Subjects with mild alopecia benefit from aminexil clinical 5: results of a large international observational study

Introduction and objectives: Androgenetic alopecia in men (AGA) and female pattern hair loss (FPHL) are common hair loss causes which may heavily influence self-esteem and self-image. AGA and FPHL are caused by the heightened sensitivity of scalp follicles to dihydro-testosterone leading to dysregulation of downstream signaling cascades of inflammation. As a consequence a process of hair miniaturization develops over the time usually paralleled with a characteristic pattern distribution that varies between men and women. Histological observations showed perifollicular cells infiltrates and micro-inflammation. As this is a chronic condition, efficacy of products but also tolerability, cosmetic acceptance and patient satisfaction are key to ensure a good compliance. The aim of this study was to assess the benefit and tolerability of Aminexil clinical 5 (AC5, containing Aminexil, Arginine, SP94, piroctone olamine and Vichy mineralizing water as active ingredients) in subjects with mild alopecia. Materials and methods: This was an open-label, observational, international study conducted in real life settings in 527 adult female and male subjects with mild alopecia. At baseline subjects underwent a clinical examination including Ludwig for female and Hamilton Norwood scoring for male subjects and received AC5 to be applied once daily for a minimum of 45 days. At the end of treatment, subjects assessed their hair growth and quality, satisfaction and local tolerance; investigators evaluated the impact of AC5 on the subjects’ hair. Results: Data from 421 subjects were evaluable for the efficacy analysis. Tolerability data were available for 509 subjects. 58.7% of subjects were females; the mean age was 34.1±9.1 years. Duration of hair loss was 1.3±1.8 years in women and 2.3±2.6 years, overall mean duration was 1.7±2.2 years. AC5 was used in combination with prescription treatments in 14.8% of cases (mainly topical) at inclusion with non-medical products (topicals and/or orals) in 42.2% of cases; 71.3% of women had a Ludwig score of 1 and 40.8% of males had a Hamilton Norwood score of 2. After a mean of 82.9±17.5 days of use dermatologist evaluation rated an improvement in hair loss in 87.1% of subjects compared to baseline; it was somewhat better in women (91.8%) than in men (80.3%). Subject satisfaction on a scale from 0 (not satisfied at all) to 10 (completely satisfied) was 7.9±1.7. Tolerance was good to very good in 98.6% of subjects. The texture was considered pleasant by 95% of subjects. Conclusion: In subjects with mild alopecia, AC5 reduces hair loss in both men and women with a pleasant texture. AC5 was well tolerated and highly appreciated by subjects and investigators

A dermocosmetic regimen is able to mitigate skin sensitivity induced by a retinoid‐based fixed combination treatment for acne: Results of a randomized clinical trial

International audienceIntroduction: Topical retinoids cause retinoid-induced skin discomfort (RISD) mainly during the first weeks of use leading to noncompliance and premature treatment discontinuation. A dermocosmetic (DC) may help to reduce treatment-related signs and symptoms and improve adherence.Objectives: To assess the benefit of a DC regimen compared to a routine skin care regimen (RC) by reducing RISD signs and symptoms induced by a retinoid/benzoyl peroxide fixed-drug combination in subjects with acne.Materials and methods: Double-blind, randomized, comparative study in subjects ≥16 years with mild to moderate acne candidates to a topical adapalene/BPO fixed drug combination (A/BPO). Evaluations took place at Day 0, 7, 14, 28, and 84 and included erythema, desquamation, burning, itching and stinging and RISD (SD, a composite score of local treatment-related signs and symptoms and acne severity. Subjects used daily the DC or RC together with the fixed combination for 84 days.Results: Eighty-eight subjects were included, the mean age was 21 years; 84% were females. At Day 0 the SD score was 0.8 in both groups. A statistically significant difference in terms of skin sensitivity with DC compared to RC (1.6 points, vs. 2.4 points p < 0.05) was observed at Day 14. Clinical sign and symptom scores were more reduced with DC than with RC at all time points. Acne severity improved in both groups.Conclusion: DC significantly reduces A/BPO-related RISD compared to RC, especially during the first 14 days of treatment, without interfering with the clinical efficacy of the treatment, thus helping to maintain treatment adherence

Treatment of face and scalp solar (actinic) keratosis with daylight-mediated photodynamic therapy is possible throughout the year in Australia: Evidence from a clinical and meteorological study

