INVESTIGATION Physiological and lifestyle factors contributing to risk and severity of peri-orbital dark circles in the Brazilian population*

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Peri-orbital dark circles are a cosmetic concern worldwide, and have been attributed to hyperpigmentation from allergy or atopic dermatitis, blood stasis, structural shadowing effects, and a thin epidermis/dermis under the eye. It is of interest to better understand lifestyle and demographic risk factors and the relative impact of melanin, blood and epidermal/dermal factors on the severity of Peri-orbital dark circles. OBJECTIVE: To compare by non-invasive imaging the impact of biological factors to a visual grading scale for Peri-orbital dark circles, and test the correlation of various demographic factors with Peri-orbital dark circles. METHODS: Subjects completed a lifestyle and health survey, and Peri-orbital dark circles severity was evaluated using standardized photographs. Hyperspectral image analysis was used to assess the contributions of melanin, blood volume, degree of blood oxygen saturation, and dermal scattering. RESULTS: Family history was the most signifi cant risk factor for Peri-orbital dark circles. The average age of onset was 24 years, and earlier onset correlated with higher severity scores. Asthma was signifi cantly associated with Peri-orbital dark circles scores, but self-reported allergy was not. In this study, sleep was not correlated with Peri-orbital dark circles scores. Hyperspectral imaging indicated that melanin was the dominant correlate for Peri-orbital dark circles severity, while oxygen saturation was secondary. The difference between under-eye and cheek measurements for ∆L*and ∆E* were the most signifi cant instrumental parameters correlated with visual assessment of Peri-orbital dark circles severity. CONCLUSION: Although typically associated with lack of sleep, risk of Peri-orbital dark circles is primarily hereditary. The main factors contributing to the appearance of Peri-orbital dark circles are melanin and (deoxygenated) blood

The influence of the amount of sunscreen applied and its sun protection factor (SPF): evaluation of two different sunscreens including the same ingredients at different concentrations

Introdução: Para determinação do Fator de Proteção Solar (FPS) de protetores solares, de acordo com o FDA e os protocolos internacionais, a quantidade aplicada de produto nos voluntários é de 2 mg/cm2. Diferentes estudos mostraram, entretanto, que os usuários aplicam quantidades muito inferiores a esta quando expostos ao sol. A relação entre a quantidade aplicada do fotoprotetor e o valor do FPS foi avaliada previamente em estudos anteriores, com resultados contraditórios. Objetivo: Avaliar a interferência da quantidade aplicada de dois protetores solares na determinação de seus fatores de proteção solar (FPS), de acordo com o método preconizado pelo FDA. Método: Quarenta voluntários sadios foram incluídos em dois grupos (FPS 15 e FPS 30). O fotoprotetor selecionado foi aplicado em quatro quantidades distintas (2,0 mg/cm2, 1,5 mg/cm2, 1,0 mg/cm2 e 0,5 mg/cm2). Todas as áreas foram irradiadas com Simulador solar e, após 24 horas, houve a leitura da Dose Eritematosa Mínima (DEM) da pele protegida e da pele não protegida, seguido pela determinação do FPS. Resultados: Em ambos os grupos foi observado a diminuição do valor do FPS com a redução da quantidade aplicada do protetor. As diferenças entre o FPS da área com aplicação de 2,0 mg/cm2 e as demais foram estatisticamente significantes (P<0,001). A correlação entre o FPS e a quantidade aplicada foi exponencial. Conclusão: A proteção oferecida por protetores solares é relacionada com a quantidade aplicada e, considerando a importância da fotoproteção adequada, é essencial a educação dos consumidores para a utilização dos fotoprotetores em quantidades maiores.Background: To estimate the Sun protection Factor (SPF) for sunscreen, the amount of product applied on volunteers, according to FDA and International protocols is 2 mg/cm2. Different studies show that users apply much less product when exposed to sun. Previous studies have shown controversial results in an attempt to correlate the amount applied in relation to SPF. Objective: Evaluate the influence of applied quantity of two sunscreens in the determination of SPF, according to FDA methodology. Methods: Forty volunteers were included in two groups (SPF 15 and 30). The selected sunscreen was then applied in four different quantities (2 mg/cm2, 1.5 mg/cm2, 1.0 mg/cm2 and 0.5 mg/cm2). All areas were irradiated with the solar simulator. After 24 hours, readings of Minimal Erythemal Dose (MED) of protected and unprotected areas were provided, followed by the determination of the SPF. Results: In both groups we observed decrease of SPF number according to the amount applied. The differences between the 2 mg/cm2 area and the others were significant in both groups (p < 0.001). The correlation between specified SPF and applied amount experienced exponential growth. Conclusion: The protection provided by sunscreen is related with the amount of product applied and, concerning the importance of employing good photoprotection measures, it is essential to educate consumers to apply larger amounts of sunscree

