1,721,051 research outputs found
Biotin: overview of the treatment of diseases of cutaneous appendages and of hyperseborrhea.
No full textOne of the most common micronutrient deficiencies with cutaneous findings is the vitamin B, also known as biotin, deficiency. Biotin deficiency may be due to congenital lack of biotinidase, or acquired following some conditions that interfere with its absorption, such as inflammatory bowel disorders, a diet too rich in avidin, magnesium deficiency, smoking habit and treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics, anticonvulsants and sulfonamides. This review highlights the role of biotin in the most common skin disorders such associated with biotin deficiency and an approach to their treatment. Biotin administration may improve the treatment of hair loss when deficiency is detected on the basis of a careful patient history, clinical examination and the determination of serum biotin levels. The use of biotin is rationale in seborrheic dermatitis as the vitamin intercepts the main metabolic pathways underlying the pathogenesis of the disease. Treatment with biotin could also be useful in comedonal acne characterized by a high rate of seborrhea, and may be helpful for acne treated with topical retinoids, contributing to the control of flaking and irritation. The tolerability of biotin is excellent and there is no risk of hypervitaminosis even in the case of high doses. It is important that administration is controlled by physicians and follows a medical diagnosis and prescription. Correct doses used in dermatological conditions are safe and are not at risk of interference with laboratory tests
Evaluation of allergic vesicular reaction to patch test using in vivo confocal microscopy
No full textBackground: Confocal microscopy has been successfully applied both in oncologic and inflammatory diseases. In particular, it has been proved as a useful tool for the in vivo detection of microscopical changes occurring in allergic reactions. Aims of the study: To evaluate microscopic changes occurring in positive patch test reactions. Methods: Eight patients with history of allergic dermatitis and positive patch test reaction were analysed by means of confocal microscopy. Results: Confocal microscopy showed the presence of spongiotic vesicle preferentially localized around the adnexal ducts that appeared to be in the middle of the spongiotic phenomena. Conclusion: Confocal microscopy offered for the first time new insight into vesicle formation and development, showing that adnexal ducts can play a role in allergic reaction. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S
Preventive Long-Term Effects of a Topical Film-Forming Medical Device with Ultra-High UV Protection Filters and DNA Repair Enzyme in Xeroderma Pigmentosum: A Retrospective Study of Eight Cases
No full textEffects of systemic treatment with statins on skin barrier function and stratum corneum water-holding capacity
No full textBackground:Topical application of inhibitors of HMGCoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme of cholesterol synthesis, has been shown to induce impairment of barrier function. Objective:Assessing whether oral administration of statins used for reducing blood levels of cholesterol induces functional changes in stratum corneum barrier. Materials and Methods:69 subjects of both sexes undergoing treatment for hypercholesterolemia (mean age 48 ± 11 years) entered the study; 43 had been treated with simvastatin and 11 with pravastatin for 6 months; 15 only on dietary regimen served as controls. Efficiency of stratum corneum water barrier was evaluated by transepidermal water loss (TEWL) measurement using an evaporimeter; water-holding capacity of the stratum corneum was assessed by the sorption-desorption test measured by capacitance. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA. Results:No differences were found between the groups (simvastatin, pravastatin, diet) concerning both basal TEWL and the dynamic of water binding in the stratum corneum. Conclusions:Prolonged treatment with cholesterol-lowering drugs based on inhibition of HMGCoA reductase does not alter the permeability barrier of the skin. © 1996 S. Karger AG, Basel
The influence of a non-occlusive bi-layer composite membrane on skin barrier properties
No full textThe purpose of this placebo-controlled right-left intra-individual pre/post comparison study was to evaluate the efficacy of a new bi-layer composite membrane, composed of a layer of knitted cotton and a layer of semi-permeable polyurethane, developed in order to improve skin hydration. Eighteen healthy subjects entered the study. A T-shirt, dedicated to this study, was prepared and it was worn for 8 h, mimicking overnight wearing. Before and at the removal of the T-shirt an objective quantification of skin parameters was performed by measuring hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin surface pH, bilaterally, on the inner side of the forearm. Measurements were performed both at the interface between the skin and the bi-layer composite membrane or cotton and on the outer side of the membrane (to assess permeation of water and occlusive properties of the product) with and without a single application of a moisturizer. A statistically significant improvement of skin hydration, recorded on the stratum corneum underneath the bi-layer membrane versus cotton alone, was measured both with (p < 0.0001) and without application of the moisturizer (p < 0.002). TEWL was shown to decrease significantly on the side of the bi-layer membrane, if compared with cotton (p < 0.008), after application of the moisturizer. TEWL through the membrane showed no significant differences as compared to placebo, confirming the permeability of the fabric. Our data suggest that this bi-layer composite membrane can promote the hydration process of the stratum corneum, increasing the hydrating properties of the moisturizer agen
Changes in skin biomechanics during hemodialysis
No full textSkin extensibility in 21 subjects (belonging to two different age groups) undergoing hemodialysis has been investigated. Measurements have been performed on the forearm before and after two hours of dialytic treatment. A significant decrease of skin extensibility (P < 0.02) has been recorded in the elderly prior to the dialytic procedure; the data is consistent with an increased dermal water content. Water removal during treatment led to normalization of extensometric levels (P < 0.05). However, improvement of skin extensibility is not directly related to the amount of water withdrawn. The study support the importance of water in determining skin viscoelastic responses; hemodialysis is a useful model to monitor the effects of water on skin biomechanics
In vivo hydration and water-retention capacity of stratum corneum in clinically uninvolved skin in atopic and psoriatic patients.
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