Management of granulomatous foreign body reaction to fillers with methotrexate
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.
Real protection of facial sunscreens
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.
Although there is an increased awareness of the harmful effects of the sun and the importance of using sun protection, 70–90% of basal cell carcinomas develop in the areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun, while approximately 5–10% of skin cancers are on the eyelids.
Skin changes and manifestations associated with the treatment of obesity
There is an increase in obesity rates and many patients seek interventions in the form of weight loss medications or weight loss procedures.
Treating obesity begins with lifestyle changes and then moves to medical treatments. Surgical treatments should only be considered when non-surgical treatments have failed.
The authors stated that the effect that these treatments have on the skin has not been reviewed and that is why they have conducted a review of the impact that weight loss has on dermatological conditions.
A practical guide to the development of microneedle systems—in clinical trials or on the market
Microneedle devices are used for a variety of indications in medicine including aesthetics, but from a regulatory viewpoint, they remain a relatively new device.
There are demands for protocols and testing requirements for needling devices for users and manufacturers.
Furthermore, there are many microneedling devices currently on the market but many more are currently undergoing clinical trials, and some are awaiting approval.
The aim of this review was to look at the microneedling devices that are either on the market or in clinical trials and evaluate them and the test methods necessary for their development and approval.
Sunscreen photoprotection and vitamin D status
The aim of this review was to publish the evidence on the influence of photoprotection by sunscreens on vitamin D status while considering other relevant factors.
To do this, a panel of 13 international experts in endocrinology, dermatology, photobiology, epidemiology and biological anthropology reviewed the literature. Then, they discussed the evidence and looked at assessments and factors of vitamin D status. Public health perspectives were also considered and the issue of sun exposure and the effects of photoprotection were also reviewed.
They concluded that broad-spectrum sunscreens that prevent erythema are unlikely to compromise vitamin D status in healthy populations. It was also found that vitamin D screening should be restricted to those at risk of hypovitaminosis. Therefore, the authors concluded that sunscreen use for daily and recreational photoprotection does not compromise vitamin D synthesis, even if used in optimal conditions.
The emerging importance of tranexamic acid in dermatology
Increasingly, the antifibrinolytic agent, theranexamic acid (TA) is being used to treat a wide variety of skin diseases. The authors review the evidence supporting the use of TA for a range of dermatological indications, including melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, urticaria, angio-oedema and haemostasis.