Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) consideration by dermatologists during the COVID19 pandemic.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been an important therapy in the treatment of a large number of cutaneous pathologies for more than three decades. Concerns have been raised that NSAIDs may be associated with an increased risk of adverse effects when used in patients with acute viral respiratory infections. Given the current SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic, the availability of reliable information for clinicians and patients is of extreme importance Although accumulating evidence support the existence of a harmful effect of NSAIDs in some infectious settings, no clinical studies demonstrating that such risk applies in case of COVID-19. Pending further research, a pragmatic and cautionary approach would be to avoid regular NSAID use or as first line option in suspicion of COVID19 symptoms.

Our experience in the treatment of hemangioma with intense pulsed light laser: A 10 year study in Albania.

Laser treatment brought an innovation in the treatment of hemangiomas and vascular anomalies. The range of superficial vascular lesions that can be treated with laser continues to expand. In our country laser device date relatively late, since then these technologies have facilitated the treatment of many skin condition. The goal of laser therapy is to maximize vascular destruction while minimizing injury to surrounding healthy epidermis and dermal tissues. We present our experience with IPL as a first line therapy in the treatment of superficial hemangiomas. After institutional review, board approval we analyzed the medical records of 202 patients diagnosed with hemangioma and treated with the IPL laser during January 2009 to January 2019. The performed procedure consists of using impulses of light with wave length that varies from 590 to 595 nm, duration 1.5 ms, and fluency by 11 to 12 J/cm2 . For each patient, four PDL sessions have been performed. We aim to evidence the efficacy and the good safety profile of (IPL) laser but with small adverse events that this treatment represent. The importance of proper patient selection, use of appropriate equipment settings, skin cooling mechanisms, and other safety measures minimize the occurrence of adverse events due to IPL treatment.

Treatment of vascular soft tissue malformations: A retrospective study of 90 patients from Albania.

Vascular malformations (Vascular Malformation) of soft tissue are a consequence of abnormal development of vascular elements during embryogenesis. They are named after the vessel responsible. Their presence at birth raises the hypothesis of an intrauterine etiology of Vascular Malformation, but the influence of other factors may play an important role in their appearance, localization, and size. The literature suggests that treatment of Vascular Malformation is rarely surgical. Surgery is applied in cases of voluminous malformations and in cases of possible hemorrhagic complications. Meanwhile, patient outcomes have improved with new discoveries in laser technology for the treatment of Vascular Malformation, especially those of capillaries and the results are, in most of the cases, quite satisfactory and without significant complications. After institutional review board approval, we collected and analyzed the medical records of 90 patients diagnosed with Vascular Malformation, between January 2015 and December 2019 at the service of Burns and Plastic Surgery, "Mother Teresa" University Hospital Center of Tirana, Albania and from another private clinic in Tirana. Data were collected from the medical records on patient's charts. The aim of this study is to analyze different treatment modalities and the outcomes achieved for each group.

Treatment of skin picking disorder: Interdisciplinary role of dermatologist and psychiatrist.

Skin picking disorder (excoriation disorder) is a common psychodermatological disorder characterized by irresistible urges to pick skin on dominant hand accessible parts of the body. There is no specific recommended treatment available. Various pharmacological agents particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and glutamatergic agents have been tried with variable success. Habit reversal therapy has been commonly employed in the treatment and has some evidence-based success. This review focuses on the interdisciplinary team approach consisting of a liaison with psychiatry, in the management of this disorder. The specific roles of dermatologist and psychiatrist are discussed in detail.

Psychological aspects of aesthetic and cosmetic surgery: Clinical and therapeutic implications.

Recently there is a surge in cosmetic and aesthetic surgery procedures. Several patient seeking various cosmetics procedures present to aesthetic surgery clinics and demanding procedures which are out of proportion. Several of these patients have under-recognized or untreated psychiatric disorders. Proper screening and evaluation of these patients could save money and resources. This brief review focuses on current trends, clinical and psychological assessment and expectations on the part of patients and recommendations regarding management of these patients.

Efficacy of acne vulgaris treatment protocols according to its clinical forms.

To compare results of different treatment regimens based on stratification of acne to prescribe the right treatment protocol according to clinical form and grade of acne. A transversal, cohort study conducted in 230 patients with acne vulgaris. Patients were divided into three groups according to acne severity and the results of each protocol determined in 0, 4, 6, 8, 12, 18 and 24 weeks. Statistical analysis was conducted using Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests 230 patients (99 females and 131 males) took part in the study. In first grade acne (70 patients), the most effective drug for papulo-pustular lesions was azelaic acid, where the average value of the reduction was 1.03% per week. For comedone reduction, the most effective drug resulted retinol with 17.7% mean reduction per week. In second grade acne (66 patients), the most effective scheme was: doxycycline + topical retinoid + benzoyl peroxide. In the third grade (92 patients), the most effective drug was oral isotretinoin. Accurate stratification, based on clinical characteristics is required for better outcome. Treatment success is related to the respective individually tailored treatment schemes in patients with acne.