Skin Sensitivity Research Articles

The effects of long-pulsed alexandrite laser therapy on facial redness and skin microbiota compositions in rosacea: Aprospective, multicentre, single-arm clinical trial.

Rosacea is a chronic skin disorder characterised by abnormal neurovasculature and inflammation in the central region of the face. The efficacy of pulsed-dye laser and intense pulsed light treatments for rosacea have been demonstrated in several clinical trials. However, there is currently no research on the efficacy of long-pulsed alexandrite laser (LPAL) therapy alone for rosacea-related facial redness and its effect on skin microbiota. To evaluate the efficacy of LPAL therapy on facial redness in rosacea and assess changes in skin microbiota composition. Subjects with rosacea (n = 21, mean age: 39.2 ± 11.3 years) were recruited from two medical institutions and received monthly LPAL treatments (Clarity II™, Lutronic Corp.) for 3 months. At each visit, clinical photographs were taken, and erythema was measured using a spectrometer. At the initial and final visits, the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Skin Sensitivity Questionnaire (SSQ) were evaluated. Skin swabs were obtained at the initial and final visit, and facial microbiome composition was analysed using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. After three LPAL treatment sessions, the average facial erythema index, measured using Mexameter® decreased significantly from 360.0 ± 96.7 at baseline to 312.0 ± 94.5 at the final visit (p < .05). The DLQI and SSQ showed significant improvement of symptoms. Skin microbiome diversity and relative abundance were altered significantly, particularly in the genera Clostridium, Lawsonella, Bacteroides, and Lactobacillus. LPAL therapy alone showed favourable efficacy for the treatment of facial redness in rosacea, with some impacts on the skin microbiota composition.

The scourge of Rat lungworm disease in Continental Europe, an emerging parasite

In Europe, rat lungworm diseases have so far been reported exclusively at the insular level, specifically in Rattus norvegicus and R. rattus rats in Tenerife (the Canary Islands) and Atelerix algirus hedgehogs in Mallorca (the Balearic Islands). Researchers in Spain detected the parasite, the rat lungworm (Angiostrongylus cantonensis), in two different species of rats near the port of Valencia and also several kilometres from the coast. This suggests a wide distribution of rat lungworms in the city of Valencia and other European cities. Infected rats (and snails) travel by ship, which could transfer the parasite between continents and countries. Major features of rat lungworm disease are the central nervous system manifestations and complications, which include severe headache, stiffness of the neck and back, skin tingling, pain and sensitivity, sensitivity to light, hallucinations, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes coma and death that could arise from the disease. Preventive measures like health education about the signs and symptoms of the disease, a high index of suspicion by the clinicians, prompt investigations and symptomatic treatments, as well as limitations on complications, should be the ultimate goal. Nevertheless there is still a need for more research studies to be carried out on rat lungworm disease in Europe.

Effects of different metabolic rates on thermal comfort in a warmer thermal environment

As the global greenhouse effect intensifies, the urban heat island effect becomes increasingly severe; consequently, people are exposed to high-temperature and metabolically intensive thermal environments. The issue of thermal safety is becoming increasingly serious. This study investigated the human thermal comfort requirements at different temperatures and metabolic rates. Twenty participants were made to perform four tasks at four ambient temperatures (Ta; 28, 30, 32, and 34 °C) and metabolic rate levels (2.4, 3.2, 4.0, and 4.4 met), and their physiological reactions, symptoms, and responses to subjective thermal comfort were continuously measured. The results revealed that 15.2% of the participants exhibited adverse symptoms when Ta = 28 °C, whereas 53.2% of the participants exhibited adverse symptoms when Ta = 34 °C. The symptoms included intense sweating, facial heat, rapid heartbeat, dyspnea, chest tightness, feebleness, general weakness, blurry vision, skin sensitivity, and nausea. Prolonged exercise in high-temperature environments may affect the body's heat resistance, resulting in discomfort such as fatigue, headaches, and nausea. Furthermore, participants with high metabolic rates preferred higher wind speeds and lower humidity to improve their thermal comfort in warmer thermal environments. The results offer valuable insights towards mitigating heat exposure-related occupational health risks during work or exercise in high-temperature environments.

Enhanced Mechanical Strength of Metal Ion-Doped MXene-Based Double-Network Hydrogels for Highly Sensitive and Durable Flexible Sensors.

