Tamanu Oil in Acne Management: Potential Anti-Inflammatory and Wound-Healing Properties for Scar Reduction

Tamanu oil, derived from the nuts of Calophyllum inophyllum, has gained increasing attention for its potential in acne management due to its purported anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. This analysis evaluates the efficacy of tamanu oil in acne treatment with a specific focus on its impact on inflammation and scar reduction. The novelty of this research lies in its comprehensive analysis of tamanu oil’s dual mechanism of action: reducing acne-related inflammation and promoting the healing of acne scars. Clinical trials and laboratory analyses were conducted to assess the oil’s effectiveness in diminishing erythema, swelling, and post-acne scarring compared to conventional treatments. Preliminary findings demonstrate that tamanu oil significantly reduces inflammation and accelerates wound healing, potentially offering a promising adjunct or alternative to standard acne therapies. Future research should aim to optimize formulation and application protocols, long-term effects, and comparative therapeutic efficacy with other anti-inflammatory agents. Tamanu oil offers a novel and effective approach to acne management, with potential advantages that go beyond inflammation reduction to include enhanced scar reduction, making it a subject that warrants further investigation.

Autocrine IL-8 Contributes to Propionibacterium Acnes-induced Proliferation and Differentiation of HaCaT Cells via AKT/FOXO1/Autophagy

Objective Proprionibacterium acnes(P.acnes)-induced inflammatory responses,proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes contribute to the progression of acne vulgaris(AV).P.acnes was found to enhance the production of interleukin-8(IL-8)by keratinocytes.This study aimed to investigate the role of IL-8 in P.acnes-induced proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes and the underlying mechanism.Methods The P.acnes-stimulated HaCaT cell(a human keratinocyte cell line)model was established.Western blotting and immunofluorescence were performed to detect the expression of the IL-8 receptors C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 1(CXCR1)and C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 2(CXCR2)on HaCaT cells.Cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)assay,5-ethynyl-20-deoxyuridine(EdU)assay and Western blotting were performed to examine the effects of IL-8/CXCR2 axis on the proliferation and differentiation of HaCaT cells treated with P.acnes,the IL-8 neutralizing antibody,the CXCR2 antagonist(SB225002),or the CXCR1/CXCR2 antagonist(G31P).Western blotting,nuclear and cytoplasmic separation,CCK-8 assay,and EdU assay were employed to determine the downstream pathway of CXCR2 after P.acnes-stimulated HaCaT cells were treated with the CXCR2 antagonist,the protein kinase B(AKT)antagonist(AZD5363),or the constitutively active forkhead box O1(FOXO1)mutant.Finally,autophagy markers were measured in HaCaT cells following the transfection of the FOXO1 mutant or treatment with the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine(3-MA).Results The expression levels of CXCR1 and CXCR2 were significantly increased on the membrane of HaCaT cells following P.acnes stimulation.The IL-8/CXCR2 axis predominantly promoted the proliferation and differentiation of P.acnes-induced HaCaT cells by activating AKT/FOXO1/autophagy signaling.In brief,IL-8 bound to its receptor CXCR2 on the membrane of keratinocytes to activate the AKT/FOXO1 axis.Subsequently,phosphorylated FOXO1 facilitated autophagy to promote the proliferation and differentiation of P.acnes-induced keratinocytes.Conclusion This study demonstrated the novel autocrine effect of IL-8 on the proliferation and differentiation of P.acnes-induced keratinocytes,suggesting a potential therapeutic target for AV.

