Background and objectives: Hypertrophic scarring is a complex process, and numerous methods have been introduced to treat scars. This study aims to evaluate the effect of combined CO2 fractional laser and narrowband intense pulsed light (IPL) compared to IPL alone in the treatment of hypertrophic scars.
Materials and methods: This was a prospective, randomized controlled study enrolled 138 patients with hypertrophic scars. The participants were randomly divided into two groups: CO2-IPL and IPL group, and received three sessions at 10-14-week intervals for 3-month follow-up. Two independent plastic surgeons evaluated the treatments using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scales (POSAS). Overall satisfaction was evaluated using the Patient Satisfaction Scale (PSS).
Results: 101 subjects completed the study. Compared to single IPL, the combination CO2-IPL group showed a significant improvement in itching, color, stiffness, thickness, and irregularity, except for pain, and an enhancement in vascularization, pigmentation, thickness, relief, and pliability of the scar, assessed by POSAS (p < .01). 100% patients in the combination group were satisfied compared to 84% in IPL alone.
Conclusion: The combination of CO2 fractional laser and narrowband IPL efficiently improved the appearance and profile of hypertrophic scars, offering a comprehensive and reliable approach for scar therapy.
Background: NCTF®135HA is a bio-revitalizing solution containing hyaluronic acid designed to compensate for skin dehydration, fatigue, and fine wrinkles associated with endogenous and environmental aging.
Methods: We conducted a randomized, active-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of NCTF®135HA injections on the face (crow's feet), neck, and décolleté regions. Subjects were randomly assigned (3:1) to receive three NCTF®135HA treatment sessions plus twice-daily anti-aging moisturizer cream or cream alone (control). The primary outcome was the reduction in superficial wrinkles between baseline and Day (D)75 in the three areas, assessed by profilometric measures, clinical scoring, subjective changes, and tolerability.
Results: 146 subjects were randomized to NCTF®135HA (n = 107) or control (n = 38). At D75 and D120, NCTF®135HA significantly reduced wrinkles in all three areas and improved facial radiance scores compared with the control. Skin hydration significantly increased 7 d after the last NCTF®135HA injection. Self-esteem scales showed statistically significant improvements at D75 and D120 in subjects treated with NCTF®135HA versus baseline. Most adverse events were mild, resolved within 48 h, and were related to the injection procedure.
Conclusion: NCTF®135HA is an effective and well-tolerated treatment to reduce the skin signs of aging. The results are significantly superior to a routine anti-aging cream alone.(Funded by Laboratories FILLMED; ID-RCB number: 2018-A03167-48; clinicaltrials.gov number: NCT05609617).
Hand eczema is one of the most frequent dermatological diseases, with an incidence increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact on life quality is considerable, giving rise to the need for a psycho-dermatological approach. This is a Randomized Control Trial (RCT) evaluating, either by the dermatological or psychological point of view, the effectiveness of an emollient and rehydrating topical product (Rilastil Difesa Sterile® cream) versus a standard treatment (i.e. moisturizing basic cream) in a group of 51 healthcare workers suffering from hand eczema during the COVID-19 pandemic. The enrolled subjects were randomized into a treatment or a control arm, treated for 8 weeks, and monitored through a clinical score (HECSI) and questionnaires evaluating the impact of the pathology and treatment on quality of life (DLQI and QOLHEQ). A psychometric evaluation was performed using the SCL-90 R, OCI-R, and CPDI scales. Our data, despite not reaching the statistical significance, demonstrated that both the clinical and psychological scores decreased mostly in patients treated with Rilastil Difesa Sterile® cream when compared to those treated with simple topical emollients. Moreover, we observed a high level of psychic suffering in dermatological patients and a parallel change in dermatological and psychological indicators, thus confirming their connection.
Background: Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is a lymphocytic primary cicatricial alopecia characterized by perifollicular erythema, follicular hyperkeratosis and scaring, resulting in permanent hair loss. Current treatment modalities, both topical and systemic, fail to achieve satisfactory and consistent results. As therapies fail to halt the inflammatory process, patients with LPP may face long-term disfigurement and significant psychological burden.Purpose: To initiate an efficacious targeted therapy with good tolerability and low side effect profile that will allow hair regrowth and prevent the development to disfiguring alopecia.Materials and methods: Here, we report on a case of rare LPP in a linear distribution (LLPP) involving the scalp and forehead failing to achieve satisfactory results with continued hair loss with multiple previous treatments.Results: Complete hair regrowth was achieved 12 weeks after treatment with an anti-psoriatic, anti-interleukin (IL)-17A/F antibody (Taltz, Ixekizumab, Lilly). Patient continued to display sustained efficacy with no reported side effects until 12 months on treatment.Conclusions: The present case underlines the viability of Ixekizumab as a possible first-line, targeted therapy for LPP and its variants with sustained efficacy. Multicenter trials are warranted to confirm the benefit of Ixekizumab as a successful targeted biologic treatment option for LPP and LLPP.
Aim: To achieve international expert consensus and give recommendations on best practices in hair transplantation surgery, focusing on pre- and post-transplantation care.
Methods: A modified Delphi method was used to reach consensus. An international scientific committee developed an 81-statement questionnaire. A panel of 38 experts in hair transplantation from 17 countries across 4 continents assessed the questionnaire.
Results: Two consensus rounds were carried out, with 59 out of 81 statements (73%) reaching consensus. Expert recommendations emphasize the correct selection of candidates for hair transplantation and the need for patients to have received adequate medical treatment for alopecia before transplant. Comorbidities should be assessed and considered while planning surgery, and an individualized plan for perioperative care should be drawn up before transplant. Certain medications associated with increased risk of bleeding should be withdrawn before surgery. Specific recommendations for post-transplantation care are given. After transplantation, patients should gradually resume their normal haircare regimen. Close follow-up should be carried out during the first year after transplant.
Conclusions: This study presents numerous consensus-based recommendations on general aspects of hair transplantation, including candidate selection, medical therapy prior to transplantation, anesthesia, and resuming haircare after transplantation.

