Exploring the impact of solar radiation on skin microbiome to develop improved photoprotection strategies.

The skin microbiome undergoes constant exposure to solar radiation (SR), with its effects on health well-documented. However, understanding SR's influence on host-associated skin commensals remains nascent. This review surveys existing knowledge on SR's impact on the skin microbiome and proposes innovative sun protection methods that safeguard both skin integrity and microbiome balance. A team of skin photodamage specialists conducted a comprehensive review of 122 articles sourced from PubMed and Research Gateway. Key terms included skin microbiome, photoprotection, photodamage, skin cancer, ultraviolet radiation, solar radiation, skin commensals, skin protection, and pre/probiotics. Experts offered insights into novel sun protection products designed not only to shield the skin but also to mitigate SR's effects on the skin microbiome. Existing literature on SR's influence on the skin microbiome is limited. SR exposure can alter microbiome composition, potentially leading to dysbiosis, compromised skin barrier function, and immune system activation. Current sun protection methods generally overlook microbiome considerations. Tailored sun protection products that prioritize both skin and microbiome health may offer enhanced defense against SR-induced skin conditions. By safeguarding both skin and microbiota, these specialized products could mitigate dysbiosis risks associated with SR exposure, bolstering skin defense mechanisms and reducing the likelihood of SR-mediated skin issues.

Use of Topical Corticosteroids in the Treatment of Noninfectious Inflammatory Dermatoses of the Scalp: A Survey of Practicing Dermatologists and Dermatology Residents Using Delphi Methodology.

Background: Noninfectious inflammatory dermatoses of the scalp are common, and their symptomsin particular, those affecting appearance, can have a psychological effect that may be disproportionate to their clinical severity. Effective, cosmetically acceptable treatments are important to manage these conditions. Topical corticosteroids form the cornerstone of acute treatment for many of these conditions. We surveyed practicing dermatologists and dermatology residents to determine the current clinical practice in prescribing topical corticosteroids for these disorders in their various preparation formats. Methods: A Delphi method was used, consisting of 2 questionnaire rounds. The first round contained 34 questions and was completed by 612 dermatologists and dermatology residents via email. The first round of responses was analyzed, and points that had > 70% agreement were used to form a second questionnaire of 21 statements. This second round was completed by 346 participants, and their responses were used to generate a final report. Participants were practicing in both public and private practices. Results: Clobetasol propionate 0.05% topical solution was considered to be the most appropriate treatment for noninfectious inflammatory scalp dermatoses in general, with 75.1% agreement in the second round of questionnaire. The main advantages of clobetasol propionate over other topical corticosteroids were reported as potency, effectiveness, and broad action spectrum (94.8% agreement). The preferred pharmaceutical format was the solution of clobetasol propionate. Conclusion: Clobetasol propionate was the preferred topical treatment for the management of scalp dermatoses, usually as first-line treatment; solution was the preferred preparation.

Photoprotection for people with skin of colour: needs and strategies.

Skin of colour or pigmented skin has unique characteristics: it has a higher eumelanin-to-pheomelanin ratio, more mature melanosomes, an increased amount of melanin distributed in the upper layers of the epidermis, and more efficient DNA repair compared with lighter skin. However, individuals with skin of colour are at a significant risk of skin damage caused by ultraviolet radiation, including the development of photodermatoses and photoageing changes such as uneven skin tone, and are predisposed to pigmentary disorders. In fact, one of the most common conditions leading to dermatology consultations by patients with skin of colour is photoexacerbated pigmentary disorders. Unfortunately, individuals with skin of colour may be less prone to engage in photoprotective measures, including the use of sunscreens. Physicians are also less likely to prescribe sunscreens for them. There is thus a clear need for better education on photodamage and for more efficient and suitable photoprotection in populations with skin of colour. However, this need has thus far only partially been met, and the development of sunscreen products designed to provide optimal photoprotection for people with skin of colour remains a challenge. Targeted sunscreens for individuals with skin of colour require optimal cosmetic appeal (leaving no white residue and not disrupting skin tone). They should include broad-spectrum [ultraviolet (UV)B/UVA] protection with high sun protection factor, as well as protection against long-wave UVA (UVA1) and visible light, as these wavelengths are capable of inducing or augmenting pigmentary disorders. They may also contain depigmenting agents for patients with pigmentary disorders.

