Neutrophilic Fixed Drug Eruption.

Fixed drug eruption (FDE) is a cutaneous reaction to a medication that recurs in the same fairly localized site with each exposure to the offending drug. The classical histopathologic findings in FDE consist of an interface dermatitis with predominantly lymphocytic inflammatory cell infiltrate. An unusual case of FDE in a 27-year-old pregnant woman who presented with widespread lesions and a predominantly neutrophilic infiltrate on histopathologic examination is reported.

Assessment of the safety and efficacy of a bipolar multi-frequency radiofrequency device in the treatment of skin laxity.

This study assessed the safety and efficacy of a bipolar, multi-frequency, vacuum-assisted radiofrequency device in the temporary improvement of thigh skin laxity. A secondary outcome measure included the determination of patient tolerability. Fourteen female study subjects between the ages of 30 and 61 years with Fitzpatrick skin types I-V completed the study. Each subject underwent a single, bipolar, multi-frequency, vacuum-assisted radiofrequency treatment with frequencies ranging between 0.80 and 2.45 MHZ. Suction was applied adjustable up to 500 mbars and skin temperatures were maintained between 39 and 42o C. Eight out of the fourteen (57.14%) study subjects noted an improvement in the appearance of their skin from baseline compared to their three-month follow-up while the independent, blinded investigator noted an improvement in eleven out of the fourteen (78%) subjects. All treatments were well tolerated and side effects were minimal, consisting of mild intra-operative discomfort, transient erythema and slight post-procedure edema noted in a minority of study subjects.This study demonstrated that a single treatment with a novel, bipolar, multi-frequency radiofrequency device applied to thigh skin resulted in a positive clinical improvement in 78% of investigator-assessed subjects. Furthermore, this study proved that the treatment is tolerable and safe for all skin types.

Open-label evaluation of the skin-brightening efficacy of a skin-brightening system using decapeptide-12.

This prospective study evaluated the safety and efficacy of decapeptide-12 in conjunction with an antioxidant cleanser, glycolic-acid containing facial moisturizer and broad-spectrum sunscreen in the treatment of facial hyperpigmentation associated with chronic photodamage. Fifteen female subjects with Fitzpatrick skin types I through IV and documented photodamage were entered into the study, of whom 13 completed the study. Results were obtained at weeks 4, 8, 12, 18 and 24 and were assessed by both volunteers and investigators based on standardised digital photography using the Global Assessment of Photodamage Severity Scale. At the conclusion of the study at 24 weeks, 38.5% of the volunteers achieved complete clearance from a moderate (grade 3) degree of photodamage at baseline to completely cleared (grade 1). Another 30.7% improved from a moderate (grade 3) degree of photodamage at baseline to a mild (grade 2) degree of photodamage. An additional 15.4% improved from a severe (grade 4) degree of photodamage at baseline to a moderate (grade 3) degree of photodamage while an equal 15.4% improved from a severe (grade 4) degree of photodamage at baseline to a designation of mild (grade 2) at 24 weeks. All study-related treatments were well tolerated. The mechanism of action of decapeptide-12 includes inhibition of melanin synthesis via inhibition of the tyrosinase enzyme. Advantages of decapeptide-12 over other skin-brightening agents include its low incidence of side effects, lack of cytotoxicity and safe use in ethnic skin as well as in patients who have failed other treatment regimens.