Cosmetic Treatment Research Articles

Advances in Transdermal Drug Delivery: The Development of Microneedle Technology for Improved Therapeutic Outcomes

Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems (TDDS) represent a significant advancement in therapeutic administration by allowing drugs to bypass the gastrointestinal system and first-pass hepatic metabolism, enhancing patient compliance, and enabling sustained drug release. However, traditional TDDS face limitations, including resistance from the skin's natural barrier and limited efficacy in delivering large or hydrophilic molecules. Microneedle (MN) technology offers a breakthrough solution, using minimally invasive micron-sized needles to bypass the stratum corneum, facilitating efficient drug delivery without significant pain or discomfort. This review explores the evolution and recent advancements in microneedle technology, highlighting its role in overcoming the limitations of conventional TDDS. Microneedles have been shown to enhance drug bioavailability, reduce side effects, and expand the range of deliverable therapeutics, including vaccines, insulin, and genetic materials. The development of bioinspired 4D microneedles further extends their application to diagnostics and cosmetic treatments, positioning MNs as a versatile tool in modern medicine. Key sections of the review focus on the types of microneedles—solid, coated, dissolving, hollow, and hydrogel-forming—and their respective fabrication methods, materials, and drug delivery mechanisms. The review also discusses the challenges related to scaling up production, ensuring consistent quality, and regulatory hurdles in achieving clinical approval. Future directions include the integration of microneedles with nanotechnology, combination therapies, and sustainable design, particularly in developing regions where biodegradable materials may address environmental and disposal concerns. The potential for microneedle technology to revolutionize transdermal drug delivery, diagnostics, and therapeutic monitoring is significant, with ongoing research paving the way for multifunctional applications that can reshape patient care and treatment modalities.

Measuring Outcomes Relevant to the Decolletage from the Patient Perspective: Development and Validation of the BODY-Q Decolletage Scale.

A range of cosmetic treatments to improve skin quality of the decolletage are available. To measure outcomes from the patient perspective, a rigorously developed patient-reported outcome measure is needed. To develop and validate the BODY-Q Decolletage scale. Appearance-related codes from BODY-Q concept elicitation interviews were reexamined and 13 items drafted and refined through patients and clinician debriefing interviews. The scale was tested in an online international sample of women >25 years who had previously received a treatment for the decolletage, or in the past 12 months had received a cosmetic treatment at a plastic surgery or dermatology clinic. Data were analysed with both Rasch measurement theory and classical test theory. Interviews conducted with 15 patients and 5 clinicians led to a 16-item scale with items that covered scenarios (mirror, photos, low neckline, lay on side, breasts together, arms crossed, get up, up close), compared (other people), age (youthful, age), qualitative (attractive, healthy), color (even-colored) and texture (smooth, texture). The field-test included 334 participants. An item with poor fit to the Rasch model was dropped. Data for the remaining 15 items fit the Rasch model (Chi-square=76.72, df=60, p=0.07). All items had ordered thresholds and good item fit. All reliability statistics were >0.93. A total of 19 of 20 pre-defined hypotheses (95%) were met providing evidence of construct validity. The Decolletage scale is available to incorporate the perspective of patients into clinical care and clinical trials of minimally invasive treatments to improve skin quality.

The kinetics of moisture sorption by hair.

The rate process of moisture sorption by human hair has been analysed in order to hints for helping deepen knowledge on the hair structure and to explain the behaviour of hair in response to moisture. The isotherms of moisture sorption by hair were recorded, via dynamic vapour sorption (DVS), for untreated (virgin) and treated (heat-shaped and bleached) hair, as well as for separated cuticle and cortex. By considering that, during moisture uptake, the hair fibres also swell, it is possible to introduce a time-dependent rate constant for describing the kinetics of the moisture sorption. This model allows for clearly separating the moisture sorption processes occurring in Cuticle and in Cortex and for proposing a role of chain entanglement in the two main compartments of the fibre. It may also provide some hints on the structural changes occurring in the fibre after different cosmetic treatments. The influence of the weight of the sample on the kinetics of the sorption process has also been noted and quantified. The analysis pointed to a transition occurring at around 30% relative humidity, assigned to the opening of the hair inner structure, and accommodation of more water molecules. This allowed for an estimate of the value of the activation energy of the water molecules reacting with the active sites, which was found to be in good agreement with results published in the literature. The analysis of the kinetics of moisture sorption by hair was shown not only to provide information on the chain entanglement inside the fibre and the effect of cosmetic treatments but also to demonstrate and quantify the influence of fibre density on the sorption process. It is thus suggested that, along with examination of the hysteresis, the analysis of sorption kinetics helps reveal a more complete picture of hair moisture management.