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Solar (actinic) keratosis (AK) is an emergent concern worldwide and is associated with an increased risk of development of non-melanoma skin cancer, especially squamous cell carcinoma. Daylight-mediated photodynamic therapy (DL-PDT) using methyl aminolaevulinate cream has proved to be an effective, nearly painless, and more convenient alternative to conventional PDT for the treatment of AK. In a phase III, randomised, controlled trial performed in Australia, the mean irradiance (light intensity) received by patients during DL-PDT treatment, assessed via a spectroradiometer, was 305 W/m(2) (min. 40 to max. 585 W/m(2) ) with similar efficacy irrespective of intensity or dose. The objective of the present meteorological study was to assess the suitability of natural daylight to perform DL-PDT for the treatment of face and scalp AK during different periods of the year and different geographical locations and latitudes across Australia. METHODS: To determine daylight irradiance during a complete year in eight different geographical locations throughout Australia, we used meteorological software (Meteonorm, Meteotest, Bern, Switzerland), and available solar radiation and weather data from 1986-2005. RESULTS: The average daily irradiance remained within the levels (40-585 W/m(2) ) measured during the clinical DL-PDT study in Australia, throughout the year and in all geographical locations investigated (yearly average from Darwin 548 W/m(2) to Hobart 366 W/m(2) ). CONCLUSIONS: DL-PDT for the treatment of face and scalp AK in Australia can be performed effectively throughout the entire year as long as weather conditions permit daylight exposure and allow participants to remain under direct light for 2 h

The role of dermocosmetics in the management of cancer-related skin toxicities: international expert consensus

International audienceAbstract Skin toxicities are very common in patients undergoing cancer treatment and have been found to occur with all types of cancer therapeutic interventions (cytotoxic chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy). Further, skin toxicities can lead to interruption or even discontinuation of anticancer treatment in some patients, translating to suboptimal outcomes. Dermocosmetics (or cosmeceuticals)—defined as skincare solutions incorporating dermatologically active ingredients (beyond vehicle effects) that directly improve symptoms of various skin conditions—are increasingly being used in cancer care to prevent and manage skin toxicities. The active ingredients in these products have a measurable biological action in skin; they typically improve skin integrity (barrier function/hydration and other factors) while relieving skin symptoms. The Association Francophone des Soins Oncologiques de Support (AFSOS) and Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) partnered to select a multidisciplinary group of healthcare professionals involved in the management of patients with cancer and skin toxicities. The group reviewed existing literature and created a summary of recommendations for managing these toxicities through online meetings and communication. In this publication, the group (1) reviews new skin toxicities seen with oncology drugs and (2) evaluates the role of dermocosmetics in improving patient outcomes and minimizing cancer treatment interruptions. We provide general recommendations for initiation and selection of skin care in all oncology patients as well as recommendations for what factors should be considered when using dermocosmetics in specific types of skin toxicities

Efficacité d’aminexil clinical 5 chez des sujets avec une alopécie légère: résultats d’une large étude internationale observationnelle

Introduction: L’alopécie androgénique (AAG) est une cause fréquente de la chute chronique de cheveux, un phénomène qui peut impacter l’estime de soi et l’image des sujets. Pour cela, il est important de connaitre l’efficacité des produits, mais aussi leur tolérance, leur acceptation cosmétique et la satisfaction de l’utilisateur afin d’assurer un bonne observance thérapeutique. Cette étude évaluait le bénéfice et la tolérance de l’aminexil clinical 5 (AC5), contenant de l’aminexil, de l’arginine, du SP94, de la piroctone olamine, et de l’eau volcanique minéralisante de Vichy, chez des sujets ayant une alopécie légère. Matériels et méthodes: Cette étude observationnelle internationale a été menée dans des conditions réelles chez 527 adultes avec une alopécie légère. En début d’étude (J0), les sujets étaient évalués cliniquement à l’aide de l’échelle de Ludwig pour les femmes et de l’échelle Hamilton-Norwood pour les hommes. Les sujets recevaient ensuite de l’AC5 à appliquer une fois par jour sur le cuir chevelu pendant au moins 45 jours. A la fin du traitement, les sujets évaluaient la poussée et la qualité de leurs cheveux ainsi que leur satisfaction et la tolérance locale. Les investigateurs évaluaient l’efficacité de l’AC5 sur l’alopécie. Observations: Les données de 421 sujets étaient disponibles pour analyser l’efficacité, et celles de 509 sujets pour évaluer la tolérance. En tout, 58,7% des sujets étaient des femmes, et l’âge moyen était de 34,1±9,1 ans. La durée de la perte de cheveux était de 1,3±1,8 années chez les femmes et de 2,3±2,6 années chez les hommes, avec une durée moyenne globale de 1,7±2,2 années. A l’inclusion, 14,8% des sujets ont reçu de l’AC5 en parallèle avec des traitements prescrits (majoritairement topiques), et 42,2 % des sujets avec des produits en vente libre (topiques et/ou oraux) ; 71,3% des femmes avaient un score de Ludwig de 1, et 40,8% des hommes avaient un score Hamilton Norwood de 2. Résultats: Après une durée d’utilisation moyenne de 82,9±17,5 jours, les dermatologues ont noté une amélioration de la perte de cheveux chez 87,1% des sujets comparé au J0. L’amélioration était légèrement meilleure chez les femmes (91,8%) que chez les hommes (80,3%). Le score moyen de satisfaction du sujet, sur une échelle de 0 (pas du tout satisfait) à 10 (complètement satisfait), était de 7,9±1,7. La tolérance était bonne ou très bonne chez 98,6% des sujets, et 95% des sujets considéraient la texture de l’AC5 agréable. Discussion: Chez des sujets avec une AAG légère, l’AC5 est efficace en condition de vie réelle aussi bien chez les femmes que chez les hommes, avec une texture considérée comme agréable. L’AC5 a été très bien toléré et très apprécié par les sujets

