Incidence of acneform reactions after laser hair removal.

There have been several studies published on the side effects of laser hair removal, but none specifically looked at acneform reactions. The aim of this study is to obtain an accurate assessment of the incidence of acneform reactions after laser hair removal in relation to skin type, laser type, site of treatment, polycystic ovarian syndrome history (PCOS), age, and sex of the patient. This is a multi-centre prospective study of patients presenting for laser hair removal.

The treatment of port-wine stains with the pulsed-dye laser at 2-week and 6-week intervals: a comparative study.

Background: The pulsed-dye laser (PDL) is the treatment of choice for port-wine stains (PWS). Multiple treatments are usually necessary, with standard treatment intervals ranging between 6 and 12 weeks. However, there are no studies on the effect of treating PWS at different time intervals, and the ideal time interval between treatments has not yet been agreed.

Chromomycosis caused by Exophiala spinifera.

Chromomycosis is a chronic, localized infection of the cutaneous and subcutaneous tissues caused by dematiaceous fungi of several genera. It has distinctive clinical, pathological and mycological characteristics. Exophiala spinifera is a well-established aetiological agent of phaeohyphomycosis, but there are only two reported cases worldwide of this dematiaceous fungus causing chromomycosis.

Granuloma faciale treated with the pulsed-dye laser: a case series.

Granuloma faciale (GF) is a rare cutaneous condition of unknown origin with characteristic clinicopathological features. It predominantly affects the face and in some causes an unacceptable cosmetic appearance. Numerous medical and surgical treatments have been used with varying degrees of success.

A single-blinded randomised controlled study to determine the efficacy of Omnilux Revive facial treatment in skin rejuvenation.

To determine the efficacy of Omnilux Revive facial treatment in skin rejuvenation, twenty-three volunteers received randomised 20 min treatments three times a week for three weeks to one half of their face, with the untreated side acting as control. Regular assessments were carried out, focusing on parameters of subject satisfaction, photographic assessments, skin elasticity (Cutometer) and skin hydration (Corneometer CM825). Ninety-one percent of the volunteers reported visible changes to their skin.

Recent advances in laser treatment of port-wine stains.

The pulsed dye laser is the treatment of choice for port-wine stains, with proven efficacy and low incidence of side-effects. However, in the majority of cases complete clearance cannot be achieved, and a significant proportion of lesions is resistant to laser treatment. In recent years, increased understanding of the interaction between lasers and port-wine stains has led to modification of the original pulsed dye laser design, producing treatment responses even in those lesions resistant to first-generation pulsed dye lasers.

Pulsed dye laser treatment of telangiectasia after radiotherapy for carcinoma of the breast.

Background: Chronic radiodermatitis after radiotherapy for carcinoma of the breast is a common sequela of treatment and can be distressing for the patient. The skin is atrophic and shows prominent telangiectasia due to dilatation of a reduced or poorly supported skin vasculature. The pulsed dye laser (PDL) is an established treatment of cutaneous telangiectatic disorders including facial telangiectasia and spider naevi, and is safe and efficacious.

Management of unwanted hair in females.

The development of lasers as a treatment for unwanted hair has led to an increased interest in this field. Laser hair removal is frequently commercially led and there are few controlled studies to demonstrate efficacy. It is important to be aware of all treatment modalities for hair removal so that patients can be counselled adequately.

Cutaneous cryptococcus infection due to C. albidus associated with Sézary syndrome.

Cryptococcus albidus is a non-neoformans species of the genus Cryptococcus and is a rare cause of disease. There have been only 13 previously reported cases of systemic disease in which this opportunistic yeast has been isolated from the lung, cerebrospinal fluid and blood. We report the first case of cutaneous Cryptococcus infection due to the species C.

Pemphigus vulgaris localized to the vagina presenting as chronic vaginal discharge.

Involvement in pemphigus vulgaris of the female genital tract including the vulva, vagina and cervix has previously been described. In all these cases other cutaneous and mucosal sites have also been affected at some time. We describe a case of pemphigus vulgaris which only involved the vaginal mucosa.

The reproducibility of patch tests.

There is conflicting evidence regarding the reproducibility of patch testing. Discordant results have been reported in up to 44% of cases. The clinical relevance of these discordant patch tests has not been previously assessed.

Allergy to phosphorus sesquisulfide: 0.5% pet. is a more appropriate concentration for patch testing.

Patch testing was performed with phosphorus sesquisulfide P4S3 in 2 groups containing equal numbers of patients using different concentrations (0.5% P4S3 in pet. and 1% P4S3 in pet.