Background The 2022 and 2024 Public Health Emergencies of International Concern declared by the World Health Organization for Mpox have underscored men who have sex with men (MSM) as a stratum at disproportionate risk of Mpox infection. The lack of locally generated data on Mpox-related perceptions and preventive practices among Pakistani MSM limits effective preparedness and response planning. Objective To assess perception and practices regarding Mpox among men who have sex with men (MSM). Methods A cross sectional survey was carried out in a period of 2 months to identify 109 men who reported having sex with at least one male partner in the past 12 months. A pretested structured questionnaire was administered to assess demographic characteristics, awareness of Mpox, sexual behavior, perceptions, and condom use. Results The predominant age group was 30-39 years (56.8%). Multiple sexual partners were reported by 81.7% and bisexual concurrency by 67.8%. Although 65.7% had heard of Mpox, only 44.9% recognized it as a skin disease, 33.0% identified physical contact as a transmission route, and only 19.3% were aware of sexual transmission between men. Always condom use was documented by only 26.6%, while 43.1% had never used condoms. Consistent condom use was significantly associated with urban residence (P=.023), higher educational attainment (P=.0031), and reporting multiple sexual partners (P=.001). Conclusion Pakistani MSM demonstrate limited practical knowledge of its transmission and prevention, alongside prevalent high-risk sexual behaviors and inconsistent protective practices, highlighting the need for culturally appropriate, peer-led interventions integrated into existing HIV/STI services and for larger representative studies to inform evidence-based strategies.
Background Botulinum toxin (Botox) has become a popular choice for various uses in medicine, with rising acceptance among many different fields of medicine. Even as the use of botulinum toxin is being employed in increasingly diverse medical practices, several misunderstandings and ethical questions related to its use for cosmetic purposes persist. The opinions of non-dermatology practitioners can have a significant impact on public perception; thus, their perceptions of botulinum toxin are vital. Objective To assess the knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes of the non-dermatological clinicians regarding the medical and cosmetic use of the botulinum toxin. Methods Four hundred and eight (408) clinicians from various fields were enrolled in the study from October to December 2025. The study sample was selected via non-probability convenience sampling, excluding dermatologists, aesthetic doctors, and plastic surgeons. The data were gathered through a pre-tested Google form, and descriptive statistics were analyzed using IBM SPSS 26. Results Out of 408 respondents, 70.6% were male. Social media was identified by 83.3% of participants as the primary source of cosmetic myths related to Botox. The majority (67.6%) regarded Botox treatment as a beauty salon-type service rather than a medically based process (9.8%). Conversely, 68.6% perceived the treatment as harmless as it does not necessarily produce an unnatural appearance. 76.5% believed cosmetic Botox use compromises a doctor’s professional identity, and 46.1% considered its use unethical in individuals with poor self-esteem. Conclusion Non-dermatological clinicians exhibit significant gaps in clinical knowledge, accompanied by varied ethical perspectives regarding Botox. The prevailing perception among these participants treats Botox more as a beauty-related service than a legitimate medical procedure.
Background Various treatment modalities for acne scars including chemical peels and microneedling, have been used to improve atrophic acne scars with varying degrees of success. Glycolic acid peel promotes skin exfoliation and collagen remodeling, while microneedling stimulates dermal collagen production. Combining these therapies may enhance treatment outcomes compared with glycolic acid peel alone. Objective To compare the safety and effectiveness of 35% glycolic acid peel alone versus combined glycolic acid peel and micro needling in treating acne scars. Methods Sixty patients were enrolled in the study and divided into Groups A and B, aged 18-45 years. Group A received six fortnightly sessions of microneedling using a 1.5 mm derma roller with glycolic acid peel, whereas Group B underwent six sessions of 35% glycolic acid alone. Goodman's Qualitative Acne Scar Grading System was used to assess the outcomes. Results Boxcar scars were most common, followed by rolling scars and icepick scars with frequencies of 38.3%, 31.7%, and 30.0% respectively. Group A demonstrated better outcomes (P=.041): 60% of patients showed excellent improvement compared to 33.3% in Group B. Moderate improvement was recorded in 30% of Group A patients versus 40% in Group B, while poor response was seen in 10% versus 26.7%. Both treatment modalities were safe and well tolerated. Mild transient erythema and facial edema were the most commonly observed adverse effects, resolving spontaneously within 24-48 hours. No serious complications were observed in either group. Conclusion Using glycolic acid with microneedling is safe and yields better results for the treatment of acne scars in comparison to the use of glycolic acid alone.
