Lasers Use in Dermatology Practice in the Evolving COVID-19 Scenario: Recommendations by SIG Lasers (IADVL Academy).

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken the entire world by storm. Almost all dermatology laser procedures are considered non-essential and there is a consensus that they should be deferred till the threat of the COVID-19 is well and truly over. The article presents recommendations for the use of lasers and energy based devices in a safe manner during and in the immediate aftermath of COVID-19 pandemic. Plume generating procedures need full personal protective equipment to be used. Special precautions are required for specific laser and energy based procedures. A robust disinfection strategy based on preventing fomite borne COVID-19 transmission in the laser operating room is essential.

Treatment of Acne Scars on Darker Skin Types Using a Noninsulated Smooth Motion, Electronically Controlled Radiofrequency Microneedles Treatment System.

BACKGROUND: Noninvasive technologies for treating acne scars use radiofrequency (RF)-emitting microneedles for both mechanical disruption of fibrotic strands and heat-mediated collagen remodeling. OBJECTIVE: Efficacy and safety evaluation of electronically controlled noninsulated RF microneedling system on acne scars in patients with dark skin. METHODS: Nineteen patients, 24 to 51 years old, skin types III to V, with acne scars were enrolled in the study. Each patient had 3 treatment sessions at monthly intervals using a multisource RF treatment platform with a microneedle RF applicator. Efficacy was evaluated by the Goodman and Barron's Global Qualitative Acne Scarring System. RESULTS: No bleeding points occurred during treatments. Post-treatment erythema was observed immediately after the treatment and lasted up to 10 hours after the treatment. Improvement of at least 1 acne scar grade was noted in 11 of 19 patients (57.9%) after 1 month and in 9 of 9 patients (100%) after 3 months. CONCLUSION: The tested noninsulated electronically controlled RF microneedles were found to be safe and efficient in the treatment of atrophic acne scars in skin types III to V with minimal pain or downtime.

Opalescent grouped vesicles over the face: an important indicator of staphylococcal septicemia.

We present a report of three cases with vesicles containing opalescent fluid grouped over the face and scattered on the trunk and limbs. Culture of the fluid aspirated from the vesicles grew Staphylococcus aureus in two of the three cases. The observation of vesicles grouped on the face in a sick febrile child should prompt the diagnosis of a severe staphylococcal septicemia.

Adverse cutaneous drug reactions: clinical pattern and causative agents in a tertiary care center in South India.

BACKGROUND: Adverse cutaneous drug reactions (ACDRs) are caused by a wide variety of agents. AIMS: Our objective was to ascertain the clinical spectrum of ACDRs and the causative drugs in this part of India and to find any risk factors. METHODS: Ninety patients with adverse cutaneous drug reactions were recruited for this study during 2001-2003. Hematological and biochemical investigations were done in all of them. The VDRL and HIV (ELISA) tests were performed where the underlying risk factors were present. Patch testing, intradermal testing and oral provocation tests were done wherever feasible. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients with cutaneous drug eruptions was 37.06 years. Most of them (52.2%) were in the age group of 20-39 years. The male to female ratio was 0.87: 1. The most common eruptions observed were fixed drug eruption (31.1%) and maculopapular rash (12.2%), and the most common causes were co-trimoxazole (22.2%) and dapsone (17.7%). CONCLUSION: The pattern of ACDRs and the drugs causing them is remarkably different in our population. Knowledge of these drug eruptions, the causative drugs and the prognostic indicators is essential for the clinician.