmia

Abstract Background: Transient pigmentary lines of the newborn are uncommon cutaneous lesions of unknown etiology. To date, only a few cases have been described. Case report: A patient with a combination of transient pigmentary lines and ocular malformation is described. Molecular analysis of the SRY-box 2 (SOX2) and MIFT genes was conducted to rule out any monogenetic etiology. Conclusions: Worldwide, this is the eighth case of transient pigmentary lines of the newborn reported, and the first associated with anophthalmia. No mutations in the analyzed genes (SOX2 and MIFT) were identified. Therefore, somatic mutations could be responsible for this anomaly.

Resumen Introducción: Las líneas transitorias pigmentarias del recién nacido son lesiones cutáneas poco comunes. A la fecha, pocos casos se han descrito. Caso clínico: Paciente neonato con la combinación de líneas transitorias hiperpigmentadas y una malformación ocular. Se realizó secuenciación molecular de los genes SOX2 y MIFT para descartar una etiología monogénica. Conclusiones: En todo el mundo, este es el octavo caso reportado de líneas transitorias hiperpigmentadas del recién nacido, y el primero asociado con anoftalmia. No se identificaron mutaciones en los genes estudiados (SOX2 y MIFT). Por lo tanto, las mutaciones somáticas pueden ser la causa de la afección.

Tratamiento de Nevus de Ota con Láser Q-Switched Alexandrita de 755 nm / Treatment Of Nevus De Ota With 755 Nm Alexandrite Q-Switched Laser

Introducción: El nevus de Ota es un hamartoma melanocítico dérmico benigno de aspecto macular, mal delimitado y en parche de color negrogrisáceo que generalmente afecta unilateralmente la primera y segunda rama del trigémino. Objetivo: Evaluar la eficacia, seguridad y los eventos adversos ocasionados por la aplicación de láser Alexandrita de 755 nm para el tratamiento del nevus de Ota. Métodos: Serie de casos de 10 pacientes de fototipo IV con Nevus de Ota unilateral atendidos entre enero 2017 y diciembre 2018, los cuales fueron tratados con esta energía lumínica y con parámetros definidos. Resultados: La media de edad fue de 29 años., Los pacientes que completaron el tratamiento no presentaron repigmentación en la lesión tratada y el índice de satisfacción fue aceptable. Se observó que el promedio de sesiones para obtener resultados favorables varió entre 8 y 10 aplicaciones. Dentro de los efectos adversos más importantes resalta la hiperpigmentación postinflamatoria y la eliminación del estrato superficial de la piel post láser. Todos fueron controlados sin dejar lesiones residuales permanentes. Conclusión: El láser Q-switched Alexandrita de 755 nm es una tecnología efectiva para lograr un alto grado de despigmentación en el tratamiento del nevus de Ota y puede ser considerado como un tratamiento de primera línea para el manejo de esta patología.

Introduction: Ota nevus is a benign dermal melanocytic hamartoma with a macular appearance, poorly defined and in a gray-black patch that generally affects the first and second branches of the trigeminal unilaterally. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy, safety and adverse events caused by the application of 755 nm Alexandrite laser for the treatment of Ota nevus. Methods: Case series of 10 phototype IV patients with unilateral Ota Nevus treated between January 2017 and December 2018, which were treated with this light energy and with defined parameters. Results: The mean age was 29 years. The patients who completed the treatment did not show repigmentation in the treated lesion and the satisfaction index was acceptable. It was observed that the average of sessions to obtain favorable results varied between 8 and 10 applications. Among the most important adverse effects, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and the removal of the superficial layer of the post laser skin stand out. All were controlled without leaving permanent residual lesions. Conclusion: The 755 nm Alexandrite Q-switched laser is an effective technology to achieve a high degree of depigmentation in the treatment of Ota nevus and can be considered as a first-line treatment for the management of this pathology.

Widespread lichen planus pigmentosus in a 32-year-old Filipino male treated with low dose isotretinoin and topical tacrolimus

@#INTRODUCTION: Lichen Planus Pigmentosus (LPP) is a pigmentary disorder of unknown etiology, presenting with CASE REPORT: We report a case of a 32-year-old healthy male with widespread lichen planus pigmentosus, treated with clobetasol dipropionate 0.05% ointment, tacrolimus 0.1% ointment, and lowdose isotretinoin (0.1 to 0.2 mkd) showing a decrease in the progression and hyperpigmentation of patches and plaques after six months. CONCLUSION: Based on our case and recent studies, low-dose oral isotretinoin, in combination with topical tacrolimus and topical corticosteroids, may show promising outcomes in treating cases of widespread lichen planus pigmentosus.

