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Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy Jun 2024Nodulocystic acne is a severe form of acne, which is commonly treated with oral isotretinoin, hormones, or antibiotics. However, drug therapy often has some side effects...
BACKGROUND
Nodulocystic acne is a severe form of acne, which is commonly treated with oral isotretinoin, hormones, or antibiotics. However, drug therapy often has some side effects and poor compliance. Fire needle combined with 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) is a simple, effective, short-term treatment with few adverse reactions, which is expected to be an effective physiotherapy for nodulocystic acne. Moreover, the combination with isotretinoin can reduce the dosage of the drug, thereby reducing the side effects of isotretinoin.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the safety and efficacy of fire-needle pretreated ALA-PDT combined with low-dose isotretinoin in the treatment of severe refractory nodulocystic acne.
METHODS
This study reported 10 patients with refractory nodulocystic acne who received combined treatment. During the treatment period, all patients received a low dose of oral isotretinoin capsules daily. The acne lesions were pretreated with fire needle before ALA-PDT treatment. The number of acne lesions, including papules, pustules, and nodular cysts, was documented at weeks 0, 2, 4, 8, and 12 to assess the therapeutic efficacy. Concurrently, adverse reactions such as pain, pruritus, and pigmentation changes were recorded and evaluated throughout the treatment course.
RESULTS
After combined treatment, all patients achieved good therapeutic effects, with an overall effective rate of 90 % at week 12. After treatment, skin lesions such as nodules, and cysts subsided significantly. The combination therapy has no serious adverse effects and has a favorable safety profile.
CONCLUSION
Fire needle pretreatment ALA-PDT combined with low-dose isotretinoin is effective and safe in the treatment of severe refractory nodular cystic acne, which is worthy of clinical promotion and research.
Topics: Humans; Isotretinoin; Aminolevulinic Acid; Photochemotherapy; Acne Vulgaris; Photosensitizing Agents; Male; Female; Young Adult; Adult; Adolescent; Combined Modality Therapy; Dermatologic Agents; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
PubMed: 38735352
DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2024.104215 -
Emerging Microbes & Infections Dec 2024Monkeypox virus (MPXV) is a re-emerging zoonotic poxvirus responsible for producing skin lesions in humans. Endemic in sub-Saharan Africa, the 2022 outbreak with a clade...
Monkeypox virus (MPXV) is a re-emerging zoonotic poxvirus responsible for producing skin lesions in humans. Endemic in sub-Saharan Africa, the 2022 outbreak with a clade IIb strain has resulted in ongoing sustained transmission of the virus worldwide. MPXV has a relatively wide host range, with infections reported in rodent and non-human primate species. However, the susceptibility of many domestic livestock species remains unknown. Here, we report on a susceptibility/transmission study in domestic pigs that were experimentally inoculated with a 2022 MPXV clade IIb isolate or served as sentinel contact control animals. Several principal-infected and sentinel contact control pigs developed minor lesions near the lips and nose starting at 12 through 18 days post-challenge (DPC). No virus was isolated and no viral DNA was detected from the lesions; however, MPXV antigen was detected by IHC in tissue from a pustule of a principal infected pig. Viral DNA and infectious virus were detected in nasal and oral swabs up to 14 DPC, with peak titers observed at 7 DPC. Viral DNA was also detected in nasal tissues or skin collected from two principal-infected animals at 7 DPC post-mortem. Furthermore, all principal-infected and sentinel control animals enrolled in the study seroconverted. In conclusion, we provide the first evidence that domestic pigs are susceptible to experimental MPXV infection and can transmit the virus to contact animals.
