Fotodermatosi

Le fotodermatosi in età pediatrica rappresentano un vasto capitolo delle patologie dermatologiche. La luce solare è in grado di produrre malattie caratterizzate da fotosensibilità. Il capitolo focalizza l'attezione soprattutto su le fotodermatosi autoimmuni e quelle mediate da sostanze chimiche. Fra le prime vengono trattate soprattutto la dermatite polimorfa solare, l'orticaria solare e l'hydroa vacciniforme; fra le seconde la gran parte è rappresentata da reazioni fototossiche a vegetali (fitofotodermatiti, cosmetici e farmaci sia topici che sistemici

Efficacy and tolerability of a topical gel containing 3% hydrogen peroxide, 1.5% salicylic acid and 4% D-panthenol in the treatment of mild-moderate acne

The aim of this paper was to evaluate efficacy and tolerability of a topical gel (ACNAID TM gel medical device) containing 3% hydrogen peroxide (HPO), 1.5% salicylic acid (SA) and 4% D-panthenol (D-p) in the treatment of mild-moderate acne, comparing it with a previous formulation (ACNAID TM gel Cosmetic) containing 4% HPO, 0.5% SA, 4% D-p

Motility of sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus spermatozoa in the post‐activation phase

The characterization of sperm motility patterns, particularly post-activation changes, is the first step in setting up species-specific protocols involving gamete management and embryo production, for both aquaculture and laboratory research purposes. This study is aimed at the characterization of the sperm motility pattern of the purple sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus. Semen samples were individually diluted in artificial sea water for sperm motility activation. They were then incubated at 18°C for up to 24 hr. Motility was evaluated on dilution, and 1 hr, 3 hr and 24 hr after activation, by computerized analyser. The semen fertilization capacity was also evaluated. Under our experimental conditions (dilution 1:1,000 in artificial sea water plus 0.05% BSA, 18°C, in the dark), P. lividus semen remained viable for up to 24 hr, as the total motile sperm and the fertilization percentages did not change significantly during the incubation time. In contrast, the mean curvilinear velocity and the subpopulation of rapid sperm (those having a curvilinear velocity > 100 µm/s) slightly but significantly decreased after 3 hr, thereafter remaining unchanged for up to 24 hr after activation. In conclusion, our results show that diluted P. lividus semen can be used for a longer period than that of most fish species, with no need for motility inhibition procedures, supporting its wider use in laboratory research. In addition, the development of artificial fertilization protocols for aquaculture production is simplified by long-lasting sperm motility

Mechanical Stress as a Cause of Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Lesson from a Patient with a Monster Hernia

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Certainty diagnosis of scabies in vivo by epiluminescence microscopy

Scabies represents a frequent and well-known skin disease provoked by infestation of Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis. It is characterized by severe generalized pruritus and by the presence of pathognomic burrows caused by the female arachnid in the epidermis. Often there are secondary symptoms such as pomphos, papules, vesicles or burrows and nodules. Currently, the diagnosis of scabies is established by optical microscopy identification of the mite, or ova in skin scraping removed from a linear or serpiginous elevation of skin in the form of a ridge 0.5-1 cm in length. Nevertheless occasionally even when numerous characteristic scabies symptoms are present, the scrape of burrow can be negative in optical microscopy. The authors showed a specific epiluminescence microscopic pathognomic picture of scabies, that can attribute a high diagnostic resolution to this technique. In respect to optical microscopy, epiluminescence permits the observation of an extended skin surface and reduces the possibility of false negative tests

Epiluminescence microscopy: A new approach to in vivo detection of sarcoptes scabiei

Background: The usual methods of scabies diagnosis include microscopic identification of the mites and their eggs and feces in skin scrapings. In many cases, the results of microscopic examination can be negative owing to the low number of parasites present in the cornified layer. Epiluminescence microscopy (ELM) is an in vivo technique that allows a detailed inspection of the skin, from the surface to the superficial papillary dermis. This is where the scabies mite lives. In this study, we evaluate the applicability and the usefulness of ELM for in vivo diagnosis of scabies. Observations: Sixty-five (93%) of 70 cases of scabies showed small, dark, triangular structures at the sites examined with ELM. A subtle linear segment seen below the base of the triangle was made visible by the presence of small air bubbles. Together, both structures re sembled a jet with contrail. On traditional microscopic examination of the scrapings, we verified that the triangular structure corresponded to the pigmented anterior section of the mite in all cases. The linear segment observed on ELM was thought to be the burrow of the mite along with its eggs and fecal pellets. The cases in which the results of a first ELM examination were negative demonstrated positive results on a second ELM examination carried out 20 days later. Conclusion: Epiluminescence microscopy is a very useful tool for in vivo diagnosis of scabies because it permits Sarcoptes scabiei detection in only a few minutes, with no discomfort to the patient and with a very low number of false-negative results

Topical nicotinamide for seborrheic dermatitis: an open randomized study.