Private practice dentists' conceptions of overtreatment: A qualitative study from Norway.

As overtreatment has gained attention and is a threat to sustainable healthcare, the objective of this study is to investigate Norwegian private practice dentists' conceptions of overtreatment. Material and Methods: Six private practice dentists were interviewed. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed by thematic analysis in a six-step process including coding and identifying main- and sub-themes. The main themes identified were conceptions of overtreatment, internal factors, and external conditions of importance for overtreatment. Norwegian private practice dentists are familiar with the concept overtreatment and provide several examples of overtreatment. Although they see overtreatment as a problem, they express that the boundaries of what is considered necessary or professionally justified treatment have changed over time - particularly towards aesthetic and cosmetic treatment. Overtreatment is considered to be less problematic if the patients are informed and consent. The participants point to several internal factors and external conditions furthering overtreatment: professional status and prestige, general social trends, social media, demographicchanges, overcapacity, and the expansion of commercial chains. The dentists in the interviews demonstrated that they are aware of their power, but also acknowledge their responsibility. Conclusion: Private practice dentists in Norway are aware of overtreatment and their drivers. They acknowledge their power to promote overtreatment, but also that this gives them responsibility. This raises important issues about dentists' professional accountability and integrity.

Unveiling the True Price: Assessing the Economic Impact of Cosmetic Surgery Tourism on a Single Tertiary Center in Bahrain

Abstract Background In light of the escalating cost of cosmetic surgery in Bahrain, the burgeoning “Cosmetic Surgery Tourism” sector has captured the attention of many Bahrainis. Neighboring countries aggressively promote affordable packages on numerous social media platforms, luring individuals with the allure of a vacation experience. However, insufficient postoperative care abroad has far-reaching implications that jeopardize both patient well-being and the integrity of the healthcare system. Objectives This study aims to assess the present patterns of complications related to cosmetic surgery tourism and the resulting financial burden on the Bahraini healthcare system. Methods A retrospective cost analysis and chart review were performed for all patients who presented with complaints associated with cosmetic surgeries between January 2018 and September 2023. After identifying patient demographics, procedure characteristics, admission data, length of stay, and intervention needs, a comprehensive cost analysis was conducted. Results A total of thirty patients manifested complications. Complications associated with abdominoplasty were the most prevalent. Iran emerged as the most frequented destination, with Egypt and Turkey following in order of prevalence. Surgical-site infections constituted the most common complications. Required interventions included admission for intravenous antibiotics, hyperbaric wound care, implant removal, and critical care admission. The projected expense to the hospital was 65,970 BHD (175,000 USD), equating to an average expenditure of 2,200 BHD (5,852 USD) per patient. Conclusions The allure of cost-effective cosmetic treatments often leads to complications that impose substantial economic burdens. The study concludes with policy recommendations to balance individuals’ freedom to seek healthcare abroad with long-term sustainability and equitable access to Bahrain's healthcare system.

