Pain in photodynamic therapy

Photodynamic therapy is a modern treatment with applications in several medical specialties, which has been intensely studied in the last years. The main indications in dermatology are actinic keratosis, superficial basal cell carcinoma and Bowen\u27s disease- common skin disorders in which photodynamic therapy proved its efficacy. At present, the use of photodynamic therapy for the treatment of other skin disorders is profoundly researched. Pain is the most common and redoubtable adverse effect of photodynamic therapy and it is the most important factor affecting the patient\u27s adherence to treatment. The aim of this article is to look over the most recent medical studies regarding pain in PDT, with emphasis on the factors affecting the occurrence of pain and the most recent strategies for controlling photodynamic therapy- related pain

Cutis verticis gyrata in a patient with multiple basal cell carcinomas; case presentation and review of the literature

Cutis verticis gyrata is a rare disease characterized by convoluted folds and deep furrows of the scalp, resembling the gyri and sulci of the cerebral cortex. Basal cell carcinoma is the most frequent cancer in Caucasians, patients frequently presenting multiple tumors. We report the case of a 62 year old male, Caucasian patient, from the urban area, who addressed the dermatology department of our hospital for multiple tumors located on the face and upper trunk. A careful examination revealed cerebriform folding of the skin of the scalp. Neurological, psychological, ophthalmological and endocrine disorders were disproven. The patient was diagnosed with cutis verticis gyrata based on the clinical picture and anamnesis, and basal cell carcinoma based on the histopathological examination. Since cutis verticis gyrata predated the BCCs by four decades, and no other conditions were associated, the patient was diagnosed with primary essential cutis verticis gyrata

Biological therapies in psoriasis - revisited

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune mediated disorder affecting approximately 2% of the population. Even in our days, patients with psoriasis are confronted with stigmatization and social rejection. As a result, their quality of life is significantly impaired. Biological therapies have revolutionized the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis. The aim of this paper is to look over the most important biological therapies available for the management of plaque-type psoriasis

Kyrle’s Disease in a Patient with Delusions of Parasitosis

Acquired perforating disorders are a group of uncommon skin conditions characterized by transepidermal extrusion of altered dermal material, most often associated with diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney failure. Delusional parasitosis is a primary psychiatric disorder in which affected patients have fixed, false beliefs that their skin is infested by parasites, in the absence of any evidence supporting their statements

Capsaicin: Friend or Foe in Skin Cancer and Other Related Malignancies?

Capsaicin is the main pungent in chili peppers, one of the most commonly used spices in the world; its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties have been proven in various cultures for centuries. It is a lipophilic substance belonging to the class of vanilloids and an agonist of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 receptor. Taking into consideration the complex neuro-immune impact of capsaicin and the potential link between inflammation and carcinogenesis, the effect of capsaicin on muco-cutaneous cancer has aroused a growing interest. The aim of this review is to look over the most recent data regarding the connection between capsaicin and muco-cutaneous cancers, with emphasis on melanoma and muco-cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

Androgenetic alopecia; drug safety and therapeutic strategies

Introduction: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a benign condition with variable psychosocial impact, with some individuals adapting well while others needing therapeutic support. Although 5α-reductase inhibitors like finasteride and dutasteride have proven effective in ameliorating AGA, their use/selection is currently a subject of debate. Areas covered: Treatment of AGA with 5α-reductase inhibitors lead to variable adverse effects and relatively unstable results (therapeutic efficacy ending with treatment cessation), so the choice of optimal therapy is not straightforward. This paper presents a general perspective regarding AGA based on studies listed in PubMed, to better understand/appreciate the opportunity for long term use of medication for a biological condition having non-life threatening implications. Studies focussed on adverse effects suggest that finasteride should be used with caution in AGA, due to considerable and persistent side effects induced in some men. In contrast, efficacy data indicate that dutasteride (a stronger inhibitor) presents superior therapeutic results compared to finasteride. Expert opinion: This paper argues that finasteride should be preferred to dutasteride in the treatment of AGA. Thus, finasteride preserves important physiological roles of dihydrotestosterone (unrelated to AGA) and, in addition, its adverse effects seem to be (at least in part) predictable