Therapeutic approaches to reducing atrophic acne scarring.

Atrophic acne scars are a common and undesirable outcome of acne vulgaris related to both its severity and delay in treatment. Such scars can be classified according to the depth and shape of the collagen loss: ice pick, boxcar, or rolling. The presence of atrophic acne scars can compromise the self-esteem and psychologic well-being of patients, creating a challenge for both the patient and the dermatologist.

Efficacy and safety of infliximab in psoriatic patients over the age of 65.

BACKGROUND: Clinical data on the long-term safety and efficacy of infliximab on psoriatic patients who are older than 65 years are limited. OBJECTIVES: The aim is to report the long-term efficacy, safety and tolerance of infliximab in geriatric patients. METHODS: This was a retrospective study conducted at the Department of Dermatology of the University of Rome Tor Vergata. Clinical data were reported at week 12, 52, 104, 208. RESULTS: 151 charts were evaluated. A total of 27 patients were included. Range of the age was between 65 and 85 years; mean age was 73 years ±5.4; female to male ratio was 1:2; mean age of onset of psoriasis was 43 years±17. The average of treatment duration was 39 months ±27 (range 1-100). Fourteen patients suffered from plaque type psoriasis and 13 from psoriatic arthritis. At the baseline the mean PASI score was 15.6 ± 10.2. At week 12, 52, 104, and 208 the mean PASI was 2, 2.3, 1.9 and 1.8 respectively. A reduction in the mean PASI was maintained in the long-term treatment in 12 patients (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that long-term treatment with infliximab is effective and safe in patients over 65 years old and that IV therapy is also associated with a high compliance.

UVA1 Laser in the Treatment of Vitiligo.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of a monochromatic 355 nm ultraviolet (UVA) laser in the treatment of vitiligo. BACKGROUND DATA: Broadband and narrow-band UV phototherapy has been proposed as an effective therapeutic option in vitiligo patients. METHODS: Seventeen consecutive, unselected patients (7 men and 10 women) were enrolled in an open-label, prospective study and treated twice weekly for 8 weeks at a fixed dose of 80-140 J/cm(2). Follow-up was 12 weeks. RESULTS: Clinical repigmentation was observed in 15/17 patients (88.23%), with limited side effects (mild post-treatment erythema and itching). Results were maintained during the 12 week phototherapy-free follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: the present report suggests that UVA1 laser could be an applicable therapeutic option in patients with vitiligo.

Cyclosporine: a novel therapeutic approach for Burning Mouth Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this paper was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical cyclosporine applied as mouthwash in the treatment of burning mouth syndrome (BMS). METHODS: This was a prospective and pilot study conducted by the Department of Dermatology of the University of Rome Tor Vergata. Patients were treated with cyclosporine topically applied as mouthwash for 4 weeks. Clinical improvement was assessed using a 5 grade clinical evaluation scale and a visual analogue scale from 0 to 10 was also used to evaluate the burning symptoms. RESULTS: Fifteen patients between 22-85 years (61.1±19.3), 11 female and 4 male, with a mean duration of BMS of 12.5 months, completed the study. Five out of 15 patients presented a marked improvement, 6 patients showed a moderate response, 3 patients had a slight improvement and 1 patient did not show any change. The VAS showed a reduction from 8.7 to 3.5. Adverse events were not reported. CONCLUSIONS: Cyclosporine mouthwash appeared to be safe and beneficial for reducing the burning sensation in patients with BMS representing an alternative therapy in this condition.