Comparative effectiveness of purpuragenic 595 nm pulsed dye laser versus sequential emission of 595 nm pulsed dye laser and 1,064 nm Nd:YAG laser: a double-blind randomized controlled study. Acta Dermatovenerol Alp Pannonica Adriat. 2019 Mar;28(1):1-5 Authors: Campos MA, Sousa AC, Varela P, Baptista A, Menezes N Abstract INTRODUCTION: Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea is a common condition in Caucasians. The most frequently used lasers to treat this condition are pulsed dye laser (PDL) and neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser (Nd:YAG). This study compares the treatment efficacy of purpuragenic PDL with that of sequential emission of 595 nm PDL and 1,064 nm Nd:YAG (multiplexed PDL/Nd:YAG). METHODS: We performed a prospective, randomized, and controlled split-face study. Both cheeks were treated, with side randomization to receive treatment with PDL or multiplexed PDL/Nd:YAG. Efficacy was evaluated by spectrophotometric measurement, visual photograph evaluation, the Dermatology Quality of Life Index questionnaire, and a post-treatment questionnaire. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients completed the study. Treatment was associated with a statistically significant improvement in quality of life (p < 0.001). PDL and multiplexed PDL/Nd:YAG modalities significantly reduced the erythema index (EI; p < 0.05). When comparing the degree of EI reduction, no differences were observed between the two treatment modalities. PDL was associated with a higher degree of pain and a higher percentage of purpura. Multiplexed PDL/Nd:YAG modality was associated with fewer side effects and greater global satisfaction, and 96.3% of the patients would recommend this treatment to a friend. CONCLUSIONS: Both laser modalities are efficacious in the treatment of erythematotelangiectatic rosacea. The multiplexed PDL/Nd:YAG modality was preferred by the patients. PMID: 30901061 [PubMed - in process] {url} = URL to article

Logo of the Human Microbiome Project, a program of the NIH Common Fund, National Institutes of Health, image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons This subject of microbiome-based therapeutic strategies for rosacea is one of my favorite subjects which I have done a great deal of research on. You may want to read the latest article I have written on this subject of the human microbiome. 

Related Articles Skin diseases are more common than we think: screening results of an unreferred population at the Munich Oktoberfest. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2019 Mar 19;: Authors: Tizek L, Schielein MC, Seifert F, Biedermann T, Böhner A, Zink A Abstract BACKGROUND: Skin diseases are ranked as the fourth most common cause of human illness, resulting in an enormous non-fatal burden. Despite this, many affected people do not consult a physician. Accordingly, the actual skin disease burden might be even higher since reported prevalence rates are typically based on secondary data that exclude individuals who do not seek medical care. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of skin diseases in an unreferred population in a real-life setting. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 9 days duration was performed in 2016 at the 'Bavarian Central Agricultural Festival', which is part of the Munich Oktoberfest. As part of a public health check-up, screening examinations were performed randomly on participating visitors. All participants were 18 years or older and provided written informed consent. RESULTS: A total of 2701 individuals (53.5% women, 46.2% men; mean age 51.9 ± 15.3 years) participated in the study. At least one skin abnormality was observed in 1662 of the participants (64.5%). The most common diagnoses were actinic keratosis (26.6%), rosacea (25.5%) and eczema (11.7%). Skin diseases increased with age and were more frequent in men (72.3%) than in women (58.0%). Clinical examinations showed that nearly two-thirds of the affected participants were unaware of their abnormal skin findings. CONCLUSION: Skin diseases might be more common than previously estimated based on the secondary data of some sub-populations. Further information and awareness campaigns are needed to improve people's knowledge and reduce the global burden associated with skin diseases. PMID: 30891839 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] {url} = URL to article

Fractionated Carbon Dioxide Laser Resurfacing as an Ideal Treatment Option for Severe Rhinophyma: A Case Report and Discussion. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2019 Jan;12(1):24-27 Authors: Comeau V, Goodman M, Kober MM, Buckley C Abstract Rhinophyma is a progressive, disfiguring condition that affects the nose and is caused by the hypertrophy of sebaceous glands and connective tissue. Although its exact pathogenesis remains unclear, it is generally thought to be a subtype of the chronic, inflammatory condition rosacea. To date, oral and topical treatments have been largely ineffective at treating rhinophyma. Laser resurfacing is an emerging treatment modality that offers hope for patients with severe rhinophyma. We present a case of rhinophyma treated via fractionated carbon dioxide laser resurfacing with impressive results, excellent tolerability, and minimal downtime. PMID: 30881573 [PubMed] {url} = URL to article

Effective Treatment of Morbihan's Disease with Long-term Isotretinoin: A Report of Three Cases. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2019 Jan;12(1):32-34 Authors: Olvera-Cortés V, Pulido-Díaz N Abstract Morbihan's disease is characterized by the presence of chronic and persistent edema of the periorbital tissue, forehead, glabella, nose, and cheeks. In some cases, it is related to acne and rosacea, but its exact etiology remains unknown. A defined therapeutic approach has yet to be established for the treatment of Morbihan's disease. To date, the systemic and surgical options attempted have not been very successful and/or do not yield sustained results. Isotretinoin is a key systemic treatment used for the treatment of various skin conditions. However, there are few reports of isotretinoin being used to treat Morbihan's disease. Here, we present the details of three patients with Morbihan's disease who were successfully treated long-term with isotretinoin. PMID: 30881575 [PubMed] {url} = URL to article