Correction: A systematic review and an individual patient data meta-analysis of ivermectin use in children weighing less than fifteen kilograms: Is it time to reconsider the current contraindication?

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009144.].

Commentary: Facial Aesthetic Dermatological Procedures and Photoprotection in Chinese Populations.

The medical literature on aesthetic dermatology has primarily focused on a light-skinned patient population, yet patients of darker skin types have different needs and priorities. In Chinese individuals, key concerns include altered pigmentation, which is perceived to age the individual, and also relates to the Chinese cultural standard of beauty of fair skin; many seek aesthetic treatment for this. Non-invasive cosmetic procedures such as lasers and injections are also gaining in popularity in the Chinese market, but this population is prone to hyperpigmentation as an adverse effect of such procedures. Considered and tailored approaches, both to primary concerns of photoaging and the side effects of cosmetic treatments, are warranted.

Melasma: The need for tailored photoprotection to improve clinical outcomes.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Melasma is a frequent photoexacerbated hyperpigmentary disorder, which can significantly impact on the quality of life. We sought to review the pathogenesis of melasma, and the role of photoprotection in the prevention and treatment of this disorder. METHODS: We conducted a narrative review of the literature. We performed literature searches with PubMed from January 1990 to December 2021 using the keywords "melasma," "pathogenesis," "ultraviolet radiation," "visible light," "photoprotection," and "sunscreens." RESULTS: The physiopathology of melasma includes a complex interaction between genetics, sex hormones, and sun exposure. Visible light, in particular high-energy visible light (HEVL), and long-wave UVA (UVA1) play a key role in melasma pathophysiology, and recent research suggests that melasma shares many features with photoaging disorders. Melasma disproportionately affects dark-skinned individuals. Some 30% to 50% of South Americans and Asians, among other ethnicities, can present with melasma. Dark-skinned patients take fewer photoprotective measures. Also, the majority of melasma patients do not adequately follow photoprotection recommendations, including the application of sunscreen. Intensive use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen can prevent melasma in high-risk individuals, can lessen melasma severity (associated or not with depigmenting agents), and can reduce relapses. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the physiopathology of melasma, sunscreens should be broad-spectrum with high sun protection factor, and provide high protection against UVA1 and VL. Sunscreens should be cosmetically acceptable and leave no white residue. Tinted sunscreens are an excellent choice, as pigments can protect from HEVL and UVA1, and may provide camouflage, but they must offer colors that match the skin tone of each patient.

Facial Seborrheic Dermatitis in HIV-Seropositive Patients: Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of a Non-Steroidal Cream Containing Piroctone Olamine, Biosaccharide Gum-2 and Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate - A Case Series.

Facial seborrheic dermatitis is common in HIV-positive patients, and the presence of facial lesions can affect quality of life. The management and control of lesions can be frustrating for both physicians and patients. In this pilot clinical study, we clinically evaluated the effectiveness of a topical non-steroidal cream in treating mild to moderate facial seborrheic dermatitis in 20 HIV-positive patients. The patients applied a twice-a-day topical cream containing zinc PCA, piroctone olamine, hydroxyphenyl propamidobenzoic acid, biosaccharide gum-2, and stearyl glycyrrhetinate for 12 weeks with no topical or oral antifungal or corticosteroid treatment. Signs and symptoms and tolerance were assessed before, during, and at the end of treatment. All of the patients showed clinical improvement after 4 and 12 weeks of treatment. None of the patients had no response to treatment, and no adverse effects were reported. No rescue therapy with corticosteroids was needed. The patients reported a very noticeable improvement in their skin which contributed to high compliance with the protocol requirement.