Ocular surface changes in moderate-to-severe acne vulgaris

AIM:To investigate ocular surface disorders and tear function changes in patients with acne vulgaris and explore the potential relationship between acne vulgaris and dry eye.METHODS:This cross-sectional study included right eyes of 53 patients with acne vulgaris and 54 healthy controls.The participants completed the Ocular Surface Disease Index(OSDI)questionnaire.The following ocular surface-related parameters were measured:tear meniscus height(TMH),noninvasive tear breakup time(NIBUT),Schirmer I test(SIT),lipid layer thickness(LLT)score of the tear film,meibum score,meibomian gland orifice obstruction score,the ratio of meibomian gland loss,conjunctival hyperemia score,and corneal fluorescein staining(CFS)score.RESULTS:The stability of the tear film decreased in acne vulgaris patients.In the acne group,the TMH and NIBUT were lower,whereas the OSDI,meibum score,meibomian gland orifice obstruction score,ratio of meibomian gland loss,and conjunctival hyperemia score were higher compared with controls(P<0.05).There were no significant differences in the CFS score,SIT,or LLT score between the groups(P>0.05).In two dry eye groups,the TMH,NIBUT,and LLT score were lower in the acne with dry eye(acne-DE)group,and the meibum score,meibomian gland orifice obstruction score,ratio of meibomian gland loss and conjunctival hyperemia score in the acne-DE group were higher(P<0.05).There were no significant differences between OSDI,SIT,and CFS score(P>0.05).CONCLUSION:Patients with moderate-to-severe acne vulgaris are more likely to experience dry eye than those without acne vulgaris.Reduced tear film stability and meibomian gland structure dysfunction are more pronounced in patients with moderate-to-severe acne and dry eye.

Re-evaluating the necessity of routine laboratory monitoring during isotretinoin therapy for acne

In this letter,we discuss the topic of necessity of routine laboratory monitoring during isotretinoin treatment for acne.According to Park and colleagues,it is advisable to monitor the levels of triglycerides,alanine aminotransferase,and aspartate aminotransferase every 5 to 6 months.Additionally,the levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein should be checked within the first two months of treatment.Isotretinoin is a commonly prescribed agent mainly used to treat acne.Despite its high effectiveness,it necessitates regular monitoring of laboratory parameters due to its side effect profile.Currently,there remains a lack of consensus on the appropriate frequency for monitoring these parameters during treatment with isotretinoin.This letter will provide insight into this complex and controversial topic.Based on existing literature,we concluded that the incidence of changes in lipid and liver aminotransferase levels during isotretinoin treatment for acne was low and likely clinically insignificant.For generally healthy people,we recommend testing lipid and liver profiles once at baseline and a second time at the peak dosage.However,frequent testing might still be beneficial in certain populations of patients.

Research on the Nursing Effect of Glycolipids on Acne Skin

Glycolipids are lipid compounds,which are a type of amphiphilic molecules containing glycosyl ligands.This experiment studied the efficacy of glycolipids on acne skin care from the aspects of antibacterial,anti-inflammatory,anti-allergic,oil-control,soothing and repair.Research results show that glycolipids have excellent antibacterial properties against P.acnes;when the dosage of glycolipids reaches 10μg/mL,the inhibition rate of glycolipids on lipid synthesis in SZ95 cells can reach 20%;glycolipids can induce LPS induction RAW264.7 cells have the inhibitory effect on the release of inflammatory factors IL-6 and NO;when the glycolipids concentration is 15 mg/mL,the inhibition rate of glycolipids on hyaluronidase reaches 45.8%;when the glycolipids concentration is 25μg/mL,the inhibition rate on calcium ion concentration reaches 45.3%;glycolipids have a significant promoting effect on wound healing.Furthermore,human efficacy evaluation shows that glycolipids products have comprehensive care effects on acne skin.This study will help further promote the application of glycolipids in cosmetic products,especially in skin care products for acne skin.