Efficacy of Oral Tranexamic Acid Over Melasma

Background: Now a day’s melasma is a common pigmentarysyndrome among Asians and treatment is challenging. Oraltranexamic acid (TA) has materialized as a potential treatmentfor refractory melasma.Objective: In this study our main objective is to evaluateefficacy of oral tranexamic acid over melasma.Method: This opened clinical trial study was carried out atTertiary medical hospital Dhaka from June 2016 to July 2018where informed consent was sought from the total 120 patientsto take part in the study. At the baseline visit, history ofmelasma regarding length of time present, relationship topregnancy, oral contraceptive, drug history were noted.Result: During the experiment, maximum patients belong to21-25 years age group and percentage of female were 82%higher than male. Also, after 6 months follow up of 250mgdose of tranexamic acid (TA) treatment result, where patientsrating for excellent, good, fair, and poor outcome accounted21% patients, 66%, 13%, and 11 % patient, respectively.Conclusion: From our result and analysis we can say that,oral TA can be a very much effective treatment for refractorymelasma. Careful screening for personal and familial riskfactors for thromboembolism should be done beforeintroduction.

A report of a case of pediatric X-linked reticulate pigmentary disorder complicated with nystagmus / 中国中西医结合急救杂志

X-linked reticulate pigmentary disorder is an clinically rare hereditary pigmentary abnormal disease with unknown etiology. This paper reports the diagnosis and treatment of a case of X-linked reticular pigmentosis complicated with nystagmus. The main symptoms and signs were nystagmus, most of the skin of body with dark color, and pigmentation spots on the face, arms, chest, back, etc. Pathological results showed hyperkeratosis of the epidermis, hypertrophy of the acanthosis, normal number of melanocytes in the basal layer, and increased number of melanin particles in some areas. A small number of lymphocytes were infiltrated around the superficial vascular layer, and fungal spores were occasionally seen in the horn layer by periodic acid Schiff (PAS) staining, which was consistent with the characteristics of X-linked reticular pigment abnormalities complicated with nystagmus.

Prevalence, epidemiology, and clinical characteristics of Melasma in Philippine dermatology patients: A multicenter, cross sectional study

Background@#Melasma is an acquired hyperpigmentary disorder occurring on sun-exposed areas of the face and neck. There is little information on its prevalence, epidemiology and clinical characteristics in the Philippines.@*Objective@#To determine the prevalence, epidemiology and clinical characteristics of melasma in Philippine dermatology patients.@*Methods@#This was a multicenter, cross-sectional study conducted from July to December 2013. The investigators determined the prevalence of melasma in 12,068 dermatology patients from six government hospitals and private clinics in Metro Manila, Philippines. The melasma patients, aged 18 years and above, were given self-administered questionnaires with topics related to demographic information and medical history. They were also examined by the investigators (dermatologists) to determine the clinical profile of their melasma.@*Results@#Of the 12,068 dermatology patients who were seen at the selected hospitals and private clinics, 153 (1.26%) were clinically diagnosed with melasma. A majority of the melasma patients were Filipinos (73.20%), aged 41-50 years old (37.91%), with an average age of 42.40 + 9.68 years, and Fitzpatrick skin types III and IV (29.41% and 57.52%, respectively). Melasma was more prevalent in females (81.70%), most of whom had prior history of pregnancy (76.8%). Oral contraceptive use was also reported in 37.6% of the female patients from which 63.83% have used it for only 1 year or less. A majority had no coexisting thyroid disease (75.16%) and daily sun exposure was limited to 1 hour or less for most patients (43.14%). Their melasma was mostly malar in distribution (60.13%), epidermal (61.44%), and mild (51.63%) to moderate (27.45%) in severity. The average mMASI score was 4.63 + 3.32.@*Conclusion@#The prevalence of melasma was low among Philippine dermatology patients sampled. A majority of the melasma patients were Filipinos, aged 41-50 years old, with Fitzpatrick skin type IV, limited sun exposure, and no coexisting thyroid disease. They were mostly females with a prior history of pregnancy. Their melasma was mostly malar in location, epiderma type, and mild in severity. These descriptive data can serve as baseline information for further studies on melasma in the Philippines.

