Research roundup

Nearly all dermal fillers on the market have reported granulomatous foreign body reactions (GFBRs) after injection. It is more commonly seen with non-biodegradable fillers. These GFBRs are rare but can cause significant distress.

The aim of this study was to see whether low doses of methotrexate were effective in treating GFBRs. The authors looked at four clinical cases of treatment-resistant GFBR to non-biodegradable fillers. These were successfully treated with oral methotrexate during a 6-month period. Throughout the treatment, hostile events were monitored. Four women aged 66–85 years with nodularity on their faces were included in the study and treated for up to 6 months.

The findings were consistent and showed that, after 6 months of treatment with low-dose methotrexate weekly, all patients were cleared. The authors also concluded that a prospective study with long-term follow-up is required to confirm these preliminary results.

It is well known that solar radiation exposure to human skin has harmful consequences. Both ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation cause damage to DNA, leading to the formation of molecules that aid the development of skin cancer.