Balancing Dermatological and Gynecological Considerations: Evaluating the Necessity of Pelvic Exams in OCP Prescriptions for Acne Management

Routine pelvic examinations in women prescribed oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) for acne management are scrutinized to assess their impact on dermatological outcomes versus gynecological health. A synthesis of clinical trials, patient surveys, and medical guidelines reveals that these routine exams do not significantly enhance the effectiveness of acne treatment with OCPs but are linked to increased patient discomfort and false-positive results. Evidence suggests that routine pelvic examinations do not significantly impact the effectiveness of acne management with OCPs but are associated with increased patient discomfort and higher rates of false-positive results. The analysis indicates that a more personalized approach, focusing on selective pelvic examinations based on individual risk factors and clinical symptoms, may offer a more practical and patient-centered alternative. The review advocates for a reexamination of existing guidelines to better align with a model of individualized care, emphasizing the need for further research to optimize best practices at the intersection of dermatological and gynecological care. Adopting a personalized approach to pelvic examinations could substantially improve patient care by minimizing unnecessary interventions and discomfort while maintaining the efficacy of acne treatment with oral contraceptive pills.

Inhibition of Propionibacterium acnes by refined bamboo vinegar and preparation of the slow-release system with bamboo charcoal as the carrier

Background:Acne vulgaris is one of the most common skin diseases that can significantly impact a considerable proportion of individuals over their lifetime.Objective:This study focuses on the exploration of the application potential of bamboo vinegar in cosmetics.Materials and Methods:The stock solution of bamboo vinegar is subjected to reduced-pressure distillation at different temperatures to obtain refined bamboo vinegar.Then,inhibition of Propionibacterium acnes(P.acnes)by refined bamboo vinegar is observed.Moreover,the refined bamboo vinegar is adsorbed and released with activated bamboo charcoal as the carrier.In all,this study aims to probe into the mechanism of the controlledrelease system of bamboo vinegar.Results:The results shows that the harmful substances(tar)in bamboo vinegar distilled at 70℃decreased by 94.44%,which is a more notable decrease compared with that in the stock solution.The total organic acid content in bamboo vinegar after reduced-pressure distillation is 11.840%,reaching the national standard for refined bamboo vinegar(GB/T 31734–2015).Additionally,the minimum inhibitory concentration of refined bamboo vinegar against P.acnes using the punch method is 7.90 mg/mL.This indicates that refined bamboo vinegar has the potential as a prospective raw material for formulations in anti-acne cosmetic products.Furthermore,the release rate of bamboo charcoal/bamboo vinegar in water for 15 min reaches 70.57%,which then slows down to a plateau.The slow-release behavior is agreed with the Ritger-Peppas model and is beneficial to relieve the irritation of bamboo vinegar to the skin and lengthen its bacteriostatic duration.Conclusion:The foregoing conclusions can serve as the theoretical foundation for the application of bamboo vinegar in anti-acne cosmetics.

A Case Report of Concurrent Acne-Related Occurrence Complications: Telangiectasia, Post-Inflammatory Erythema, Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation, and Atrophic and Hypertrophic Scars

Prior to his initial diagnosis, a 21-year-old male had been experiencing facial acne for two years and had been treated by a doctor in private practice. The patient visited our department because the clinical manifestations of mandibular acne did not improve. At the time of initial examination, telangiectasia (TE), post-inflammatory erythema (PIE), post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), atrophic scars (ASs), and a hypertrophic scar (HS) with induration were observed on the right neck. We diagnosed this as an acne vulgaris complication. HS lesions were topically treated by injecting triamcinolone acetonide, and the patient was prescribed 8.1 g/day of oral Saireito (Japanese herb). Adapalene benzoyl peroxide gel and topical tacrolimus hydrate ointment were used to treat PIE and TE. Both HSs and PIE improved;however, TE and AS did not improve. Currently, the patient is under observation. We consider this to be a very rare concurrent occurrence of diverse complications of acne vulgaris, and present the following case study.

Optimal laboratory testing protocol for patients with acne taking oral isotretinoin

BACKGROUND Isotretinoin is a widely prescribed drug for various dermatological conditions,especially acne.Blood tests are routinely performed to monitor its side effects.However,the optimal testing schedule remains controversial.AIM To evaluate the laboratory monitoring tests and schedules of patients with acne taking isotretinoin to determine the most efficient testing regimen.METHODS We retrospectively reviewed electronic medical records from the Dermatology Department of Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital from 2005 to 2020 for patients prescribed isotretinoin for acne who underwent monthly blood tests.RESULTS Aspartate aminotransferase(AST),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),and trigly-ceride(TG)levels significantly changed between 5 and 6 mo when the total prescription period and dose variables were considered altogether.The high-density lipoprotein level also significantly changed between 5 and 6 mo.However,low-density lipoprotein(LDL)and total cholesterol levels significantly changed between 1 and 2 mo.CONCLUSION We recommend testing AST,ALT,and TG levels once every 5 to 6 mo.We also suggest testing LDL and total cholesterol levels during the first and second months.

