Severe phymatous rosacea of the nose, cheeks, and chin treated with hydrosurgery.

Phymatous rosacea is a rare and severe form of rosacea that manifests as disfiguring soft-tissue hypertrophy and sebaceous gland hyperplasia and fibrosis. Most cases are surgically treated; surgical modalities vary, however, ranging from cryosurgery to conventional excision, and consensus guidelines for surgical management do not exist. The Versajet II Hydrosurgery System (Smith-Nephew) is a high-pressure, pulsatile lavage system. We present the case of a 75-year-old man with severe phymatous rosacea of the nose, cheeks, and chin who was successfully treated with the Versajet II Hydrosurgery System, yielding excellent contouring.

Comparison of salicylic acid 30% peel and pneumatic broadband light in the treatment of mild to moderately severe facial acne vulgaris.

Acne patients experience not only a medical disease but also an aesthetic condition, and this latter complication greatly motivates patients to seek out the best treatment regimen to hasten improvement in their appearance. The available clinical procedures for acne treatment include salicylic acid 30% peel and pneumatic broadband light (PBBL). The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of salicylic acid 30% peel and PBBL treatments in patients with mild to moderately severe facial acne vulgaris. Twelve patients were recruited for a 12-week prospective, single-blind, randomized, split-face study. Patients were treated with a salicylic acid 30% peel on one side of the face and PBBL treatment was administered on the opposite side of the face for 6 consecutive weeks without other acne treatments. At every visit, treatment evaluations were performed using a modified Global Acne Grading Score (mGAGS), acne quality of life (QOL) questionnaire, Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale (WBPRS) assessments, and clinical photography. Improvement in acne symptoms was observed for both treatment procedures without significant differences and with minimal side effects. Salicylic acid 30% peel and PBBL were well tolerated in our study, and both clinical procedures were efficacious and well-tolerated by the patients.

Comparative Study of Compounded Anesthetic Benzocaine/Lidocaine/Tetracaine (BLT) Cream with and without Abrasive Particles.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the use of benzocaine, lidocaine, tetracaine (BLT) cream with and without abrasive particles to see which type of cream is more effective in reducing discomfort during cosmetic dermatologic procedures, specifically procedures using hyaluronic acid (HA) injectables. Methods: The study was conducted as a single-site, double-blind, paired study. Participants: Thirty-one subjects were enrolled. Men and women over 18, but not more than 75 years of age, were included. Participants were randomized to receive two types of BLT creams in a split-face fashion to two opposite anatomical face locations that require a similar amount of filler. Results: The study found a statistically significant difference (P<0.05) in the mean pain level as measured by the VAS and Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale when compared between baseline and the time when the procedure was started at the first needle stick. Subjects expressed significantly less pain with baseline and more pain when the procedure was done. However, the authors found that the mean pain level at first needle stick is lower with the abrasive type of BLT. Conclusion: The study demonstrated that subjects experienced a higher mean pain level (but not statistically significant) when using the BLT with smooth texture compared to the BLT with abrasive particles when applied before HA dermal filler injection.

Oxygeneo®-A Unique Three-in-one Treatment of Exfoliation, Infusion, and Oxygenation via the Bohr Effect and TriPollar™ Radiofrequency for Skin Rejuvenation.

Background: Oxygenation of the skin has been shown to improve cell growth and cell biosynthesis, which can subsequently improve the skin's appearance.1,2 However, the majority of skin oxygenation techniques are invasive.3,4 A noninvasive skin oxygenation treatment, also known as a carboxytherapy facial, with TriPollar® radiofrequency device has emerged called OxyGeneo™, which is provided by the geneO+™ skin care platform (Pollogen Ltd., Tel Aviv, Israel). Objective: This study addresses the clinical effectiveness of the aforementioned noninvasive skin oxygenation treatment on skin texture, fine lines/wrinkles, and skin pigmentation over an eight-week time period. Methods and materials: Ten patients with fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and rough skin texture received six weekly treatments over a two-month period. Five patients received NeoRevive™ and five received NeoBright™ topical infusions, with the selection made according to each individual's skin conditions and type. These patients were evaluated using the VISIA complexion analysis system (Canfield Scientific, Inc., Parsippany, New Jersey) and patient and evaluator assessments and satisfaction surveys. Results: Each individual measurement varied by patient, but the change in value of each category that was assessed prior to treatment and post-treatment indicated an improvement. All patients in the study stated an improvement in overall skin appearance, skin texture, brightness, and shininess. Nine out of the 10 patients reported that their skin was softer and had a more youthful appearance after the treatments, and seven out of the 10 patients saw a minor improvement in fine lines and wrinkles. Lastly, five out of the 10 patients noticed an improvement in skin pigmentation. Conclusion: The results indicated the combination of the three-in-one OxyGeneo treatment of exfoliation, infusion and oxygenation using TriPolar radiofrequency prompted an improvement in skin texture and tone. This is an optimal procedure that can be implemented in patients looking for noninvasive, safe, and effective rejuvenation treatments with no associated downtime post-procedure.

