Short-Term Follow-Up of a Randomized Controlled Trial of 0.5% and 5% 5-Fluorouracil After Microneedling for Treatment of Facial Actinic Keratoses.

INTRODUCTION: Topical 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is used to treat actinic keratosis, although side effects limit treatment. Microneedling might be a tool for reducing treatment duration. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate microneedling to promote 5-FU delivery at different concentrations (0.5% and 5%) for actinic keratoses (AKs) treatment. METHODS: Forty-four patients with facial AKs subjected to 1.0 mm microneedling on 1 side of the face were randomized into 5% 5-FU or 0.5% 5-FU groups. Evaluations of efficacy and safety were conducted on days 21 and 111. RESULTS: Forty-four patients aged 47 to 85 years were enrolled. Complete clearance of AKs was similar within groups for the side of the face treated with microneedling and 5-FU and the side treated with 5-FU alone in both the 5% and 0.5% 5-FU groups. Microneedling and 5% 5-FU was superior to microneedling and 0.5% 5-FU to reduce AKs (p = .025). Microneedling and 5% 5-FU resulted in fewer adverse effects than 5% 5-FU alone (p = .011). CONCLUSION: Topical 5% and 0.5% 5-FU delivery for 3 days after microneedling was effective for treating facial AKs and equivalent to 5% and 0.5% 5-FU alone for 15 days after 3 months of follow-up. Microneedling may potentiate 5-FU treatment, reducing treatment time without losing efficacy.

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.

Dermoscopy of skin infestations and infections (entomodermoscopy) - Part II: viral, fungal and other infections,

Abstract In addition to the infestations and bacterial infections reported in part I, the study of entomodermoscopy also involves descriptions of dermoscopic findings of a growing number of viral and fungal infections, among others. In this article, the main clinical situations in viral infections where dermoscopy can be useful will be described, that is in the evaluation of viral warts, molluscum contagiosum, and even in recent scenarios such as the COVID-19 pandemic. As for fungal infections, dermoscopy is particularly important, not only in the evaluation of the skin surface, but also of skin annexes, such as hairs and nails. The differential diagnosis with skin tumors, especially melanomas, can be facilitated by dermoscopy, especially in the evaluation of cases of verruca plantaris, onychomycosis and tinea nigra.

Dermoscopy of skin infestations and infections (entomodermoscopy) - Part I: dermatozoonoses and bacterial infections

Abstract Dermoscopy is an essential in vivo diagnostic technique in the clinical evaluation of skin tumors. Currently, the same can also be said about its implications when approaching different clinical situations in Dermatology. A growing number of reports on dermatological scenarios and diseases have been published, in which dermoscopy has been of great diagnostic help. The term ‟entomodermoscopy" was coined to describe dermoscopic findings in skin infestations and also in dermatoses of infectious etiology. In part I of this article, the main dermoscopic descriptions of zoodermatoses and bacterial infections will be addressed. In many of them, such as scabies, pediculosis, myiasis, and tungiasis, it is possible to identify the pathogen and, consequently, attain the diagnosis more quickly and use the technique to follow-up therapeutic effectiveness. In other situations that will be described, dermoscopy can allow the observation of clinical findings with greater detail, rule out differential diagnoses, and increase the level of confidence in a clinical suspicion.

Dermoscopy of skin infestations and infections (entomodermoscopy) - Part I: dermatozoonoses and bacterial infections.

Dermoscopy is an essential in vivo diagnostic technique in the clinical evaluation of skin tumors. Currently, the same can also be said about its implications when approaching different clinical situations in Dermatology. A growing number of reports on dermatological scenarios and diseases have been published, in which dermoscopy has been of great diagnostic help. The term "entomodermoscopy" was coined to describe dermoscopic findings in skin infestations and also in dermatoses of infectious etiology. In part I of this article, the main dermoscopic descriptions of zoodermatoses and bacterial infections will be addressed. In many of them, such as scabies, pediculosis, myiasis, and tungiasis, it is possible to identify the pathogen and, consequently, attain the diagnosis more quickly and use the technique to follow-up therapeutic effectiveness. In other situations that will be described, dermoscopy can allow the observation of clinical findings with greater detail, rule out differential diagnoses, and increase the level of confidence in a clinical suspicion.