Background Glutathione (GSH) Whitening Treatment has recently gained popularity as a cosmetic intervention to attain fairer skin tones. It is being used widely, especially, in urban areas where aesthetics clinics are administrating intravenous GSH as whole body whitening therapy. Objective The objective of this study is to determine the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding the use of glutathione in Lahore, Pakistan. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out among 353 people of various age groups. A validated questionnaire was used to collect data using online Google platform. Data was analyzed on SPSS version 25, the categorical data was presented through frequency and percentages. Results Among the 353 respondents, 44.5% (157) were aged 20 years or below while 42.5% (150) were between the ages of 21 and 30 years. 57.5% (203) were females and 36.9% (130) had a medium skin tone. 71.4% (252) of the respondents were familiar with the idea of GSH mainly through social media (59.9%; 151) or family and friends (53.2%; 134). Only 34.3% (121) had used GSH for skin lightening, most commonly in injectable form (83; 68.6%). Female gender and dark skin tone was significantly associated with use of GSH for skin lightening. Conclusion Individuals with a dark skin and female gender were more likely to use GSH. However, more research is needed on the psychosocial factors driving GSH use. GSH-related social media content should be better monitored by the authorities and public health campaigns should encourage inclusive and healthier beauty standards.
Background Keloids are a common fibroproliferative disorder resulting from abnormal wound healing and can cause significant cosmetic concerns, itching, pain, and psychological distress. Despite the availability of multiple treatment options, recurrence remains a major challenge, and no single therapy has been established as the gold standard. Therefore, identifying more effective treatment combinations is essential for improving patient outcomes. Objective To compare the efficacy of cryotherapy combined with intralesional triamcinolone acetonide (TA) versus intralesional 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) combined with TA for the treatment of keloids. Methods 122 patients with keloids were equally divided into two groups. Group A received cryotherapy followed by intralesional triamcinolone acetonide, while Group B received intralesional 5-fluorouracil combined with triamcinolone acetonide. Treatments were administered at 4-week intervals for six sessions. Efficacy was assessed at 24 weeks based on a ≥50% reduction in scar height measured using a caliper. Results Overall efficacy was significantly higher in Group B (91.8%) compared to Group A (70.5%) (P= .003). A greater response was observed in older patients, higher BMI categories, and in nodular, flat, mid-sternal, and leg lesions. Conclusion Intralesional 5-FU combined with TA is more effective than cryotherapy with TA for keloid management, particularly in resistant or long-standing lesions. Larger randomized trials with extended follow-up are recommended to assess long-term outcomes and recurrence.
Background Scabies has been identified as high-priority neglected tropical disease, significant due to the lack of treatment resources. Objective To determine and compare the diagnostic accuracy of dermoscopy and standard clinical examination for the early diagnosis of scabies among patients with suspected scabies in resource-limited settings, using microscopy as the reference standard. Methods 1,774 patients with suspected scabies were enrolled. Participants underwent either dermoscopy or standard clinical examination, with skin scraping microscopy used as the reference standard. Diagnostic performance measures, including sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, likelihood ratios, and overall diagnostic accuracy, were calculated. Inter-observer agreement was assessed using Cohen’s kappa coefficient. Subgroup analyses were performed according to age and sex. Results Among the 866 participants evaluated using dermoscopy, 684 (79.0%) had microscopy-confirmed scabies, compared with 648 of 908 participants (71.3%) evaluated using standard clinical examination (P<.001). Dermoscopy demonstrated superior diagnostic performance, with higher sensitivity (92.3% vs. 81.5%), specificity (88.7% vs. 76.4%), and overall diagnostic accuracy (90.8% vs. 78.9%) than clinical examination (all P<.001). In addition, dermoscopy significantly reduced the time required to establish a diagnosis compared with clinical examination (4.2±1.1 minutes vs. 6.8±1.4 minutes; P<.001). Conclusion Dermoscopy is significantly superior to standard clinical examination for the early diagnosis of scabies in resource-limited settings. As a result of dermoscopy's superior accuracy, reproducibility and efficiency, the routine amalgamation of dermoscopy into the management of high-risk populations is warranted.