Comparison of pneumatic broadband light plus adapalene gel 0.3% versus adapalene gel 0.3% monotherapy in the treatment of mild to moderate acne.

Acne vulgaris is a common and distressing condition that typically presents in adolescents and young adults. The aim of this split-face, single-blind, randomized, controlled study was to determine if combination therapy with pneumatic broadband light (PBBL) plus adapalene gel 0.3% is superior to adapalene gel 0.3% monotherapy in the treatment of acne. Results indicated that the addition of PBBL to topical regimens may lead to quicker results and therefore may improve treatment adherence to topical therapies in acne patients.

Benzocaine/Lidocaine/Tetracaine Cream: Report of Corneal Damage and Review.

Practitioners are increasingly using topical anesthetics in the field of dermatology. Application of topical anesthetics prior to performing dermatologic procedures has proven to decrease pain and discomfort associated with these procedures. Despite the prevalent use of topical anesthetics, there are few standard guidelines for about which products provide optimal and safest use. Adverse events are often correlated with improper application of topical anesthetics. A few case reports have cited adverse events related to the use of compounded products that the United States Food and Drug Administration has not approved, such as benzocaine, lidocaine, tetracaine. In this article, the authors report the possible ocular side effects due to the use of benzocaine, lidocaine, tetracaine. Careful attention must be paid to this compounded product, and better formulations are needed in order to prevent adverse events.

The Potential Role of Topically Applied Heparan Sulfate in the Treatment of Photodamage.

Heparan sulfate is an essential glycosaminoglycan that plays important roles in development, homeostasis, and disease. As a group, the glycosaminoglycans provide mechanical strength to skin, as they can absorb water and occupy the space between elastin fibers and collagen. Heparan sulfate is also a key participant in cell proliferation, cell migration, collagen fiber formation, basement membrane regeneration, granulation tissue formation, and cell adhesion associated with wound healing. A variety of dermatological disorders are associated with changes in glycosaminoglycans or their associated proteoglycans. A new topical formulation of low molecular weight heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycan has been shown to penetrate the epidermis, basement membrane, and dermis within 24 hours of application. In an 8-week study, 15 patients using this new formulation showed improvement in skin hydration, skin firmness, skin elasticity, skin barrier function, and global fine lines and wrinkles. Incorporating low molecular weight heparan sulfate into topically applied formulations may represent a new approach to improving the appearance of photodamaged skin.

Management strategies for acne vulgaris.

CLINICAL QUESTION: What are the most effective treatment(s) for mild, moderate, severe, and hormonally driven acne? RESULTS: Mild acne responds favorably to topical treatments such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and a low-dose retinoid. Moderate acne responds well to combination therapy comprising-topical benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics, and/or retinoids, as well as oral antibiotics in refractory cases and oral contraceptive pills for female acne patients. Severe nodulocystic acne vulgaris responds best to oral isotretinoin therapy. In female patients with moderate to severe acne, facial hair, loss of scalp hair and irregular periods, polycystic ovarian syndrome should be considered and appropriate treatment with hormonal modulation given. Adjunctive procedures can also be considered for all acne patients. IMPLEMENTATION: PITFALLS TO AVOID WHEN TREATING ACNE: treatment of acne in women of child-bearing age; familiarization of all acne treatments in order to individualize management for patients; indications for specialist referral.

Case-based experience with the simultaneous use of a fixed topical antibiotic/benzoyl peroxide combination and a topical retinoid in the optimization of acne management.

