Erythema-directed digital photography for the enhanced evaluation of topical treatments for acne vulgaris.

BACKGROUND: Erythema-directed digital photography is a novel method for evaluating the efficacy and tolerability of topical acne treatments. Here, we describe three case reports in which erythema-directed digital photography was used to evaluate acne before and after up to 12 weeks of treatment with clindamycin 1%/tretinoin 0.025% (Clin-RA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Erythema-directed digital photography was used to evaluate acne in three patients with mild-to-moderate facial acne, two of whom had refused to continue previous topical acne treatment (benzoyl peroxide 5% and clindamycin 1%/benzoyl peroxide 5%) due to persistent irritation. Acne lesions and erythema were evaluated using standard clinical photography and erythema-directed digital photography (VISIA-CR™ system) before and after 8-12 weeks of treatment with Clin-RA. RESULTS: Erythema-directed digital photography revealed background erythema from previous topical acne treatments that was not evident from standard clinical photographs and allowed a better visualization of both inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions. In all patients, there was a clear improvement in background erythema and a reduction in acne lesions following treatment with Clin-RA. CONCLUSION: This study has demonstrated for the first time that erythema-directed digital photography can enhance the evaluation of the efficacy and tolerability of topical acne treatments. These cases show that Clin-RA was associated with improved efficacy and tolerability vs previous treatments with topical monotherapy (benzoyl peroxide 5%) or a topical fixed-dose combination (clindamycin 1%/benzoyl peroxide 5%).

Cosmetics for acne: indications and recommendations for an evidence-based approach.

AIM: The aim of this review was to evaluate, by a thorough revision of the literature, the true efficacy of currently available topic and systemic cosmetic acne agents. METHODS: The efficacy of currently available cosmetic acne agents has been retrospectively evaluated via thorough revision of the literature on matched electronic databases (PubMed). All retrieved studies, either randomized clinical trials or clinical trials, controlled or uncontrolled were considered. RESULTS: Scientific evidence suggests that most cosmetic products for acne may enhance the clinical outcome. Cleansers should be indicated to all acne patients; those containing benzoyl peroxide or azelaic/salicylic acid/triclosan show the best efficacy profile. Sebum-controlling agents containing nicotinamide or zinc acetate may minimize excessive sebum production. Cosmetics with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory substances such as, respectively, ethyl lactate or phytosphingosine and nicotinamide or resveratrol, may speed acne recovery. Topical corneolytics, including retinaldehyde/glycolic acid or lactic acid, induce a comedolytic effect and may also facilitate skin absorption of topical drugs. Finally, the use of specific moisturizers should be strongly recommended in all acne patients. CONCLUSION: Cosmetics, if correctly prescribed, may improve the performance of the therapy, whereas wrong procedures and/or inadequate cosmetics may worsen acne. Cosmetological recommendations may allow clinicians to make informed decisions about the role of various cosmetics and to indentify the appropriate indications and precautions. The choice of the most effective product should take into consideration the ongoing pharmacological therapy and acne type/severity as well.

Topical immunomodulator therapy with squaric acid dibutylester (SADBE) is effective treatment for severe alopecia areata (AA): results of an open-label, paired-comparison, clinical trial.

UNLABELLED: Severe alopecia areata (AA) may have a chronic relapsing course and is often resistant to current treatments. OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to evaluate whether topical immunotherapy with squaric acid dibutylester (SADBE) is able to improve the course of severe AA and to reduce the severity of relapses. METHODS: Fifty-four patients affected by severe AA treated with SADBE who were followed for a period of at least 2 years were selected as the study group. Data collected were compared with those of a matched control group of 54 patients who did not receive any treatment. Student's t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pearson's chi-squared test were utilized for data analysis. RESULTS: At the end of therapy, in comparison with the control group, the treatment group showed a statistically significant (p < 0.001) improvement. At follow-up, there was no significant change in relapse rate (treated 44% vs control 52%). However, relapses in the treated group were significantly less severe compared with the control group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that topical SADBE represents a valid therapeutic option in severe AA, and may prove to be disease modifying.

An open label evaluation of the efficacy of imiquimod 5% cream in the treatment of recalcitrant subungual and periungual cutaneous warts.

BACKGROUND: Periungual and subungual warts are very difficult to eradicate with current therapies. Most are destructive in nature (liquid nitrogen, cantharidin, vascular lesion laser) and inflammation, pain and pigment dyschromia are common side effects. Furthermore, failure to respond or appearance of new lesions often leads to even more destructive treatments (CO(2) laser, excisional surgery) and can lead to more pain and scarring. METHODS: In an open trial, the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of topical imiquimod 5% cream was assessed in 15 patients with resistant and recurrent periungual and subungual warts over a 16 week period. RESULTS: Twelve patients (80%) completed therapy, showing complete resolution after a mean time of three weeks (range 1-6 weeks), with the remaining three patients (20%) being classified as non-responders. Local side effects (erythema, pruritus, burning and pain) were generally mild and well-tolerated. No relapses occurred during a 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: Topical imiquimod is an interesting novel treatment for multiple periungual and subungual warts. Tolerability is excellent when compared to other commonly used modalities and there are few side effects. This trial suggests a high clinical response rate. This treatment is applicable to patients who have failed conventional therapies before embarking on potentially scarring approaches such as excisional surgery.

Familial atrophia maculosa varioliformis cutis: an ultrastructural study.

Atrophia maculosa varioliformis cutis is a rare and distinctive form of idiopathic facial macular noninflammatory atrophy that may rarely be observed in members of the same family. We describe two brothers, ages 14 and 16 years, with spontaneously appearing, asymptomatic, varioliform and linear atrophic lesions. Their past medical history was positive for varicella occurring in childhood without residual facial scarring. Routine laboratory investigations and screening for circulating autoantibodies were negative. Both patients were concordant for HLA A2 and DQ4.1. Routine and ultrastructural histologic examination of a punch biopsy specimen showed the presence of scarce, small, fragmented elastic fibers and compact collagen bundles associated with hypertrophic fibroblasts in the dermis. Our patients remained clinically stable, untreated, over a 2-year follow-up period. No long-term follow-up data have previously been reported.

Use of squaric acid dibutylester (SADBE) for cutaneous warts in children.

We evaluated the efficacy of squaric acid dibutylester (SADBE) contact immunotherapy for the treatment of warts on a series of 188 children. Included in the study were those children who satisfied at least two of the following criteria: single or multiple sites with several warts, warts resistant to repeated medical and/or surgical treatments, recurrent multiple warts, and patient or parent refusal to undergo destructive or surgical treatment. Excluded from the study were children with single warts or with flat warts located exclusively on the face and children less than 2 years of age. Treatment consisted of twice weekly applications of serial dilutions of SADBE (0.03-3%) for no more than 10 weeks. Of the 148 children who completed the study, 124 (84%) showed complete clinical resolution with no significant side effects. Of those with total clinical resolution, 101 completed a 24-month follow-up with no relapses. Twenty-four (16%) children were nonrespondent. No apparent correlation between treatment response and age, gender, anatomic site, lesion type, or atopy was found. Contact immunotherapy with SADBE is a relatively safe and effective alternative treatment in the management of multiple and resistant cutaneous warts in children.