Journal of cosmetic dermatology
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Striae gravidarum is a form of scarring on the skin observed during pregnancy and can cause serious cosmetic problems. Striae gravidarum may be influenced by hormonal changes, although the etiology is not clear. The aim of this study was to investigate whether body mass index (BMI) and serum collagenase-2 levels in pregnant women are related to the development of striae gravidarum. ⋯ Pregnant women with striae gravidarum had increased serum collagenase-2 and BMI levels when compared to pregnant women without striae gravidarum and healthy controls (P < 0.05). The increase in serum collagenase-2 levels was related to the development of striae gravidarum alone, or secondary to BMI increase.
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Hypertrophic scarring is seen regularly. Tissue penetration of laser energy into hypertrophic scars using computer defaults from some lasers may be insufficient and penetration not enough. We have developed a treatment with an interrupted laser "drilling" by the Ultrapulse CO2 (Manual Fractional Technology, MFT) and, a second pass, with fractional CO2 . The MFT with fractional CO2 lasers to treat hypertrophic scars is evaluated. ⋯ The interrupted laser drilling by MFT and a fractional CO2 laser had profound effects on the hypertrophic scars treated. It works by increasing the penetration depth of the CO2 laser in the scar tissue, exerting more precise effects on the hypertrophic scars. MFT combined with fractional CO2 laser has the potential to be a major advance in the treatment of hypertrophic scars.
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Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Evaluation of salicylic acid peeling in comparison with topical tretinoin in the treatment of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is an acquired hyperpigmentation that involves areas of prior cutaneous inflammation. In addition to prevention, there are a variety of medications and procedures used to treat PIH. ⋯ Combination treatment modality is believed to be preferred in the treatment of PIH due to its higher efficacy than single treatment alone, with well tolerability, less side effects, and low recurrence rate.
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Sulforaphane (SFN), a natural compound occurring in cruciferous vegetables, has been known for years as a chemopreventive agent against many types of cancer. Recently, it has been investigated as an antioxidant and anti-aging agent, and interesting conclusions have been made over the last decade. SFN demonstrated protective effects against ultraviolet (UV)-induced skin damage through several mechanisms of action, for example, decrease of reactive oxygen species production, inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase expression, and induction of phase 2 enzymes. SFN used as a protective agent against UV damage is a whole new matter, and it seems to be a very promising ingredient in upcoming anti-aging drugs and cosmetics.