Background: Application of topical moisturizers is an essential part of the management of atopic dermatitis (AD). Linoleic acid (LA), the most abundant fatty acid in the epidermis, and its derivatives have an essential role in the structure and function of the epidermal barrier, and their defects are prominent in AD. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of two cosmetic products containing either LA or urea in patients with AD. Patients and methods: A total of 20 patients with AD who met the eligibility criteria and provided written informed consents were enrolled in this randomized, intra-individual split-body, single-center trial. Symmetrical lesions of patients were randomized for treatment with LA- or urea-containing water-in-oil (w/o) emulsions applied two to three times daily for 4 weeks. The efficacy of the two products was evaluated by local Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) of both lesions and also patient (or guardian) satisfaction. In addition, trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum (SC) hydration, pH, sebum, temperature, erythema, melanin content, and ultrasonographic thickness and echo density of epidermis and dermis were measured before, and 2 and 4 weeks after, treatment. Results: Four weeks of treatment with the LA-containing product resulted in a significant decrease in local SCORAD, TEWL, erythema, and echo density of dermis, as well as an increase in SC hydration compared to baseline. The urea-containing product also reduced the local SCORAD and echo density of dermis and increased SC hydration. In contrast to the LA-containing product, changes in TEWL and erythema were not significant. Moreover, the reduction of erythema was significantly higher in the LA-containing product-treated side compared to the urea-containing product-treated side (p = 0.006). Conclusion: Both LA- or urea-containing w/o emulsions can significantly improve barrier dysfunction and clinical severity of AD. In agreement with literature, it was confirmed that an LA-containing w/o emulsion exhibited erythema-reducing effects. Since emollients should be used on a regular basis, patients should choose a product by individual preference following recommendation by their dermatologists.

Background: Nowadays noninvasive techniques are performed to evaluate the biophysical properties of skin in vivo. Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the biophysical and ultrasonographic properties of skin in chronic contact or atopic dermatitis to provide better insight into pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment response. Materials and Methods: The stratum corneum hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), pH, erythema, melanin, sebum, friction, temperature, elasticity parameters (R0, R2, and R5), the thickness and echo-density of epidermis, dermis, and subepidermal low-echogenic band (SLEB) were measured on lesional, perilesional, and symmetrical skin of 22 chronic dermatitis patients. The average of perilesional and symmetrical skin values (control) was compared with lesional values. Results: Stratum corneum hydration (P<0.001), friction (P=0.02), sebum (P=0.01), and R0 (P<0.001) were significantly lower in lesion, TEWL (P=0.03), pH (P=0.001), erythema (P=0.004), and temperature (P=0.04) were significantly higher in lesion. The thickness of epidermis (P=0.002), dermis (P=0.034), and SLEB (P<0.001) were significantly higher in lesion; and the echo-density of dermis (P<0.001) and SLEB (P<0.001) was significantly lower in lesion. Conclusion: Chronic contact and atopic dermatitis are characterized by certain changes in biophysical and biomechanical properties of the skin. The evaluation of these parameters might be useful in the early diagnosis and assessment of treatment response.

Background and Aim: Lips have a significant role in face aesthetic perception, and lip augmentation is one of the most commonly requested aesthetic procedures. Non-permanent dermal fillers, such as hyaluronic acid (HA), are used for augmenting the lips. This article presents the results of Phase II, before – after designed study, assessing the safety and efficacy of a soft tissue HA filler, for upper lip augmentation.Materials and Methods: Investigators treated 10 healthy adult women 28–45 years old, using a single injection of Hyamax Kiss soft tissue HA filler (a product from Hyamed Laboratories, Switzerland) for upper lip augmentation. The primary efficacy endpoint was an increase in lip fullness at least one grade on Medicis Lip Fullness Scale at 2, 12 and 24 weeks post-treatment. Furthermore, the effectiveness and durability of filler were assessed using a 5-point Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA). Adverse events and volunteers' satisfaction were reported using visual analog scale.Results: Response to treatment (as defined above) after 2, 12 and 24 weeks were observed in 80%, 70% and 80% of patients, respectively. No statistical difference was found in response to treatment rate between follow-up visits (P = 0.83). The mean value of IGA score in weeks 2, 12 and 24 were 3.4 ± 0.96, 3.3 ± 0.67 and 3.3 ± 0.67, respectively. The study subjects were almost all satisfied with their lip improvement. Reported adverse effects were temporary and mostly mild in severity.Conclusion: Soft tissue HA filler tested in this study was well tolerated, efficient and durable when used for upper lip augmentation.

Background: Skin biometrology is a useful method for evaluation of inflammatory skin disorders such as dermatitis, psoriasis, and lichen planus. The current study tries to compare the biophysical features of skin in dermatitis, psoriasis, and lichen planus. Methods: By a convenient sampling method, 22 mild to moderate chronic dermatitis, 26 ...

Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin. Currently, noninvasive techniques are used to evaluate biophysical properties of the skin in vivo. In this study, we aimed to evaluate skin biophysical properties in patients with LP and make a comparison between involved and uninvolved skin to provide a better understanding of the pathogenesis of LP. The stratum corneum hydration, transepidermal water loss, pH, erythema, melanin, sebum, friction, temperature, elasticity parameters (R0, R2, R5), and thickness and echo-density of the epidermis, dermis, and subepidermal low echogenic band were measured on lesions of classic LP in 21 patients and compared with the average of perilesional and symmetrical uninvolved skin (as control) with a paired t test. Stratum corneum hydration (p = .002), sebum (p = .04), R0 (p = .005), and echo-density of the dermis (p = .005) were significantly lower, but pH (p = .007), melanin content (p < .001), erythema (p < .001), temperature (p = .01), thickness of dermis (p = .02), and subepidermal low echogenic band (p < .001) were significantly higher in LP lesions. An evaluation of its biophysical, biomechanical, and ultrasonographic characteristics showed that the skin is an objective, noninvasive, and quantitative measuring tool that can be used to provide valuable information about skin changes in classic LP.

BACKGROUND: Untreated Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) as a common breathing sleep disorder results in impaired work performance. The economic burden of untreated OSAS accounts for billions of dollars per year. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study