Non-Surgical Medical Aesthetics and Patient Quality of Life: An Umbrella Review

Abstract Background Non-surgical cosmetic facial procedures have become popular treatment options for individuals seeking aesthetic improvements. Despite a breadth of literature on patient satisfaction with treatment outcomes, there is a lack of information specific to changes in quality of life outcomes. Objectives The objective of this umbrella review was to report the effectiveness of non-surgical facial aesthetic treatments on reported quality of life in cosmetic treatment seeking patients. We also aimed to identify gaps in the literature on measures of quality of life outside of patient satisfaction. Methods We completed a comprehensive, systematic search of review articles across six databases including Medline, CINAHL Plus, EMBASE, APA PsychINFO, Cochrane Reviews and Google Scholar. We included review-level studies examining the change in quality of life measures following treatment. Critical appraisal was completed for each review article included. Results A total of seven reviews included. One review was of strong quality, two moderate, and four were weak. Several non-surgical procedures were evaluated across reviews including injectable neurotoxins, dermal fillers and laser skin resurfacing. The majority of included studies reported increases in measures of quality of life, post treatment in the same patient or compared to controls. The most commonly reported measure was psychological wellbeing, followed by self-perception. There was a lack of measures outside of improvements to aesthetics, including those specific to mental health (e.g., depression). Conclusions Overall, studies that report on non-surgical treatments report increases in overall quality of life. This conclusion should be interpreted with caution as the majority of reviews included were of moderate to weak quality. A major gap in this literature includes mental health outcomes. Future research should focus on increasing the rigour of reporting for systematic reviews.

Hirsutism

Hirsutism is a condition marked by excess terminal hair growth in women in areas like the upper lip, chin, abdomen, back, and thighs. This dark, coarse hair may signify hormonal imbalances, particularly elevated androgens, and may be linked to conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome, adrenal hyperplasia, or medications affecting hormone levels. Diagnosis and management involve identifying the underlying cause and may include hormonal therapies, lifestyle changes, and cosmetic treatments to control hair growth. This article aims to summarise the causes, differential diagnosis, investigation, and treatment options for hirsuitism affecting patients presenting in primary care.

The Effect of Social Media on the Decision to Have Aesthetics or Cosmetic Procedure: A Case-Control Study.

Aesthetics or cosmetics procedures are among the most commonly performed procedures. More people are getting cosmetic treatments because of social media use. The study looked into the influence of social media on cosmetic dermatology decisions in Jordan. We conducted a community-based comparative case-control study among the adult Jordanian population through an online structured questionnaire. The total number of participants was 2704 (1629 cases vs. 1084 controls). The mean age was 26.3 years. Females constituted 90.4% of the aesthetic procedures group and 80.6% of the non-aesthetic procedures group. Participants who underwent aesthetic procedures were likelier to use social media, report that social media helped them, and post photographs on Instagram, Snapchat, and WhatsApp more than those who did not (p < 0.001 for all). The majority of participants underwent aesthetic procedures obtained from their thoughts. The aesthetic procedure group was influenced more by Instagram (p < 0.001), Facebook (p = 0.034), and Snapchat (p < 0.001). Self-satisfaction with one's appearance was the main reason not to pursue an aesthetic procedure (58%) while repairing damage was the most common reason to undergo the procedure (76%). Acne scarring treatment (49.9%) was the most popular procedure. About 52.7% of procedures were performed by a dermatologist. Social media directly affects people's decisions to perform aesthetic procedures. Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram showed more influencing effects on aesthetic procedures. People who have done aesthetic procedures were likelier to utilize social media, follow aesthetic dermatologists, practitioners, or social media influencers, and support aesthetic procedure advertisements. To achieve better outcomes, the rising numbers of cosmetic procedures based on social media necessitate the dermatologist or practitioner to develop a good understanding of patients' motivations to seek aesthetic dermatological procedures. Level of Evidence III, case-control study This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Spectrophotometric Determination of 4-n-butylresorcinol in Cosmetics by Decolorization of Oxidized 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine

Background: 4-n-butylresorcinol (4nBR) was widely used in the treatment of chloasma and skin whitening cosmetics. As a decolorizing agent, it can effectively control the activity of tyrosinase. Market regulatory authorities require truthful labeling of ingredients in cosmetics. Therefore, the quantitative determination of 4nBR is of great practical significance. Hypothesis: At present, the main detection method of 4nBR reported in the literature is HPLC. Compared with the HPLC method, optical methods offer several advantages, including low cost, and simplicity, which make them suitable for on-field detection applications. A convenient spectrophotometric method was established for 4nBR detection. Methods: Fe3+ can oxidize the common colorless chromogenic substrate 3,3',5,5'- tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) to blue oxTMB. Based on the fact that 4-n-butyl resorcinol (4nBR) can reduce oxTMB, a convenient and rapid spectrophotometric method for the determination of 4nBR was proposed. Results: Under the optimum conditions, the absorbance at 652 nm has a good linear relationship with the concentration of 4nBR in the range of 1.2 - 16 μM. The linear equation for the detection of 4nBR was ΔA = 0.0546 c (μM) - 0.0026 (r2=0.9962), and the detection limit was 0.33 μM. The accuracy of this method is comparable to that of HPLC. Conclusion: This method has good selectivity for 4nBR and good anti-interference ability for common additives in cosmetics. The proposed method can be applied to the determination of 4nBR in thereal samples. other: Optical methods offer several advantages, including low cost, simplicity, which make them suitable for on-field detection application.