Background: Treatment of seborrheic dermatitis (SD) includes various options with different success and safety limitations. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of topical nicotinamide (NCT) in the treatment of SD. Methods: A total of 48 patients with mild to moderate SD of the face were enrolled in the study (36 males and 12 females; age 20-50 years). Patients were randomized into two groups A and B, who were treated once a day with topical administration of NCT 4% cream and with the vehicle without NCT (placebo), respectively. Clinical measures were assessed by erythema, scaling, and infiltration, which were evaluated using a four-point scale 0-3 before starting treatment and after 2, 6, and 12 weeks' therapy. Results: In comparison with baseline, a reduction of 75% of the total score was observed in patients treated with NCT, whereas for placebo-treated patients the reduction was of 35% (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Topical NCT 4% can have a potential for the treatment of SD

Misdiagnosed atopic dermatitis: Case report

We report a case of a healthy 12-year-old female, who presented a large eczema of the face for more than 2 months. After microbiologic examination a diagnosis of atopic dermatitis with Staphylococcus aureus colonization was done. A combined topical corticosteroid- oral antibiotics therapy allowed to obtain a good clinical response. There was no recurrence 6 months after the treatment. Our case highlights that sometimes staphylococcal skin infections affecting atopic dermatitis can lead to misdiagnosis

The melanin pigmentation: cellular and biomolecular mechanisms

Several factors are determinant for the color of human skin: the thickness of the stratum corneum, the speed of blood flow, the degree of oxygenation of hemoglobin but the main role is played by the presence of pigments such as carotenoids and, above all, melanin. The amount and the type of melanin is genetically determined, but they are strongly influenced by the other conditions such as hormonal and environmental: age, presence of metal ions, and inflammatory processes, and specifically exposure to sunlight. In vertebrates, melanocytes cells, responsible for the production of melanin, have the main function, but not exclusively, to protect the skin from the genotoxic stress produced by ultraviolet rays (UV); melanin absorbs the UV and neutralizers reactive oxygen species (ROS) they produce. Some studies clarified, at least in part, enzymatic and non enzymatic factors involved in the biosynthesis of melanin and the molecular mechanisms underlying the different responses of skin pigmentation to external stimuli, particularly to solar radiation. In this review we want to revise the cellular and biochemical aspects of skin pigmentation

UV-selective face cream (Acne RA-1,2) in acne patients: clinical study of effects on epidermal barrier function, sebum production, tolerability and adherence to pharmacological therapy.

BACKGROUND: General skin care recommendations such as the use of moisturisers and products with adequate photoprotection are important components of management for acne patients to complement the medical regimen. This study aimed to evaluate the real-life clinical effects of a novel UV-selective face cream (Acne RA-1,2) on acne, epidermal barrier function, sebum production, adherence and tolerability when used together with pharmacological acne treatment. METHODS: 40 patients receiving pharmacological acne treatment applied Acne RA- 1,2 once-daily for 3 months. Investigator's Global Assessment of acne, trans- epidermal water loss, sebum production and tolerability were assessed after 1 and 3 months. RESULTS: After 3 months, there was a 38% significant clinical improvement in mean Investigator Global Assessment score (3.4 to 2.1), a 29% significant reduction in trans-epidermal water loss (13.2 to 9.4 g/h/m2), and a 17% significant decrease in sebum production vs baseline (234.6 to 195.6 μg/cm2; all p<0.01). 100% of patients reported complete adherence to pharmacological therapy over the summer of the study vs 52.5% in the previous summer. 87.5% considered their acne improved over the summer of the study vs 55.0% in the previous summer. Pruritus, erythema, dryness and total tolerability symptom scores were significantly reduced after 3 months vs baseline (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Acne RA-1,2 is a useful daily adjunct to pharmacological therapy as it helps to mitigate the irritation these therapies cause, increasing adherence to therapy, and leading to a clinical improvement in acne and epidermal barrier function and a decrease in sebum productio