Triggers and markers of skin aging in women with menopausal syndrome

Introduction. External manifestations of aging, and especially skin aging are the most important for modern women.Aim. The aim of our study was to identify a set of adverse factors that effect on the skin of women in menopausal transition (MP) and in postmenopause (PM), and to identify markers of skin aging in this category of women.Materials and methods. The study included 36 women in MP and PM suffering from MS. At the first stage, anamnesis was collected, anthropometric data and severity of MS were evaluated, and the hormonal profile of patients was determined. At the second stage, computer mapping of the skin was performed using the digital video camera Aramo SG with the skin XPpro program. Statistic analysis was performed using the SPSS v13.0 program. Spearman’s analysis was used to determine the relationship between anthropometric, clinical and anamnestic data and the measurements of skin condition of women in MP and PM. Results. According to the obtained data, the main triggers of skin aging of women in MP and PM are: the presence of metabolic disorders (obesity, metabolic syndrome), decrease of estradiol and progesterone levels in blood serum as well as increase of prolactin level and rhythm disturbance of melatonin secretion. Markers of skin aging in women with menopausal syndrome are decreased moisture, increased oiliness in T-zone, increased of skin pigmentation and enlarged pore size.Conclusions. The obtained data are useful for management involuting skin changes of women in PM and MP suffering from MS. The data justifies the relevancy to normalization not only the estradiol level, but other sex steroids, melatonin, as well as correction of metabolic endocrine processes, and treatment of MS.

Confluent and reticulated papillomatosis of Gougerot-Carteaud in a North African patient

Confluent and reticulated papillomatosis (CRP) is a rare skin condition of uncertain etiology. The anti-bacterial and most importantly the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of some antibiotics seem to explain the effectiveness of these medications. Other measures such as reducing weight and treating an underlying endocrine disorder may be helpful.

A case of fracture talus with medial malleolus treated with headless screws and cancellous cannulated screws using single anteromedial approach

<p>Talar fractures are complex injuries with an array of management options and complications. We present a case of talar fracture with medial malleolus fracture fixed via common anteromedial approach through the fracture site. The incidence of associated malleolar injury has ranged from 19% to 28% in prior studies. The skin condition is often poor and prone to swelling in such cases which makes the management challenging. Along with poor wound healing, joint stiffness, osteonecrosis and osteoarthritis of the ankle are complications affecting the outcome of the patient.</p>

Clinical and Quality of Life Outcomes among Ixekizumab Treated Psoriasis Patients in a Real-World Setting

Introduction: Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory skin condition that has a significant negative impact on the physical, emotional, and psychosocial well-being of those affected. This study aimed to assess the speed of onset and long-term clinical and quality of life (QOL) outcomes among Ixekizumab (IXE) treated plaque psoriasis patients. Method: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single US dermatology referral center. Medical charts were reviewed for adult psoriasis patients starting IXE (index date) between March 22, 2016, and February 28, 2018.Disease severity and QOL data were collected up to one-year pre-IXE initiation and up to 35 months post-IXE initiation. Static Physician Global Assessment (sPGA), Body Surface Area (BSA), and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) were summarized at 1-month post-index and at 3-month intervals. Logistic regressions were performed to evaluate the 1-month response in relation to long-term sPGA, BSA, and DLQI outcomes. Results: A total of 153 patients (median age at index: 47.7 years; 65.4% male; 93.5% Caucasian) were included in the study. Majority of patients (69%; n=106) were biologic-experienced prior to IXE initiation. At 1-month post-index 58.8% of patients achieved sPGA (0,1), 55.9% achieved DLQI (0,1), and 66.9% achieved BSA≤1%. Patients with sPGA (0,1) at 1-month post-index had greater odds of remaining sPGA (0,1) and BSA≤1% at 24-month (sPGA 0,1: OR=10.1; 95% CI: 2.1-47.9; BSA≤1%: OR=13.3; 95% CI: 2.2-80.2). Among patients who achieved sPGA (0,1) at 1-month post-index, the observed proportion of patients with sPGA (0,1), DLQI (0,1), and BSA≤1% remained largely the same for the 24-month follow-up. Conclusion: This real-world study demonstrated that the majority of patients initiating IXE achieved sPGA (0, 1), DLQI (0, 1) and BSA ≤1% targets within the first month of treatment and were able to maintain treatment response for up to 24 months independent of prior biologic exposure.