Treatment options for acne vulgaris have expanded considerably in the past decade. The main goals of treatment continue to be reducing acne lesions while maintaining patient satisfaction and adherence to treatment. As dermatologists, the art of treatment is to develop, fine-tune, and utilize combinations of agents to increase compliance, thereby optimizing patient outcomes. In acne management, one strategy involves concomitant use of topical retinoids with benzoyl peroxide or a fixed combination of topical antibiotic/benzoyl peroxide. This strategy requires application of one product in the morning and one in the evening due to concerns of benzoyl peroxide-induced degradation of retinoid activity. Presented are two cases in which a topical retinoid and a topical fixed combination of clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide were used concomitantly in patients with mild-to-moderate acne. Research-based and practical rationale on the simultaneous use of newer-generation retinoids and benzoyl peroxide-based products, without concern of retinoid degradation, is discussed.

Facial aesthetic correction with injectable poly-L-lactic Acid following removal of malar cheek implants.

Cheek implants may need to be removed from some patients due to pathologic conditions, such as infection, or patient dissatisfaction with cosmetic results. In these cases, correction of implant-associated facial volume loss may be achieved by using injectable poly-L-lactic acid. Injectable poly-L-lactic acid has been used successfully and safely for restoration and/or correction of the signs of facial fat loss (lipoatrophy) in people with human immunodeficiency virus. Here, the author reports the off-label use of injectable poly-L-lactic acid for the correction of facial volume loss following removal of malar cheek implants to yield a cheek lift and correction of prominent nasolabial fold wrinkles in a man with no significant medical problems. A total of three treatments using two vials of injectable poly-L-lactic acid per treatment were administered over the course of 16 weeks. Photographs were taken at baseline, during the 16-week injection period, and at a post-treatment evaluation visit 35 days after the final treatment (21 weeks after the initial injection). Although the patient has since been lost to follow up, he was very satisfied with the aesthetic results at the evaluation visit five weeks after the last treatment and expressed a desire to be treated with poly-L-lactic acid in the future. Injectable poly-L-lactic acid may be a good option for the correction of facial volume loss due to reasons other than human immunodeficiency virus-related lipoatrophy.

A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 5% and 2% topical minoxidil solutions in the treatment of female pattern hair loss.

BACKGROUND: To pical minoxidil solution 2% stimulates new hair growth and helps stop the loss of hair in men with androgenetic alopecia and women with female pattern hair loss. Results can be variable, and historic experience suggests that higher concentrations of topical minoxidil may enhance efficacy. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this 48-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, multicenter trial was to compare the efficacy and safety of 5% topical minoxidil with 2% topical minoxidil and placebo in the treatment of female pattern hair loss. METHODS: A total of 381 women (18-49 years old) with female pattern hair loss applied 5% topical minoxidil solution (n = 153), 2% topical minoxidil solution (n = 154), or placebo (vehicle for 5% solution; n = 74) twice daily. Primary efficacy variables were change in nonvellus hair count at week 48, and patient and investigator assessments of change in hair growth/scalp coverage at week 48. RESULTS: After 48 weeks of therapy, 5% topical minoxidil was superior to placebo for each of the 3 primary efficacy measures. The 2% topical minoxidil group demonstrated superiority over placebo for hair count and investigator assessment of hair growth/scalp coverage at week 48; differences in patient assessment of hair growth at week 48 were not significantly different from placebo. The 5% topical minoxidil group demonstrated statistical superiority over the 2% topical minoxidil group in the patient assessment of treatment benefit at week 48. Both 5% and 2% topical minoxidil helped improve psychosocial perceptions of hair loss in women with female pattern hair loss. An increased occurrence of pruritus, local irritation, and hypertrichosis was observed with 5% topical minoxidil versus 2% topical minoxidil and placebo. CONCLUSION: In this 48-week study of 381 women with female pattern hair loss, 5% topical minoxidil was superior to placebo on each of the 3 primary efficacy end points: promoting hair growth as measured by change in nonvellus hair count and patient/investigator assessments of hair growth and scalp coverage. Application of 2% topical minoxidil was superior to placebo for assessments of nonvellus hair counts and investigator assessment of hair growth/scalp coverage at week 48; differences in patient assessment of hair growth at week 48 were not significantly different from placebo. At week 48, the 5% topical minoxidil group demonstrated statistical superiority over the 2% topical minoxidil group in the patient assessment of treatment benefit. Both concentrations of topical minoxidil were well tolerated by the women in this trial without evidence of systemic adverse effects. With the introduction of numerous herbal remedies for hair loss, of which most have not been tested in randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, it is important to describe well-controlled trials that demonstrate the efficacy and safety of topical drugs.