Background Cutaneous Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease endemic in Pakistan, particularly along the Afghanistan border. District Dir Lower in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa faces significant disease burden due to cross-border migration, refugee settlements, and suitable sandfly vector ecology. Objective This study aimed to describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) among suspected patients presenting to healthcare facilities in District Dir Lower, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Methods Three hundred (300) patients with suspected CL lesions were enrolled in the study. Confirmed cases were identified via microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained slit-skin smears for Leishmania amastigotes. A structured questionnaire was administered to collect data. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages). Associations were explored using the Chi-square test (P<.05). Results Infection frequency was significantly higher among Afghan refugees (57.37%, 35/61) compared to Pakistani locals (42.62%, 26/61) (P<.001). The highest proportion of cases was in the 1-10 years age group (32.78%, 20/61). Samarbagh subdivision accounted for the highest proportion (22.95%, 14/61). A seasonal peak was observed in July (36.06%, 22/61), with a gradual decline thereafter. Wet lesions (59.01%, 36/61) and single lesions (63.93%, 39/61) were more frequent. Shepherds constituted the highest occupational group (34.42%, 21/61). Conclusion CL in District Dir Lower exhibits a heterogeneous descriptive profile influenced by age, ethnicity, occupation, season, and geography. Findings represent hospital-based frequency and not population prevalence. Integrated control strategies targeting high-risk groups are warranted.
Background Melasma is an acquired disorder of hyperpigmentation that results from the hyperactivity of melanocytes in the epidermis. Despite different treatment modalities available for melasma, recurrence is a big problem. Intense Pulsed light and Glycolic acid peel are two effective treatment therapies for melasma and there is a lack of local study in this regard. Objective To compare the efficacy of Intense pulsed light versus 50% glycolic acid peel in the treatment of melasma. Methods This study was conducted on 92 patients through nonprobability consecutive sampling. The patients were randomly divided into two groups. Group A was treated with Intense Pulsed Light therapy using cut-off filter of 570nm using fluence of 26-33 J/cm2 and Group B was treated with Glycolic acid peel (50%), at 3-week interval for a total of four sessions at baseline, 3rd, 6th and 9th week. Efficacy was evaluated at the end of the treatment at 12th week and a ≥50% reduction in mMASI score from baseline mMASI score was termed as efficacious. Results In this study, the mean age of patients was 38.14 years, 77 (83.7%) patients were female, and 15 (16.3%) patients were male. In group A, efficacy was achieved in 26 (56.5%) patients, and in group B, efficacy was achieved in 13 (28.2%) patients (P<.05). Conclusion We concluded that Intense pulsed light therapy is a more efficacious treatment modality as compared to glycolic acid peel in the treatment of melasma.
Background Granulomatous skin diseases include diverse groups of disorders, and they pose a diagnostic difficulty because of their overlapping clinical features. Although they have a wide etiological spectrum, from infectious diseases like tuberculosis to noninfectious diseases like sarcoidosis. Due to high prevalence of these infections in Pakistan, accurate histopathological evaluation is needed to guide proper treatment. Objective To find out the etiological spectrum, prevalence, and histopathological patterns of granulomatous diseases and to evaluate their regional distribution and clinical significance. Methods This retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out between January 2021 and December 2023 at Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar. Among them, 60 cases (16.7%) with confirmed histopathological granulomatous inflammation were included. Immunohistochemistry, and special stains were used to confirm the specific aetiology where needed. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22.0. Results Infectious etiologies were most common, led by cutaneous tuberculosis (38.4%, n=23) followed by cutaneous leishmaniasis (33.4%; n=20), leprosy (10%; n=6) and syphilis (5%; n=3). Among the noninfectious cases, sarcoidosis was on top (8.3%; n=5) followed by foreign body granuloma (5%; n=3). Lupus vulgaris was the most predominant subtype of cutaneous tuberculosis (65.2%; n=15) followed by scrofuloderma (26%; n=6) and Tuberculosis verrucosa cutis (8.69%; n=2). Lepromatous Leprosy was the most frequently observed form of leprosy. Conclusion Granulomatous diseases represent a significant health burden in Pakistan, particularly cutaneous tuberculosis and cutaneous leishmaniasis which account for over 70% of cases. Early skin biopsies with a clinicopathological correlation and aided by special stains and immunohistochemistry where needed is essential for accurate diagnosis, proper treatment, and improved patient outcome.