Biophysical and Subject-Based Assessment of the Effects of Topical Moisturizer Usage on Xerotic Skin—Part I: EpsilonTM 2D Skin Hydration

As new biophysical methods become available to the skin researcher, it is important to understand the type of information that they are capable of measuring, and how it relates to consumer perception of topical moisturizing products. This work was aimed at understanding how two-dimensional (2D) skin hydration mapping can be used to describe skin properties beyond the traditional ‘single number’ approach to skin hydration. Two-dimensional skin hydration measurement data were collected at baseline and after 1 week of in vivo usage of a topical moisturizing product. In addition, subject feedback regarding their skin condition obtained during the study was collected and assessed. Dividing the 2D hydration measurement device images into zones of different electrical permittivity scores enabled analysis of different aspects of the skin compared with traditional electrical skin hydration measurements. Improvement in skin flexibility as a result of use of the topical test product was demonstrated. Complete description of the skin’s hydration state through the creation of hydration histograms to describe its electrical characteristics was performed. Subject feedback data showed improvements in aspects of skin assessed using 2D hydration measurement.

Effect of Sugar Stick Fascia Therapy on Changes in Face Size and Skin Condition

This study aimed to comparatively analyze changes in facial size and skin condition after sugar stick fascia therapy and manual technique. Selecting 11 people for sugar stick fascia therapy and 11 people for manual technique, their facial size and skin condition were measured three times before care, after four-times of care, and after eight-times of care. The results were evaluated through survey after experiment. First, regarding the differences in each period and group, the sizes of section A and B were more significantly reduced after sugar stick fascia therapy rather than manual technique, which showed the face downsizing effect (p<.05). Second, regarding the differences in each period, the sugar stick fascia therapy significantly increased moisture and elasticity. Regarding the differences in each group, the moisture was more significantly increased after eight times of sugar stick fascia therapy than manual technique (p<.05). In the evaluation of results, the face downsizing effect and overall satisfaction were highly shown (p<.01). The sugar stick fascia therapy showed great effects on downsizing the cheeks with lots of muscles, and also showed the remarkable increase in moisture. Thus, the sugar stick fascia therapy could be suggested as an alternative care that could meet the desire for beauty, by utilizing it as a face downsizing program without side effects and a skin care program for dry skin.

Biophysical and Subject-Based Assessment of the Effects of Topical Moisturizer Usage on Xerotic Skin—Part II: Visioscan® VC 20plus Imaging

As new biophysical methods become available to the skin researcher it is important to understand the type of information that they are capable of measuring, and how it relates to consumer perception of topical moisturizing products. The aim of the work presented here was to understand what dry skin imaging can reveal about the skin and subject feedback from the use of a topical moisturizing product and how it relates to the consumer usage experience of a topical product. Images from a dry skin camera—the Visioscan® VC 20plus—during 3 weeks in vivo usage of a topical moisturizing product were analyzed. Subject feedback regarding their skin condition was also collected. Strong statistical improvements (p < 0.05) were observed for a wide range of skin parameters derived from the Visioscan® VC 20plus. Skin scaliness and smoothness and parameters associated with skin health and appearance (surface, energy, contrast, homogeneity) improved as a result of topical product usage. Subjects reported their skin to feel less dry, to be smoother, and more supple and to look and feel healthier after product usage. The length of time until they felt the need to re-apply the product increased during the study