Dermoscopy of skin infestations and infections (entomodermoscopy) - Part II: viral, fungal and other infections.

In addition to the infestations and bacterial infections reported in part I, the study of entomodermoscopy also involves descriptions of dermoscopic findings of a growing number of viral and fungal infections, among others. In this article, the main clinical situations in viral infections where dermoscopy can be useful will be described, that is in the evaluation of viral warts, molluscum contagiosum, and even in recent scenarios such as the COVID-19 pandemic. As for fungal infections, dermoscopy is particularly important, not only in the evaluation of the skin surface, but also of skin annexes, such as hairs and nails. The differential diagnosis with skin tumors, especially melanomas, can be facilitated by dermoscopy, especially in the evaluation of cases of verruca plantaris, onychomycosis and tinea nigra.

Associação entre o uso de laser de CO2 fracionado ablativo e laser Q-switched Nd: YAG 1064nm para remoção de tatuagem / Association of fractional CO2 laser and Q-switched Nd: YAG 1064 nm laser for tattoo removal

Lasers Q-switched são os mais utilizados para remoção de tatuagens. Paciente feminina, de 48 anos, passou por consulta para remoção de tatuagem preta na coxa esquerda. Foram realizadas dez sessões de laser Q-switched Nd:YAG 1064nm associado ao laser de CO2 fracionado com intervalos de 60 dias entre elas. Seis meses após a última sessão, houve remoção praticamente completa do pigmento, além de melhora da textura da pele. Lasers Q-switched removem tatuagens por meio do fenômeno fotoacústico. A associação com lasers fracionados ablativos é opção para tratamento de tatuagens com grande quantidade de pigmento ou em tatuagens com muitas cores, de difícil remoção.

Q-switched lasers are widely used for tattoo removal. A 48-year-old-woman with a black tattoo on the left thigh was submitted to ten sessions of Q-switched Nd:YAG 1064nm laser associated with fractional CO2 laser, performed every two months. Six months after treatment end, we observed almost complete tattoo removal, besides improvement in skin texture. Q-switched lasers promote tattoo removal by a photoacoustic phenomenon. The association with fractional ablative lasers is an option for intensely pigmented tattoos or for tattoos with several colors, which are hard to remove.

Angioqueratoma de Fordyce tratado com laser Nd: YAG 1064nm pulso longo / Angiokeratoma of Fordyce treated with long pulsed Nd: YAG 1064 nm laser

Introdução: angioqueratomas de Fordyce são pequenas pápulas violáceas, assintomáticas, localizadas no escroto, corpo do pênis ou nos grandes lábios. Vários métodos estão entre as opções terapêuticas, incluindo lasers. Relato do caso: homem, com múltiplas pápulas violáceas na bolsa escrotal, compatíveis com angioqueratomas de Fordyce. Foi realizado tratamento com uma única sessão de laser Nd:YAG de pulso longo. Discussão: o benefício do tratamento de angioqueratomas com lasers é permitir a coagulação dos vasos sem sangramento. Conclusão: embora sejam lesões vasculares benignas, angioqueratomas podem gerar preocupação estética. Dermatologistas devem estar cientes das opções de tratamento disponíveis

Introduction: Angiokeratoma of Fordyce are benign vascular lesions that present as small, asymptomatic, purple papule on the scrotum, shaft of the penis, or labia majora. Therapeutic options comprise several methods, including lasers. Case report: Men presented with multiple violaceous papules on the scrotum, compatible with angiokeratoma of Fordyce. The patient was treated with a single session of long pulsed Nd:YAG 1064 nm laser. Discussion: Treating angiokeratomas with lasers has the benefit of allowing vessel coagulation without bleeding. Conclusion: Even though these are benign lesions, patients seek treatment because of cosmetic concerns. Dermatologists should be aware of treatment options available.

Actinic keratoses: review of clinical, dermoscopic, and therapeutic aspects.