Steven Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a rare mucocutaneous drug reaction characterized by epidermal necrosis and detachment. Although both phenytoin and quetiapine have been individually associated with SJS, their concurrent administration is uncommon. A 61 years old female who developed painful erythematous patches followed by blistering and mucosal erosion markedly seen on the back, face, proximal limbs and trunk after a single dose of taking both the drugs together for the first time. The clinical features and extent were consistent with SJS/TEN overlap. The Severity of Illness Score for Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (SCORTEN) was calculated of 4, indicating a high risk of mortality. Both the drugs were immediately discontinued and systemic steroids along with supportive treatment showed marked improvement in the patient. This case highlights the potential for severe adverse effects due to co-administration of medicines. Early recognition and prompt withdrawal of the causative agents are key to preventing the side effects and enhancing the outcomes in drug induced SJS.
Verruca vulgaris is an HPV infection requiring effective destructive management. This systematic review aims to compare the effectiveness of cryosurgery and electrocautery using recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A systematic search was conducted across five databases (PubMed, Semantic Scholar, Springer, Google Scholar, and Wiley) under PROSPERO ID CRD420261364850. Five RCTs met the inclusion criteria using the JBI Critical Appraisal Tool. From 1,857 records. The results show that electrocautery is effective for deep lesions (cure rate of 73-76%) compared with standard cryotherapy (cure rate of 44-58%). However, cryotherapy shows an excellent safety profile with lower pain and less scarring (6.7% vs 33.3%). Cryotherapy also induces a systemic immune response (distant response: 33.3%) and a lower recurrence rate (16.6% vs 23%). Electrocautery is more effective for rapid local tissue destruction in deep lesions, whereas cryotherapy provides a safer therapeutic approach with additional immunological benefits that may reduce long-term recurrence. Both modalities remain effective options, and treatment selection should consider lesion characteristics, patient comfort, and recurrence risk.
Background Individuals with HIV who have compromised nutritional status are at a higher risk of contracting opportunistic infections due to weakened immunity, thereby contributing to increased viral load (VL) levels. Objective To evaluate the prevalence and determinants of virologic failure in HIV/AIDS patients who had been on antiretroviral (ARV) therapy for at least 12 months. Methods This study was carried out at an outpatient clinic at Tertiary Referral Hospital and two Public Health Centers from June to August 2023. The study included 74 patients aged 17 years or above who had been receiving ARV treatment for the past 12 months. The determinants evaluated in this research were gender, education, occupation, ARV initiation, ARV type, ARV therapy duration, body mass index, HIV-TB co-infection, and WHO clinical stage. Results Among the 74 HIV patients included in the study, 35.1% experienced virologic failure. Several factors were found to be significantly associated with virologic failure, including age at antiretroviral (ARV) initiation (P=.007), body mass index (BMI) (P<.001), HIV-TB co-infection (P=0.003), World Health Organization (WHO) clinical stage ( P<.001), and ARV treatment duration (P=.014). Multivariate analysis identified BMI (P=.005) and WHO clinical stage (P=.001) as the strongest predictors of virologic failure. Conclusion This study concludes that low BMI and WHO clinical stage III/IV are significantly associated with virologic failure. Strengthening the immune system through improving nutritional status is crucial to achieve better virologic suppression in HIV patients receiving ARV therapy.
Acquired reactive perforating collagenosis (ARPC) is a form of dermatoses, that is characterized by transepidermal elimination of collagen fibers through the epidermis. Management of ARPC becomes a challenge due to the lack of an established standard treatment protocol. In patients who do not respond to conventional therapy, narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) has become an option. In our case report, a 51- year-old male patient presented with erythematous papules and nodules throughout his body with a history of chronic kidney disease, hepatitis B infection, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. A diagnosis of ARPC through clinical examination, histopathology, and immunochemistry examination was confirmed. After one year course of therapy, including oral therapy (corticosteroid and antihistamine) and topical therapy (a combination of topical salicylic acid with corticosteroid), the patient still showed no improvement. After the administration of NB-UVB phototherapy (three times a week for two and a half months), the lesions were significantly improved. This case report highlights the efficacy of NB-UVB in ARPC that did not improve with traditional management.