Color Ranges and Distribution of Human Teeth: A Prospective Clinical Study.

This study investigated the in vivo color range of human teeth using a research-grade noncontact spectroradiometer, analyzing the effects of gender, age, ethnicity, and lifestyle factors, including diet, smoking, and oral hygiene. A total of 1004 participants were recruited at two research sites and stratified by gender, age, and ethnicity, and data on their dietary and oral habits were collected. Noninvasive color measurements of an upper central incisor were performed using a spectroradiometer and a fiber-coupled Xe-Arc light source. Color differences were computed using the CIELAB and CIEDE2000 color difference formulas, statistically analyzed, and interpreted through comparisons with 50:50% perceptibility (PT) and acceptability (AT) thresholds for dentistry. CIELAB and CIEDE2000 color coordinate values varied significantly. Female teeth appeared lighter and less yellow than men's. Age correlated with darker, more chromatic teeth, stabilizing only after Age 46. Significant ethnic differences were observed, particularly between African-American and Asian participants. Coffee consumption impacted teeth yellowness and chromaticity, while tea had no significant effect. Frequent tooth brushing led to lighter teeth, and tooth whitening considerably influenced color, emphasizing the effect of cosmetic dental treatments. Smoking showed minimal impact, with slight discoloration noted among light smokers compared to nonsmokers. Color coordinate values by gender, age, and ethnicity exhibited statistically significant differences and, in most cases, noticeable color differences. With exceptions, the dietary/oral habits of the patient had a significant impact on the color of human teeth. The findings from this study provide detailed information and understanding of the color range and distribution of human teeth, which can help enhance the esthetic outcome of dental care and, consequently, the patient's satisfaction.

Efficacy of Topical Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate-Peptide Product Versus Fractional CO2 Laser in Facial Aging.

Many people are interested in addressing visible signs of aging with non-invasive cosmetic treatments. Development of effective topical products will provide options to delay or support cosmetic procedures. This study assessed and compared the efficacy and tolerance of a topical product used over the course of 16 weeks to a single ablative laser treatment on women with moderate global photodamage on the face. Subjects in Cell 1 (Laser Cell) were treated over the entire face with a fractional CO2 laser system. Subjects in Cell 2 (Topical Serum Cell) were treated with a topical serum containing hydroxypinacolone retinoate and peptides over the entire face, twice per day for 16 weeks. The study was composed of 71 women, with 29 in the Laser Cell (mean age 56.2) and 42 in the Topical Serum Cell (mean age 55.0), between 40 and 65 years old. Expert grading was used to determine efficacy parameters. Participants in the Topical Serum Cell achieved more significant improvement (p < 0.05) in Marionette lines, fine lines (global face), wrinkles (global face), wrinkles (crow's feet), nasolabial folds, texture, smoothness (tactile), global hyperpigmentation, lift, and photodamage compared to participants in the Laser Cell. Participants in the Topical Serum Cell achieved parity in the look of fine lines (crow's feet), forehead lines, glabella, firmness/bounce (tactile), skin tone evenness, radiance. While no statistically significant differences in tolerability were observed, treatment with the topical cosmetic product achieved parity or statistically better improvement in parameters compared to laser treatment at 16 weeks.

