Recipient site preparation by cryoblebbing in melanocyte keratinocyte transplantation procedure over the fingers in vitiligo: A pilot study.

Surgical treatment of vitiligo lesions over the fingers has poor outcome. In this intra-patient comparative study, 12 patients with stable non-segmental vitiligo (NSV) affecting the middle three fingers of one hand were included. Three variations were used in treatment of finger vitiligo lesions: minipuch grafting, melanocytes keratinocyte transplantation procedure (MKTP) preceded by cryoblebbing or full CO laser resurfacing of the recipient site.

Value of silicone gel in prevention of cobblestoning following punch minigrafting in vitiligo.

Background: Cobblestoning is the most common complication of minipunch grafting.

Objective: To assess the value of silicone gel application following minipunch grafting and the histopathological and immunohistochemical changes in cases with cobblestoning.

Methods: Minipunch grafting was performed in two similar vitiligo lesions in 27 cases with stable vitiligo.

Ablative CO2 fractional resurfacing in treatment of thermal burn scars: an open-label controlled clinical and histopathological study.

Introduction: Burn scars can cause permanent disfiguring problems with limited treatments available.

Objectives: To assess and correlate the clinical and histopathological effects of fractional CO2 laser on thermal burns in a controlled study.

Methods: Fifteen patients 11 with hypertrophic and four with keloidal scars received three CO2 fractional laser sessions every 4-6 weeks.

In vivo visualization of hair follicles by ultrasound biomicroscopy in alopecia areata and its correlation with histopathology.

Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) is a non-invasive imaging technique used in examination of several skin diseases but never in imaging hair and scalp diseases. Main objective of this investigation was assessment of the efficacy of UBM for in vivo visualization of hair follicles in cases of alopecia areata (AA) and correlation of findings with histopathological findings. This study included 30 patients with AA.

PTPN22 gene polymorphism in Egyptian alopecia areata patients and its impact on response to diphencyprone immunotherapy.

PTPN22 1858C>T gene polymorphism has been associated with several autoimmune disorders including alopecia areata. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of the inherited genetic polymorphism 1858C>T of PTPN22 gene on the predisposition to severe forms of alopecia areata and its effect on the response to DPC treatment. To achieve our aim, PTPN22 1858C>T genotyping was performed by PCR-based restricted fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis.

A comparative study on efficacy of UVA1 vs. narrow-band UVB phototherapy in the treatment of vitiligo.

Background/purpose: Narrow-band ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) is considered the most effective and safe initial treatment for moderate-to-severe vitiligo but phototoxicity and possible carcinogenicity are the reported side effects. Ultraviolet A1 (UVA1) phototherapy has overlapping biological effects to NB-UVB and is relatively free of side effects associated with other phototherapy regimens.

Methods: Forty patients with vitiligo were included in this prospective, randomized controlled comparative clinical trial.

Subcision versus 100% trichloroacetic acid in the treatment of rolling acne scars.

Background: Acne scarring is common but surprisingly difficult to treat. Newer techniques and modifications to older ones may make this refractory problem more manageable. The 100% trichloroacetic acid (TCA) chemical reconstruction of skin scars (CROSS) method is a safe and effective single modality for the treatment of atrophic acne scars, whereas subcision appears to be a safe technique that provides significant improvement for rolling acne scars.

Bcl-2 expression in mycosis fungoides before and after PUVA therapy.

PUVA is the first therapeutic choice in early stages of mycosis fungoides (MF). In this study the effect of PUVA on bcl-2 expression in MF was assessed in 15 patients (three stage Ia and 12 stage Ib) and 10 controls. Two biopsies were taken from each patient before and after 24 sessions of PUVA therapy.

Sulfasalazine and pentoxifylline in psoriasis: a possible safe alternative.

Background: Conventional therapy of extensive psoriasis is effective but has complications. Biologics are safer but expensive.

Objective: To assess the efficacy of sulfasalazine and pentoxifylline, which have TNF antagonizing and anti-proliferative action in the treatment of psoriasis.

Combined trichloroacetic acid peel and topical ascorbic acid versus trichloroacetic acid peel alone in the treatment of melasma: a comparative study.

Background: Melasma is a common acquired hypermelanosis that is difficult to treat. Several chemical peeling agents were used in treatment of melasma. Topical vitamin C was also used with minimal side effects.