Adult-onset acne: prevalence, impact, and management challenges

Acne is a multifactorial and inflammatory disease of pilosebaceous follicles, which affects most adolescents. Recent epidemiological data revealed a difference in adults affected by this disease. Women have a high prevalence and incidence when compared with men, especially after 25 years of age. In contrast to what was initially thought, most of these patients do not present endocrinopathy capable of leading to the development of the lesions. When present, polycystic ovarian syndrome is the main cause. However, in these cases, acne is rarely the only dermatological manifestationhirsutism and acanthosis nigricans are often present. The majority of the normoandrogenic acne patients present a history since adolescence, but in many cases the lesion distribution and intensity change with time. There is often a typical localization of the lesions in the lower third of the face and lateral region of the neck. Another interesting feature is related to the impact on quality of life (QoL), which is always intense. Often there are signs of depression, even when the lesions are mild. As most adult patients are women, in addition to the conventional options, there is also hormone treatment. Combined oral contraceptives and spironolactone are good options. Knowing more about the particularities in etiopathogenesis, impact on QoL, and specific treatment options is important to all dermatologists who face the challenge of treating acne in adults.Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Paulista Med Sch, Rua Eugenio Bettarello 55 Ap 134B, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Paulista Med Sch, Rua Eugenio Bettarello 55 Ap 134B, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilWeb of Scienc

A 65-year experience treating acne, including 26 years with oral isotretinoin

Este artigo especial foi extraído de uma palestra proferida pelo Prof. Sebastião Sampaio e elaborado em conjunto com a Profa Edileia Bagatin. Reflete a experiência dos autores no tratamento das principais formas de acne nos períodos pré e pós a introdução da isotretinoína oral que revolucionou a abordagem da doença. Esta droga representa a única opção capaz de levar à remissão prolongada ou cura da acne por atuar em todos os mecanismos etiopatogênicos conhecidos até o momento. Evidentemente, deve ser prescrita de acordo com as recomendações vigentes e reservada para casos de difícil controle, com tendência a cicatrizes e com sérias repercussões psico-sociais. Outras modalidades terapêuticas, tópicas e/ou sistêmicas, devem ser consideradas no início do tratamento e nos casos de intensidade leve a moderada.This special article is based on the contents of a lecture given by Sampaio and was written together with Bagatin. It is a summary of the authors’ experience treating various forms of acne before and after the introduction of oral isotretinoin, which revolutionized the management of the disease. Nowadays, this drug is considered the unique option to obtain a prolonged remission or cure of acne due to its action in all etiopathogenic factors involved in the disease. Therefore it should be prescribed in accordance to current recommendations, as well as for difficult cases, including those showing tendency to scars or serious psychological and social repercussions. Other topical and/or systemic therapeutic modalities should be considered in the initial approach and for mild and moderate cases

Evidence on acne therapy

Among the current treatments available for acne vulgaris, many widely practiced options lack support from studies at the best level of scientific evidence. the aim of this narrative review was to present the very latest information on topical and systemic treatments for acne vulgaris. Information from systematic reviews and well-designed clinical trials, obtained through a systematic search of the major medical databases, is emphasized. There are important issues regarding the clinical management of acne that still lack consistent grounding in scientific evidence. Among these are the optimum dose and duration of treatment with oral antibiotics that can be given without inducing bacterial resistance, and the safety of oral isotretinoin.Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista Med, Brazilian Cochrane Ctr, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista Med, Dept Dermatol, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista Med, Brazilian Cochrane Ctr, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista Med, Dept Dermatol, São Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Longitudinal evaluation of manual lymphatic drainage for the treatment of gynoid lipodystrophy

BACKGROUND: The gynoidlypodystrophy, known as cellulitis or cellulite, refers to a condition that gives the skin an undulating and uneven appearance, affecting 80-90% of women after puberty. OBJECTIVES: to investigate the efficacy and safety of manual lymphatic drainage for cellulite management. METHODS: this was an open, prospective, intervention study including 20 women aged from 20 to 40 years. Fourteen sessions of manual lymphatic drainage were performed once a week on lower limbs and buttocks. RESULTS: Fifteen women completed the study. A significant improvement on quality of life was observed (p=0.018). A significant reduction (p=0.023), estimated at 0.3±0.8 cm, in hip circumference was found, but no difference was found in thighs circumference (p>0.05). A significant reduction elastic recuperation of skin on buttocks, which means skin elasticity worsening, was observed. All measures obtained by ultrasound images showed no changes (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: manual lymphatic drainage was safe but not effective as an isolated approach for cellulite management. Further randomized, controlled or comparative studies about manual lymphatic drainage for cellulite control, as unique or combined therapeutic modality, are necessary.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)UNIFESPSciEL