Serum level changes of inflammatory cytokines in patients with moderate to severe acne vulgaris treated with dual-wavelength laser

Background:Acne vulgaris(AV)is a common inflammatory skin disease.Although various mechanisms have been indicated in the etiopathogenesis of AV,the exact pathophysiology remains unknown.Various lasers have been used to treat AV;however,the serum level changes of inflammatory cytokines after laser therapy have not been elucidated.We aimed to investigate the relationship between inflammatory changes and remission on the opposite side in patients with moderate to severe AV after treating half of the face with 595-and 1064-nm dualwavelength laser.Methods:In total,18 patients(9 male and 9 female)between 16 and 35 years of age with moderate to severe AV were evaluated in the study.Disease severity was classified according to the Pillsbury grading system of acne.Patients were randomized to receive a series of two treatment sessions at intervals of 2 weeks and followed up at 2 weeks after the final treatment.A 3 mL blood sample was drawn from every subject each time,and serum levels of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin(IL)-6,IL-8,and IL-22 were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at baseline and 2 weeks after each treatment.Improvement was determined by a blinded assessment of photographs taken before and after the final evaluation.Results:Inflammation was significantly reduced on both the treated and untreated sides,and symptoms of AV lesions were alleviated.All patients showed a significant increase in serum IL-22 levels after the first laser therapy,with no significant difference in serum IL-6 and IL-8 levels.After the second laser therapy,serum IL-6,IL-8,and IL-22 levels were significantly decreased.No significant side effects such as bruising,edema,hyperpigmentation,hypopigmentation,or scarring were reported.Conclusion:Half-face treatment with 595-and 1064-nm dual-wavelength laser for moderate and severe AV showed a significant effect of full-face remission,which was associated with a gradual decrease in IL-6,IL-8,and IL-22 levels after half-face topical treatment.This suggests that reducing inflammatory cytokine levels in the serum can relieve inflammation in non-therapeutic sites.This laser treatment is effective,economical,and painless.

A study on the mechanism of acupuncture treatment of acne based on immune inflammation

Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin disease involving hair follicle sebaceous glands,which is characterized by acne,papules,pustules,nodules,cysts and so on.The disorder of immune inflammation is the key link.A variety of factors participate in the immune inflammatory response of acne and interact with each other,leading to the occurrence and development of acne inflammation.Acupuncture can regulate the immune and inflammatory response through many links and improve the skin lesions.This study explains potential mechanisms of acupuncture in the treatment of acne by regulating the body's immune inflammatory response,in order to provide new ideas.

Effective Skin Care Guidance for Patients with Acne Vulgaris after Standard Treatment

With the introduction of new drugs, the treatment of acne vulgaris has improved dramatically;however, there remains a considerable gap between treatment outcomes and patients’ treatment goals. This study aimed to determine whether dermatologists’ guidance on appropriate skincare for skin symptoms such as post-inflammatory erythema and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which are not covered by acne treatment, leads to an improvement in patients’ skin condition and patient satisfaction. Japanese women who had completed standard treatment for acne vulgaris and those with mild symptoms not requiring treatment were included in the study. The participants received instructions about skin care at the beginning of the study, which they continued to apply for 6 weeks. At the start and end of the study, participants were examined by a dermatologist;afterward, skin measurements, including skin color, skin surface lipid content, and image analysis by VISIA® Evolution, analysis of stratum corneum obtained from the skin surface, and Skindex-16 questionnaire for assessing quality of life (QOL), were performed. The following showed significant improvements: PIH score, number of inflammatory acne lesions, and number of non-inflammatory acne lesions observed via skin examination;skin surface lipid content and values of L* and a* obtained via instrumental measurement;n number of pore, texture, red spot, and pigmented spot obtained via by image analysis;and degree of multilayer exfoliation and interleukin-1α determined by analysis of epidermal stratum corneum. QOL measurement using Skindex-16 also improved significantly. Appropriate skin care guidance following standard acne vulgaris treatment is helpful in achieving patients’ treatment goals. .

