Field melanin mapping of the hairless scalp.

in Skin Research & Technology (2011)

BACKGROUND: Mottled subclinical melanoderma (MSM) is frequently seen on facial skin using the ultraviolet light enhanced visualization (ULEV) method. The corresponding aspect on the hairless scalp remains ... [more ▼]

BACKGROUND: Mottled subclinical melanoderma (MSM) is frequently seen on facial skin using the ultraviolet light enhanced visualization (ULEV) method. The corresponding aspect on the hairless scalp remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: To explore the field distribution of melanin on the scalp of fair-skinned Caucasian subjects. METHOD: The scalp was examined in 43 men with androgenic alopecia. The Visioscan((R)) camera provided the ULEV pictures. Another optical (Visioface((R)) Quick) device was used under white light illumination followed by colour contrast enhancement. This was reached after specific computer filtration of the cyan hue wavelengths. RESULTS: Under white light illumination, the scalp looked normal. MSM patterns were disclosed by both optical procedures as evenly scattered discrete patchy fields of hypermelanosis. The smaller rounded spots were restricted to the lips of the hair infundibula. Larger irregularly shaped spots predominated in the interfollicular areas. A few hypomelanotic spots were scattered over the scalp. CONCLUSION: The present observations based on dual optical methods possibly provide information about a patterned pathobiology of melanocytes on the scalp. The spotty MSM pattern looked similar to the reported aspects on the face. It somewhat resembled the widespread PUVA-induced lentiginosis. [less ▲]

Photoaging under recreational sunbeds.

in Skin Research & Technology (2011)

Background: Artificial sources of restricted light wavelength, particularly tanning beds, are progressively gaining importance in photoaging. Objective: To assess the kinetics and the long-term evolution ... [more ▼]

Background: Artificial sources of restricted light wavelength, particularly tanning beds, are progressively gaining importance in photoaging. Objective: To assess the kinetics and the long-term evolution of skin pigmentation and tensile functions in sunbed worshippers over a period of 8 years. Methods: Photoaging was explored in women who were both sunshine and sunbed worshippers. A series of 65 phototype III women aged 31-46 years completed a 100-month survey. Quarterly assessments were performed on the forearms to measure (a) the skin color individual typology angle (ITA degrees ), (b) the extent in mottled subclinical melanoderma (MSM) using the ultraviolet light-enhanced visualization method and (c) the rheological properties of skin. Results: A progressive increase in both skin extensibility and hysteresis was observed, contrasting with a decrease in biologic elasticity. These rheological changes were correlated with the ITA degrees changes, but not with the MSM extent. The kinetics of evolution of each test variable were distinct over time. Discussion: This work is the first attempt at evaluating the kinetics of changes in physical parameters during a long period of frequent exposures to tanning sunbeds and sunshine for lifestyle purposes. The alterations were quite important in the color, MSM and rheological functions of the skin. [less ▲]

Cryoscopy: a novel enhancing method of in vivo skin imaging.

in Skin Research & Technology (2007), 13(4), 377-84

BACKGROUND: It is a common observation that superficial freezing of normal skin and skin tumors may create a transient superficial whitening effect. In this respect, cryoscopy refers to the direct ... [more ▼]

BACKGROUND: It is a common observation that superficial freezing of normal skin and skin tumors may create a transient superficial whitening effect. In this respect, cryoscopy refers to the direct observation by dermoscopy, with or without digital recording, of the visual alterations of the frozen tissues. AIMS: To define the optimal method of cryoscopy and to describe the cryoscopy patterns of normal skin and selected skin lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The influence of (a) different cryogenic sources [solid carbon dioxide (-78.5 degrees C), liquid nitrogen (N(2), -196 degrees C), and a mixture of dimethyl ether and propane (-57 degrees C)], (b) various application methods (spraying, cotton chill tips, copper plate), and (c) freezing time was assessed with regard to clinical feasability, visualization quality, and persistance time of the whitening effect. Cryoscopy patterns of normal skin, callosities and of histologically proven seborrheic keratoses, verrucous hamartomas, molluscum contagiosum, keratoacanthomas, viral warts, condylomas, actinic keratoses, dermatofibromas, skin tags, basal cell carcinomas, angiomas, and melanocytic naevi were assessed. RESULTS: The cryoscopy images of skin highlighted the skin lines. They appeared similar regardless of the freezing source and the application method. The aspects differed according to the nature of the lesions. The cotton chill tip method provided a longer whitening period compared with the other cold sources, both in normal and lesional skin. Hence, it represented the most convenient way for performing digital recording cryoscopy. On normal skin, cryoapplication was limited to about 1.5 s due to pain, resulting in whitening times ranging from 6 to 9 s, which was too short for easy digital recording. On all studied skin tumors, a 10-s N(2) freezing time was not experienced as painful, and blanching time persisted for 20-34 s, allowing easy digital recording. The whitening time was longer with increasing freezing time on both normal and lesional skin. Every single examined normal skin site and all the skin lesions showed a strong whitening effect, except heavily cornified structures, including some keratoses, callosities, and viral warts. Increased contrast of the skin surface texture was observed in almost every studied lesion. CONCLUSION: The N(2) cotton chill tip technique appeared to be the most convenient technique for cryoscopy and provided longer whitening periods compared with the other freezing sources. Pain prevented its use on normal skin, but a series of exophytic skin lesions was conveniently accessible to cryoscopy. The differences in whitening periods of various epidermal components resulted in increased visual contrast, creating typical cryoscopy images for the different exophytic skin tumors. Cryoscopy represents a novel in vivo skin imaging technique that is rapid, non-invasive, cost-effective, and easily performed. It shows both investigative and diagnostic potentials. It is remarkable that cryoscopy pictures closely resemble those yielded by skin capacitance imaging. [less ▲]

Coping with mild inflammatory catamenial acne: a clinical and bioinstrumental split-face assessment.

in Skin Research & Technology (2004), 10(4), 278-82

BACKGROUND: Acne is a multifactorial disease exhibiting distinct clinical presentations. Among them, the catamenial type is a matter of concern for young women. Some oral contraceptives may help without ... [more ▼]

BACKGROUND: Acne is a multifactorial disease exhibiting distinct clinical presentations. Among them, the catamenial type is a matter of concern for young women. Some oral contraceptives may help without, however, clearing the skin condition. AIM: The present open study aimed at evaluating the effect of overnight applications of a paste made of petrolatum,15% zinc oxide and 0.25% miconazole nitrate. METHOD: The split-face trial was conducted in 35 women. A non-medicated cream was used as control. Clinical evaluations and biometrological assessments on cyanoacrylate follicular biopsies were performed monthly for 3 months. Comedometry and the density in autofluorescent follicular casts were used as analytical parameters. In addition, the five most severe cases at inclusion were tested at the completion of the study for follicular bacterial viability using dual flow cytometry. RESULTS: Compared with baseline and to the control hemi-face, the medicated paste brought significant improvement of acne. The number of papules and their redness were reduced beginning with the first treatment phase. A reduction in the follicular fluorescence was yielded beginning with the second treatment phase. The ratios between injured and dead bacteria, on the one hand, and live bacteria, on the other hand were significantly increased at completion of the study. CONCLUSION: A miconazole paste applied for 1 week at the end of the ovarian cycle has a beneficial effect on catamenial acne. [less ▲]