Topics: Animals; Monkeypox virus; Swine; Mpox (monkeypox); Swine Diseases; DNA, Viral; Antibodies, Viral; Humans; Skin; Nose
PubMed: 38712637
DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2024.2352434 -
Archives of Dermatological Research May 2024Rosacea is a common inflammatory skin condition displaying symptoms like flushing, erythema, papules, and pustules. Oral antibiotics, despite long-term adverse effects,... (Review)
Review
Rosacea is a common inflammatory skin condition displaying symptoms like flushing, erythema, papules, and pustules. Oral antibiotics, despite long-term adverse effects, are often used due to topical treatment limitations, underscoring the need for cost-effective choices like dietary modifications. Our review investigates the role of vitamins and minerals in rosacea, and provides evidence-based recommendations for supplementation and topical treatment of these nutrients for rosacea. An online search was performed on PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and ClinicalTrials.gov from 1998 to 2023. Included studies were summarized and assessed for quality and relevance in rosacea management. Varied outcomes emerged concerning the impact of essential vitamins and minerals on rosacea treatment. Vitamin A derivatives, specifically oral isotretinoin, demonstrated significant efficacy, with a 90% reduction in lesions, complete remission in 24% of patients, and marked improvement in 57% of patients. Vitamin B3 derivatives, such as topical 1-methylnicotinamide 0.25% and NADH 1%, improved symptoms in 76.4% (26/34) and 80% of patients, respectively. Outcomes for vitamin D, vitamin C, and zinc supplementation varied across studies. However, zinc sulfate solution 5% significantly reduced acne rosacea severity for patients with 40% and 60% exhibiting a moderate or good response, respectively. Omega-3 fatty acids showed significant improvement in alleviating xerophthalmia in 64% of patients with ocular rosacea. Vitamins and minerals hold potential in managing rosacea symptoms, offering a safe and cost-effective alternative or adjunctive treatment option. Currently, there are no established recommendations regarding their supplementation for rosacea. Studies assessing serum levels of vitamins and minerals in relation to rosacea are warranted, as this avenue holds potential for future advancements in the field.
Topics: Rosacea; Humans; Vitamins; Dietary Supplements; Treatment Outcome; Nutrients; Administration, Cutaneous
PubMed: 38695936
DOI: 10.1007/s00403-024-02895-4 -
JAMA Dermatology May 2024Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) lacks internationally accepted definitions and diagnostic criteria, impeding timely diagnosis and treatment and hindering...
IMPORTANCE
Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) lacks internationally accepted definitions and diagnostic criteria, impeding timely diagnosis and treatment and hindering cross-regional clinical and epidemiological study comparisons.
OBJECTIVE
To develop an international consensus definition and diagnostic criteria for GPP using the modified Delphi method.
EVIDENCE REVIEW
The rarity of GPP presents a challenge in acquiring comprehensive published clinical data necessary for developing standardized definition and criteria. Instead of relying on a literature search, 43 statements that comprehensively addressed the fundamental aspects of the definitions and diagnostic criteria for GPP were formulated based on expert reviews of 64 challenging GPP cases. These statements were presented to a panel of 33 global GPP experts for voting, discussion, and refinements in 2 virtual consensus meetings. Consensus during voting was defined as at least 80% agreement; the definition and diagnostic criteria were accepted by all panelists after voting and in-depth discussion.
FINDINGS
In the first and second modified Delphi round, 30 (91%) and 25 (76%) experts participated. In the initial Delphi round, consensus was achieved for 53% of the statements, leading to the approval of 23 statements that were utilized to develop the proposed definitions and diagnostic criteria for GPP. During the second Delphi round, the final definition established was, "Generalized Pustular Psoriasis is a systemic inflammatory disease characterized by cutaneous erythema and macroscopically visible sterile pustules." It can occur with or without systemic symptoms, other psoriasis types, and laboratory abnormalities. GPP may manifest as an acute form with widespread pustules or a subacute variant with an annular phenotype. The identified essential criterion was, "Macroscopically visible sterile pustules on erythematous base and not restricted to the acral region or within psoriatic plaques."
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
The achievement of international consensus on the definition and diagnostic criteria for GPP underscores the importance of collaboration, innovative methodology, and expert engagement to address rare diseases. Although further validation is needed, these criteria can serve as a reference point for clinicians, researchers, and patients, which may contribute to more accurate diagnosis and improved management of GPP.
PubMed: 38691347
DOI: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2024.0915 -
Cureus Mar 2024Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare autoinflammatory neutrophilic dermatosis. The ulcerative subtype presents with a tender nodule or pustule that progresses into a...
Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare autoinflammatory neutrophilic dermatosis. The ulcerative subtype presents with a tender nodule or pustule that progresses into a painful, necrotic ulcer.New lesions arise after minor trauma in one-third of patients, a phenomenon termed "pathergy." We present a 62-year-old Caucasian female with primary sclerosing cholangitis, hepatic cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis B, and severe PG. At the initial presentation, she had lesions on her face and four extremities. She had severe full-thickness ulcerations on the bilateral cheeks and underwent incision and drainage with washout of bilateral maxillary abscesses, left sinus curettage, and wound debridement. She has required multiple hospitalizations for severe flares. Treatment with steroids was complicated by spinal compression fractures. Steroid-sparring agents were ineffective. Her lesions involved bilateral cheeks, temples, temporal scalp, and eyelids with oroantral fistulae. Her facial ulcerations included a large septal perforation causing saddle nose deformity and eradication of a branch of the left facial nerve causing incomplete eye closure. She underwent bilateral facial wound irrigation with antibiotic irrigation and wound debridement. Due to social factors, she has been lost to follow-up and a definitive etiology of her PG has not yet been elucidated. Although rare, PG should remain a consideration in patients with ulcerative lesions on the head and neck. Wound debridement is typically discouraged given the risk of pathergy, but there may be a role for surgical intervention in adequately immunosuppressed patients.
