-
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology : JDD Nov 2019Background: Melasma is an acquired skin disease characterized by symmetric hyperpigmentation on sun-exposed areas, particularly on the face. Recently, there has been...
Background: Melasma is an acquired skin disease characterized by symmetric hyperpigmentation on sun-exposed areas, particularly on the face. Recently, there has been tremendous scientific interest in novel, safe, and effective topical agents to manage melasma. Objective: To evaluate topical treatments for melasma and provide evidence-based recommendations for clinical use and further research. Methods: We performed a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on topical agents for the treatment of melasma on March 4th, 2019 using PRISMA guidelines. Clinical recommendations were based on the American College of Physicians guidelines. Results: After screening, we identified 35 original RCTs using azelaic acid, cysteamine, epidermal growth factor, hydroquinone (liposomal-delivered), lignin peroxidase, mulberry extract, niacinamide, Rumex occidentalis, triple combination therapy, tranexamic acid, 4-n-butylresorcinol, glycolic acid, kojic acid, aloe vera, ascorbic acid, dioic acid, ellagic acid and arbutin, flutamide, parsley, or zinc sulfate for melasma. Conclusions: Cysteamine, triple combination therapy, and tranexamic acid received strong clinical recommendations for the treatment of melasma. Cysteamine has excellent efficacy and is reported to have anti-cancer properties, but has not been directly compared with hydroquinone. Triple combination agents and tranexamic acid are effective, but carry theoretical risks for ochronosis and thrombosis, respectively. Natural compounds are associated with low risk for adverse events, but more research is needed to determine the efficacy, optimal formulation, and appropriate concentration of novel treatments. J Drugs Dermatol. 2019;18(11):1156-1171.
Topics: Administration, Cutaneous; Dermatologic Agents; Humans; Melanosis; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 31741361
DOI: No ID Found -
Journal of the American Academy of... Apr 2022Microneedling as an adjuvant to topical medications has shown promising but variable results in the treatment of melasma. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Microneedling as an adjuvant to topical medications has shown promising but variable results in the treatment of melasma.
OBJECTIVE
To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the efficacy of microneedling as an adjuvant to topical therapies for the treatment of melasma.
METHODS
This study followed PRISMA guidelines. All comparative, prospective studies on the use of topical interventions with microneedling for the treatment of melasma were included. Studies involving radiofrequency microneedling were excluded.
RESULTS
Twelve eligible studies comprising 459 patients from 7 different countries were included. Topical therapies included topical tranexamic acid, vitamin C, platelet-rich plasma, non-hydroquinone-based depigmentation serums, and hydroquinone-based depigmenting agents. Topical therapy with microneedling improved melasma severity with a large effect (standardized mean difference >0.8) beyond 8 weeks, with best results seen at 12 weeks. Compared to topical therapy alone, topical therapy with microneedling resulted in an additional improvement in melasma severity with a moderate effect at 8 weeks and a large effect at 12-16 weeks. Microneedling was well tolerated across studies, with no serious adverse events reported.
LIMITATIONS
Heterogeneity in study designs did not allow for a comparison of the efficacy of various topical therapies with microneedling.
CONCLUSION
Microneedling is useful adjuvant to topical therapies for the treatment of melasma.
Topics: Administration, Cutaneous; Ascorbic Acid; Humans; Melanosis; Prospective Studies; Tranexamic Acid; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33857549
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2021.03.116 -
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology Oct 2023Topical azelaic acid (AA) is indicated for acne and rosacea, but there is some evidence for its use for other dermatological conditions. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Topical azelaic acid (AA) is indicated for acne and rosacea, but there is some evidence for its use for other dermatological conditions.
AIMS
To assess the effectiveness and safety of topical AA for acne vulgaris, rosacea, hyperpigmentation/melasma, and skin aging.
METHODS
RCTs of at least 6 weeks' treatment duration were eligible for inclusion. Databases including MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched up to December 2022. Two reviewers were involved in all stages of the systematic review process.
