Open-label study assessing the efficacy and tolerability of topical skin care and sun protection alone and in combination with intense pulsed light therapy.

Background: Intense pulsed light therapy (IPL) decreases facial erythema and telangiectasias associated with rosacea. Topical skin care products decrease facial erythema by the action of active ingredients and masking effects.

Objectives: To assess the efficacy and tolerability of combining a topical skin care regimen (TSCR) comprised of a multifunctional three-in-one facial cream and a mineral-based brush-on SPF50 powder sunscreen with a single IPL treatment for treating mild-to-severe facial redness associated with rosacea.

Nonablative fractional photothermolysis for facial actinic keratoses: 6-month follow-up with histologic evaluation.

Background: A number of epidermal and papillary dermal skin conditions can be treated safely and effectively with fractional photothermolysis (FP).

Objective: We sought to evaluate the effectiveness of FP with a 1550-nm fractionated erbium-doped fiber laser for the treatment of facial actinic keratoses (AKs).

Methods: Fourteen men, ages 59 to 79 years, underwent 5 laser treatments (2- to 4-week intervals) at an energy fluence of 20 to 70 mJ and treatment level of 11 (8-10 passes), corresponding to 32% to 40% surface area coverage.

Treatment of melasma using fractional photothermolysis: a report of eight cases with long-term follow-up.

Background: Melasma on the face is difficult to treat and is often refractory to multiple treatment modalities.

Objectives: To investigate the safety and efficacy of fractional photothermolysis (FP) for the treatment of melasma and to determine recurrence rates with this treatment method.

Materials And Methods: Eight female patients (Fitzpatrick skin type II-IV) with clinically diagnosed melasma on the face were treated using FP (1,550 nm Fraxel SR laser).

595-nm long pulsed dye laser and 1450-nm diode laser in combination with intralesional triamcinolone/5-fluorouracil for hypertrophic scarring following a phenol peel.

Hypertrophic scars and keloids are a therapeutic challenge because of the low response to treatment and recurrences after treatment. A variety of treatment regimens have been used with different degrees of success, with no universally accepted treatment protocol resulting in their complete and permanent resolution. We offer this case to demonstrate a combination approach for the treatment of hypertrophic scarring.

Consensus recommendations on the use of an erbium-doped 1,550-nm fractionated laser and its applications in dermatologic laser surgery.

Background: Nonablative fractional photothermolysis has revolutionized the way we treat a number of common skin conditions with laser technology.

Objective: A comprehensive guide is needed for clinicians using this technology to treat specific skin conditions in various skin types.

Materials And Methods: Recommendations were made from a recent round table discussion among experienced physicians and a review of recent literature findings.

Desmoplastic trichoepithelioma.

Background: Desmoplastic trichoepithelioma (DTE) is an uncommon adnexal tumor usually found on the face of young women.

Objective: We sought to describe the clinical and histologic characteristics of DTE and discuss management strategies for these tumors.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective case series and review of the literature.

Insect repellents: historical perspectives and new developments.

Arthropod bites remain a major cause of patient morbidity. These bites can cause local or systemic effects that may be infectious or inflammatory in nature. Arthropods, notably insects and arachnids, are vectors of potentially serious ailments including malaria, West Nile virus, dengue, and Lyme disease.

Analysis of 197 female scalp tumors treated with Mohs micrographic surgery.

Background: There has been no previously published study on skin cancers on the scalp of women.

Objectives: To better elucidate the characteristics of skin cancers that develop on the female scalp.

Methods: A retrospective review of 13,885 biopsy-proven skin cancers treated by Mohs micrographic surgery was performed.