PubMed: 38681354
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.57136 -
Cureus Mar 2024Rosacea is a common cutaneous condition caused by persistent, recurring lesions in facial skin vessels. It is a chronic skin condition with a variety of clinical... (Review)
Review
Rosacea is a common cutaneous condition caused by persistent, recurring lesions in facial skin vessels. It is a chronic skin condition with a variety of clinical symptoms and an unknown cause. Rosacea begins with the widening of capillaries and a flushed appearance. Following that, telangiectasia appears, and reddened patches persist, particularly on the cheeks and nose. Erythema persists due to repeated vasodilation and telangiectasia. In addition, skin inflammation manifests as papules, pustules, lymphedema, and fibrosis. Despite recent advances in treatment, rosacea, a chronic inflammatory relapsing central facial dermatosis, can be extremely difficult to manage. The purpose of this meta-analysis and systematic review was to evaluate the effectiveness of low-dose isotretinoin in the treatment of rosacea. Following the guidelines set forth by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA), the researcher employed the following search terms in the EMBASE, Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases to provide a therapeutic update relevant to clinical practice: "low dose isotretinoin," "isotretinoin and rosacea," "isotretinoin treatment of rosacea," and "effectiveness of isotretinoin in treating rosacea". The search was carried out by the researcher for articles published from February 2019 to February 2024. The articles included were all published in the English language. The overall frequency of patients with adverse events differed significantly between the groups treated with low-dose isotretinoin and the comparators (minocycline, pulsed dye laser, evening primrose oil, , doxycycline, combined dose or placebo) (0.80, 95% CI 0.73 to 0.88, p = 0.0001). Sub-group analysis indicated that there was a difference between the interventions used in the treatments all in favor of low-dose isotretinoin treatment. The results showed that the moderate group had RR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.44-1.30, I2 = 0%; the mild group had RR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.56-1.57, I2 = 0%; and the group with severe rosacea had RR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.47-1.13, I2 = 0%. According to this study, rosacea can be treated effectively with low-dose isotretinoin even in patients at severe stages of the disease by using the recommended dose once a week. Further, the intervention has also been shown to have fewer side effects on the patients. Therefore, this study recommends randomized controlled trials to be done to fully investigate the best combination options for isotretinoin on mild to severe rosacea based on the fact that some of the treatments combined have shown to be effective on treatment.
PubMed: 38681262
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.57085 -
Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease Mar 2024The red imported fire ant (RIFA) is one of the world's most destructive invasive species. RIFA stings are painful and can lead to allergic reactions, including... (Review)
Review
The red imported fire ant (RIFA) is one of the world's most destructive invasive species. RIFA stings are painful and can lead to allergic reactions, including life-threatening anaphylaxis, yet health impacts remain inadequately defined. We searched MEDLINE (Ovid) and Google Scholar (grey literature) from inception until 20 September 2023 for articles in English using search terms related to red imported fire ants and allergies, including anaphylaxis. Approximately a third of the population in RIFA-infested areas are stung each year. The most frequent reaction is a sterile 1-2 mm pseudo pustule on the skin. Approximately 20% of stings cause a large local reaction and between about 0.5% and 2% stings cause a systemic allergic reaction which can range from skin symptoms to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Local biodiversity is also significantly disrupted by invading RIFA and may lead to complex adverse effects on human health, from agriculture losses to expanded ranges for pathogen vectors. The potential for red imported fire ants to establish themselves as an invasive species in the Western Pacific presents a substantial and costly health issue. Successful eradication and surveillance programs, to identify and eradicate new incursions, would avoid substantial health impacts and costs.
PubMed: 38668530
DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed9040069 -
Clinical and Experimental Dermatology Apr 2024Aseptic pustulosis involves inflammatory skin conditions with non-bacterial pustules on red skin, accompanied by neutrophil and eosinophil infiltration in the epidermis....