Knowledge and Attitude Towards Botulinum Toxin Use in Cosmetic Injections Among the Arar Population in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background The use of botulinum toxin (BT), commonly known as Botox, has become increasingly popular for cosmetic purposes, particularly in treating wrinkles and facial rejuvenation. While the efficacy of botulinum toxin in achieving desired aesthetic outcomes is well-established, it is also important to consider the level of public knowledge and awareness regarding this potent neurotoxin. This study investigates the knowledge and attitude towards botulinum toxin use in cosmetic injections in the Arar population. Methods This cross-sectional study utilized a self-report questionnaire distributed via social media platforms, employing randomized sampling from May to July 2024. The target population included adults aged 18 and older, regardless of gender, living in the city of Arar, Saudi Arabia. The data were collected through an online self-administered survey using a Google Forms questionnaire template, which was translated into the appropriate language. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results A total of four hundred and ten (410) participants responded to this study. The maximum number of participants, 149 (36.3%), were in the age group of 20-25 years, while the minimum number of participants, 6 (1.5%), was in the age group of 50-55 years. The results also showed that 341 (83.2%) of participants were females and 69 (16.8%) were males; 262 (63.9%) participants were aware of Botox treatment used in cosmetic clinics. Concerning the most prevalent non-surgical cosmetic treatments, 29 (7%) answered dental procedures, and 19 (4.6%) mentioned its use in pain. Conclusion This study found that 262 (63.9%) of the study population showed knowledge about botulinum toxins used in cosmetic injections. The majority of them were young individuals, females, or unmarried people. Only 83 (20%) were aware of the adverse effects of botulinum toxin. This low level of awareness about the potential risks associated with the use of botulinum toxins for cosmetic purposes is concerning and suggests the need for improved education and information dissemination.

β-Cyclodextrin as an elicitor of polyphenolic contents of barley (Hurdeum vulgare) callus with antioxidant and anti-aging properties on human skin fibroblast cells (HFF2)

The skin, as the largest organ of body, plays a crucial role in human beauty, yet is vulnerable to aging due to ultraviolet radiation (UV) exposure. Various methods, including intradermal injection, surgery, laser therapy, stem cell applications, and cosmetic treatments, are employed to combat skin aging. Phytochemicals, known for their antioxidant properties, are extensively studied for skincare. Barley (Hurdeum vulgare) contains diverse phenolic compounds, exhibiting strong antioxidant activity, potentially reducing cellular aging. Here, we examined the anti-aging properties of barley callus extract enriched with polyphenols in human skin fibroblast cells (HFF2) exposed to UVB radiation. β-cyclodextrin was used as an elicitor at concentrations of 2.5 and 5 ppm to enhance the production of polyphenolic compounds in the callus of black and yellow barley. A concentration of 5 ppm significantly increased the phenolic and flavonoid content in both black and yellow barley callus. Analysis of the extracts obtained from the callus showed that aqueous and ethanolic extracts of black barley callus, at a concentration of 0.1 μg/mL, enhanced cell viability and decreased matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) levels while increasing sirtuin (SIRT1) production in UVB-exposed HFF2 cells. These extracts also exhibited high antioxidant effects and promoted cell migration, DNA integrity, and cell cycle advancement. The findings suggest the potential use of black barley callus extract in cosmetics to mitigate UV radiation effects and premature skin aging. Additionally, β-cyclodextrin is highlighted as a valuable elicitor for enhancing polyphenol content, contributing to the antioxidant and anti-aging properties of black barley callus for skincare applications.

Impact of Public Health and Social Measures on Cosmetic Treatments in the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective Multi-Center Study Combined With a Questionnaire-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Public health and social measures (PHSMs) are considered the most effective approaches for controlling epidemic diseases. This study aimed to explore variations in the time-dependent characteristics of and public preferences for cosmetic treatments during and after the implementation of PHSMs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Medical records from six medical institutions were extracted retrospectively. Time-series analyses were conducted to reveal the variations in characteristics in volume and proportion of cosmetic treatments according to PHSMs. A cross-sectional study was conducted with online questionnaire designed for the general population during and after the implementation of PHSMs. A total of 141 033 records were included in this retrospective study. The implementation of PHSMs led to extremely low treatment volumes; compared with the increases in private hospitals, the treatment volumes in public hospitals exhibited earlier and more significant increases, even higher than pre-PHSM levels (p < 0.05), which mainly contributed to the increase in plastic surgery volumes during and after the implementation of PHSMs. The differences in the anxiety state, self-perceived appearance, and cosmetic treatment intentions of the participants were illustrated during and after PHSMs. We further demonstrated the participants' decisions on cosmetic treatments after the implementation of PHSMs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The immediate effects and aftereffects of PHSMs on cosmetic treatments were different in public and private hospitals. Furthermore, as PHSMs guided the adjustment of cosmetic treatments in the post-COVID-19 era, the intention to undergo cosmetic treatment during PHSMs was associated with the anxiety states and preferences of the population.