RESULTS
Forty-three RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analyses within 20 rosacea studies demonstrated that erythema severity, inflammatory lesion counts, overall improvement, and treatment success (achieving skin clarity) were significantly improved with AA compared with vehicle after 12 weeks. AA was more effective than metronidazole 0.75% for improved erythema severity, overall improvement, and inflammatory lesion counts. Sixteen acne studies suggest that AA is more effective than vehicle for improving global assessments and reducing acne severity. AA 20% also significantly reduced more lesions than erythromycin gel. Within seven melasma studies, AA 20% was significantly better than vehicle for both severity and global improvement. AA 20% demonstrated significantly better results compared with hydroquinone 2% for global improvement. Very few significant differences between AA and comparators were observed for commonly reported adverse events. No eligible RCTs were found that evaluated skin aging.
CONCLUSIONS
AA is more effective than vehicle for rosacea, acne and melasma. Comparisons between AA and other treatments were often equivalent. Where there is equivalence, AA may be a good option for some clinical situations. RCT evidence is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of AA on skin aging.
Topics: Humans; Skin Aging; Acne Vulgaris; Rosacea; Erythema; Treatment Outcome; Melanosis; Dermatologic Agents
PubMed: 37550898
DOI: 10.1111/jocd.15923 -
International Journal of Dermatology Aug 2021Terra firma-forme dermatosis (TFFD) is an acquired pigmentation disorder that promptly regresses after applying isopropyl alcohol 70%. The clinical presentation ranges... (Review)
Review
Terra firma-forme dermatosis (TFFD) is an acquired pigmentation disorder that promptly regresses after applying isopropyl alcohol 70%. The clinical presentation ranges from patches of brownish discoloration to velvety hyperkeratotic plaques. Critical analyses of current data are lacking, so etiologies, pathogenesis, and disease associations are still debated in the literature. A literature search was done in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases to identify the published papers reporting clinical cases of TFFD. Of 102 papers screened, 64 met the including criteria. Overall, the records of 256 patients presenting a mean age of 18.34 years and a female:male ratio of 1:37 were reviewed. The present article aims to provide a key point-summary regarding the clinical outcome, associated comorbidities, pathogenesis, histopathology, dermoscopy, and therapeutic modalities of TFFD.
Topics: Adolescent; Databases, Factual; Female; Humans; Hyperpigmentation; Male
PubMed: 33280096
DOI: 10.1111/ijd.15301 -
Dermatologic Surgery : Official... Jan 2022Melasma is a common relapsing hyperpigmentation disorder, which is often difficult to treat. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a novel modality often used to treat acne...
BACKGROUND
Melasma is a common relapsing hyperpigmentation disorder, which is often difficult to treat. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a novel modality often used to treat acne scars, androgenic alopecia, chronic wounds, and skin rejuvenation. Recently, it has had a promising role in the treatment of melasma.
OBJECTIVE
To review the published evidence on the efficacy and safety of PRP in the treatment of melasma.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic review was performed. A meta-analysis could not be performed because of methodological differences across studies and data heterogeneity.
RESULTS
Seven studies were fulfilled and analyzed. Most studies used intradermal injections of PRP and have shown significant improvement in melasma. Microneedling mediated delivery of PRP has been tried in melasma with good results. A single study showed no additional benefit of PRP in patients treated with topical tranexamic acid. Another study showed no benefit of intense pulsed light in patients treated with intradermal PRP.
CONCLUSION
Platelet-rich plasma inhibits the melanin synthesis through its various components acting through several mechanisms. It demonstrates a moderate grade of recommendation according to the Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine 2011 standards.