Effects of cosmetics containing purified honeybee(Apis mellifera L.) venom on acne vulgaris

Acne vulgaris is a chronic dermatologic problem with multiple factors involved in its pathogenesis. Alternative solutions to acne treatment were instigated by antibiotic resistance despite of its extensive use. Purified bee venom （PBV） has been proposed as a promising candidate for that purpose. The present study was designed to confirm the antibacterial effect of PBV and access the efficacy of cosmetics containing PBV in subjects with acne vulgaris. METHODS： The skin bacterium Propionibacterium acnes was incubated with PBV at various concentrations and bacterial growth was evaluated using the colony forming unit （CFU） assay. The mechanism of PBV employed in killing P. acnes was examined by scanning electron microscopy （SEM） and transmission electron microscopy （TEM）. In addition, a total of 12 subjects were randomized in a double-blind, controlled trial to receive either cosmetics containing PBV or cosmetics without PBV for two weeks. Evaluations included lesion counts and skin microorganism. RESULTS： PBV exhibited antimicrobial activity in a concentration-dependent manner, reducing the number of P. acnes CFU by approximately 6 logs at a concentration of 0.5 mg. When PBV concentration was higher than 1.0 mg, no P. acnes colonies were spotted on an agar. TEM and SEM of untreated P. acnes illustrated the normal pleomorphic structure, whereas the PBV- treated bacterium lost the integrity of surface architecture. Significant difference （P=0.027） in the grading levels based on numbers of lesion counts for inflammatory and noninflammatory was observed in favour of the PBV group compared with the control group. In terms of average decrement of skin microorganism, subjects receiving cosmetics containing PBV experienced a significant 57.5% decrease of adenosine triphosphate levels, whereas participants receiving cosmetics without PBV experienced a nonsignificant decrease of 4.7%. CONCLUSION： These results show that the in vitro actions of antimicrobial activity of PBV were translated in vivo. Cosmetics containing PBV provided a certain degree of efficacy in terms of lesion counts and skin microorganism concentration compared with cosmetics without PBV in subjects with acne vulgaris. PBV may be a good candidate compound for developing therapeutic drua for the treatment of acne vulaaris.

High-throughput RNA sequencing reveals the anti-inflammatory mechanism of baicalin on Propionibacterium acnes-induced acne in rabbits

Objective:Propionibacterium acnes(P.acnes)plays an important role in the development of acne,an inflammatory skin disease with a high-incidence.In this study,we used high-throughput RNA sequencing(RNA-seq)to reveal the anti-inflammatory mechanism of baicalin on P.acnes-induced acne in rabbits.Methods:The Kligman method was used to induce acne in the ears of New Zealand rabbits.The effect of baicalin on the acne model was evaluated by the number of acne lesions and hematoxylin and eosin(H&E)staining of acne tissues.Enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay was used to measure the protein expression levels of tumor necrosis factor a(TNFA),interleukin-1 b(IL1B),IL6,and IL8 in the serum of rabbits.RNA-seq was performed to investigate the mechanism of anti-inflammatory activities of baicalin on acne.Immunohistochemical analysis and Western blot were used to validate the expression levels of related proteins in acne tissues.Results:Baicalin treatment significantly reduced the number of acne lesions and lesions of the ear as well as levels of serum inflammatory cytokines.RNA-seq data showed that baicalin treatment globally suppressed inflammation,especially the TNF signaling pathway and Staphylococcus aureus infection pathway,in the rabbit acne model.Conclusion: Baicalin effectively ameliorates P. acnes-induced acne in rabbits by suppressingthe inflammatory response in rabbits.