The effects of UV filters on health and the environment

Sunscreens are an important means of protection against sunburns, dyspigmentation, photoaging, and photocarcinogenesis. Sunscreens come in a variety of formulations that can protect against ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation, both UVB and ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation (broad-spectrum sunscreens), and UVB, UVA, and visible light (tinted broad-spectrum sunscreens). In the USA, there is currently a paucity of FDA-approved broad-spectrum filters on the market. Studies have identified the presence of multiple UV filters in water sources globally. Many laboratory studies have implicated the potential impact of UV filters on coral reef bleaching, the food chain, and human health. However, many of these studies are performed at concentrations that are much higher than those present in the natural environment. With increasing discussion surrounding the role of organic and inorganic UV filters as potential environmental pollutants over the past decade, approval of additional broad-spectrum filters would be an important means of alleviating the use of more controversial filters. The aim of this article is to review the effects of UV filters on health and the environment and explore potential adjunctive agents for photoprotection

Estudo clínico randomizado, aberto e comparativo para avaliação de segurança, tolerabilidade e eficácia analgésica de duas diferentes apresentações de medicamento tópico na realização de curetagem dermatológica de molusco contagioso em pacientes pediátricos

Aim: This study aimed to compare the safety and analgesic efficacy of a new topical drug (in two different presentations: cream and aerosol) consisting of benzocaine, menthol and triclosan, in the curettage of molluscum contagiosum. Method: The study included 296 volunteers in different stages: 256 healthy adult volunteers for the safety evaluation, and 40 volunteers between 2 and 12 years old who presented Molluscum contagiosum, for the evaluation of tolerability and efficacy. Each volunteer represented two experimental units (left and right) where it was applied randomly the tested products (cream or aerosol) 30 minutes before the dermatological curettage, immediately after and twice a day during 7 days. Dermatological evaluations of safety and efficacy were performed immediately after the procedure, 3 and 7 days after the curettage. Results: During safety evaluation, the tested products showed no irritant, sensitizing, phototoxic or photosensitizing potential. Both presentations, cream and aerosol, were considered safe with no statistically significant differences between them. With respect to analgesic efficacy, the results showed that the medication promoted the reduction of painful symptoms and there was no statistically significant difference (p <0.05) between the two presentations. Conclusion: The tested product, in two different presentations, was considered safe and effective in controlling pain symptoms during and after the curettage of molluscum contagiosum. © Copyright Moreira Jr. Editora

Brazilian Consensus on Photoprotection

Brazil is a country of continental dimensions with a large heterogeneity of climates and massive mixing of the population. Almost the entire national territory is located between the Equator and the Tropic of Capricorn, and the Earth axial tilt to the south certainly makes Brazil one of the countries of the world with greater extent of land in proximity to the sun. The Brazilian coastline, where most of its population lives, is more than 8,500 km long. Due to geographic characteristics and cultural trends, Brazilians are among the peoples with the highest annual exposure to the sun. Epidemiological data show a continuing increase in the incidence of nonmelanoma and melanoma skin cancers. Photoprotection can be understood as a set of measures aimed at reducing sun exposure and at preventing the development of acute and chronic actinic damage. Due to the peculiarities of Brazilian territory and culture, it would not be advisable to replicate the concepts of photoprotection from other developed countries, places with completely different climates and populations. Thus the Brazilian Society of Dermatology has developed the Brazilian Consensus on Photoprotection, the first official document on photoprotection developed in Brazil for Brazilians, with recommendations on matters involving photoprotection