Actinic keratoses are dysplastic proliferations of keratinocytes with potential for malignant transformation. Clinically, actinic keratoses present as macules, papules, or hyperkeratotic plaques with an erythematous background that occur on photoexposed areas. At initial stages, they may be better identified by palpation rather than by visual inspection. They may also be pigmented and show variable degrees of infiltration; when multiple they then constitute the so-called field cancerization. Their prevalence ranges from 11% to 60% in Caucasian individuals above 40 years. Ultraviolet radiation is the main factor involved in pathogenesis, but individual factors also play a role in the predisposing to lesions appearance. Diagnosis of lesions is based on clinical and dermoscopic examination, but in some situations histopathological analysis may be necessary. The risk of transformation into squamous cell carcinoma is the major concern regarding actinic keratoses. Therapeutic modalities for actinic keratoses include topical medications, and ablative and surgical methods; the best treatment option should always be individualized according to the patient.

Actinic keratoses: review of clinical, dermoscopic, and therapeutic aspects

Abstract Actinic keratoses are dysplastic proliferations of keratinocytes with potential for malignant transformation. Clinically, actinic keratoses present as macules, papules, or hyperkeratotic plaques with an erythematous background that occur on photoexposed areas. At initial stages, they may be better identified by palpation rather than by visual inspection. They may also be pigmented and show variable degrees of infiltration; when multiple they then constitute the so-called field cancerization. Their prevalence ranges from 11% to 60% in Caucasian individuals above 40 years. Ultraviolet radiation is the main factor involved in pathogenesis, but individual factors also play a role in the predisposing to lesions appearance. Diagnosis of lesions is based on clinical and dermoscopic examination, but in some situations histopathological analysis may be necessary. The risk of transformation into squamous cell carcinoma is the major concern regarding actinic keratoses. Therapeutic modalities for actinic keratoses include topical medications, and ablative and surgical methods; the best treatment option should always be individualized according to the patient.

Tratamento da hipomelanose gutata idiopática com laser Er:YAG 2940nm isolado ou combinado ao drug delivery de piperina: um estudo-piloto comparativo / Treatment of idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis with Er:YAG 2940nm laser alone or combined to piperine drug delivery: a pilot and comparative study

Introdução: Introdução: A hipomelanose gutata idiopática constitui uma leucodermia adquirida, cujas opções terapêuticas disponíveis apresentam resultados inconsistentes. Objetivos: Avaliar o efeito do laser fracionado ablativo isolado ou combinado ao drug delivery de piperina para tratamento de hipomelanose gutata idiopática. Materiais e métodos: Em um estudo prospectivo e comparativo, sete pacientes apresentando HGI nas pernas foram selecionadas, sendo escolhidas cinco lesões em cada perna de cada uma. Ambas as pernas de cada paciente foram submetidas a duas sessões de laser Er:- YAG 2940nm, seguido de drug delivery de piperina 20% somente na perna direita. A avaliação foi feita por avaliadores cegos por meio de fotografias e medidas comparativas das lesões. Resultados: O tamanho das lesões variou de 0,2cm a 1,5cm. Ambos os tratamentos reduziram significativamente o tamanho das lesões (p<0,00008 perna direita e p<0,002 perna esquerda). O método de equações de estimativas generalizadas demonstrou que não houve diferença estatística entre os grupos em relação à redução do tamanho das lesões. A avaliação atingiu melhores escores para a perna direita (laser + piperina) (p=0,126). Conclusão: Embora diferenças estatisticamente significativas não tenham sido encontradas entre o lado tratado com laser e drug delivery versus o lado tratado somente com laser, acreditamos que a técnica possa representar uma opção no arsenal terapêutico.

Introduction: Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis is an acquired leukoderma, whose available therapeutic options have inconsistent results. Objectives: To evaluate the effect of isolated or combined ablative fractionated laser to drug delivery of piperine for treatment of idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis. Materials and methods: In a prospective and comparative study, seven patients with idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis in the legs were elected, and five lesions were selected on each leg of each. Both legs of each patient were submitted to two Er:YAG 2940nm laser sessions, followed by drug delivery of piperine 20% only in the right leg. Blind evaluators conducted the assessment through photographs and comparative measurements of the lesions. Results: The lesion size ranged from 0.2cm to 1.5 cm. Both treatments significantly reduced lesion size (p< 0.00008, right leg; p< 0.002, left leg). The generalized estimating equation method showed that there was no statistical difference between the groups regarding the reduction of lesion size. The evaluation achieved better scores for the right leg (laser + piperine) (p=0.126). Conclusion: Although statistically significant differences were not found between the side treated with laser and drug delivery versus the side treated only with laser, we believe that the technique may represent an option in the therapeutic arsenal.