Tretinoin peel: a critical view

The tretinoin peel, also known as retinoic acid peel, is a superficial peeling often performed in dermatological clinics in Brazil. The first study on this was published in 2001, by Cuce et al., as a treatment option for melasma. Since then, other studies have reported its applicability with reasonable methodology, although without a consistent scientific background and consensus. Topical tretinoin is used for the treatment of various dermatoses such as acne, melasma, scars, skin aging and nonmelanoma skin cancer. The identification of retinoids cellular receptors was reported in 1987, but a direct cause-effect relation has not been established. This article reviews studies evaluating the use of topical tretinoin as agent for superficial chemical peel. Most of them have shown benefits in the treatment of melasma and skin aging. A better quality methodology in the study design, considering indication and intervention is indispensable regarding concentration, vehicle and treatment regimen ( interval and number of applications). Additionally, more controlled and randomized studies comparing the treatment with tretinoin cream versus its use as a peeling agent, mainly for melasma and photoaging, are necessary.Univ Fed Sao Paulo UNIFESP, Unit Cosmiatry Surg & Oncol, Dept Dermatol, Paulista Med Sch, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo EPM UNIFESP, Paulista Med Sch, Dept Dermatol, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Estadual Campinas Unicamp, Sch Pharmaceut Sci, Campinas, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo UNIFESP, Unit Cosmiatry Surg & Oncol, Dept Dermatol, Paulista Med Sch, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo EPM UNIFESP, Paulista Med Sch, Dept Dermatol, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Periorbital syringomas - excision with Castroviejo scissors: experience in 38 patients and literature review

BACKGROUND: Syringomas are benign adnexal tumors from intraepidermal eccrine ducts, treated by diverse surgical modalities with variable results. OBJECTIVES: 1. To report our experience in surgical treatment of multiple periorbital syringomas excised by Castroviejo scissors followed by healing by secondary intention. 2. To present a literature review with emphasis on therapeutic aspects. MATERIAL AND METHOD: During 68 months we treated 38 cases of periorbital syringoma. All of them were submitted to surgical excision using Castroviejo scissors, followed by healing by secondary intention. Evaluation was done 7, 30 and 90 days after surgery. The mean follow-up period was 33 months, ranging from 3 to 62 months. RESULTS: The results were excellent in 24 patients (63.1%), good in 12 patients (31.6%) and regular in two patients (5.3%). The only immediate complication observed was edema; late complications were hypochromia (12 patients), depressed scar (one patient) and hypertrophic scar (one patient). Recurrences were not observed during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded from our results that excision of periorbital syringomas by Castroviejo scissors followed by healing by secondary intention is a low cost, straightforward outpatient procedure. Results are good, with no recurrences, although transient hypochromia may occur.FUNDAMENTO: Siringoma é tumor anexial benigno do ducto sudoríparo écrino cujo tratamento é realizado por diversas modalidades cirúrgicas com resultados variáveis. OBJETIVO: 1. Relatar a experiência no tratamento cirúrgico de siringomas periorbitários mediante excisão com a tesoura oftalmológica de Castroviejo, seguida pela cicatrização por segunda intenção. 2. Apresentar revisão da literatura com enfoque no aspecto terapêutico. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Em 68 meses foram tratados 38 pacientes com siringomas periorbitários. Realizada a exérese cirúrgica com tesoura oftalmológica de Castroviejo seguida pela cicatrização por segunda intenção. Realizadas avaliações sete, 30 e 90 dias após a cirurgia. O seguimento variou entre três e 62 meses, com média de 33 meses. RESULTADOS: Dos 38 pacientes tratados, 63,1% tiveram resultado ótimo, 31,6% bom e 5,3% regular. A única complicação imediata observada foi edema, e as tardias foram: hipocromia (12 casos), cicatriz deprimida (um caso) e hipertrófica (um caso). Não ocorreram recidivas no período observado. CONCLUSÕES: O tratamento dos siringomas periorbitários mediante exérese cirúrgica com tesoura oftalmológica de Castroviejo, seguida pela cicatrização por segunda intenção, constitui procedimento ambulatorial de baixo custo e fácil execução. Proporciona resultados satisfatórios, sem recidivas, apesar da possibilidade de ocorrer hipocromia transitória.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Escola Paulista de MedicinaUNIFESP, EPMSciEL

