Atopic dermatitis: correlation between non-damaged skin barrier function and disease activity

Background Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic dermatosis, predominant in childhood, characterized by pruritus and eczematous-type lesions with xerosis as the prominent clinical sign. Objectives To analyze the correlation between biophysical measurements of skin barrier function and other assessment criteria of clinical severity according to Rajka and Langelands criteria. Methods Biophysical measurements [transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and corneometry] were obtained from 120 patients with the diagnosis of AD. Serum levels of IgE were also evaluated. Results A significant correlation between corneometry, TEWL, and clinical severity of AD was found. Data showed an inverse correlation between corneometry, TEWL, and AD severity, and a significant difference (P < 0.001) between mean of corneometry and TEWL and AD severity (mild, moderate, and severe). As for IgE levels, corneometry had significant negative correlation, in contrast with TEWL, which showed a significant positive correlation (P < 0.001). Conclusion Biophysical measurements of skin barrier in non-lesional skin of AD may work as an evaluation factor for AD severity

Sunscreen lotions in the dermatological prescription: review of concepts and controversies

The skin is regularly exposed to several environmental aggressions, including solar radiation, whose biological effects can induce sunburn, dyschromia, skin aging and cancer. Among the photoprotection measures, sunscreens comprise a relevant part of the strategy aimed to prevent solar radiation damage and, for effective action, the patient must adhere to the product use and the latter, in turn, must follow technical parameters to promote adequate protection. This review article brings together the most current and relevant concepts about photoprotection for dermatological use, including the challenges for their formulation, the risks of certain photoprotective active substances for individual and environmental safety and the importance of stringency in determining the product efficacy, considering the regulatory aspects, highlighting relevant differences between Brazil and other countries. Thus, when assessing a sunscreen, not only the visual aspects and sensory perception will be immediately evaluated, but also the quality and suitability of the vehicle, the chemical composition of the formulation, the environmental risks, the photostability of the screening system, and the measurement of its protection spectrum. Technical knowledge of sunscreens can help dermatologists in this important role of educating patients about the best photoprotective strategies in each situation.Grupo MEDCIN (Centro de Pesquisa Clínica)Dermatology Faculdade de Ciências Médicas Universidade do Estado do Rio de JaneiroDermatology Universidade de São Paulo (USP)Cancer Center Beneficência Portuguesa de São PauloDermatology Service Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO)Policlínica Geral do Rio de Janeiro (PGRJ)Clinical Immunology Service Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ)Dermatology Service Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São PauloDermatology Department Faculty of Medicine Universidade Estadual PaulistaDermatology Department Faculty of Medicine Universidade Estadual Paulist

Acne da mulher adulta: aspectos epidemiológicos, diagnósticos e terapêuticos Acne in adult women: epidemiological, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects

FUNDAMENTOS: A acne da mulher adulta (AMA) é uma dermatose de incidência crescente; o hiperandrogenismo está presente em muitos casos, mas há pacientes sem anormalidades hormonais. OBJETIVO: Analisar as características prevalentes na mulher adulta com acne sem hiperandrogenismo. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Um levantamento de 226 prontuários com queixa de AMA foi realizado; 116 pacientes (51,3%) possuíam perfil hormonal normal e, portanto, foram incluídas no estudo. Foram pesquisados idade, etnia, perfil clínico da acne, exames complementares, tratamentos anteriores, tratamentos prescritos e evolução. RESULTADOS: A média das idades foi de 33,9 anos e o grau clínico predominante foi o inflamatório moderado (grau II); a face foi a área mais acometida. Os retinoides tópicos foram as drogas mais prescritas, e a medicação sistêmica foi indicada em 53,4% das pacientes. A regressão total foi observada em 31 pacientes (26,7%) até 12 semanas de tratamento. Houve reação adversa ao tratamento tópico em 21,5% das pacientes. CONCLUSÃO: O quadro clínico da AMA em pacientes sem hiperandrogenismo é de moderada intensidade, com predomínio de lesões inflamatórias. Seu tratamento é similar ao da acne vulgar; entretanto, atenção especial deve ser tomada com medicações de maior potencial irritante, uma vez que esse grupo parece ter uma maior predisposição a irritações cutâneas.<br>BACKGROUND: Adult female acne (AFA) is a dermatosis of increasing incidence; hyperandrogenism is present in many cases, but there are patients without hormonal abnormalities. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the prevalent characteristics in adult women with acne without hyperandrogenism. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A survey of 226 medical records with AFA complaints was conducted; of these, 116 (51.3%) had a normal hormonal profile and were, therefore, included in the study. We investigated age, ethnicity, clinical profile of acne, complementary exams, previous treatment, prescribed treatment and evolution. RESULTS: The mean age was 33.9 years and the predominant clinical grade of acne was moderate inflammatory (grade 2). The face was the most affected area. Topical retinoids were the most prescribed drugs, and systemic medication was prescribed to 53.4% of the patients. Total regression was observed in 31 patients (26.7%) within 12 weeks of treatment. Adverse reactions to topical treatment occurred in 21.5% of the patients. CONCLUSION: The clinical manifestations of AFA in patients without hyperandrogenism are moderate, with predominance of inflammatory lesions. Treatment is similar to that of acne vulgaris; however, special attention should be taken with more irritating medication since this group appears to be more predisposed to skin irritations

Barreira cutânea na dermatite atópica Skin barrier in atopic dermatitis

O estudo da barreira cutânea e de suas propriedades ganhou impulso a partir da década de 60, com estudos que apontaram sua resistência de forma isolada e suas propriedades com relação à permeação cutânea. Paralelamente, a descrição dos corpos de Odland auxiliou a compreensão da manutenção da estabilidade da camada córnea. O modelo brick & mortar, em que os corneócitos são os tijolos e o cimento são os lipídeos intercelulares, é o mais aceito, até o momento. Atualmente, há evidências consistentes de que o estrato córneo é uma estrutura metabolicamente ativa e exerce funções adaptativas. A barreira cutânea também tem um papel na resposta inflamatória, com ativação de melanócitos, angiogênese e fibroplasia, cuja intensidade depende, basicamente, da intensidade da agressão. As anormalidades da barreira cutânea da dermatite atópica são clinicamente observáveis pela presença de pele seca, achado muito frequente e significativo, que constitui parâmetro iagnóstico e de acompanhamento. O grau de hidratação da camada córnea, assim como a perda de água transepidérmica (transepidermal water loss - TEWL), estão relacionados com o grau de dano à barreira, constituindo parâmetros biofísicos que permitem acompanhar os pacientes de maneira não invasiva e com maior grau de sensibilidade.<br>Research about the skin barrier and its properties has increased significantly since the 60s, with studies that indicated its resistance when isolated, as well as its particularities in relation to skin permeability. At the same time, description of Odland bodies helped to understand how stratum corneum stability is maintained. The “brick and mortarâ€� model is the most accepted so far. In this analogy, the corneocytes are the bricks and the intercellular lipids are the mortar. Currently, there is concrete evidence that the stratum corneum is an active metabolic structure that holds adaptive functions, interacting dynamically with the underlying epidermal layers. The skin barrier also plays a role in the inflammatory response through melanocyte activation, angiogenesis, and fibroplasia. The intensity of this response will essentially depend on the severity of the injury. Skin barrier abnormalities in atopic dermatitis are clinically observed by the presence of dry skin, a common and significant symptom which constitutes a diagnostic and monitoring parameter. The stratum corneum hydration level and transepidermal water loss are associated with the level of damage to the barrier, representing biophysical parameters. These parameters help doctors monitor patients in a less invasive and more sensitive manner