Immunogenicity of Botulinum Toxin Type A in Different Clinical and Cosmetic Treatment, a Literature Review.

Botulinum toxin type A is widely utilized for both therapeutic and aesthetic purposes, yet concerns regarding its immunogenicity have raised issues related to treatment failure and adverse reactions. This review aims to evaluate the immunogenicity of commercially available botulinum toxin type A products across various clinical indications and identify the risk factors associated with antibody formation. A comprehensive search of electronic databases was conducted to find studies that investigated the immunogenicity of botulinum toxin type A in patients treated for different conditions. The studies were classified based on the Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine's evidence hierarchy. The overall incidence of neutralizing antibody formation with botulinum toxin type A treatment is relatively low. However, it varies depending on the indication and is influenced by factors such as the frequency of injections and the cumulative dose. The total cumulative dose and the number of treatment cycles are critical factors in determining the risk of developing antibodies against botulinum toxin type A. This literature review highlights that the immunogenicity of botulinum toxin type A products differs across indications, with repeated injections posing a significant risk for the formation of neutralizing antibodies. The findings underscore the need for further research to better understand antibody formation mechanisms and to develop strategies that minimize their impact on treatment efficacy.

Non-cosmetic use of botulinum toxin in surgical conditions.

Botulinum toxin (BTX) is a neurotoxin that has an ability to create a fully reversible relaxation of muscles through decreased release of acethylcholin. It also has an effect on the cholinergic autoimmune nervous system, and it can reduce pain sensitization. BTX is widely used in cosmetic treatments. In recent years, BTX has increasingly been used to treat several medical and surgical conditions. In many cases, this is despite weak evidence and without approval from the European Medicine Agency (EMA). This narrative review describes how BTX is used in the different surgical specialties and provides a brief overview of the use of BTX for non-cosmetic surgical conditions.

General dentists’ treatment plans in response to cosmetic complains; a field study using unannounced-standardized-patient

BackgroundThis field study explored general dentists' treatment plans in response to the request for cosmetic services of an unannounced standardized patient (USP) in Mashhad, Iran. MethodsThe researcher, as a USP, visited 24 and 23 offices in a high-income and a low-income area, respectively. The primary complaint was that, according to her friend's comments, a dental student, her smile was "crooked and yellow" due to the congenitally missing tooth number 10 and peg-shaped tooth number 8. The dentists' treatment plans for teeth color and form and the cosmetic services expenses were recorded. The treatment plans of the two areas were compared. ResultsFor dental form, most dentists' treatment plans were categorized as "No intervention" (privileged area: 37.5 %, less-privileged area: 56.53 %, and total: 46.80 %). The percentage of dentists in the privileged area who prescribed cosmetic services was twice that of the less-privileged area (33.33 % versus 17.39 %). The intervention for dental form varied from placing 1 unit of composite veneer to 10 units of ceramic laminates or orthodontics with a wide range of treatment costs ($42.09 to $1079.14). For tooth color, most dentists (privileged area: 62.50 %, less-privileged area: 30.43 %, and total: 46.80 %) were categorized as "Interventionists." For tooth color, the treatment plans varied from scaling and root planing, bleaching, and composite veneer with various costs ($7.19 to $197.84). ConclusionCosmetic treatment plans and expenses varied significantly for a single USP, with many not aligning with the standard treatment plan. Some dentists offered treatments even without a chief complaint from the patient. Dentists in privileged areas were twice as likely to prescribe cosmetic treatments compared to those in less privileged areas. Therefore, cosmetic services necessitate monitoring, establishing clear diagnostic criteria, and implementing educational interventions.

