Dear Colleagues:
Welcome to the February 2018 issue of the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology (JCAD). We start this issue with a review article titled, “Ocular Injury in Cosmetic Laser Treatments of the Face,” ,” by Huang et al. Here, investigators reviewed case reports of ocular injury in cosmetic laser treatments of the face. The authors found that in over 60 percent of the 22 examined cases, ocular protection was not used or protection was used but removed during the procedure to treat areas close to the eye. Even with proper use of ocular protection, accidents still occurred in 33 percent of the cases. The authors conclude that 1) ocular protection devices are essential to prevent most cases of laser-induced eye injury, 2) use of high fluence and long wavelength lasers increases the risk of ocular injury due to deeper penetration of the organ by radiation, and 3) inadequate cooling between pulses predisposes the eyes to injury by cosmetic lasers.
Next, in a review article by Ablon titled, “Phototherapy with Light Emitting Diodes: Treating a Broad Range of Medical and Aesthetic Conditions in Dermatology,” the author describes a literature review of studies evaluating the effectiveness and safety profile of a phototherapy device (Omnilux™; GlobalMed Technologies, Glen Ellen, California) as treatment for mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris, wound healing, psoriasis, squamous cell carcinoma in situ (Bowen’s disease), basal cell carcinoma, actinic keratosis, and cosmetic applications. The author concludes that this mode of therapy is both effective and safe for treatment of a range of medical and aesthetic conditions encountered in the dermatology practice.
Following this, in a review article by Hollinger et al titled, “Are Natural Ingredients Effective in the Management of Hyperpigmentation? A Systematic Review,” the authors discuss published clinical studies evaluating a variety of natural dermatology products, focusing on their effectiveness and safety profiles as treatment for hyperpigmentation. Despite the limited evidence-based research, the authors report that several natural ingredients show efficacy as depigmenting agents, including azelaic acid, soy, lignin peroxidase, ascorbic acid iontophoresis, arbutin, ellagic acid, licorice extracts, niacinamide, and mulberry.
Next, in a retrospective study by Mustak et al titled, “Eyebrow Contouring with Hyaluronic Acid Gel Filler Injections,” the authors report their long-term experience with eyebrow filling over a period of five years. Overall, the authors report hyaluronic acid gel fillers to be a useful cosmetic tool for eyebrow contouring, with minimal adverse events and long lasting, well tolerated results.
Following this, in a study by Sampson et al titled “Examining Dermatologist Use and Opinions of Ultraviolet Radiation for Cosmetic and Medical Purposes,” investigators sought to evaluate dermatologist referrals for ultraviolet radiation for cosmetic and medical purposes via tanning beds or phototherapy in order to gain insight into their opinions on tanning, legislation, and ultraviolet radiation counseling practices. Using a 10-question anonymous survey, 152 dermatologists were questioned regarding, among other things, whether they have ever referred their patients to tanning salons for cosmetic reasons (0 of the 152 did) or for medical reasons (152 dermatologists referred 458 (417 adult, 41 pediatric) out of an estimated 809,369 patients (0.057%) to tanning salons for medical treatment). The authors report that their findings directly contradict the assertion that dermatologists use ultraviolet radiation for cosmetic purposes or routinely refer patients to tanning salons, and confirm that dermatologists routinely counsel their patients against cosmetic tanning and list tanning bed use among their highest concerns with regard to the health of pediatric patients.
Next, in a study titled, “Quality of Life in Individuals with Erythematotelangiectatic and Papulopustular Rosacea: Findings From a Web-based Survey,” by Zeichner et al, the authors evaluated the impact of rosacea on self-perception, emotional, social, and overall well-being, and quality of life in individuals with erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR) and papulopustular rosacea. Six hundred participants enrolled and completed the survey with the majority reporting that ETR and rosacea had wide-ranging, negative effects on self-perception and emotional, social, and overall well-being as well as rosacea-specific quality of life.
Finally, in a review article by Sarkar et al titled, “Melasma in Men: A Review of Clinical, Etiological, and Management Issues,” the authors review important clinical, etiological, and treatment aspects of melasma in men. While many similarities exist between men and women with melasma, there are differences, such prevalence rates (greater in women) and causes (more often caused by sun damage in men). Treatment approaches might also differ between the sexes. The authors recommend that clinicians educate their patients on the causes, prevention and treatment methods, and recurrence rates of melasma, as well as take into careful consideration each patient’s preferences and expectations when creating treatment regimens, as these might differ greatly among men and their female counterparts.
We hope you enjoy this issue of JCAD. As always, we welcome your feedback and submissions.
With regards,
James Q. Del Rosso, DO, FAOCD
Editor-in-Chief, Clinical Dermatology
Wm. Philip Werschler, MD, FAAD, FAACS
Editor-in-Chief, Aesthetic Dermatology
Seemal R. Desai, MD, FAAD
Associate Editor