Sérum anidro fluido como veículo para formulações de drug delivery: resultados do teste de esterilidade para crescimento bacteriano e fúngico / Anhydrous fluid serum as vehicle for drug delivery formulations: sterility test results for bacterial and fungal growth

Introdução: A entrega tópica de medicamentos é essencial na Dermatologia. Devido à dificuldade de permeação do estrato córneo, as técnicas de drug delivery vêm recebendo destaque. O uso de formulações não específicas para este fim nos faz atentar para possíveis efeitos adversos e para a segurança microbiológica destas formulações. Objetivo: Avaliar crescimento bacteriano e fúngico no sérum anidro fluido por meio do teste de esterilidade simples. Materiais e métodos: O teste de esterilidade simples foi realizado em um sérum anidro contendo ativos lipofílicos e hidrofílicos. Este teste foi realizado três meses após a manufatura do produto. Resultados: A formulação estudada foi aprovada no teste de esterilidade simples realizado três meses após a manufatura do produto, mesmo sem uso de conservantes na formulação. A formulação em estudo foi aprovada no teste de esterilidade possivelmente devido ao fato de o veículo sérum ser de origem mineral e anidra, características que não favorecem a proliferação de micro-organismos. Conclusões: Embora somente o veículo contando ativos específicos tenha sido testado, os resultados deste estudo são promissores e demonstram a necessidade de estudos futuros que englobem de forma mais ampla o assunto.

Introduction: Topical delivery of drugs is essential in Dermatology. Due to the difficulty of permeation of the stratum corneum, drug delivery techniques have been highlighted. The use of non-specific formulations for this purpose makes raises the concern of possible adverse events and the microbiological safety of these formulations. Objective: To assess bacterial and fungal growth in anhydrous fluid serum through simple sterility test. Materials and methods: The simple sterility test was performed on an anhydrous serum containing lipophilic and hydrophilic active substances. This test was performed three months after the manufacture of the product. Results: The formulation studied was approved in the simple sterility test conducted three months after the manufacture of the product, even without the use of preservatives in the formulation. Discussion: The assessed formulation was approved in the sterility test possibly due to the fact that the serum vehicle has mineral and anhydrous origin, characteristics that do not favor the proliferation of microorganisms. Conclusions: Although only the vehicle counting specific assets has been tested, the results of this study are promising and demonstrate the need for future studies broadly encompassing this subject.

Avaliação histológica da redução do conteúdo melânico cutâneo após realização de microagulhamento na região anterior do colo / Histologic evaluation of the reduction of cutaneous melanin content after microneedling on the chest

Introdução: A região anterior do tórax constitui área fotoexposta que apresenta efeitos do fotodano. O microagulhamento é opção segura para rejuvenescimento dessa área, promovendo também a melhora de discromias. Objetivo: Avaliar a resposta histológica cutânea após três sessões mensais de microagulhamento para tratamento de discromias da região anterior do tórax. Métodos: Foram realizadas, três sessões mensais de microagulhamento com agulhas de 1,5mm de comprimento, e também biópsias cutâneas antes e 90 dias após o início do estudo. As amostras histológicas foram avaliadas com as colorações de HE e Fontana-Masson. O conteúdo de melanina foi mensurado com base em clusters dérmicos. Resultados: Seis pacientes com idades entre 38 e 67 anos, fototipos II-III, escala Glogau II-IV foram incluídos. Uma correlação positiva foi observada entre o tempo e o conteúdo dérmico de melanina (p= 0,029): três sessões de microagulhamento reduziram esse conteúdo no D90 em comparação com o tempo inicial (6.4 ± 1.7 MC em D0 versus 3.1 ± 0.4 em D90, p = 0.05). Três pacientes relataram melhora global da pele no D90. Conclusões: O mecanismo proposto do microagulhamento para promover clareamento inclui proliferação de fibroblastos e neocolagênese na derme superior. Esse é o primeiro estudo a avaliar histologicamente os achados associados ao clareamento da região do tórax decorrente do microagulhamento.