Long Term Follow-Up Results of a Fractional Radio Frequency Ablative Treatment of Acne Vulgaris and Related Acne Scars

Introduction: Acne vulgaris and acne scarring are prevalent conditions that can have a negative effect on a patient’s quality of life. Fractional radiofrequency technologies have been shown to be clinically safe and effective in managing acne scars through dermal remodeling without causing direct damage to the epidermis. In a recently published study, we presented our clinical and histological results in the treatment of patients with active acne and acne related scarring using a Fractional RF (FRF) device. In the current article we demonstrate long term follow-up results, up to two years post last fractional treatment. Methods: Four out of the eight patients who completed a four treatment regimen were invited for long term follow-up visit to document treatment results. In some cases, touch-up treatments were conducted to optimize clinical results. Results: Patients demonstrated significant improvement of acne lesions, acne scarring, pores and skin texture. Long term photos demonstrated that clinical improvement progressed with time. Conclusion: The current study further supports the previous findings that FRF is a safe and effective treatment modality for active acne and acne related scars. Treatment protocol can be customized according to patient needs and clinical results last for long term.

Experience of Photopneumatic Therapy in Taiwan Residents Acne Patients

Acne is a disease of the pilosebaceous unit affecting both teenagers and adults. The treatment of acne is sometimes frustrating due to the emergence of antibiotic resistance, skin irritation and lack of novel therapy. Light and vacuum devices, also known as photopneumatic therapy, have been shown promising as a generally well-tolerated adjunctive treatment of acne vulgaris. We conducted a clinical study using such device to assess the efficacy and safety as an adjunctive treatment of acne in Taiwan Residents patients. Twenty patients received six sequential treatments every one to two weeks in the facial region. A 4 × 4 cm2 area on cheek was chosen as a control area and was not treated with photopneumatic device. Safety parameters and adverse events were recorded. VISIA Complexion Analysis System was used for image analysis on the improvement of four parameters, namely, pigmentation, pore reduction, redness and porphyrin levels. There was an overall improvement in pigmentation, pore size, redness and porphyrin levels on treatment areas. The treatment areas showed statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05) in pigmentation and pore sizes compared with the control areas using paired samples T-test. Mild and self-limiting localized adverse events, mostly focal petechiae or mild irritation, were reported. Our study has demonstrated that photopneumatic therapy is an effective, safe and relatively well-tolerated procedure in Taiwan Residents acne patients.

Antibacterial,Anti-Keratinized and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of the GMP,A Multi-Herb Extraction on Acne Vulgaris

Recently reports showed that the pathobiology of acne vulgaris was arising from the exploration of sebaceous gland biology, hormonal factors, hyper-keratinization, and the role of bacteria, sebum, nutrition, cytokines and toll-like receptors (TLRs). Propionibacterium acnes (P.acnes) has a strong proinflammatory activity and targets molecules involved in the innate cutaneous immunity on keratinocytes by acting on TLR-2, leads to the development of comedones. GMP, a multi-herb extraction, targeted most of the major pathogenic features of acne with desired physicochemical traits. It strongly suppressed P.acnes growth, and reduced inflammation by suppressing the TLR-2/NF- kB pathway in SZ-95 sebocytes and HaCaT keratinocytes. GMP exhibited a marginal effect on cell viability and may have modulated hyper-keratinization of the epidermis. These results demonstrate the clinical feasibility of applying GMP for the treatment of acne.

