The Potential Uses of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Dermatology: A Review.

BACKGROUND: A growing interest exists in the relationship between diet and skin disease, with many recent studies identifying a role for omega-3 fatty acids (O3FAs) in various dermatological conditions. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to identify the spectrum of uses for O3FA supplementation reported in literature and to evaluate the current level of evidence for its clinical application in skin disease prevention and management. METHODS: A search was conducted using Ovid MEDLINE for primary literature that examined O3FA intake and skin health. A manual search of reference lists was performed to identify additional articles for inclusion. RESULTS: A total of 38 studies met eligibility for review, reporting benefits for O3FA supplementation in the treatment of psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, acne, and skin ulcers. Additionally, a reduced incidence of skin cancer and a decrease in the severity of drug-associated mucocutaneous side effects were reported with O3FA supplementation. CONCLUSION: This review yielded many well-studied benefits of O3FA uses in dermatology. Given its high safety profile, low cost, and ease of supplementation, O3FA is a reasonable supplement that may benefit patients wishing to improve inflammatory skin conditions through diet. Areas of particular clinical interest where supplementation may be valuable include O3FAs for systemic UV photoprotection, as well as adjuvant treatment for acne to reduce both inflammatory lesion count and the severity of mucocutaneous side effects associated with isotretinoin use.

Canadian Clinical Practice Guidelines for Rosacea.

Rosacea is a chronic facial inflammatory dermatosis characterized by background facial erythema and flushing and may be accompanied by inflammatory papules and pustules, cutaneous fibrosis and hyperplasia known as phyma, and ocular involvement. These features can have adverse impact on quality of life, and ocular involvement can lead to visual dysfunction. The past decade has witnessed increased research into pathogenic pathways involved in rosacea and the introduction of novel treatment innovations. The objective of these guidelines is to offer evidence-based recommendations to assist Canadian health care providers in the diagnosis and management of rosacea. These guidelines were developed by an expert panel of Canadian dermatologists taking into consideration the balance of desirable and undesirable outcomes, the quality of supporting evidence, the values and preferences of patients, and the costs of treatment. The 2015 Cochrane review "Interventions in Rosacea" was used as a source of clinical trial evidence on which to base the recommendations.

Non-melanoma Skin Cancer in Canada Chapter 4: Management of Basal Cell Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common malignancy. Growth of BCCs leads to local destruction of neighbouring healthy skin and underlying tissue and can result in significant functional and cosmetic morbidity. OBJECTIVE: To provide guidance to Canadian health care practitioners regarding management of BCCs. METHODS: Literature searches and development of graded recommendations were carried out as discussed in the accompanying Introduction. RESULTS: Although BCCs rarely metastasize, they can be aggressive and disfiguring. This chapter describes the natural history and prognosis of BCCs. Risk stratification is based on clinical features, including the site and size of the tumour, its histologic subtype (nodular vs sclerosing), and its history of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Various options should be considered for BCC treatment, including cryosurgery, curettage, and topical or photodynamic approaches, as well as fixed-margin surgery and Mohs micrographic surgery. Stratification of recurrence risk for individual BCCs determines the most appropriate therapeutic course.

Non-melanoma Skin Cancer in Canada Chapter 5: Management of Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second-most common form of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). OBJECTIVE: To provide guidance to Canadian health care practitioners regarding management of SCCs. METHODS: Literature searches and development of graded recommendations were carried out as discussed in the accompanying introduction (chapter 1 of the NMSC guidelines). RESULTS: SCCs are sometimes confined to the epidermis, but they can also invade nearby tissues and, in some cases, metastasize to neighbouring lymph nodes or other organs. This chapter discusses the natural history, staging, prognosis, and management of SCC--a tumour type that is less common but typically more aggressive than BCC. For this reason, margin control is strongly preferred in treating SCCs. CONCLUSIONS: Although approaches such as cryosurgery and radiation therapy may be considered for some patients, surgical excision--sometimes coupled with radiation--remains the cornerstone of SCC management. Patients with high-risk SCC may also be considered for referral to an appropriate multidisciplinary clinic.

Clinical evaluation of a cross-linked hyaluronic Acid dermal filler applied for facial augmentation.

BACKGROUND: Hyaluronic Acid (HA) fillers are widely used for restoring facial volume. OBJECTIVE: A 24-week study evaluated clinical efficacy with HA. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Included were 15 healthy subjects recruited from 4 centers, between ages of 35 to 65 years, who had a Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale (WSRS) score ≥ 3, indicating moderate volume loss. Revanesse® Ultra (Prollenium), a HA dermal filler, was used. Primary study outcome was physicians scored facial volume correction, using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS), comparing baseline (day 0) versus 24 weeks (end) and blindly assessed photographs. Subject satisfaction and comfort was evaluated using self-administered questionnaires at day 0 and at week 24. RESULTS: N = 15, 13 female and 2 males with a mean age (years) of 48.52 ( SD ± 10.46) received treatment with HA and completed the 24-week study. At screening they had a moderate (mean 2.85, SD ± 0.45) WSRS score. At week 24 a market facial volume restoration was shown and no adverse events were reported. All patients reported to be satisfied with the obtained results. CONCLUSION: Good - excellent volume enhancement was noted almost immediately after the HA injections, improving patient reported quality of life aspects. HA treatment was shown to be safe.

Non-melanoma skin cancer incidence and risk factors after kidney transplantation: a Canadian experience.

BACKGROUND: Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) after kidney transplantation is common and can result in significant morbidity and mortality. Incidence and risk factors for NMSC can vary between geographic locations and there is no literature describing the incidence or risk factors for NMSC in Canada. METHODS: The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to determine the incidence of NMSC, the time of development of NMSC, and risk factors (including sun exposure history) for NMSC in kidney transplant recipients between 1990 and 2003 in our center (n=926). RESULTS: We observed a 9.7% incidence of NMSC lesions after kidney transplant with a median time of development of a first NMSC lesion of 4 years. Risk factors for NMSC (multivariate analysis) include older men (>45 years), a history of posttransplant warts, and longer duration of residence in a northern climate. CONCLUSION: We conclude that NMSC is common after kidney transplantation in a northern climate and these individuals require disease prevention-specific education, more vigilant surveillance and early referral and treatment.

Bilateral facial apocrine chromhidrosis.

A young woman presented to the office with a history of bluish discoloration involving the superior malar region bilaterally. When the bluish discoloration became darker, she would press on her cheeks resulting in excretion of "black sweat" that temporarily lightened her skin color. Examination revealed ill-defined slightly swollen soft plaques involving both superior cheeks. Upon pressure on the cheeks, a dark brown fluid was expressed. Histologic examination revealed collections of ectopic apocrine glands within mid-reticular dermis. The diagnosis of apocrine chromhidrosis was made, an uncommon cause of chromhidrosis and one in which bilateral facial presentation is rare.

Er:YAG laser skin resurfacing.

Recent advances in Er:YAG laser technology have dramatically enhanced the ability to resurface the skin safely. Selection of precise ablation and coagulation levels allows laser surgeons to modify these variables to fit the esthetic concerns of individual patients. These systems truly represent a viable alternative to conventional CO2 laser resurfacing.