Introduction: The chest is a photoexposed area that shows effects of photodamage. Microneedling is a safe option for the rejuvenation of this area, also leading to improvement in dyschromias. Objective: To evaluate histologic cutaneous response after three monthly sessions of microneedling for the treatment of dyschromias on the chest. Methods: Three monthly sessions of microneedling, with 1.5mm length needles were performed, as well as skin biopsies before and 90 days after commencement of the study. Histologic samples were evaluated with H&E and Fontana-Masson stains. Melanin content was measured based on dermal clusters. Results: Six patients between 38 and 67 years of age, phototypes II-III, Glogau scale II-IV were included. A positive correlation was observed between the time and dermal content of melanin (p= 0.029): three sessions of microneedling reduced this content on D90 compared to the beginning (6.4 ± 1.7 MC on D0 versus 3.1 ± 0.4 on D90, p = 0.05). Three patients reported global skin improvement on D90. Conclusions: The proposed mechanism of microneedling to promote lightening includes fibroblast proliferation and neocollagenesis in the upper dermis. This is the first study to evaluate the histology of the findings associated to lightening of the chest due to microneedling.

Combinação de terapêuticas para cicatrizes: lasers fracionados associados ao microagulhamento e drug delivery / Therapeutic combinations for scars: fractional lasers associated to microneedling and drug delivery

Introdução: O tratamento de cicatrizes hipertróficas inestéticas secundárias a cirurgias na região torácica é desafiador, principalmente se estiverem associadas a estrias distensas. Certamente, mais de uma terapêutica deverá ser empregada, demandando longo tempo de tratamento. Objetivos: Avaliar o efeito da associação de lasers fracionados ablativos e não ablativos, microagulhamento e drug delivery no manejo de cicatrizes hipertróficas e estrias distensas. Métodos: Paciente apresentando cicatrizes hipertróficas e estrias na região torácica anterior foi submetido a quatro sessões, em intervalo mensal, com lasers fracionados ablativo e não ablativo associados ao microagulhamento e ao drug delivery. Resultados: Ao final do protocolo de tratamento, o paciente apresentou melhora da mobilidade das áreas tratadas, da qualidade da pele e das estrias distensas da região tratada. Conclusões: O tratamento associado demonstrou ser possível abordar lesões cicatriciais atróficas e hipertróficas concomitantemente, com bons resultados.

Introduction: The treatment of unsightly hypertrophic scars secondary to surgeries in the thoracic region area challenging, particularly if associated to striae distensae. Surely, more than one therapy should be used, which will demand a long treatment time. Objectives: To evaluate the effect of the association of fractional ablative and non-ablative lasers, microneedling and drug delivery in the management of hypertrophic scarring and striae distensae. Methods: Patient showing hypertrophic scars and striae on the anterior thoracic region was submitted to four monthly sessions of fractional ablative and non-ablative lasers, associated to microneedling and drug delivery. Results: At the end of the treatment protocol, the patient had improved mobility of the treated areas, quality of the skin and striae distensae in the treated region. Conclusions: The associated treatment showed good results in the concurrent management of atrophic and hypertrophic scars.

Vohwinkel syndrome: ichthyosiform variant in a family

Abstract: Vohwinkel syndrome belongs to the group of hereditary palmoplantar keratoderma, having an autosomal dominant inheritance. In this report, the authors present a case of a four-year-old boy with diffuse scaling over his entire body and transgredient palmoplantar hyperkeratosis with some fissured areas. Family evaluation revealed that his mother and other family members were affected. Based on his clinical findings and on family history, the diagnosis of the ichthyotic Vohwinkel syndrome subtype, characterized by generalized ichthyosis and palmoplantar hyperkeratosis, was established.

Vohwinkel syndrome: ichthyosiform variant in a family.

Vohwinkel syndrome belongs to the group of hereditary palmoplantar keratoderma, having an autosomal dominant inheritance. In this report, the authors present a case of a four-year-old boy with diffuse scaling over his entire body and transgredient palmoplantar hyperkeratosis with some fissured areas. Family evaluation revealed that his mother and other family members were affected. Based on his clinical findings and on family history, the diagnosis of the ichthyotic Vohwinkel syndrome subtype, characterized by generalized ichthyosis and palmoplantar hyperkeratosis, was established.