Background Acne vulgaris is a polyetiological disease, associated with significant physical and psychosocial morbidity. Despite the proven efficacy, long-term use of oral minocycline is limited by its potential systemic side effects. Recent developments reveal topical minocycline 4% formulations found to be effective in mild to moderate acne vulgaris with minimum side effects. Objective To compare the effectiveness and safety of minocycline 4% cream with clindamycin 1% cream in the treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris. Methods In this non-randomized, prospective case-control clinical trial conducted at the Dermatology OPD, Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital, Lahore, a total of 62 patients aged 12-45 years with mild to moderate acne were enrolled and divided into two groups. Group A (n=31) was treated with clindamycin 1% cream and group B (n=31) with minocycline 4% cream for 12 weeks. The effectiveness was determined using the Global Acne Assessment Score (GAAS) and the Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA) at baseline and week 12. Safety was determined by monitoring any local side effect. Relapses were assessed after 24 weeks. Results Both topical treatments were effective in terms of improvement GAAS/IGA scores (P<.001). However, a total lesion count (TLC) reduction of almost 88.5% was achieved for minocycline and 65.8% for clindamycin (P=.015). Therapeutic effects of minocycline were seen earlier. In group A, 6.5% of patients had erythema and 6.5% had burning whereas in group B, only 3.2% had burning. Both drug groups were generally well tolerated. Conclusion Minocycline 4% cream may be an effective and alternative for the treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris.
Background Antimicrobial resistance threatens patient outcomes in resource-limited healthcare settings such as hospitals in Pakistan, where unregulated antibiotic access and inadequate surveillance contribute to the accelerated emergence of antibiotic resistance. Institutional antibiograms provide practical surveillance and guide empiric therapy, yet published data from Punjab’s public-sector teaching hospitals remain sparse. Objective To determine antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of bacterial pathogens from diverse clinical specimens at a tertiary care hospital in Lahore and generate actionable stewardship data. Methods This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Microbiology Section, Department of Pathology, King Edward Medical University/Mayo Hospital, Lahore, from July to December 2025. A total of 4,000 non-duplicate, clinically significant bacterial isolates met the eligibility criteria and were included in the analysis. Non-duplicate isolates from pus, wound swabs, blood, urine, body fluids, respiratory samples, tissue, and catheter tips were identified by standard methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method and interpreted according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) document M100, 35th edition (2025). Results Methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus showed 100% susceptibility to vancomycin and linezolid but low susceptibility to erythromycin and clindamycin (10-53%). Enterococcus species exhibited ampicillin susceptibility of 66-76%. Escherichia coli displayed extensive cephalosporin (0-25%) and fluoroquinolone resistance (ciprofloxacin 0-52%) but retained colistin efficacy (100%). Klebsiella pneumoniae showed cephalosporin susceptibility below 33% and carbapenem susceptibility of 22-82%. Acinetobacter baumannii exhibited critical pan-resistance with carbapenem susceptibility of 0-45%; only colistin remained effective. Pseudomonas species retained better susceptibility to ceftazidime (14-75%) and piperacillin-tazobactam (21-73%). Conclusion The high resistance observed against cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, and carbapenems highlights an urgent need for structured antimicrobial stewardship and routine antibiogram surveillance in public-sector hospitals across Pakistan.
Background Warts are one of the most common benign tumours caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), and treating them is still difficult, especially when the lesions don't respond to treatment. There are now a number of intralesional therapies available. For example, needle-free high-pressure jet injection systems (DemoJet) offer a new way to deliver drugs intradermally, subcutaneously, or intramuscularly. Intralesional bleomycin has previously shown significant efficacy, particularly in resistant periungual and palmoplantar warts. Objective To compare the efficacy of DemoJet infiltration utilizing bleomycin versus normal saline in the treatment of recalcitrant viral warts. Methods An interventional comparative study involving 40 patients with 173 clinically diagnosed viral warts. Patients were allocated into two groups: Group A (20 patients, 102 warts) treated with 1-2 ml of bleomycin solution via DemoJet, and Group B (20 patients, 71 warts) treated with normal saline using the same technique. Sessions were repeated every two weeks for up to 12 weeks or until complete resolution. Assessment included the number and size of warts, pain intensity (visual analogue scale), and patient satisfaction at baseline, 2, 6, and 12 weeks. Results Group A demonstrated a significantly lower mean number of sessions to achieve cure, fewer residual warts, and greater reduction in lesion size compared to Group B. However, pain scores were higher in the bleomycin group. Conclusion Bleomycin delivered through DemoJet provides a more active management choice for persistent warts than normal saline, despite sharp pain levels.