Topics: Administration, Cutaneous; Blood Transfusion, Autologous; Combined Modality Therapy; Humans; Melanins; Melanosis; Platelet-Rich Plasma; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Skin; Skin Pigmentation; Tranexamic Acid; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 34904579
DOI: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000003266 -
BioMed Research International 2022Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder of UV radiation-induced damage repair that is characterized by photosensitivity and a propensity for... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder of UV radiation-induced damage repair that is characterized by photosensitivity and a propensity for developing, among many others, skin cancers at an early age. This systematic review focused on the correlation between the clinical, pathological, and genetic aspects of XP and skin cancer.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted through a literature search of online databases PubMed, Cochrane Library, SciELO, and Google Scholar. Search terms were "Xeroderma pigmentosum", "XP", "XPC", "Nucleotide excision repair", "NER", "POLH", "Dry pigmented skin", and "UV sensitive syndrome" meshed with the terms "Skin cancer", "Melanoma", and "NMSC".
RESULTS
After 504 abstracts screening, 13 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility, and 3 of them were excluded. Ten articles were selected for qualitative assessment.
CONCLUSIONS
Patients with XP usually suffer shorter lives due to skin cancer and neurodegenerative disease. Deletion/alteration of a distinct gene allele can produce different types of cancer. The XPC and XP-E variants are more likely to have skin cancer than patients in other complement groups, and the most common cause of death for these patients is skin cancer (metastatic melanoma or invasive SCC). Still, aggressive preventative measures to minimize UV radiation exposure can retard the course of the disease and improve the quality of life.
Topics: DNA Repair; Humans; Ichthyosis; Melanoma; Neurodegenerative Diseases; Quality of Life; Skin Neoplasms; Ultraviolet Rays; Xeroderma Pigmentosum
PubMed: 35898688
DOI: 10.1155/2022/8549532 -
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology May 2023Vitiligo has been reported to be associated with a variety of diseases, but it has not been systematically reviewed. Therefore, we aimed to identify prevalent diseases... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Vitiligo has been reported to be associated with a variety of diseases, but it has not been systematically reviewed. Therefore, we aimed to identify prevalent diseases in patients with vitiligo and quantify their associations compared with those in healthy controls. A comprehensive search of MEDLINE and EMBASE from the inception to June 2022 was conducted. Observational studies on prevalent diseases in patients with vitiligo compared with those in healthy controls were included, whereas studies limited to pediatrics or providing only laboratory results were excluded. A total of 78 studies were eligible for analyses. Patients with vitiligo showed higher risks of having comorbid autoimmune and connective tissue diseases, including alopecia areata (OR = 2.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.50‒2.78), discoid lupus erythematosus (OR = 2.54, 95% CI = 1.74‒3.72), Sjogren's syndrome (OR = 2.50, 95% CI = 1.98‒3.16), myasthenia gravis (OR = 2.30, 95% CI = 1.74‒3.02), systemic lupus erythematosus (OR = 1.96, 95% CI = 1.52‒2.52), and rheumatoid arthritis (OR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.55‒2.15). Thyroid diseases, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, sensorineural hypoacusis, and ophthalmic abnormalities were also more prevalent in patients with vitiligo. In conclusion, vitiligo is associated with various systemic diseases. Physicians should evaluate and manage potential comorbid conditions in patients with vitiligo.
Topics: Humans; Child; Vitiligo; Comorbidity; Sjogren's Syndrome; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic; Thyroid Diseases; Autoimmune Diseases
PubMed: 36574529
DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2022.10.021 -
Journal of the European Academy of... Jun 2022Various types of lasers have been demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of vitiligo. The mode of action of these lasers is just as varied as the purpose of... (Review)
Review
Various types of lasers have been demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of vitiligo. The mode of action of these lasers is just as varied as the purpose of intervention. Many clinicians are not aware of the unique opportunity these lasers offer to improve the outcomes of vitiligo treatment. To date, no clear overview exists of the use of lasers in vitiligo treatment. Thus, the aim of this review is to discuss the various types of lasers and provide an overview of the evidence for their efficacy. We found good evidence from a systematic review that the excimer laser is effective, induces repigmentation rates comparable to NB-UVB and has improved outcomes when combined with calcineurin inhibitors. Ablative lasers are commonly used for tissue graft or melanocyte-keratinocyte cell graft transplantation. They provide safe, fast and uniform denudation of the epidermis with propitious repigmentation outcomes. We found conflicting evidence from two systematic reviews regarding the efficacy of fractional ablative lasers for improving outcomes of NB-UVB therapy, a systematic review including only fractional ablative lasers provided evidence for efficacy. Q-switched nanosecond lasers have shown to be safe and effective for inducing depigmentation, although recurrence is common, and most studies were small and retrospective. Despite proven efficacy and safety, laser treatments are relatively expensive and suited for limited body surface areas and selected cases. Each type of laser has benefits and risks associated and should, therefore, be individually chosen based on location, extent, activity and type of vitiligo.