Development of conductive hydrogels with high sensitivity and excellent mechanical properties remains a challenge for constructing flexible sensor devices. Herein, a universal strategy is presented for enhancing the mechanical strength of Mxene-based double-network hydrogels through metal ion coordination effects. Polyacrylamide (PAM)/sodium alginate (SA)/Mxene double-network (PSM-DN) hydrogels were prepared by metal ion impregnation of PAM/SA/Mxene (PSM) hydrogels. High electrical conductivity is achieved due to MXene nanosheets, while the strong coordination bond between metal ions and SA constructs a second network that increases the mechanical strength of the hydrogel by an order of magnitude. Mechanical tests demonstrated that the elastic modulus of hydrogels matches that of human tissues. Hence, they can be used as a highly sensitive electronic skin sensor to recognize the movement of different joints in humans and also as a pressure sensing interface to recognize characters for anticounterfeiting and information transfer. This work can promote the practical application of conductive hydrogels in high-tech fields, such as flexible electronic skin and interface interaction.

Assessment of sunscreen effects in photosensitivity under UV exposure during COVID-19 pandemic

The aim of this work was to assess the effects of typical and optimal use of sunscreens in photosensitivity under UV exposure during the COVID-19 pandemic. First, a cross-sectional study was conducted among 384 participants to find out about photosensitivity in COVID-19 pandemic using a validated questionnaire involving demographic characteristics and Fitzpatrick skin type to measure skin phototypes that also included information about skin reactions upon sun exposure, the incidence of photosensitivity, and photoprotection behaviour. It was further extended by finding photosensitivity among 200 medical staff and patients that were recovered from COVID-19 infection. Next, the study involved 22 participants in two groups: optimal use with 2 mg per cm2 sunscreen and typical use for 7 days. The sunscreen used was an SPF 50+ product with various ingredients. Instrumental measurements were taken at baseline and 7th day visits to quantify skin melanin and erythema values. 54.9 % of participants had a history of photosensitivity, skin redness after sun exposure (38.0 %), skin protection (74.2 %), always using sunscreen (21.1 %), and applying sunscreen twice a day (12.2 %). A significant association between age, photoprotection behaviour, and photosensitivity was found. The incidence rate of photosensitivity in the population was 90/1000. 63.5 % of the participants agreed to specific skin related manifestations of COVID-19; preventive measures for COVID-19 infection made their skin sensitive (65 %); enhanced photosensitivity of the skin after taking preventive measures (53.5 %); use of hand sanitizers made their skin sensitive (63.5 %); and use of sunscreens was helpful in treating photosensitivity (58.5 %). In addition, there was a decrease in skin melanin and erythema values with optimal use of sunscreen and an increase in skin melanin and erythema values with typical use of sunscreen. When the paired sample t test was applied, the result was found to be significant. It was determined that the COVID-19 pandemic had a high incidence of photosensitivity. Skin sensitivity was increased by using hand sanitizers. Additionally, it is important to prioritise using sunscreen optimally to avoid skin photosensitization. More work on large numbers of participants of different populations in various regions is required in the direction of population guidance.

Artificial intelligence analysis of over a million Chinese men and women reveals level of dark circle in the facial skin aging process.

To better compare the progression of dark circles and the aging process in Chinese skin. A total of 100589 Chinese males and 1838997 Chinese females aged 18 to 85, without facial skin conditions, and who had access to a smartphone with a high-resolution camera all took selfies. Using a smartphone application with a built-in artificial intelligence algorithm, facial skin diagnostic evaluated the selfies and score the severity of the dark circles with four other facial indicators (including skin type, Pores, Acne vulgaris, and Blackheads). Basic information was collected with online questionnaire, including their age, gender, skin sensitivity, and dietary habits. In users between the age of 18 and 59, the prevalence of comprehensive, pigmented, and structural type of dark circles all rose with age. However, between the age of 60 and 85, the intensity of all types of dark circles diminished. Besides, vascular dark circles progressively worsen from the age of 18 to their peak at 39, and then gradually decline with age. Females typically have more pronounced black circles under their eyes than males in China. Bad eating habits, urbanization, regular cosmetics use, and sensitive skin positively correlate with severe dark circles. Vascular, comprehensive dark circles were worse in spring. Both pigmented and structural dark circles were worse in the summer. The results indicated that the intensity of dark circles was influenced by oily skin, wide pores, severe blackheads, and severe acne. Chinese men and women differed noticeably in the prevalence of each face aging indicator and the appearance of aging dark circles. Selfies could be automatically graded and examined by artificial intelligence, which is a quick and private method for quantifying signs of facial aging and identifying major problems for different populations. Artificial intelligence would assist in the development of individualized preventive and therapeutic interventions.

Cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol and colloidal oatmeal-based gentle skin cleanser in management of dry and sensitive skin: a cross-sectional study

Background: Effective skin cleansing is vital for maintaining skin health and appearance. An ideal skin cleaner retains moisture, removes oils, sweat, and dirt without causing irritation or dehydration. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, tolerability and usage trends of a gentle skin cleanser containing cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol and colloidal oatmeal for individuals having dry and sensitive skin. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review at 102 centres, focusing on individuals aged 18 to 65 years with atopic dermatitis and dry skin conditions who required the use of gentle skin cleanser. Total 568 cases were taken; 488 cases of dry and sensitive skin were further analysed over a 2-week study period. Results: Gentle skin cleanser exhibited significant reduction (p&lt;0.0001) in skin dryness, itchiness and irritation by 4.42±1.92 (63.38%), 4.03±2.71 (49.38%) and 4.44±2.07 (65.58%) respectively in participants with dry skin and by 4.25±1.48 (58.49%), 3.26±3.22 (18.02%) and 4.42±1.56 (63.23%) in participants with sensitive skin after its regular usage. Participants provided positive feedback and expressed overall satisfaction with the study product. Conclusions: Skin cleanser was efficacious and well-tolerable in participants in providing moisturizing, soothing, exfoliating, and antioxidant effects making it a preferred primary choice for managing dry and sensitive skin. The cleanser effectively cleansed excess oil, dirt, dead cells, microorganisms, and sweat providing a gentle and mild experience, in daily skin care.

Dual-adhesive and self-healing alginate-based hydrogel for wound healing

Some of the wound dressings on the market cause skin tearing and bleeding when removed, slowing the healing process. So, it is difficult to treat infected wounds of sensitive skin patients. Herein, antibacterial and biocompatibility self-healing hydrogel loaded with 9-Aminoacridine and kanamycin sulfate were prepared by grafting poly(β-carboxyethyl acrylate-co-acrylamide) onto sodium alginate. The biological assay demonstrated the hydrogels’ good biocompatibility, which showed no harmful effects on normal human melanocyte cells. In addition, the hydrogels had a powerful antibacterial impact on the various bacterial strains utilized in the investigation. From the study of the rheological properties of the prepared hydrogel, it was found that it is a non-Newtonian fluid. These results suggest the possible utilization of the as-prepared hydrogels in the fabrication of wound healing.

Broad-Range-Response Battery-Type All-in-one Self-Powered Stretchable Pressure-Sensitive Electronic Skin.

Highly sensitive self-powered stretchable electronic skins with the capability of detecting broad-range dynamic and static pressures are urgently needed with the increasing demands for miniaturized wearable electronics, robots, artificial intelligence, etc. However, it remains a great challenge to achieve this kind of electronic skins. Here, unprecedented battery-type all-in-one self-powered stretchable electronic skins with a novel structure composed of pressure-sensitive elastic vanadium pentoxide (V2 O5 ) nanowire-based porous cathode, elastic porous polyurethane /carbon nanotube/polypyrrole anode, and polyacrylamideionic gel electrolyte are reported. A new battery-type self-powered pressure sensing mechanism involving the output current variation caused by the resistance variation of the electrodes and electrolytes under external pressure is revealed. The battery-type self-powered electronic skins combining high sensitivity, broad response range (1.8Pa-1.5MPa), high fatigue resistance, and excellent stability against stretching (50% tensile strain) are achieved for the first time. This work provides a new and versatile battery-type sensing strategy for the design of next-generation all-in-one self-powered miniaturized sensors and electronic skins.

Studies on the formulation and functionality of an innovative line of topical products for atopic skin

Dermocosmetics are products intended for sensitive and problematic skin. They are a good solution for additional care of skin affected by conditions such as atopic dermatitis, acne, psoriasis, or for couperose skin. The compounds of particular importance in the care of atopic skin include ceramides, ectoine, hyaluronic acid, vitamins A and E, as well as natural vegetable oils. The aim of this work was to develop a qualitative and quantitative approach and to investigate the characteristics of formulations such as a face cream, a topical cream, a body lotion, and a cleansing foam, dedicated to patients with atopic dermatitis. The newly developed cosmetic formulations showed good physical and chemical characteristics, typical of this type of product. They were also structurally and microbiologically stable during storage at various temperatures. Dermatological tests did not reveal any irritating or allergenic properties. The best data were obtained for the face cream, namely improvement of skin hydration by 21.88%, reduction of transepidermal water loss by 15.86%, alleviation of erythema by 15.77%, and of skin sensitivity by 17.20%. This work resulted in the preparation of innovative dermocosmetics to be used for atopic skin. The cosmetics have a unique composition and delicate formula, show high biofunctionality, and meet all the requirements for cosmetic products intended for marketing.