Rapid remission of refractory synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis syndrome in response to the Janus kinase inhibitor tofacitinib: A case report

BACKGROUND Synovitis,acne,pustulosis,hyperostosis,and osteitis(SAPHO)syndrome is a rare autoinflammatory disease for which clinical treatment has not been standardized.Janus kinase(JAK)inhibitors represent a novel therapeutic option for rheumatoid arthritis,psoriatic arthritis,and some other autoinflammatory diseases.However,the clinical utility of JAK inhibitors in treating SAPHO syndrome has not been thoroughly investigated.In this study,we describe a patient with SAPHO syndrome who failed to respond to conventional treatment but demonstrated a remarkable and rapid response to the JAK inhibitor tofacitinib.CASE SUMMARY A 62-year-old female patient presented with swelling and pain at the sternoclavicular joints,back pain that limited her activities,arthralgia in the right knee,and cutaneous lesions.Her symptoms were unresponsive to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs,Tripterygium wilfordii hook f,and bisphosphonates.SAPHO syndrome was diagnosed in accordance with dermatological and osteoarticular manifestations and abnormal inflammatory factors.Multiple image studies have illustrated bone lesions and pathological fractures of vertebral bodies.Oral treatment with tofacitinib at 5 mg twice daily with methotrexate and bisphosphonates was initiated.The patient reported that her pain symptoms were relieved after 3 d and her cutaneous lesions were reduced after 4 wk of treatment.Vertebral lesions were improved after 6 mo on tofacitinib.No serious adverse effects were noted.CONCLUSION JAK inhibitor therapy may be a promising strategy to treat SAPHO syndrome.

Adherence to acne treatment guidelines in the military environment-a descriptive,serial cross-sectional study

Background:Acne vulgaris,a common skin disease,affects up to 80% of the population.Moderate to severe acne requires treatment with a combination of topical and oral drugs such as antibiotics,hormones and retinoids.Retinoids have many contraindications and adverse effects requiring close monitoring.The study's objectives were to describe prescribing trends in acne medication over time in a military setting,and assess physician adherence to guidelines for acne treatment,including drug precautions,clinical monitoring,and treatment progression.Methods:We conducted a descriptive,serial cross-sectional study of acne drugs prescribed in the Israel Defense Forces(IDF) in the years 2002–2007,analyzing the classes of drugs prescribed and patient characteristics.In addition,the clinical quality of the medical encounter was assessed by examining physician adherence to IDF guidelines.Results:Between 2002 and 2007,64,281 patients were treated for acne.Treatment courses generally persisted for 1–2 months.Over 70% of female patients receiving oral retinoids were not concomitantly receiving oral contraceptives.Conclusions:This study provides a unique perspective of acne treatment in a military setting,overall displaying good adherence to general guidelines.The common prescription of oral retinoids to young females without concomitant contraception is alarming.

Depressed Acne Scars—Effective, Minimal Downtime Treatment with a Novel Smooth Motion Non-Insulated Microneedle Radiofrequency Technology

Background: The microneedle fractional RF handpiece used in our study (Intensif Handpiece, EndyMed Medical, Caesarea, Israel) is a novel handpiece that uses a tip with 25 non-insulated, gold plated microneedle electrodes. The needles are inserted into the skin by a specially designed electronically controlled, smooth motion motor minimizing patient discomfort. RF emission delivered over the whole dermal portion of the needle allows effective coagulation resulting in minimal or no bleeding, together with bulk volumetric heating. Study Design/Materials and Methods: The study included 20 patients, treated for depressed acne scars using the IntensifTM?Microneedles handpiece (EndyMed PRO Platform System, EndyMed Medical, Caesarea, Israel). The degree of clinical improvement was assessed by the global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS) and subjects satisfaction by post treatment questionnaires. Results: The number of treatments per patient varied between 1 and 6 (average 3.3 treatments per patient). Eleven patients (55%) reported none to minimal pain, six (30%) moderate discomfort and only three (15%) reported significant pain. Objective evaluation of the improvement by a board certified dermatologist showed improvement in 95% of patients. 25% showed excellent improvement, 50% experienced good improvement, and the 20% showed minimal improvement. One patient showed no improvement. Conclusions: The presented results show that the tested electronically controlled motorized insertion, non-insulated microneedle treatment technology provides a minimal discomfort, minimal downtime, effective and safe treatment for depressed acne scars.