Vol. 13, No. 2 • February 2020
Dear Colleagues:
Welcome to the February 2020 issue of The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. We begin the issue with original research from Hosney Ahmed et al, titled, “Influential Factors of Depression in Patients with Moderate and Severe Acne.” Here, the authors assessed whether serum levels of vitamin B12 and folic acid (FA) could be considered possible predictors for depression and acne severity in patients with moderate and severe acne. The study included 40 patients with acne and 40 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers. Acne severity and depression were assessed and serum levels of vitamin B12 and FA were measured via double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Seventy percent of the patients with acne had depression versus zero percent in the control group (p<0.001). Patients with moderate and severe acne in this study had significantly lower serum levels of vitamin B12 and FA when compared to controls (p=0.012 and p<0.001) and their levels showed a significant negative correlation with acne severity.
Next, in an original research article from Uwakwe et al, titled, “Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra: A Quality of Life Survey Study,” the authors evaluated the possible effect of dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN) on quality of life (QoL) in 50 African American adults (48 women, 2 men) with visible DPN lesions. The participants completed a 39-item questionnaire to quantify the effect that DPN had on QoL. The average (standard deviation) dermatologic QoL score was six points (±5.42 points), indicating that DPN has a moderate effect on QoL.
After this, we present a review from Del Rosso, titled, “Topical Corticosteroid Therapy for Psoriasis—A Review of Clobetasol Propionate 0.025% Cream and the Clinical Relevance of Penetration Modification.” In this article, Del Rosso reviewed and discussed the current literature on various aspects of topical corticosteroids (TCs) for the treatment of plaque psoriasis, including an overview of product selection tendencies of patients, conventional use and formulations of topical clobetasol propionate (CP) 0.05%, and the use of special additives (e.g., penetration enhancers) to increase CP potency. The author highlighted data from recent studies that evaluated a new CP cream formulation that incorporates half the concentration of traditional CP (0.025%) without the loss of super-potency (Class I) status and without the use of traditional potency enhancement with propylene glycol.
Following this, in a review article from Betarbet and Blalock, titled, “Keloids: A Review of Etiology, Prevention, and Treatment,” the authors examine the current literature and review the mechanisms of action, efficacy, and side effects of different options for keloid prevention, including occlusive dressings and compressive therapy, and treatment, including intralesional steroids, imiquimod, topical mitomycin C, intralesional and topical 5-fluorouracil, interferons, bleomycin, cryotherapy, radiation therapy, pulsed-dye laser, ablative laser, laser-assisted drug delivery, and platelet-rich plasma.
Next, in a retrospective, nonrandomized, single-center open case series from Sakhiya et al, the authors evaluated the safety and efficacy of a modified rheumatoid arthritis protocol when applied to patients with pemphigus. Using this protocol, patients were treated with a single treatment course ranging from 2 to 5 infusions of 1,000mg of rituximab during an interval of four weeks. In this study, 32 patients with pemphigus (4 with pemphigus foliaceus and 28 with pemphigus vulgaris) were enrolled, and all patients responded to therapy. Nineteen patients achieved complete remission during a median period of 46 weeks (8 on minimal therapy, 11 off therapy). Thirteen patients achieved partial remission during a median period of 46 weeks (8 on minimal therapy, 5 off therapy). Relapses were seen in five (15.63%) patients between 72 and 96 weeks (median: 96 weeks) after the start of therapy.
After this, Sidiropoulou et al provide a review of chemical peels in skin cancer. Here, the authors summarize the data available on the effects of chemical peels on ultraviolet-induced skin carcinogenesis, focusing particular attention on actinic keratoses and cutaneous field cancerization. In addition, considerations about the systemic and/or cutaneous toxicity of peeling agents, particularly trichloracetic acid, were briefly discussed. According to their analysis of 42 articles involving both in-vitro and in-vivo human and animal models, the authors acknowledge the efficacy of chemical peels in clearing visible actinic keratoses and the possible clinical use of chemical peeling for the prevention of skin cancer.
Following this, in an original research article from Tuknayat et al, titled, “Familial Dermatophytosis in India: A Study of the Possible Contributing Risk Factors,” the authors evaluated risk factors of familial dermatophytosis via a questionnaire. Out of the 113 families surveyed, which included 673 subjects, a little over half (55.4%) were affected by dermatophytosis. In 103 families, the initial site of infection in the subsequent family member affected was the same site as that affected in the first member. All families reported a history of using an irritant soap and over-the-counter drugs. Washing all the family’s clothing together was a common factor. All families had a single bathroom and used the same soap and stool for bathing.
After this, in an original research article from Velugotla et al, the authors conducted a safety and efficacy study of a polygrowth factor serum for increasing length, luster, thickness, and volume of eyelashes in a group of 30 healthy Indian women. Participants applied the polygrowth factor serum to the upper and lower eyelid margins nightly for 90 days; assessments were performed at baseline and Days 30, 60, and 90, and evaluated eyelash length, density/volume, luster, and curl using imaging and software technologies. Among the 29 subjects who completed the study, improvements in length (10.52%), volume (9.3%), luster (11.43%), thickness (35%), and curl (50.83%), compared to baseline, were recorded.
Finally, don’t miss our Online-only Exclusive this month—an original research article from Shah et al, in which the authors evaluated the safety and efficacy of 308-nm monochromatic excimer light in combination with 0.1% tacrolimus ointment for the treatment of segmental vitiligo. Access Online-only Exclusive articles via the journal’s website at: jcadonline.com/online-only-exclusives/ or via the digital edition at: jcad.mydigitalpublication.com/view/matrix-medical/journal-of-clinical-and-aesthetic-dermatology.
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