Incidence of Skin Sensitivity Following Dermabond Application in Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery.

Dermabond (Dermabond; Ethicon, Sommerville, NJ), is a skin adhesive commonly utilized in pediatric orthopedic surgery for postoperative wound care. Few studies have examined outcomes of Dermabond exposure in children. The purpose of this study is to estimate the incidence of skin reactions following Dermabond exposure in pediatric orthopedic surgery and investigate potential risk factors associated with Dermabond sensitivity. This was a retrospective study of a level-one pediatric trauma center. All orthopaedic surgeries in 2019 were screened for Dermabond application. Three surgeons with the highest rates of Dermabond application defined our cohort. Out of 2990 surgeries in 2019, the 3 surgeons performed 234 surgeries with Dermabond. Postoperative reactions and repeat Dermabond exposures were collected for these 234 patients. Subjects with known allergies to Dermabond were excluded. Reactions were defined. as discoloration, irritation, and wound dehiscence. Significant differences between patients with repeat Dermabond exposures and those without were determined using χ 2 analysis. Associations between patient characteristics and sensitivity were determined using logistic regression analysis. P values less than 0.05 were considered significant. In all, 234 patients were included for analysis. The mean age at surgery was 12.5 years (SD 6.1), and 39% (92/234) of the cohort was male. Thirty-two patients (14%) experienced skin reactions during the study period (95% CI=7%-19%). Reactions most frequently included. erythema (10/32; 31%) and itchiness (10/32; 31%). Reactions were most frequently treated with oral antibiotics, Benadryl, or a dressing change. Of 144 patients with 1 Dermabond exposure, 17 (12%) experienced reactions (95% CI=7%-18%). Of 128 patients experiencing a repeat Dermabond exposure, 27 (21%) experienced reactions (95% CI=19%-34%, P =0.03). Age, surgical procedure, and surgical location were not, associated with a variable rate of sensitivity. Sensitivity to Dermabond after pediatric orthopedic surgery occurred at a higher rate than seen in adults, and patients with multiple Dermabond exposures experienced significantly higher sensitivity than patients with a single exposure. Increased awareness of this potential complication is needed to help inform decisions regarding Dermabond's application in pediatric orthopedics.

Effects of a lotion containing probiotic ferment lysate as the main functional ingredient on enhancing skin barrier: a randomized, self-control study

There is an emergent need to develop functional cosmetic ingredients for the topical management of skin barrier function. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a lotion containing fermented lysates VHProbi® Mix R for enhancing the skin barrier. In vitro studies demonstrated that fermented cultures of both Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus VHProbi® E06 (E06) and L. paracasei VHProbi® E12 (E12) had antioxidant capacity, showing promising scavenging capability for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl. The antioxidant capacity of these strains was also demonstrated in the model of Caenorhabditis elegans. In addition, the fermented lysates of both E06 and E12 enhanced the proliferation of HaCaT cells and ameliorated the toxicity induced by Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, hydrogen peroxide, and ultraviolet B radiation in the HaCaT cell models, which simulated the irritants that facial sensitive skin is exposed to. Subsequently, the ingredient VHProbi® Mix R was formulated using four kinds of fermented lysates: E06, E12, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum VHProbi® E15, and Lactobacillus helveticus VHProbi® Y21. A clinical study was conducted to investigate whether a lotion containing VHProbi® Mix R would be beneficial for people to enhance skin barrier. The participants were asked to use the investigational product for 30 days. Several indicators, including transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin moisturization, and redness were measured at day 0 and day 30 using VISIA®-CR and CK®-MPA systems. Meanwhile, the burden of sensitive skin (BoSS) and self-assessment questionnaires were performed at baseline and endpoint of this study. The study data showed that at day 30, there was a significant decrease in TEWL (P < 0.01), redness measured by CK®-MPA (P < 0.01), and redness profile measured by VISIA®-CR compared with the baseline measurements. Skin moisturization had significantly increased after treatment with the lotion for 30 days. BoSS and self-assessment questionnaires also substantiated that the participants felt a markedly positive change in their sensitive skin. Hence, we hypothesize that applying the topical functional VHProbi® Mix R could confer effective benefits for people with sensitive skin and this represents a promising intervention for enhancing skin barrier.