A Case of Dowling-degos Disease Affecting the Vulva / 대한피부과학회지

No abstract available.

Clinical effects of Er:YAG fractional laser for facial rejuvenation / 局解手术学杂志

Objective To evaluate the clinical effects and safety of Er:YAG fractional laser for facial rejuvenation.Methods Altogether 559 patients aged from 32 to 58 years old with obvious pigmentary lesions and wrinkles in the face were given 2 courses of restoration treatment with the Pixel Er:YAG fractional laser.The patients paid a return visit a month later after the last treatment.With the results of clinical observation and photograph-based comparison,the therapeutic effects were graded by disappearance of pigmentary lesions and elimination of facial wrinkles.Complications such as hyperpigmentation,depigmentation and hyperplastic scar were observed.Results Among the 559 patients, there were 103 cases (18.4%) of slight effect, 378 cases (67.6%) of moderate effect, and 78 cases (14%) of excellent effect,with the total effective rate of 100% and a satisfactory rate of 81.6%.The was no complication such as hyperpigmentation,depigmentation and hyperplastic scar occurred.Effective maintaining rate within 6 months was 67%.Conclusion Er:YAG fractional laser is safe and effective for facial rejuvenation and worthy of promotion.

Síndrome de Laugier-Hunziker / Laugier-Hunziker syndrome

El síndrome de Laugier-Hunziker es un trastorno pigmentario adquirido poco frecuente, caracterizado por presentar lesiones hiperpigmentadas cutaneomucosas idiopáticas que pueden asociarse a melanoniquia longitudinal. A pesar de ser considerado una enfermedad benigna sin manifestaciones sistémicas ni potencial maligno, es clave realizar el diagnóstico diferencial con otros trastornos pigmentarios, en especial con el síndrome de Peutz-Jeghers. Se presenta aquí el caso de un paciente con este síndrome poco frecuente. (AU)

Laugier-Hunziker syndrome is a rare acquired pigmentary disorder that is characterized by idiopathic mucocutaneous pigmentation that may be associated with longitudinal melanonychia. Although this syndrome is considered a benign disease with no systemic manifestations or malignant potential, it is important to rule out other mucocutaneous pigmentary disorders, especially Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. We report the case of a patient with this unusual syndrome. (AU)

A Case of Pigmentary Glaucoma Due to Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis Treatment

PURPOSE: To report a case of secondary pigmentary glaucoma due to clofazimine treatment for extensive drug-resistant tuberculosis. CASE SUMMARY: A 23-year-old man presented with blurred vision in both eyes. The patient started to take clofazimine for extensive drug-resistant tuberculosis six months prior, after which his facial skin color changed to a dark-brown. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was 50 mm Hg in the right eye and 48 mm Hg in the left eye. Slit lamp examination revealed corneal edema, opacity, and flare in the anterior chamber in both eyes. A color vision test revealed a mild color defect in both eyes. Visual field (VF) test revealed superior temporal VF loss in the left eye. Gonioscopy revealed open angles with high pigmentation in the trabecular meshwork in both eyes. The patient was diagnosed with pigmentary glaucoma, and maximum tolerated medical therapy was performed. However, the IOP was uncontrolled. Trabeculectomy was performed in both eyes. Postoperative IOP was measured to be 12 mm Hg in both eyes without medication, and visual acuity measured 20/22 in the right eye and 20/17 in the left eye. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this report is the first case of clofazimine being a possible cause of pigmentary glaucoma in a patient with extensive drug-resistant tuberculosis.

Epitelio pigmentario retiniano posterior a la aplicación del tratamiento cubano para la retinosis pigmentaria / Retinal pigmentary epitheliun observed after application of the Cuban treatment for retinitis pigmentosa

Objetivo: describir los posibles efectos sobre el epitelio pigmentario retiniano generados por la primera aplicación del tratamiento multiterapéutico cubano en pacientes con retinosis pigmentaria. Métodos: se realizó una investigación descriptiva longitudinal prospectiva, donde se seleccionaron 32 pacientes con retinosis pigmentaria, a quienes se les aplicó el tratamiento multiterapéutico cubano para esta enfermedad. Se utilizó un video angiógrafo de Heidelberg tipo 2 para realizar oftalmoscopia confocal por barrido láser infrarrojo, para adquirir y procesar imágenes de la capa media de vasos coroideos, antes del tratamiento, 15 días y un año después de realizar este. El análisis de los resultados se realizó mediante Statistica 6.0 y SPSS 15.0 sobre Windows. Resultados: un año después del tratamiento se observó que 6 ojos derechos y 5 ojos izquierdos mostraron diferencias no significativas con aumento de una milimicra al comparar los resultados en los tres momentos del estudio. Al mismo tiempo 4 ojos derechos y 4 izquierdos mostraron disminución no significativas de una milimicra. El resto de los 45 ojos estudiados no modificaron los resultados durante la investigación. Conclusión: la aplicación del tratamiento multiterapéutico cubano para tratar pacientes con retinosis pigmentaria es una alternativa que conserva el epitelio pigmentario retiniano(AU)