Tratamiento de la escabiosis / Treatment of scabies

La escabiosis afecta a más de 200 millones de personas en el mundo, y ocasiona un importante impacto socioeconómico. El mecanismo de contagio es por contacto directo prolongado. El contagio por fómites es infrecuente, aunque puede ser importante en la sarna noruega. La terapia con permetrina tópica al 5% es recomendada como tratamiento de primera línea. Puede indicarse durante el embarazo y la lactancia, y parece ser segura en niños <2 meses. Sin embargo, últimamente se ha reportado una disminución de la efectividad de este fármaco. Otra alternativa en primera línea terapéutica es la ivermectina oral. Se puede administrar durante la lactancia, y estudios recientes sugieren que es segura en niños y lactantes pequeños. Diversas revisiones sistemáticas y metaanálisis han concluido que la ivermectina oral es tan efectiva y segura como la permetrina tópica. La administración terapéutica «en masa» de ivermectina oral es una excelente opción para el manejo de escabiosis en comunidades con alta prevalencia o de brotes en instituciones.

Scabies affects more than 200 million people around the world, and causes a significant socioeconomic impact. Prolonged skin-to-skin contact is the primary mode of transmission. Fomite-mediated transmission is uncommon, although it can be significant in crusted scabies. Topical therapy with permethrin 5% is recommended as first-line treatment. It can be indicated during pregnancy and lactation, and appears to be safe in children <2 months. However, a decrease in the effectiveness of this drug has recently been reported. Another first-line therapeutic alternative is oral ivermectin. It can be administered during lactation, and new evidence suggests that it is safe in children >15kg. Diverse systematic reviews and meta-analysis have concluded that oral ivermectin is as effective and safe as topical permethrin. Mass drug administration of oral ivermectin is an excellent option for the management of scabies in communities with high prevalence, or for scabies outbreaks in institutions.

[Treatment of scabies]. / Tratamiento de la escabiosis.

Scabies affects more than 200 million people around the world, and causes a significant socioeconomic impact. Prolonged skin-to-skin contact is the primary mode of transmission. Fomite-mediated transmission is uncommon, although it can be significant in crusted scabies. Topical therapy with permethrin 5% is recommended as first-line treatment. It can be indicated during pregnancy and lactation, and appears to be safe in children <2 months. However, a decrease in the effectiveness of this drug has recently been reported. Another first-line therapeutic alternative is oral ivermectin. It can be administered during lactation, and new evidence suggests that it is safe in children >15kg. Diverse systematic reviews and meta-analysis have concluded that oral ivermectin is as effective and safe as topical permethrin. Mass drug administration of oral ivermectin is an excellent option for the management of scabies in communities with high prevalence, or for scabies outbreaks in institutions.

Urea in Dermatology: A Review of its Emollient, Moisturizing, Keratolytic, Skin Barrier Enhancing and Antimicrobial Properties.

Urea is a hygroscopic molecule (capable of absorbing water) present in the epidermis as a component of the natural moisturizing factor (NMF) and is essential for the adequate hydration and integrity of the stratum corneum. Urea improves skin barrier function including antimicrobial defense by regulating gene expression in keratinocytes relevant for their differentiation and antimicrobial peptide production. It also plays a fundamental role in regulating keratinocyte proliferation. One of the first uses of urea in modern medicine was the topical treatment of wounds due to its proteolytic and antibacterial properties. At present, urea is widely used in dermatology to improve skin barrier function and as one of the most common moisturizers and keratolytic agents. Urea-containing formulations are available in diverse formulations and concentrations. Multiple clinical trials on the use of urea-containing formulations have shown significant clinical improvement in many of the dermatosis presenting with scaly and dry skin such as atopic dermatitis, ichthyosis, xerosis, seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis, among others. Furthermore, urea can increase skin penetration and optimize the action of topical drugs. Urea-based products are well tolerated; their side effects are mild and are more frequent at high concentration. Here, we present a review of the use of urea in dermatology, discussing its mechanism of action, safety profile and frequent indications.