Indian Dermatology Online Journal最新文献

Background: Age-related decline in skin moisture affects many older adults and is exacerbated by factors such as sun exposure and lifestyle habits. Recent research has explored the potential of exercise to improve skin moisture; however, the optimal activity levels remain unclear. This study investigated the link between exercise habits and skin moisture to inform clinical preventive strategies.

Patients and methods: In this cross-sectional study, we investigated the relationship between stratum corneum (SC) hydration and lifestyle habits in older adults using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) short version and a self-administered questionnaire. Participants were recruited from community spaces and local elderly facilities. Data were collected between September 1 and December 31, 2023. Based on the IPAQ responses, physical activity levels were classified as low, moderate, or high, and SC hydration was measured on the right forearm. Statistical analyses were conducted using t-tests.

Results: A total of 124 participants were included, with a mean age of 84.3 ± 9.2 years. Among them, 69.4% were female. The participants were belonged to low (57) and moderate/high (67) activity-level groups, with significant differences in SC hydration ( P = 0.001) between the groups.

Limitations: Cross-sectional design, restricted sample, and potential unmeasured confounding may limit interpretation.

Conclusions: The results suggested a significant difference in horny skin water content between the low-and moderate/high-activity groups, indicating that exercise habits may enhance skin moisturization, possibly via increased skin blood flow, stress reduction, improved sleep, and increased collagen production. Exercise regimens may mitigate age-related decline in skin function, potentially offering a preventive strategy for skin dryness and related conditions in older adults.

Background: Phototherapy is the most commonly used treatment for vitiligo, with initial pigment appearing at the perifollicular site, eventually coalescing into uniform pigmentation due to melanocyte migration from hair follicles. Melanocyte activity is higher during the anagen phase of the hair cycle, which is prolonged by minoxidil.

Aim: To assess if topical minoxidil enhances the rate of pigmentation during phototherapy for the treatment of vitiligo.

Patients and methods: In this double-blinded, randomized control study, the efficacy of minoxidil in inducing repigmentation was compared with the vehicle used as a placebo. Thirty vitiligo patients with a minimum of 2 patches were included and randomized into 2 groups and treated with phototherapy. Minoxidil 5% solution was randomly applied on one patch and vehicle on the other patch. The vitiligo area severity index (VASI) score of the lesion was measured at baseline and then at 4, 8, and 12 weeks for each lesion. Physician and patient global assessment scores were recorded at week 12.

Results: In minoxidil group, the baseline VASI score of 94 ± 9.68% reduced to 47.76 ± 17.25% at 12 weeks. In the placebo group, the VASI score reduced from 94 ± 9.68% to 67.93 ± 16.88%. Reduction in VASI was found to be greater in minoxidil group as compared with the placebo group ( P value = <0.001). The difference in the physician and patient's global assessment scores in both minoxidil and placebo groups was also statistically significant.

Limitations: The study had a small sample size and a short follow-up period.

Conclusion: Concomitant use of phototherapy and minoxidil increases the rate of pigmentation with reduction in VASI score.