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

A importância do médico pediatra na promoção da saúde bucal The importance of the pediatrician in oral health care promotion

Objetivou-se realizar avaliação da conduta preventiva em relação à saúde bucal exercida por médicos pediatras da cidade de São José dos Campos-SP, Brasil. A análise foi feita através das respostas a um questionário descritivo entregue a 85 pediatras da cidade. Obteve-se um retorno de 48 (56,4%). O questionário abordou aspectos relativos a amamentação, dieta, higiene bucal, uso da chupeta e do flúor e encaminhamento ao dentista. A análise dos resultados mostrou que a freqüência das orientações a respeito dessas condutas preventivas aos pacientes foi baixa. Concluiu-se ser necessário um esforço maior dos profissionais, médicos e dentistas, de promover a melhoria da saúde bucal dos pacientes infantis.<br>The degree to which the pediatrician's knowledge might contribute to preventive dentistry is investigated. Questionnaires concerning aspects such as breastfeeding, diet, pacifier use, fluoride use, oral hygiene and the recommended moment for the first dental visit were sent to a random sample of 85 pediatricians in S. José dos Campos. Answers were received from 48 (56.4%) of them. Data showed that orientation about preventive dentistry was not a common procedure among the majority of the pediatricians, suggesting that better integration between physician and dentist is necessary if children are to grow up with better general and dental health

Photoprotection of the future: challenges and opportunities

The use of sunscreens is an important and essential component of photoprotection. Since their introduction during the first half of the last century, sunscreens have benefited enormously from major technological advances such as the development of novel UV filters; as a result, their efficacy in preventing UV-induced erythema is unequivocal. More recently, however, new challenges have appeared, which have prompted a robust discussion about the safety of sunscreens. These include topics directly related to photoprotection of human skin such as improved/alternative methods for standardization of assessment of the efficacy of sunscreens, but also many others such as photoprotection beyond UV, concerns about human toxicity and ecological safety, the potential of oral photoprotective measures, consequences of innovative galenic formulations. On a first glance, some of these might raise questions and doubts among dermatologists, physicians and the general public about the use sunscreens as a means of photoprotection. This situation has prompted us to critically review such challenges, but also opportunities, based on existing scientific evidence. We conclude by providing our vision about how such challenges can be met best in the future in an attempt to create the ideal sunscreen, which should provide adequate and balanced protection and be easy and safe to use