Firas Al-Niaimi

Patterns of Reactions to Red Pigment Tattoo and Treatment Methods

Tattoos are common and used extensively as either body art or cosmetic make-up; more rarely, they can be traumatic in nature. We have systemically analysed the literature for the patterns of red pigment tattoo reactions and their treatment options. Our search identified 18 articles; there was 1 non-randomised controlled trial, and the rest were small case studies. In total 139 patients were included within the studies. This review systematically analyses the different subsets of red tattoo reactions including lichenoid, dermatitis, granulomatous, pseudolymphomatous and miscellaneous reactions. The current evidence for the treatment for the above is presented. Dermatitis and lichenoid reactions appear to be the most common subtype of red pigment reactions with various treatment methods applied showing laser intervention to have some degree of success.

Use of nicotinamide in dermatology

Nicotinamide (niacinamide) is the water‐soluble, amide form of vitamin B3. We review the evidence underlying the use of nicotinamide for various dermatological indications, including nonmelanoma cancer prophylaxis, blistering disorders, acne vulgaris and cosmetic indications, and speculate upon its future role in dermatological practice.

The use of picosecond lasers beyond tattoos.

Picosecond lasers are a novel laser with the ability to create a pulse of less than one nanosecond. They have been available in the clinical context since 2012. Dermatologists are now using picosecond lasers regularly for the treatment of blue and green pigment tattoo removal. This article reviews the use of picosecond lasers beyond tattoo removal. The overall consensus for the use of picosecond lasers beyond tattoo treatment is positive. With examples of this in the treatment of nevus of Ota, minocycline-induced pigmentation, acne scarring, and rhytides.

Acne vulgaris and light-based therapies

Abstract Acne vulgaris is a common condition which remains challenging to treat in some cases. Laser and light-based therapies offer an alternative to medical therapies with the advantage of high compliance and relatively low side-effect profile. Light-based therapies in acne exert their effects through photochemical, photothermal, or a combination of both mechanisms. This article explains the mode of action for each light-based modality and examines the current evidence in this field.

Fractional radiofrequency treatment in acne scars: Systematic review of current evidence

Fractional radiofrequency (FRF) is renowned for its use in cosmetic dermatology, with regard to the treatment of rhytides, striae, scarring and cellulite. We have systemically analysed its evidence for the use of FRF in acne scars. Our search identified 15 articles, one single-blinded randomised controlled trial, two split-face trials and thirteen prospective clinical studies, mostly single-centred. Case reports were excluded. In total 362 patients were treated. The longest follow-up was for 210 days, and on average the follow-up was for three months, varying between one and seven months. This review has found that there are many small studies showing promising results for the use of FRF in acne scars, either as an adjunct or more importantly as the sole treatment. There is however a need for larger trials against ablative and non-ablative lasers, in order to affirm the evidence present already. This is the first systematic review on the use of FRF in acne scars.

Acute Kidney Injury Due to Interaction of Methyl-1- testosterone with Ciclosporin Metabolism in a Patient with Severe Atopic Dermatitis

Ciclosporin is widely used in a number of inflammatory disorders and has the potential for drug interactions. We report here a case of acute kidney injury due to the interaction of ciclosporin with methyl-1-testosterone. This has not been previously reported and it is relevant as methyl-1-testosterone can be purchased online. Physicians should be aware of any over the counter or online purchased “supplements” and consider possible drug interactions.

Non-cosmetic dermatological uses of botulinum neurotoxin

Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) is renowned for its inhibitory effects on the neuromuscular junction. The evidence for its use in cosmetic dermatology and in non‐dermatological indications is well established. We have systemically analysed the evidence for the non‐cosmetic dermatological uses of BoNT. This review presents the many small studies showing promising results for the use of BoNT in a multitude of dermatological diseases, including (but not limited to) hyperhidrosis, Dariers disease, Hailey–Hailey disease, pompholyx and hidradenitis suppurativa. There is, however, the need for larger, double‐blinded randomized control trials against established treatments to cement the evidence base underlying the use of BoNT in dermatology.

The use of lasers in Becker's naevus: An evidence-based review

Beckers naevus is a hamartoma that often appears during puberty. Clinically this presents with a pigmented and often hairy patch most often on the shoulders. Treatment has always been challenging and lasers are often used with mixed results. This article reviews the evidence of all the laser treatments used in Beckers naevus and analyses the findings from the published studies and trials.

Photodynamic therapy followed by Mohs micrographic surgery compared to Mohs micrographic surgery alone for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma: Results of a pilot single-blinded randomised controlled trial

Introduction: Basal cell carcinoma is a common cutaneous malignant tumour. Surgical excision is the “gold standard” treatment for most subtypes, with Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) offering the highest cure rate. Other treatment modalities used include photodynamic therapy (PDT). Background: We aimed to study the efficacy of combining MMS with PDT to see whether this would reduce the number of stages and final defect size when compared with MMS alone. Materials and Methods: Our study was a single-centre, single-blinded, randomised and controlled pilot study involving a total of 19 patients. Nine patients were randomised to pre-treatment with PDT followed by MMS of whom two withdrew; the remaining 10 patients were randomised to the MMS alone. Follow-up visits were arranged at 3 and 6 months post-surgery. Results: In the PDT arm, five out of the seven treated patients (71%) had their initial tumour size decreased following PDT treatment prior to MMS. The average number of stages in the PDT arm was 1.85, compared to 2.5 in the MMS arm. The average number of sections in the PDT arm was 4.2, in comparison to 5.2 in the MMS arm. Conclusion: Our pilot study showed a promising but limited role for PDT as an adjunct in MMS in the treatment of selected cases of basal cell carcinomas. Larger trials, preferably multi-centred are required to further examine the role of this combination therapy.

The role of fillers in the management of acne scars

Acne scars are present in 95% of patients with acne, and can cause profound psychosocial morbidity. Fillers are commonly used for facial soft tissue augmentation, and there is increasing interest in their use for the treatment of acne scars, particularly for the atrophic subtype. We review the evidence for the use of temporary, semi‐permanent and permanent fillers for acne scars. The use of permanent methylmethacrylate fillers for acne scarring is supported by a randomized controlled trial, and is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration. There is initial evidence supporting the use of poly‐L‐lactic acid and hyaluronic acid fillers, but evidence is still lacking about the use of polyacrylamide and polyalkylimide fillers.