Vakuumo procedūrų poveikis brandžiai veido odai

This article analyzes the problem of mature facial skin and the importance of the lymphatic system for the condition of mature facial skin. The effect of a course of vacuum facial lymphatic drainage massage procedures on the changes in two women's mature facial skin indicators such as moisture, elasticity level, wrinkle depth, pigmentation level, pore size and skin sensitivity was evaluated. After the course of procedures for both subjects, the highest positive changes was found in the assessment of moisture and elasticity indicators - they rose by more than 70 percent. The skin looked visually younger, wrinkles were reduced, especially the network of mimic wrinkles. However, the size of the pores remained unchanged, the pigment spots lightened minimally. Keywords: vacuum procedures, lymphatic drainage, lymph, mature skin.

Effectiveness of various organic peels in facial rejuvenation and treatment of sensitive skin

The problems with adverse effects of conventional treatments for a range of dermatological conditions have led scientists to search for new compounds of therapeutic value. Efforts have included the evaluation of natural products such as manuka honey, black olives, citrus extracts , pumpkin enzyme extracts for example, has been scientifically recognized for its anti-microbial and skin rejuvenation properties and is now used clinically as a part of medi-facials or as basic low strength peels for skin rejuvenation and for those with sensitive skin. We evaluated the effects of various organic peels on sixty patients over a period of six months by using a grading scale for following skin characteristics post peel procedure; smoothness, firmness, even coloration, normal texture and absence of active skin infections. The overall score in current study was showed that the effectiveness of mandelic peel was more when compared with other organic peels which showed significant difference (p value 0.033). Keywords: sensitive skin; organic peels; medifacials; black olive; manuka honey; pumpkin peel; citrus peel; chemical peels

Pimecrolimus 1% cream for mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis with a focus on children and sensitive skin areas.

This systematic literature review (SLR) and meta-analysis assessed the efficacy and safety of pimecrolimus vs other topical treatments in patients with mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis (AD), focusing on children and sensitive skin areas. An SLR was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Library databases on January 15th, 2020, to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with pimecrolimus as a study arm. Another SLR performed on October 5th, 2020 identified RCTs with a crisaborole study arm. Direct pair-wise meta-analysis was used to compare pimecrolimus with vehicle, tacrolimus or topical corticosteroids (TCS; n = 27 studies). Outcomes included Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) score 0/1 up to week 6 and adverse events. Pimecrolimus was more efficacious than vehicle in achieving IGA 0/1 up to week 6 in children, and similar safety profiles were observed with pimecrolimus and vehicle in children and the mixed population, including on sensitive skin. No significant differences in efficacy and safety were observed between pimecrolimus and tacrolimus 0.03%. Efficacy and safety were similar for pimecrolimus and mild medium potency TCS; mildly potent steroids caused transient epidermal thinning in sensitive skin areas (not seen with pimecrolimus). Pimecrolimus can be considered as a first-line option for mild-to-moderate AD, particularly in children and sensitive skin areas.

Hand Prosthesis Sensorimotor Control Inspired by the Human Somatosensory System

Prosthetic hand systems aim at restoring lost functionality in amputees. Manipulation and grasping are the main functions of the human hand, which are provided by skin sensitivity capable of protecting the hand from damage and perceiving the external environment. The present study aims at proposing a novel control strategy which improves the ability of the prosthetic hand to interact with the external environment by fostering the interaction of tactile (forces and slipping) and thermoceptive sensory information and by using them to guarantee grasp stability and improve user safety. The control strategy is based on force control with an internal position loop and slip detection, which is able to manage temperature information thanks to the interaction with objects at different temperatures. This architecture has been tested on a prosthetic hand, i.e., the IH2 Azzurra developed by Prensilia s.r.l, in different temperature and slippage conditions. The prosthetic system successfully performed the grasping tasks by managing the tactile and thermal information simultaneously. In particular, the system is able to guarantee a stable grasp during the execution of the tasks. Additionally, in the presence of an external stimulus (thermal or slippage), the prosthetic hand is able to react and always reacts to the stimulus instantaneously (reaction times ≤ 0.04 s, comparable to the one of the human being), regardless of its nature and in accordance with the control strategy. In this way, the prosthetic device is protected from damaging temperatures, the user is alerted of a dangerous situation and the stability of the grasp is restored in the event of a slip.