Background Superficial dermatophytosis is a recurrent fungal infection affecting keratinized tissues, including the nails, skin, and hair. Recurrence and relapse of the disease remain major concerns despite advancements in antifungal treatment. Objective To examine the safety and effectiveness of oral itraconazole with isotretinoin therapy versus itraconazole monotherapy in patients with superficial dermatophytosis. Methods One hundred and twenty individuals with KOH-positive superficial dermatophytosis participated in a randomized clinical study. Group A received oral isotretinoin (20 mg once daily) along with oral itraconazole (100 mg twice daily) for eight weeks, whereas Group B received oral itraconazole (100 mg twice daily) alone. A 0-3 scale was used to assess the clinical severity of erythema, scaling, and pruritus. Liver function tests and lipid profiles were monitored at baseline and at 4-week intervals. Results After eight weeks treatments both groups showed considerable improvement in erythema, scaling, and pruritus (P<.001). Mean erythema scores decreased from 2.98±0.13 to 0.20±0.52 in Group A and from 2.92±0.28 to 0.25±0.43 in Group B, representing improvements of 93.3% and 91.4%, respectively. No statistically significant intergroup differences were observed. The side effects were minimal and self-limiting. Conclusion Although the combination of itraconazole and isotretinoin was well tolerated and safe, the outcomes were not statistically superior to those of itraconazole monotherapy. However, in severe or recurrent cases, isotretinoin may serve as a useful adjuvant by improving fungal clearance and increasing keratinocyte turnover.
Treponema pallidum is the causative agent of syphilis, a systemic infection transmitted sexually or congenitally. Syphilis may present atypically in patients with HIV. A 25-year-old homosexual man with a 3-month history of weight loss and a 3-week history of generalized erythematous, scaly, psoriasiform lesions involving the face, scalp, trunk, extremities, palms, soles, and penis, accompanied by painless penile ulcers and intermittent pruritus. Laboratory evaluation revealed HIV infection with severe immunosuppression (CD4 189/µL), a nonreactive RPR, and a highly reactive TPHA (1:2560). Skin biopsy demonstrated psoriasiform with plasma cell infiltration, supporting the diagnosis of psoriasiform secondary syphilis in an HIV-infected patient. Treatment with antiretroviral therapy, cotrimoxazole, and weekly benzathine penicillin G for three weeks resulted in marked clinical improvement and a significant decline in RPR titers. This case highlights the need for clinical awareness of psoriasiform syphilis, careful interpretation of serologic tests in HIV patients. Keywords: Syphilis, secondary syphilis, psoriasiform syphilis, prozone phenomenon
Background The progressive aging of the skin is a multi-faceted and intricate process. The anti-elastase, anti-collagenase, anti-hyaluronidase, and anti-tyrosinase properties of the polyphenols found in mango leaves, especially mangiferin, contribute to the improvement of the look of aged skin. Objective We aimed to evaluate the effects of a 3% mango leaf extract cream (Mangifera indica L. var. kelong) on facial skin aging. Methods Forty participants showing signs of facial aging were enrolled in study using pre and post test design without a control group, as this study was intended as a preliminary evaluation of the effects of Mangifera indica extract. Detailed medical history and clinical evaluation were done by using skin analyzer and dermoscope using the dermoscopic photoaging scale (DPAS) before and after administering 3% mango leaf extract cream. At the end of study side effects and degree of satisfaction were also recorded. Results After 8 weeks, individuals experiencing facial skin aging had a significantly lower DPAS score. According to the skin analyzer, there were significant differences in spot evaluation, roughness, and ultraviolet moisture, while wrinkles, ultraviolet damage, and ultraviolet pigmentation showed a decrease in the mean results, although the difference was not significant. None of the subjects had any side effects with mango leaf extract cream. Conclusion Topical application of a 3% mango leaf extract cream effectively improves the appearance of aging facial skin, as demonstrated by skin analyzer assessments showing enhanced spot appearance, reduced roughness, and improved ultraviolet moisture levels. The treatment was well tolerated, with no reported side effects and a high level of user satisfaction.
