Solar urticaria (SU) is a rare photodermatosis causing a significant impact on patients' quality of life (QoL), and treatment is often challenging. To analyse clinical experience with a tailored stepwise therapeutic approach. A retrospective cohort design was used. Patients with suspected SU underwent laboratory investigations and photoprovocation. Those with a high minimal urticaria dose (MUD) were treated with a single antihistamine (protocol 1), and those with a lower MUD received three types of antihistamines (protocol 2); both protocols included a leucotriene receptor antagonist (LRA). In cases of failure, treatment was switched to omalizumab at doses of < 300 mg/month with incremental dosage increases as necessary (monthly dose range, 150–600 mg/month). Symptom relief and photoprovocation under treatment were evaluated. In total, 30 patients (10 men, 20 women) were enrolled. Most (87%) were sensitive to visible light (1–70 J/cm2) with or without extension to ultraviolet A. Of the 30 patients, 23 opted for our stepwise approach: 22 achieved complete remission on protocols 1 or 2 (n = 17) or after switching to omalizumab (n = 5), and another patient achieved partial remission under omalizumab. There were no treatment‐related severe adverse effects. Symptoms of SU can be well controlled by treatment with antihistamines and an LRA tailored to the degree of photosensitivity, followed by omalizumab in refractory cases. This has important implications for patient QoL.
Introduction: Surgery is commonly regarded as the mainstay of treatment of extramammary Paget disease (EMPD); however, nonsurgical approaches have gained popularity in recent years. Objectives: To review the published evidence for the efficacy and safety of nonsurgical modes of therapy for EMPD. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of nonsurgical EMPD treatments was performed. The primary outcome was complete response (CR); secondary outcomes were clinical regression by ≥50%, adverse events, and recurrence rate. Results: The systematic review included 43 observational studies (341 patients; 7 prospective cohort studies, 19 retrospective cohort studies, and 17 cases series) evaluating 5 treatment modalities. Imiquimod (13 studies, 110 patients) administered at variable doses ranging from daily to twice weekly for 2–56 weeks demonstrated CR of 54% (95% CI, 40–67%; I2 = 37%) and had a satisfactory safety profile. In 14 heterogeneous studies (122 patients) evaluating photodynamic therapy (PDT), only 36% (95% CI, 22–53%; I2 = 52%) of patients achieved CR. Radiotherapy (12 studies, 67 patients) showed CR of 97%, but was associated with local and systemic side effects. Ablative lasers and topical fluorouracil and calcipotriene lacked adequate evidence of efficacy. Conclusions: Imiquimod and radiotherapy are the most appropriate nonsurgical modalities for EMPD treatment given their good efficacy and safety profile. PDT has limited efficacy but may be appropriate in selected clinical settings.
Cutaneous viral warts (CVW), caused by human papillomavirus, often have a self-limited course. However, some patients experience a recalcitrant disease despite treatment. Retinoids are considered the mainstay of therapy in many dermatologic diseases. Data on their use for viral warts are limited. To systematically review the published evidence on the efficacy and safety of retinoids for the treatment of CVW. A systematic review and meta-analysis of topical or systemic retinoid treatment for CVW was performed in accordance with the PRISMA statement. The primary outcome was clinical response; secondary outcomes were recurrence rate and adverse events. Fourteen publications including 399 patients treated exclusively with retinoids (65% topical, 35% systemic) were evaluated. The complete response rate was 64% (95% CI, 46-78%; I2 =80%) for topical treatment and 61% (95% CI, 44-76%; I2 =69%) for systemic treatment. The most common side effects were irritant contact dermatitis and cheilitis, respectively. Relapse rates were 6% and 17%, respectively. The reviewed studies were considerably heterogenous and most lacked a control group. Both topical and systemic retinoids are effective and safe as monotherapy for CVW. Further studies are required to determine their exact role in this setting.
Hirsutism is a common disorder affecting between 5 and 15% of the population. One of the most devastating consequences of hirsutism is the presence of unwanted facial hair. Treatment of hirsutism involves a two-pronged approach: treating the underlying cause and reduction of visible hair. Laser hair removal is one of the most effective options for reducing visible hair, however, it may not be wholly effective in all patients and combination therapy may need to be considered. Pharmacological therapy is often used in combination with mechanical hair removal due to the time needed for the drug treatment to demonstrate visible results. Clinical data investigating the use of laser treatment in combination with other treatments has focused on laser with topical eflornithine. The expert working group reviews existing data and provides guidance on the use of eflornithine in combination with laser for resistant hirsutism.
Abstract Background/objectives Childhood allergic contact dermatitis is recognized as a significant clinical problem. The objective was to evaluate the rate of positive patch tests in Israeli children with clinically suspected allergic contact dermatitis, identify possible sex and age differences, compare results with those in Israeli adults, and review pediatric studies in the literature. Methods The study sample included 343 children and adolescents (197 female, 146 male; 1‐18 years of age, mean age 11.8 years) with clinically suspected allergic contact dermatitis who underwent patch testing with a standard pediatric series of 23 allergens at a tertiary medical center from 1999 to 2012. Data on clinical characteristics and test results were collected retrospectively from the medical files. Results Ninety‐eight subjects (28.6%) (75 girls [38.1%], 23 boys [15.8%]) had at least one positive reaction. The most frequent reactions were to nickel sulfate, followed by potassium dichromate and cobalt chloride. Nickel sulfate sensitivity was more common in girls, especially those younger than 3 years and older than 12 years. The prevalence of contact sensitization was similar in subjects with and without atopic dermatitis (50% and 51%, respectively). Conclusion Nickel is the most common allergen in Israeli children, especially girls. Patch testing should be performed in children with clinically suspected allergic contact dermatitis regardless of atopic background.
Abstract Background Laser treatments for facial rejuvenation are common, with ablative modalities being of more common use for this indication. Efficient nonablative modalities are of rising demand. Aim Our aim was to determine the safety and efficacy of high‐fluence, nonablative 1540‐nm fractional Erbium:glass laser for facial rejuvenation. Patients and Methods A retrospective study of patients treated with 3‐4 treatments using the 1540‐nm fractional Erbium:glass laser for facial rejuvenation, using 2500‐3000 mJ/stacked pulses (51‐61 mJ per pixel). Patients were followed‐up for 3 months following their last treatment. Before and after photos were independently blindly evaluated by 2 dermatologists, who graded them using a scale from 0 (exacerbation) to 4 (76%‐100% improvement) for 2 different facial regions (frontal face region and lateral canthal region). Pain perception and adverse effects as well as patient satisfaction were documented throughout the study. Results Sixteen patients completed both treatment and follow‐up period. At the 3‐months posttreatment follow‐up visit, moderate‐to‐significant improvement in rhytids appearance (mean grade of improvement: 2.93 for frontal face and 3 for lateral canthal region) was observed. Patients’ satisfaction was high (4.25). Patients reported mild and transient erythema posttreatment with no other adverse effects. Conclusion The high‐fluence 1540‐nm fractional Erbium:glass laser is a safe and effective nonablative modality for facial rejuvenation.