Heat stimuli test by infrared reveals rosacea as a heat sensitive skin disorder

Heat stimuli test by infrared reveals rosacea as a heat sensitive skin disorder

Chromosome-Level Genome Assembly of Protosalanx chinensis and Response to Air Exposure Stress.

Protosalanx chinensis is a suitable particular species for genetic studies on nearly scaleless skin, transparency and high sensitivity to hypoxia stress. Here, we generated a high-quality chromosome-level de novo assembly of P. chinensis. The final de novo assembly yielded 379.47 Mb with 28 pseudo-chromosomes and a scaffold N50 length of 14.52 Mb. In total, 21,074 protein-coding genes were predicted. P. chinensis, Esox lucius and Hypomesus transpacificus had formed a clade, which diverged about 115.5 million years ago. In the air exposure stress experiment, we found that some genes play an essential role during P. chinensis hypoxia, such as bhlh, Cry1, Clock, Arntl and Rorb in the circadian rhythm pathway. These genomic data offer a crucial foundation for P. chinensis ecology and adaptation studies, as well as a deeper understanding of the response to air exposure stress.

Burden of treatment in severe acne vulgaris

AbstractBackgroundAcne is associated with a significant burden of disease related to the visual impact of facial lesions, symptoms such as pain, and sequelae such as scarring. However, little research has been performed on the acne‐specific burden of treatment (BOT), defined as the workload of healthcare as well as its impact on functioning and well‐being.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to examine the BOT of moderate‐severe acne.MethodsA prospective study was performed in our tertiary dermatology department. Patients attending the dermatology department with moderate‐severe acne (defined as an Investigator's Global Assessment of acne severity of 3 or 4) were invited to complete a validated BOT questionnaire, modified for use in acne, with additional qualitative components.ResultsOf 50 patients, 68% were female, with a mean age of 22.6 years (range 16‐45 years). Most (82%, n = 41) patients were on isotretinoin, with 18% (n = 9) on oral antibiotics. The average BOT was 4.2/10 (range 0–8.2) for topical therapies, 4.5/10 (range 2.7–6.8) for oral antibiotics, and 3.8/10 (range 0.69–6.9) for isotretinoin. From qualitative statements, the greatest burdens reported with topical treatment were unpleasant sensations, skin sensitivity, skin dryness, and lack of efficacy; with antibiotic therapy were the requirement for long‐term treatment, limited efficacy, and side‐effects including gastrointestinal upset; and with isotretinoin therapy were cheilitis and xerosis, cost, and need for blood tests. However, 58% (n = 29) of patients believed their overall BOT was decreased with isotretinoin, and 18% (n = 9) felt that it was unchanged with isotretinoin, with statements such as “the side effects can be tough, but the result is definitely worth it.”ConclusionsThe BOT associated with oral isotretinoin is similar or lower to topical therapies and oral antibiotics. This should be taken into consideration when optimizing the care of patients with acne.

Improving rat welfare through the development of a peribulbar anaesthesia technique for ophthalmic procedures: A preliminary study.

Rats are a commonly used animal model for the study of the pathogenesis and novel treatments of glaucoma, which is induced experimentally using invasive, painful procedures. Peribulbar anaesthesia (PBA) is frequently used in people and domestic animals prior to ophthalmic surgeries to provide excellent perioperative analgesia. Our goal was to develop a PBA technique adapted to rat anatomy, improving the welfare of animals used as a model for glaucoma. Eighteen rat cadavers (n = 36 eyes) were used to establish the optimal needle insertion location. Five injection techniques using 0.1 mL/100 g lidocaine 2% and a contrast agent (1:1 volume ratio) were compared via computed tomography (CT). CT images were scored for injectate distribution at four locations: extraconal, intraconal, around the optic nerve and at the orbital fissure (scale 0-8, where 0 = none and 8 = excellent). Median scores using the dorso-medial-75° (5; range 2-6) and medial-canthus (4.5; range 2-8) injection techniques were not different from the dorso-medial-45° (4; range 3-6) technique and were higher (better distribution) compared with mid-ventral (3; range 2-5) and ventro-lateral (2; range 1-3) techniques. The two superior techniques were used in two experimental rats (n = 4 eyes) to determine the volume of bupivacaine 0.5% necessary to affect corneal touch threshold (CTT) and periocular skin sensitivity (PSS). A volume of 0.05 mL/100 g decreased CTT and PSS for several hours, while a larger volume produced excessively long effects. Dorso-medial-75° or medial-canthus PBA using 0.05 mL/100 g bupivacaine are likely to provide ocular and periocular analgesia in rats, with minor transient adverse effects.