O Impacto Psicossocial da Acne Vulgar / The Psychosocial Impact of Acne Vulgaris

A acne é uma afecção cutânea comum, que atinge cerca de 80% da população em alguma fase da vida. Além da parte estética, a acne abrange consequências psicológicas e sociais que podem afetar a qualidade de vida, saúde psíquica e a autoestima dos pacientes. O presente estudo de revisão narrativa bibliográfica, investigou os aspectos principais do impacto psicossocial em pessoas com acne vulgar. Constatou-se que vários danos são gerados para os acometidos por essa patologia, entre eles estão: ansiedade, fobia social, depressão, insegurança, timidez, sintomas obsessivos compulsivos e transtorno dismórfico corporal. Tendo em vista os resultados apontados, confirmou-se que o tratamento adequado e efetivo apresenta grande melhora no quadro dos pacientes. Diante dos malefícios que a acne promove para vida da população é necessário compreendê-la como uma doença e não apenas como uma disfunção estética. ---Acne is a common skin condition that affects about 80% of the population at some stage of life. In addition to the aesthetic part, acne includes psychological and social consequences that can affect the quality of life, mental health, and self-esteem of patients. The present study of a bibliographic narrative review investigated the main aspects of the psychosocial impact on people with acne vulgaris. It was found that several damages are generated for those affected by this pathology, including anxiety, social phobia, depression, insecurity, shyness, obsessive-compulsive symptoms and body dysmorphic disorder. In view of the above results, it was confirmed that the adequate and effective treatment presents a great improvement in the patients' condition. In view of the harm that acne causes to the population's life, it is necessary to understand it as a disease and not just an aesthetic dysfunction.

Fibula Nail Outcomes in Soft Tissue Compromised Ankle Fractures

Background: To determine the clinical outcomes following fibula nail fixation and to identify the indication for the use of fibula nails in lower limb fractures. Methods: Retrospective study of adult patients from 2 major trauma centers (MTCs) and 9 trauma units (TUs) who underwent fibula nail fixation for AO/OTA 44 fractures between January 1, 2018, and October 31, 2020. Outcome measures included infection, metalwork complications, nonunion or malunion, time to union, and length of inpatient hospital stay. Results: Ninety-five patients were included, with a mean age of 66 years; 57.9% of patients were female. The average body mass index was 30. Sixty-nine patients (72.6%) sustained a Weber B and 24 (27.4%) sustained a Weber C fracture. In addition, 26.3% were open fractures and all patients had soft tissue compromise affecting the lateral malleolus. The calculated infection rate for fibula nail was 4.2% and metalwork complication rate was 5.2%. The nonunion and malunion rate was 8.4% and rate of removal of hardware was 2.1%. The average time to union was 12.5 weeks, and length of inpatient stay was 9.4 days (SD 10). Conclusion: This multicenter study demonstrates that use of a fibula nail appears to be a safe approach to treating patients who have a physiologically higher risk of surgery, poor skin condition, and a complex fracture pattern.

Antimicrobial Formulation of Chrysopogon zizanioides Essential Oil in an Emulsified Lotion for Acne

Acne is a skin condition arising from excess sebum production and microbial overgrowth within the pilosebaceous unit. Several commercial essential oils have shown promising activity against acne-related pathogens. Due to their volatility and thermal instability, the formulation of essential oils into commercial products remains a pharmaceutical challenge. Thus, this study aimed to develop a viable anti-acne topical treatment as an oil-in-water emulsified lotion to overcome these challenges. Chrysopogon zizanioides (vetiver) displayed noteworthy antimicrobial activity with a mean minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.14 mg/mL against Cutibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Streptococcus pyogenes. Emulsified lotions containing C. zizanioides were developed through the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance approach. At tested hydrophilic-lipophilic balance values of 8, 9, and 10, C. zizanioides emulsified lotions displayed maximum stability at hydrophilic-lipophilic balance 9 with a minimum change in mean droplet size and polydispersity index of 20.61 and 33.33%, respectively, over 84 days. The C. zizanioides emulsified lotion at optimum hydrophilic-lipophilic balance 9 completely inhibited the growth of C. acnes and killed S. aureus, S. epidermidis, and S. pyogenes within 24 h. Additionally, the lotion retained antimicrobial activity against these test micro-organisms over the 84-day stability test period. Thus, the C. zizanioides emulsified lotion demonstrated physical stability and antimicrobial efficiency, making it an ideal natural product anti-acne treatment.