The pulsed‐dye laser as an adjuvant treatment modality in acne vulgaris: a randomized controlled single‐blinded trial

Background Acne vulgaris is the most common skin disease and can pose a substantial therapeutic challenge. Recently, several phototherapeutic modalities, most notably pulsed‐dye laser (PDL) treatment, have been introduced, but the published results – albeit promising – are controversial. Objectives To assess the efficacy of an adjuvant PDL treatment when combined with a proven topical treatment [fixed‐combination clindamycin 1%–benzoyl peroxide 5% hydrating gel (C/BPO)]. Methods Eighty patients (38 males and 42 females, mean ± SD age 19·7 ± 5·9 years) were randomized in a 1 : 2 ratio to receive C/BPO alone or in combination with PDL treatment (wavelength 585 nm, energy fluence 3 J cm⁻², pulse duration 0·35 ms, spot size 7 mm). Patients were evaluated at baseline and at 2 and 4 weeks after initial treatment. The primary end points were the Investigator’s Static Global Assessment (ISGA) score and lesion count; the secondary end point was the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Results Both groups showed a significant improvement during observation [ISGA 27·1% (C/BPO) and 24·6% (C/BPO + laser), total lesion count 9·2% and 9·0%, inflammatory lesion count 36·3% and 36·9%, DLQI 54·5% and 42·5%], but there was no significant or otherwise appreciable difference between treatment modalities as far as the extent of improvement was concerned. Patients with more severe findings at baseline had a greater benefit from either therapy regimen. Conclusions Our findings do not support the concept of a substantial benefit of PDL treatment in acne vulgaris.     

维胺酯胶囊联合强的松治疗中重度痤疮的疗效观察

目的：研究维胺酯胶囊联合强的松治疗中重度痤疮的临床疗效。方法：120例痤疮患者按随机化原则分配至治疗组和对照组各60例。治疗组采用口服维胺酯胶囊（50 mg tid）,同时口服强的松（5 mg qn）,连续服用30 d为1疗程。对照组采用口服罗红霉素（0.15 g bid）,安体舒通20 mg tid,连续服用30 d为1疗程。两组同时外用氯林液。结果：治疗组的有效率（95%）明显高于对照组（72%）,经统计学处理,差异有统计学意义（χ^2=4.23,P〈0.05）。结论：维胺酯胶囊联合强的松治疗中重度痤疮临床疗效好且安全。     

Hidradenitis suppurativa is not associated with the metabolic syndrome based on body type: A cross‐sectional study

A body type with a high waist circumference or elevated waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR), known as the “apple” body type, represents central/visceral obesity and is associated with the metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study was to simultaneously investigate the body mass index (BMI) and WHR in order to classify body types in individuals with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) compared with a general dermatological population. A hospital‐based cross‐sectional study was performed in the Netherlands. One hundred and six HS patients and 212 controls were included. The BMI was significantly higher in the HS group in comparison with the control group, at 27.8 ± 5.4 and 25.6 ± 4.8, respectively (P < 0.001). The WHR did not significantly differ between HS patients and the control dermatological population (P > 0.05). A more peripheral pattern of bodyweight distribution was seen in 43% of the 37 obese HS individuals, in contrast to 19% of 31 obese patients in the control group (P = 0.036). In conclusion, the body type in obese HS patients, based on the WHR, shows a more peripheral pattern and differs from the WHR in the BMI‐matched general dermatological population.     

A pilot methodology study for the photographic assessment of post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation in patients treated with tretinoin

Background Post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a common occurrence in patients with acne vulgaris, particularly in those with skin of colour. Aims A previous study has demonstrated the benefit of tretinoin (retinoic acid) in the treatment of PIH; however, there is currently no standard protocol to evaluate change in PIH following treatment. Based on these findings, we performed a pilot, exploratory, blinded, intraindividual‐controlled methodology study that consisted of a photographic assessment protocol with facial mapping. Materials and methods The study was based on a secondary analysis of a phase 4, community‐based trial of 544 acne patients who were treated with tretinoin gel microsphere 0.04% or 0.1%. Only patients with Fitzpatrick types III–V (skin of colour) were included in the study; subjects with Fitzpatrick skin type VI were excluded because the photographic assessment did not allow for proper evaluation. Results Despite the small number of subjects evaluated (n = 25), the results revealed consistent assessment of improvement in PIH between two independent graders (weighted κ = 0.84). Conclusion Further study with a larger population is recommended to validate the accuracy of this method.     

百癣夏塔热片治疗寻常痤疮的临床观察

目的：探讨百癣夏塔热片在治疗寻常痤疮中的临床应用价值。方法：将126例寻常痤疮患者随机分成两组，每组63例，分别给予百癣夏塔热片和四环素进行对照治疗，每周记录1次皮损变化，对比观察治疗前、后痤疮皮损减少率。结果：治疗组总有效率79．37％；对照组总有效率68．26％，两组间差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。结论：百癣夏塔热片口服对寻常痤疮是安全、有效的治疗方法，值得临床推广。     

刘公望教授针药结合治疗粉刺经验

粉刺临床证型多为瘀热结聚,病位在肺和脾胃,刘公望教授治疗粉刺方法独到,方用麻黄连翘赤小豆汤合黄连解毒汤化裁,针刺取风池、曲池、尺泽,并大椎、膈俞或至阳刺络拔罐。     

Acupuncture,electrostimulation, and reflex therapy in dermatology

Acupuncture is an old therapeutic method that includes both needle and nonneedle acupuncture. Nonneedle acupuncture includes moxibustion, cupping, and acupressure. In the field of dermatology, acupuncture has been reported to be beneficial for the treatment of acne, postherpetic neuralgia, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and urticaria. In acupuncture treatment of dermal diseases, both the filiform needle and the cutaneous needle are powerful tools. In the treatment of refractory dermal diseases, cutaneous needle acupuncture is usually followed by cupping to intensify the therapeutic effect. In cases where needle acupuncture is not possible, acupuncture-like transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a good alternative. In addition, reflex therapy based on foot reflex areas may also be an alternative. A lack of controlled studies is the main drawback for the methods mentioned above. However, the experiences from experts in this field may offer us new ideas to resolve refractory disorders in dermatology.