Dermoscopic Nevus Patterns Associated with Melanoma Patients.

BACKGROUND: The quantitative and qualitative presence of melanocytic nevi is considered a significant risk factor for melanoma. Little is known whether patients showing any of the recognized global dermoscopic nevus patterns might also be considered at increased risk for the disease. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the frequency of global dermoscopic patterns of common nevi among melanoma patients and compare them to controls, as well as the dermoscopic patterns of atypical nevi between the groups. METHODS: We included consecutive melanoma patients and age- and sex-matched controls who presented to our Department with at least 10 melanocytic nevi. Total body examination was performed, and all nevi had their dermoscopic pattern described. Global dermoscopic patterns of nevi were compared between groups, as well as atypical nevus patterns. Finally, nevus patterns were stratified by their location and also compared between groups. RESULTS: We included 120 melanoma patients and 120 controls. Melanoma patients presented a larger number of common (p = 0.002) and atypical melanocytic nevi (p < 0.001) and more variability of dermoscopic nevus patterns (p < 0.001). No difference in the global dermatoscopic pattern of common nevi was observed between groups. The complex pattern of atypical nevi was associated with melanoma (OR = 2.87). Melanoma patients also showed more common nevi with a reticular pattern on the back (p = 0.014) and lower limbs (p = 0.041) as well as atypical nevi on the back with reticular pattern (p = 0.01), with reticular-homogeneous pattern (p = 0.001), and with reticular-globular pattern (p = 0.048) than controls. Nevi with multifocal pigmentation were also more frequent among melanoma patients (OR = 2.61). CONCLUSION: Melanoma patients tend to present a higher number of common reticular nevi on the back and lower limbs, as well as atypical nevi with a complex pattern, especially reticular, reticular-homogeneous, and reticular-globular on the back.

Evaluation of cutaneous rejuvenation associated with the use of ortho-silicic acid stabilized by hydrolyzed marine collagen.

BACKGROUND: Organic silicon plays an important role in dermal structure by promoting neocollagenesis. Thus, the supplementation of silicon in a highly bioavailable form can be used for skin rejuvenation. AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate skin changes associated with the use of ortho-silicic acid stabilized by hydrolyzed collagen. PATIENTS/METHODS: Patients were randomized to receive 600 mg of ortho-silicic acid stabilized by hydrolyzed collagen (group 1, n = 11) or placebo (group 2, n = 11) to be taken 15 minutes before breakfast for 90 days. Clinical, photographical, and patients' subjective evaluations were conducted. RESULTS: A total of 22 patients were included. Clinical evaluations demonstrated changes in skin texture, firmness, and hydration statistically superior in group 1. Brightness, firmness, and overall appearance showed trends for a difference favoring group 1 according to patients' subjective evaluations. Objective images showed no statistical differences. No side effects, hypersensitivity, or systemic symptoms were observed in group 1. Treatment satisfaction in group 1 reached 80%. CONCLUSIONS: Ortho-silicic acid stabilized by hydrolyzed collagen in a daily dose of 600 mg showed positive results in skin rejuvenation according to clinical evaluation in firmness, hydration, and skin texture. Further studies with larger and representative samples should be conducted to confirm our results.