Abstracts

A summary of the latest clinical studies

Title: Reduction of Telogen Rate and Increase of Hair Density in Androgenetic Alopecia: Results of a Study in Men Authors: Welzel J, et al. Published: Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, May 2021 Keywords: Androgenetic Alopecia, Hair Treatment, Telogen Rate Abstract: Considerable parts of the global population are affected by androgenetic alopecia (AGA). The efficacy of a foam containing nicotinic acid hexyl ester, polyphenols, zinc, glycine, and caffeine in comparison with a vehicle control foam was assessed in a double-blind vehicle-controlled study in men with AGA over six months. 62 men with AGA were assigned either to the active ingredients (verum) or the vehicle group. They applied the products twice daily on affected scalp areas over six months. Automated phototrichograms were obtained at baseline, after three and six months. A clinical rating by a dermatologist and by subjects themselves was documented using standardized questionnaires. The reduction of the telogen rate from T0 to T6 was stronger in the verum group compared to the vehicle group. The reduction was significant from T0 to T3 and T6 in the verum group, but in the vehicle group only from T0 to T3, not to T6. Increased hair density was noticed in both groups at all time points, but the change from T0 to T6 did not differ significantly between the groups. Cosmetic acceptance of the foam and its application was good in both groups. Slight reddening and burning after application of verum in six cases was due to the presence of hexyl nicotinate. The study demonstrated a reduction of the telogen rate by a cosmetic foam in men affected by AGA, indicating a benefit for cosmetic intervention against male pattern hair loss.

Title: Home-Based Devices in Dermatology: A Systematic Review of Safety and Efficacy Authors: Cohen M, et al. Published: Archives of Dermatological Research, May 2021 Keywords: Alopecia, Hair removal, Home Devices, Psoriasis Abstract: There is increasing demand for home-based devices for the treatment of dermatologic conditions and cosmesis. Commercially available devices include intense pulsed light, laser diodes, radiofrequency, light-emitting diodes, and ultraviolet B phototherapy. The objective of this report is to evaluate the current evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of home-based devices for the treatment of skin conditions. Original research articles that investigated the efficacy and safety of home-based devices for dermatologic use were included. Clinical recommendations were made based on the quality of the existing literature. After review, 37 clinical trials were included – 19 were randomized controlled trials, 16 were case series, and two were non-randomized controlled trials. From our analysis, we recommend the home-based use of intense pulsed light for hair removal, laser diodes for androgenic alopecia, low power radiofrequency for rhytides and wrinkles, and light-emitting diodes for acne vulgaris. Trials investigating ultraviolet B phototherapy for psoriasis revealed mixed evidence for home treatments compared to clinic treatments. All devices had favourable safety profiles with few significant adverse events. Title: New Classification of Late and Delayed Complications after Dermal Filler: Localized or Generalized? Authors: Ryu HJ, et al. Published: Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, May 2021 Keywords: Delayed Complications, Fillers, Injectables Abstract: As filler injections have become very common procedures worldwide, the number of complications has increased. However, there is a lack of systematised studies and precise classification of late and delayed complications. This study aimed to suggest new and reliable classifications and to characterise the clinical manifestations of late and delayed complications after filler injections. This study analysed patients and suggested a new classification of delayed adverse effects related to filler injection. Patients were classified into two types according to their clinical presentation: Type I (localized) or Type II (generalized). 25 patients were evaluated during a clinically active adverse event suspected to be related to fillers. The most common injected filler substance was hyaluronic acid (68.8%). 76% of the patients were classified with localized complications. In the generalized group, systemic symptoms were common, the treatment response was poor, and fewer patients showed complete remission than in the localized group. We propose a simple new classification method for late and delayed complications after dermal filler: localized and generalized. We expect that this new classification could help provide appropriate treatment and predict patient prognosis.

Title: Vitamin C Mesotherapy Versus Topical Application for Gingival Hyperpigmentation Authors: El-Mofty M, et al. Published: Clinical Oral Investigations, May 2021 Keywords: Ascorbic Acid, Depigmentation, Intramucosal Abstract: Vitamin C/Ascorbic acid inhibits tyrosinase enzyme causing melanin biosynthesis suppression. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of intra-mucosal injection (mesotherapy) with topical gel as non-surgical methods for managing gingival hyperpigmentation. 20 healthy non-smokers with mild to severe hyperpigmented gingiva were randomly assigned mesotherapy (G1); intra-mucosal injection of ascorbic acid (one week/three weeks); or gel (G2), topical ascorbic acid gel (one/day/three months). Pigmentation index (DOPI), patient satisfaction, as well as histological analysis were performed at baseline and after six months. Comparison between groups and changes by time were analysed using Mann-Whitney and Friedman’s tests. The median DOPI decreased after one month in G1 compared with non-significant change in G2. No pain experienced during or after treatment in both groups. G1 patients showed significantly higher satisfaction with treatment than G2. Mean area fraction of melanin forming cells was significantly reduced in both groups after six months, but the effect size was higher in G1 than in G2. Vitamin C mesotherapy showed better and early effect than topical gel, and both techniques were not painful and aesthetically satisfying in managing gingival hyperpigmentation.