Thermoporometry measurements of human hair via differential scanning calorimetry.

Hair fibres possess an inherently porous structure, which is affected by physical and chemical agents from the environment, as well as those from cosmetic treatments. The present work aims to investigate the potential of a calorimetric method for evaluating the changes of hair porosity, in terms of pore size and size distribution. The temperature of the phase transition from solid to liquid is known to be depressed if the liquid is confined within a pore. This shift in temperature can be measured by a calorimetric method like differential scanning calorimetry, DSC. This method is termed thermoporometry and it is the tool used for investigating hair porosity in this work. Virgin and bleached hair fibres are measured by DSC and, by using the equations developed for water behaviour confined in pores of a solid, the size and size distribution of the hair pores are evaluated, and the influence of the cosmetic treatment on the pores is discussed. Thermoporometry measurements of hair produced results in good agreement with those obtained by other methods for measuring hair porosity. The analysis of the data suggests that the fibre pores are mostly of a radius of 4 nm, and that the bleaching process increases the total volume of pores through the addition of smaller pores. A prolonged bleaching process appears to reduce the amount of fine pores produced by the first short process, resulting in fewer, but larger, cavities, most likely through a process of pore-merging.

Clinical and dermoscopic patterns of idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis

Depigmented skin lesions are of great concern in society, especially in the Indian subcontinent. These comprise many infective and inflammatory conditions that cause apprehension and anxiety among patients due to the social stigma attached to these conditions. Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (IGH) appears similar to many depigmented lesions and differentiation of IGH from these conditions is difficult clinically as well as histopathologically. IGH is one of the common causes of acquired leukoderma. It is also called disseminated lenticular leukoderma. The etiology is yet not clearly delineated, probably multifactorial. Various etiological factors have been proposed including ultraviolet (UV) exposure, post-phototherapy (psoralen and UVA monotherapy, narrowband-UVB), aging, genetic factors, trauma, and autoimmunity. Clinically, it is characterized by multiple, discrete porcelain-white round to oval macules of 2–5 mm average size. It most commonly occurs in the elderly. The most common sites observed are chronically sun-exposed areas such as the arm, pretibial regions, and forearm extensors. It is not easy to differentiate IGH from other hypo and depigmented conditions such as vitiligo, pityriasis versicolor, extragenital lichen sclerosus et atrophicus, guttate morphea, and post-inflammatory hypopigmentation. It poses a diagnostic challenge to dermatologists. One has to differentiate depigmented lesions from vitiligo as it carries tremendous social implications as social stigma, especially in India. Research on dermoscopic evaluation is uncommon in the literature, despite the abundance of clinic-epidemiological and histological studies of IGH. Four dermoscopic patterns, namely, petaloid, amoeboid, feathery, and nebuloid have been described. These patterns are specific to IGH and help clinicians to differentiate many depigmented skin lesions from IGH in clinical practice. Patients often seek cosmetic treatment. There has been no standard therapy for this condition. Newer treatment modalities range from topical agents to procedure-based therapies and have enhanced the therapeutic armamentarium.

Eye injuries caused by high intensity macro and micro focused ultrasound treatment: a case report

BackgroundHigh Intensity Macro and Micro Focused Ultrasound ( HIFU) is a safe and effective method for the treatment of skin laxity. However, the application of high-intensity focused ultrasound energy on eyelids has been associated with potential ocular complications including traumatic cataract, iridocyclitis, and conjunctival hemorrhage, among others.Case presentationA 40-year-old female developed blurred vision in her left eye after receiving HIFU treatment on binocular eyelids, and her left far vision was 20/66. The examination revealed left eye iris depigmentation and conjunctival hemorrhage. Both eyes exhibited multiple white streaking or tadpole-shaped opacities in the lenses.ConclusionExcessive ultrasonic energy generated by HIFU can cause protein denaturation, leading to conditions such as traumatic cataract, visual impairment, injuries to the iris and conjunctiva when applied to the eyes. We recommend that individuals undergoing cosmetic treatment in the periorbital region should be highly aware of the possible ocular side effects.