Keloids represent an abnormal reaction to trauma with an excessive tissue response and a excessive production of collagen (increased mRNA of collagen). Effective treatment modalities are limited and include on first line cryotherapy, intralesional injections of steroids, compression therapy, and radiotherapy (in trained hands). The best treatment second line treatment remains to our mind excision…
Scarring in acne as in other skin diseases is the result of an initally active process. Consider two situations: 1. either the pimples are still developing 2. the pimples have stopped developing and only scars are left 1. In this situation, it is important to prevent new pimples from developing as they are developing “bombs”…
Over- and underprescribing is very common when prescribing a cream when treating a skin condition. Two simple rules can avoid this: the fingertip unit (FTU) -it is a specific amount of cream on the index. It was initially designed for topical steroid treatment but is valid for any treatment with a semi-solid topical substance (cream,…
Acne is common but can be psychologically devastatating. It is important to see a dermatologist whose role is: -to confirm the diagnosis of acne vulgaris. -to determine the type of acne: retentional (non inflammatory) or inflammatory. -to determine the psychological impact to determine aggressivity of treatment. -to monitor the effects of treatment. Some advice for…
Dry skin is commonly referred to as xerosis, which is a form of endogeneous eczema (the skin is not red). It is very common and tends to occur when absolute humidity levels are low such as in the winter in temperate countries. It is also a complaint of people living in tropical climates migrating to…
Psoriasis is a frequent inflammatory dermatosis which affects 1 to 2% of the global population. It is more frequent in Scandinavia and Europe. It is less frequent in Blacks and Chinese and is a rarity in Ethnic American-Indian population. Its cause is genetic (PSOR1 gene on chromosome 6) and environmental (guttate psoriasis for example has…
Body Dysmorphic Disorder is a psychiatric condition whch is characterized by obsessive and destructive preoccupation of minor visible defects; it affects in 93% of cases the skin and in other cases, the eyes, facial features such as the nose or excessive body weight. Cosmetic treatments are sought more frequently and invariably lead in this condition…
Although prevention is better than cure, there are chances that you or someone around will get sunburnt. It is more likely in the summer months, when in high altitude, when increasing outdoor activities, when on far-away holidays, and when indulging in sun-seeking behaviour (e.g. sunbathing). In acute sunburn (erythema, pain, edema, desquamation, bullae) Always keep…
No current therapeutical modality gives complete clearance: -the best way remains prevention. -Our impression is that the most effective available treatments will yield around 30% improvement. CREAMS -tretinoin (retin A) 0.1% has a proven effect (Topical tretinoin 0.1% for pregnancy-related abdominal striae: an open-label, multicenter, prospective study. Rangel O, Arias I, García E, Lopez-Padilla S.…
Mesotherapy was developed in 1952 by Michel Pistor. The technique was initally targeted at vascular and lymphatic diseases treatment. It consists of the injection with very fines needles of hormones, enzymes, nutrients, pharmaceutical products, homeopathic agents, detergents as well as other products in the subcutaneous fat (hypodermis) of the skin (phosphtatidylcholine injection would not be…