Topical formulation containing peptides and vitamin C in ampoules improves skin aging signs: Results of a large, international, observational study

Introduction Peptide-C ampoules (PC) contain peptides, 10% of vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and Vichy volcanic mineralizing water. Aims To assess the effectiveness and tolerability of PC. Patients and Methods An observational study conducted in 9 countries in women &gt;= 30 years old with signs of facial skin aging (grade &gt;0 for forehead and/or crow’s feet wrinkles and bothered by skin quality). Investigator assessments and subject questionnaires were performed at initial visit and Day 30 after application of PC twice daily for 28 days. Tolerance was assessed throughout the study. Results Effectiveness and safety were analyzed in 1382 and 1742 subjects, respectively. Most subjects (mean age 48.5 +/- 8.6 years) had skin phototype II or III (91.7%) and dry or combination skin (63.9%). PC was used as a standalone care or prior to a planned procedure (70%), or after a procedure (30%). Between baseline and Day 30, 63% and 64% of all subjects (N = 1360) had an improvement in forehead wrinkles and crow’s feet wrinkles, respectively. Skin hydration improved in 67.3% of subjects. According to investigator and subject assessments, skin quality, skin radiance, skin aging signs, wrinkles, complexion, and skin pores significantly improved by Day 30. Similar results were observed for subgroup analyses when PC was used as standalone skin care or after a procedure. Tolerance of PC was rated as good to very good by 97.7% of subjects. Conclusions Peptide-C ampoules is effective in reducing visible signs of skin aging, and well tolerated, when used alone or as an adjunct to anti-aging procedures

MC1R and PTCH Gene Polymorphism in French Patients with Basal Cell Carcinomas

In this study, we assessed the role of melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) variants and of two patched (PTCH) polymorphisms (c.3944C>T (P1315L), insertion 18bp IVS1-83) as risk factors for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in the French population. The population investigated comprised 126 BCC patients who were enrolled on the basis of specific criteria (multiple and/or familial BCC and/or onset before the age of 40 years and/or association with another tumor) – and 151 controls matched for ethnicity, age, and sex. MC1R variants appeared as a moderate risk factor for BCC (odds ratio (OR) for one and two variants, 2.17 [1.28–3.68] and 7.72 [3.42–17.38], respectively), independently of pigmentation characteristics (OR=2.53 [1.34–4.8]). Interestingly, in addition to the predictable red hair color (RHC) alleles, two non-RHC alleles (V60L and V92M) were also closely associated with BCC risk (OR 3.21 [1.91–5.38] and 2.87 [1.5–5.48], respectively), which differs from the situation in the Celtic population. In addition, the PTCH c.3944C/C genotype was also associated with BCC risk (OR 1.94 [1.2–3.1]), especially in the subgroup of patients with multiple tumors (OR 2.16 [1.3–3.6]). Thus, our data show that MC1R and PTCH variants are associated with BCC risk in the French population. We further suggest that assessing MC1R and PTCH status could be useful, combined with the assessment of clinical risk factors, in identifying high-risk patients to be targeted for prevention or more rigorous surveillance

Outdoor workers and sun exposure: Results of an international survey on sun exposure behaviours and knowledge among 17 countries, the HELIOS project

International audienceNo abstract availabl