Objective: to describe the possible effects on the retinal pigmentary epithelium after the first application of the Cuban multitherapeutic treatment for patients with retinitis pigmentosa. Methods: a prospective, longitudinal and descriptive study of 32 patients with retinitis pigmentosa, who had received the Cuban multi-therapeutic treatment for this disease. There was used Heidelberg Retinal Angiograph- 2 to perform infrared laser scanning confocal ophthalmoscopy in order to take and process images from the medial layer of the choroidal vessels before, 15 days, and one year after treatment. The results were analyzed with Statistica 6.0 and SPSS 15.0 on Windows. Results: one year after the treatment, 6 right eyes and 5 left eyes showed insignificant differences with increase of one milimicra when making a comparison of the results of the three testing moments of the study. At the same time, 4 right eyes and 4 left eyes showed insignificant decrease of one milimicra. The rest of the 45 studied eyes did not change the results of the research study. Conclusion: the Cuban multitherapeutic treatment for retinitis pigmentosa is an alternative that preserves the retinal pigmentary epithelium(AU)

Pigmentary Changes Following Photodynamic Therapy with 5-aminolevulinic Acid or Methyl Aminolevulinate Cream / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Several side effects such as pain, erythema, and hyperpigmentation have been reported following photodynamic therapy (PDT). OBJECTIVE: We sought to compare the pigmentary changes induced by PDT with 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and those induced by PDT with methyl aminolevulinate (MAL) in people with skin phototypes III-IV over a 6 month period. METHODS: In ten healthy volunteers, six skin areas on the upper arm of each subject were treated with (A) ALA 20% in base cream without irradiation, (A1) MAL 16.8% without irradiation, (B), (B1) control vehicles, (C) ALA 20% in base cream, and (C1) MAL 16.8%. Areas (B), (B1), (C), and (C1) were irradiated at four hours after photosensitizer or vehicle application. Irradiation was administered twice with a 1 week interval. The effects on the skin were assessed by visual and colorimetric evaluations. RESULTS: On (C) and (C1) areas, erythema and pigmentation were most pronounced at 30 minutes after the second irradiation. Erythema rapidly diminished but pigmentation persisted throughout the study. Erythema and pigmentation on (C)-treated areas were more prominent and prolonged than those on (C1)-treated areas. CONCLUSION: In subjects with skin phototypes III-IV, pigmentation tends to last for more than 6 months after PDT. The ALA-treated skin areas developed more severe and prolonged erythema and pigmentation than the MAL-treated skin areas.

Skin complexion and pigmentary disorders in facial skin of 1204 women in 4 Indian cities.

Background: The color of Indian skin shows great diversity and pigmentary disorders are a major concern of Indian women. Despite great variations in climate, diet, and social parameters within India, studies of the range of skin types have been rather scarce. Aims: This study was aimed at characterizing the color of Indian skin in various geographical locations, its characteristics in terms of overall skin complexion and pigmentary disorders, and the impact of age on these features. Methods: An extensive descriptive study, including skin color parameters (objective measurements and evaluations by dermatologists, clinically or from photographs) was carried out involving 1,204 female volunteers of different ages living in four different Indian cities. Results: Important differences in skin complexion according to the geographical location were observed. Age seemed to have little impact on complexion. Hyperpigmented spots were frequent and were noted at early stages and many lentigines were found. Melasma affected about 30% of middle-aged women, but many other ill defined, pigmented macules were also observed. Additionally, we found pigmented lip corners associated with marionette lines, and linear nasal pigmentation. Conclusions: Indian skin color is diverse and pigmentary disorders are common. Skin complexion is not greatly affected by age. Some hyperpigmented disorders occur at early stages and increase with age, contributing to overall unevenness of facial color.