Topics: Combined Modality Therapy; Humans; Lasers, Excimer; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome; Ultraviolet Therapy; Vitiligo
PubMed: 35176186
DOI: 10.1111/jdv.18005 -
Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine... Dec 2020Several studies have investigated the association between selenium levels and skin diseases, but reached inconsistent results. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Several studies have investigated the association between selenium levels and skin diseases, but reached inconsistent results.
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the association between selenium levels and skin diseases.
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted in public databases to identify all relevant studies, and study-specific standard mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were pooled to compare the selenium levels between different groups.
RESULTS
Twenty-seven studies were identified with a total of 1315 patient and 7181 healthy controls. Compared with controls, no significant difference in selenium was found in patients with vitiligo (SMD = 0.53, 95% CI: -0.40 to 1.45), alopecia areata (SMD = 0.47, 95% CI: -2.72 and 3.65), or eczema (SMD = 0.12, 95% CI: -0.24 to 0.48). A lower selenium level was found in patients with psoriasis (SMD = -0.62, 95% CI: -1.15 to -0.10), acne vulgaris (SMD = -1.02, 95% CI: -1.45 to -0.60), chloric acne (SMD = -2.35, 95% CI: -3.15 to -1.55), and atopic dermatitis (SMD = -2.62, 95% CI: -3.00 to -2.24). As for disease severity, severe patients had a higher selenium level than mild patients in psoriasis (SMD = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.07-1.38), but no difference was found in vitiligo (SMD = -0.26, 95% CI: -2.38 to 1.85) and alopecia areata (SMD = 0.46, 95% CI: -0.34 to 1.26).
CONCLUSION
Selenium levels were associated with several skin diseases and the disease severity, and high selenium levels tended to be a protective factor in certain skin diseases.
Topics: Alopecia Areata; Dermatitis, Atopic; Humans; Psoriasis; Selenium; Severity of Illness Index; Skin Diseases; Vitiligo
PubMed: 32497930
DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2020.126548 -
Journal of the American Academy of... Dec 2021Vitiligo is a common depigmenting disorder caused by the autoimmune destruction of melanocytes. Some evidence suggests the involvement of melanocytes in the auditory... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Vitiligo is a common depigmenting disorder caused by the autoimmune destruction of melanocytes. Some evidence suggests the involvement of melanocytes in the auditory system in the disease process. However, the relationship between vitiligo and sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) remains uncertain.
OBJECTIVE
We investigated the association between vitiligo and SNHL.
METHODS
In this systematic review and meta-analysis, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed, and the Cochrane database were searched for studies examining the association between SNHL and vitiligo from inception to June 28, 2020.
RESULTS
A total of 14 case-control studies with 938 patients with vitiligo were included. The meta-analysis showed a significant association of SNHL with vitiligo (odds ratio [OR] 6.02 [95% confidence interval {CI} 3.41-10.62]). The association remained significant after adjustment of study quality and publication bias, with ORs of 5.30 (95% CI 1.53-18.35), and 3.45 (95% CI 1.75-6.81), respectively.
LIMITATIONS
Heterogenous definition and measurement of hearing loss and racial differences are potential sources of bias.
CONCLUSION
The evidence to date supports an association of SNHL with vitiligo. These results suggest audiologic assessment for early recognition and management of hearing loss in patients with vitiligo.
Topics: Deafness; Hearing Loss; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural; Humans; Vitiligo
PubMed: 33359081
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2020.12.029