Aseptic pustulosis involves inflammatory skin conditions with non-bacterial pustules on red skin, accompanied by neutrophil and eosinophil infiltration in the epidermis. Dysregulation of the IL-36 pathway leads to neutrophil aggregation and pustule formation. Variants in IL36RN, CARD14, AP1S3, MPO, SERPINA3, and BTN3A3 genes have been identified in GPP in the past. Some patients with ACH, PPP, and AGEP also exhibit mutations in IL36RN, CARD14, and AP1S3 genes, albeit with regional and population-specific variations. This study aims to explore a shared genetic foundation among aseptic pustulosis. We performed Sanger sequencing on six genes in 126 aseptic pustulosis patients. Genetic analysis identified IL36RN variants strongly associated with ACH, AGEP, and SPD. Immunohistochemistry revealed elevated inflammatory cytokines in all subtypes. This study establishes a significant association between IL36RN variants and ACH, AGEP, and SPD, emphasizing the IL-1/IL-36 chemokine-neutrophil axis as a common pathogenic mechanism. Targeting this axis holds promise for therapeutic interventions in aseptic pustulosis.
PubMed: 38651209
DOI: 10.1093/ced/llae144 -
International Journal of Women's Health 2024Previously considered a skin disease exclusively affecting adolescents, characterized by inflammatory and non-inflammatory skin lesions, acne vulgaris is now... (Review)
Review
Previously considered a skin disease exclusively affecting adolescents, characterized by inflammatory and non-inflammatory skin lesions, acne vulgaris is now increasingly observed in adult life, including post-menopause. Today, adult female acne (AFA) is a common chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit, with polymorphic lesions presenting as open or closed comedones, papules, pustules, and even nodules or cysts, often with the presence of sequelae. AFA may persist from adolescence or manifest de novo in adulthood. Its etiology is multifactorial, involving genetic, hormonal, dietary, and environmental factors, yet still incompletely understood. Increased sebum production, keratinocyte hyper-proliferation, inflammation, and reduced diversity of strains are the underlying disease mechanisms. During menopausal transition, a relative increase in androgen levels occurs, just as estrogens begin to decline, which can manifest itself as acne. Whereas most AFA exhibit few acne lesions with normo-androgenic serum levels, baseline investigations including androgen testing panel enable associated comorbidities to be eliminated, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, or tumors. Another interesting feature is AFA's impact on quality of life, which is greater than in adolescents, being similar to other chronic diseases like asthma. The therapeutic approach to AFA depends on its severity and associated features. This review investigates the intricate facets of AFA, with a specific focus on incidence rates, treatment modalities, and the curious impact of menopause. Utilizing insights from contemporary literature and scientific discussions, this article seeks to advance our understanding of AFA, offering new perspectives to shape clinical practices and improve patient outcomes.
PubMed: 38650835
DOI: 10.2147/IJWH.S431523 -
Drugs & Aging May 2024Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that is often more severe in older patients. The main clinical features are erythema, telangiectasia, and inflammatory... (Review)
Review
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that is often more severe in older patients. The main clinical features are erythema, telangiectasia, and inflammatory lesions of the face. The pathogenesis of this condition is not fully understood but certainly multifaceted. Immune and inflammatory dysregulation, genetics, neurogenic dysregulation, microbiome dysbiosis, and systemic disease have all been implicated in rosacea pathogenesis. As we better understand the various pathways that lead to rosacea, we acknowledge that the different symptoms may have unique underlying triggers and mechanisms. Aging also impacts rosacea diagnosis and treatment. Older adults have more severe rosacea symptoms while also having more sensitive and fragile skin than younger patients; therefore, rosacea treatments for older patients require a balance between delivering adequate potency while also minimizing skin irritation and other adverse effects. Until recently, rosacea diagnoses were based on concrete subtypes that did not necessarily capture each patient's manifestation of rosacea. There is now an emphasis on more personalized phenotype-based diagnoses and treatments, which allows for more emphasis on treating individual symptoms and accounting for the unique characteristics of older patients. Centrofacial erythema is best treated with brimonidine and oxymetazoline, while phymatous change and telangiectasia are best treated with surgery and laser ablation. Treatment for rosacea papules and pustules ranges from topicals, such as azelaic acid, ivermectin, metronidazole, minocycline, and encapsulated benzoyl peroxide, to systemics, such as doxycycline and isotretinoin. It is important to understand these treatments in relation to adverse effects and drug interactions that may specifically arise in older populations to provide optimal care. As we advance in understanding rosacea's pathogenesis and adopt personalized phenotype-based approaches, optimizing care for older patients becomes crucial. Continued research into novel treatments is essential to address their unique needs.
Topics: Rosacea; Humans; Aged; Dermatologic Agents
PubMed: 38649625
DOI: 10.1007/s40266-024-01115-y