Algorithm for acne treatment: Ibero-Latin American consensus

Acne is a chronic, immune-mediated, inflammatory disease with high prevalence among adolescents. By compromising face, thorax and back, with the risk of permanent scars, it has a negative impact on the quality of life. Effective, safe and early treatment is the key to remission, while decreasing the risk of physical and/or emotional sequelae. The Iberian-Latin American Group of Acne Studies joined professionals with expertise and developed a practical therapeutic algorithm, adapted to the reality of Latin American countries, Spain and Portugal. This article intends to disseminate it with an updated review on a rational, safe and effective acne treatment.Colegio Iberolatino Amer Dermatol, Buenos Aires, DF, ArgentinaUniv Fed São Paulo EPM Unifesp, Escola Paulista Med, Dept Dermatol, São Paulo, SP, BrazilFlorida Int Univ, Herbert Wertheim Coll Med, Dept Dermatol, Miami, FL 33199 USAPrivate Clin, Mexico City, DF, MexicoUniv Buenos Aires, Sch Med, Dept Dermatol, Buenos Aires, DF, ArgentinaUniv Fed São Paulo EPM Unifesp, Escola Paulista Med, Dept Dermatol, São Paulo, SP, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Acne-specific quality of life questionnaire (Acne-QoL): translation, cultural adaptation and validation into Brazilian-Portuguese language

BACKGROUND: many studies about the psychosocial impact of acne have been reported in international medical literature describing quality of life as a relevant clinical outcome. It is well known that the patient's perception about the disease may be different from the physician's evaluation. Therefore, it is important to use validated instruments that turn the patient's subjective opinion into objective information. OBJECTIVES: to translate into Brazilian-Portuguese language and to culturally adapt a quality of life questionnaire, the Acne-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (Acne-QoL), as well as to evaluate its reliability and validity. METHODS: measurement properties were assessed: 1) validity: comparison between severity and Acne-QoL domain scores, correlations between acne duration and Acne-QoL domain scores, and correlation between Acne-QoL domain scores and SF-36 components; 2) internal consistency: Cronbach's α coefficient; 3) test-retest reproducibility: intraclass correlation coefficient and Wilcoxon test. RESULTS: Eighty subjects with a mean age of 20.5 ± 4.8 years presenting mild (33.8%), moderate (36.2%) and severe (30%) facial acne were enrolled. Acne-QoL domain scores were similar among the different acne severity groups except for role-social domain. Subjects with shorter acne duration presented significant higher scores. Acne-QoL domains showed significant correlations, both between themselves and with SF-36 role-social and mental health components. Internal consistency (0.925-0.952) and test-retest reproducibility were considered acceptable (0.768-0.836). CONCLUSIONS: the Brazilian-Portuguese version of the Acne-QoL is a reliable and valid satisfactory outcome measure to be used in facial acne studies.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Department of DermatologyUNIFESP, Department of DermatologySciEL

Modulation of Toll Like Receptor-2 on sebaceous gland by the treatment of adult female acne

Adult female acne is a chronic inflammatory, immune-mediated disease that affects the pilosebaceous unit in women in their 20s to 40s, and is considered different from acne vulgaris. Propionibacterium acnes is recognized by TLR-2, resulting in activation of this receptor and an inflammatory response through the NF kappa B pathway. This therapeutic, interventional, open, randomized, evaluator-blinded and comparative trial included 38 adult women with moderate facial acne and 10 age-matched controls, all aged between 26 and 44 years. Two treatments were performed over six months: 15% azelaic acid gel (AA) bid (n = 18) and oral contraceptive (COC) drospirenone 3 mg/ethinylestradiol .02 mg (n = 20). Biopsies were taken at baseline (control, lesion, perilesional) and at the conclusion (lesion and perilesional) of the study to evaluate TLR-2 expression by immunohistochemistry. Lesion count and blind photographic evaluation were used for efficacy. The groups were homogeneous: 70% of lesions were located in the submandibular area, 95% of participants had inflammatory lesionsof these, 50% had persistent and 50% had late-onset acne. The mean ages were 33.7 +/- 5.5 and 33.1 +/- 5.3 years (COC and AA group, respectively). A moderate clinical improvement was observed in both groups. No difference in TLR-2 expression in the lesion or perilesional areas was observedhowever, reduced TLR-2 expression was seen in the control group. A significant reduction in expression was observed after both treatments, with no difference between the groups. This finding suggests an anti-inflammatory effect of COCs and AA in adult female acne, via modulation of the TLR-2 receptor.Dermatology - Sao Paulo Regional of BrazilianSociety of Dermatology - FUNADERSPUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Prevent Med, Dept Dermatol, Sao Paulo, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Prevent Med, Sao Paulo, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Prevent Med, Dept Dermatol, Sao Paulo, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Prevent Med, Sao Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Não maltratem a Estatística!

"[…]. Numa sociedade em que os dados estatísticos produzidos e disponibilizados no dia a dia pelos mais variados setores da atividade vão aumentando em quantidade e complexidade, devemos manter uma atitude vigilante e crítica face às informações estatísticas que nos são apresentadas. Toda a informação estatística que é veiculada passa uma mensagem para o cidadão, que pode ser ou não sensacionalista ou ambígua e confusa, podendo originar interpretações erradas. […]"info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio