Deep pulse fractional CO2 laser combined with a radiofrequency system: results of a case series

The purpose of this study was evaluation of the safety and efficacy of this new combined technology that adds deep ablation to thermal stimulation

Spider bites of medical significance in the mediterranean area: misdiagnosis, clinical features and management

Despite the disrepute spiders have had for centuries, their bite is a rare occurrence. In the Mediterranean area, only two of the numerous known species are considered of medical significance: Latrodectus tredecimguttatus and Loxosceles rufescens. Spider bites have no pathognomonic signs or symptoms, therefore most diagnoses are presumptive; a spider bite can only be diagnosed when a spider (seen at the time of the bite) is collected and identified by an expert, since most physicians and patients are unable to recognize a certain spider species or distinguish spiders from other arthropods. Skin lesions of uncertain etiology are too often attributed to spider bites. In most cases, these are actually skin and soft-tissue infections, allergic reactions, dermatoses etc. Misdiagnosing a wound as a spider bite can lead to delays in appropriate care, cause adverse or even fatal outcomes and have medical-legal implications. Concerningly, misinformation on spider bites also affects the medical literature and it appears there is lack of awareness on current therapeutic indications for verified bites

Effectiveness of IPL treatment of hyperpigmented lesions associated to cutaneous ageing through confocal microscopy imaging: results of an open study

Photoaging is the most common indication for intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments. 28 patients with hyperpigmentation due to photodamaged facial skin were included in this open study, treated with 3 to 6 sessions of a 550nm wavelenght IPL and assessed through dermatoscopic evaluation supported by confocal microscopy. The results of the study evidenced safety and effectiveness of the procedures. Dermatoscopy and confocal microscopy, in our opinion, can help clinical assessment through the detailed analysis of minor details that could not be evidenced by traditional photograph

Lasers and Energy Devices for the Skin: Conventional and Unconventional Use

No abstract availabl

Effectiveness and tolerability of a LED source in patients with photoageing and pigmented lesions: results of an open study

LED sources have been recently used in aesthetic medicine challenging ageing skin through a monochromatic and coherent light emission that targets specific chromophores. Devices are cheaper than laser systems and clinical results supported by in vitro studies regarding efficacy on fibroblast metabolism and elastin production have been reported. Further indications of LED treatment in aesthetic medicine and dermatology include acne, lentigo spots and small wrinkles. Some devices are also used against dilated pores and for dental whitening. We treated 28 photodamaged patients in an open study and reported effectiveness and tolerability after 12 sessions of LED therap

Picosecond Q-Switched 1064/532 nm Laser in Tattoo Removal: Our Single Center Experience

Background: Tattoo removal is becoming increasingly popular, and Q-switched lasers represent the gold standard in the treatment of this condition. In this study, we report our experience with a new Q-switched picosecond laser device, evaluating its effectiveness and safety. Methods: A total of 34 patients asking for tattoo removal were consecutively enrolled in this open study. The clinicians decided on operating settings based on the Fitzpatrick phototype, the type of tattoo, and the tattoo location. A maximum of seven sessions, with a minimum interval of eight weeks between each session, were performed. At the six month follow-up visit following the last treatment session, patient satisfaction was assessed using a visual analogue scale and two dermatologists evaluated the aesthetic outcome based on pictures taken before and after treatment. Results: A total of 34 patients were included and analyzed: 17 females (50%) and 17 males (50%). The mean patient age was 43.6 ± 11 years. Participants’ Fitzpatrick skin type ranged from II to IV. The mean number of treatment sessions performed was 3.3 ± 2.0 per patient. Over 40% of patients showed complete removal of the tattoo, with most of the patients indicating satisfaction with the treatment. Conclusions: The Q-switched 1064/532 nm laser may be considered the gold standard treatment for tattoo removal. Picosecond pulses seem to guarantee fewer sessions and excellent results when compared to other laser systems in tattoo removal

Topical treatment of contact dermatitis with natural active principles

Contact dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin condition characterized by erythematous and pruritic skin lesions that occur after contact with a foreign substance. There are two forms of contact dermatitis: irritant (80% of cases) and allergic (20% of cases). The clinical features of contact dermatitis include, in the early stages, lesions characterized by erythema and vesiculation at the place of contact with the irritant (DIC) or sensitizing (DAC) substance. When it persists for a long time and becomes chronic, there is a reduction of erythema and the skin becomes dry. Itch is often associated with lesions; scratching induces lichenification with thickening and hyperkeratosis. The purpose of this work is to evaluate the clinical efficacy, in the main forms of contact dermatitis, of a cosmetic product for topical use, consisting of a mixture of active principles (biotin, L-carnitine, panthenol, bisabolol and α-tocopherol) capable of performing moisturizing, anti-inflammatory and soothing action, immediately and long term. 30 patients were selected and randomly divided into 2 groups: a first group of 20 patients who applied the active principle and a second group of 10 patients who used placebo. All had to apply the product 2 times/day on the affected areas. We evaluated the treatment benefits during 4 follow-up visits every 15 days (T0-T3). Objective and subjective criteria have been adopted for clinical evaluation: in particular objective symptomes: erythema, vesiculation, desquamation and lichenification, were assessed. Furthermore, subjective symptoms were evaluated through a visual analogue scale (VAS) from 1 to 10 regarding itch. The product was judjed by the patients as cosmetically pleasing, without the occurrence of undesired reaction to short-or long-term. The considerable objectivity improvement of the lesions, and the reduction of itching symptoms was observed in almost all the cases treated with this cosmetic product. Maintenance of results were evacuate through the increase of hydration, as consequence of the restoration of the stratum corneum function. The reconstruction of a proper epidermal barrier function, related to the anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, and soothing properties of the substances studied, may explain the greater improvement in the group that underwent active treatmen

Deep pulse fractional CO2 laser combined with a radiofrequency system. results of a case series

Objective: The purpose of this study was evaluation of the safety and efficacy of this new combined technology that adds deep ablation to thermal stimulation. Background data: Minimally ablative or subablative lasers, such as fractional CO2 lasers, have been developed in an attempt to achieve the same clinical results observed with traditional ablative lasers, but with fewer side effects. Despite being an ablative laser, the system used in this study is able to produce a fractional supply of the beam of light. Fractional ablation of skin is performed through the development of microscopic vertical columns surrounded by spared areas of epidermis and dermis, ensuring rapid wound healing and minimum down time. Simultaneous synchronized delivery of a radiofrequency (RF) current to the deeper layers of the skin completes the therapeutic scenario, ensuring an effective skin tightening effect over the entire treated area. Methods:. Nine adult patients were treated for wrinkles and acne scars using this new laser technology. An independent observer evaluated the improvement using a five point scale. Results: All patients had good results in terms of improvement of skin texture, with mild and transitory side effects. Conclusions: This novel combined system produced improvement in wrinkles and acne scars, with progressive enhancement of skin tone and elasticit

Q-Switched 1064/532 nm Laser with Picosecond Pulse to Treat Benign Hyperpigmentations: A Single-Center Retrospective Study

(1) Benign melanoses are a frequent issue in aesthetic dermatology. Solar lentigo, ephelides, café au lait spots, and other melanoses represent a cosmetic issue for a growing number of subjects. The Q-switched 1064/532-nanometer (nm) laser may be considered the gold standard for management of these aesthetic issues. A new generation of Q-switched lasers, capable of concentrating the energy pulse in the spectrum of hundreds of picoseconds, is emerging, promising better results than previous ones. In this paper, we report the use of a Q-switched laser with a picosecond pulse to manage hypermelanoses. (2) Methods: 36 patients seeking melanosis removal were retrospectively enrolled at Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro. Treatment parameters, although variable, were the following: 1064 nm with a pulse duration of 450 picoseconds (ps) for dermic lesions and 532 nm with 370 ps for epidermal lesions. Up to four treatments, with a minimum interval between laser treatments of 30 days, were performed. After the last session, patients’ satisfaction was assessed at a three-month follow up with a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Two blinded dermatologists measured the aesthetic outcome using a five-point scale comparing pictures before laser sessions and during follow-up. (3) Results: 36 patients were enrolled; 23 were females (63.9%) and 13 males (36.1%). The mean reported age was 49.2 ± 18.9 years. All participants were assessed with a complete/almost complete melanosis removal at the dermatological evaluation, with a mean VAS score of 9.39 ± 0.90. (4) Conclusions: The Q-switched 1064/532 nm laser may be considered the main weapon in treating benign hypermelanosis. The picosecond pulse seems to guarantee better results than other devices. However, a clinical trial comparing Q-switched nanosecond pulse with picosecond pulse is necessary to confirm this study’s findings