OBJECTIVE:This study aimed to develop and validate an artificial intelligence (AI)-based skin assessment framework capable of predicting both dermatologist-assigned visual grades and device-derived physiological measurements from facial images. In addition, we evaluated the impact of image-acquisition modality (DSLR, tablet, or smartphone) on model performance. METHODS:A total of 1,099 Korean participants aged 14-69 years were enrolled. High-resolution facial images were obtained from seven standardized angles using a DSLR camera, and a subset of additional images was collected using a tablet and participant-owned smartphones. Five board-certified dermatologists graded eight facial signs, and physiological parameters were measured using non-invasive skin assessment devices. CoAtNet-4 served as the backbone architecture for both classification (visual grading) and regression (physiological prediction). Model performance was assessed using mean absolute error and correlation analyses. RESULTS:When evaluated using DSLR images, the model achieved a mean exact-grade accuracy of 51.4%, with an average of 93.3% of predictions falling within ± 1 grade across facial signs. High correlations were observed for wrinkles, pigmentation, pores, and sagging, whereas lip dryness demonstrated comparatively lower correlations. For physiological metrics, strong correlations were observed for pigmentation spot count, cheek pore visibility, and wrinkle severity, whereas hydration and elasticity showed moderate correlations. Performance on mobile-device images remained high and showed strong agreement with DSLR-based predictions, although a noticeable decline in pigmentation-related accuracy was observed. CONCLUSION:The proposed AI framework reliably approximates dermatologist visual grading and multiple device-based physiological measurements, offering a comprehensive, image-driven approach to skin aging assessment. However, model performance varies across facial attributes and remains sensitive to image quality, emphasizing the need for domain adaptation and image enhancement strategies to ensure robust application in consumer environments.
BACKGROUND:The prevalence of appearance-enhancing dermatology procedures among adolescents has increased markedly, raising ethical concerns regarding body image, developmental suitability, and psychosocial risk. Individuals 19 and under experienced a 75% increase in neuromodulator injections and a 71% increase in hyaluronic acid fillers between 2019 and 2022. Social and commercial forces-including social media and targeted marketing-promote cosmetic intervention as routine self-optimization, despite adolescents' ongoing cognitive, emotional, and identity development. MATERIALS AND METHODS:We focus on elective, nonmedically necessary procedures such as neuromodulators and fillers in individuals aged 13-19. We review ethical principles (autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice), psychosocial vulnerabilities (including body dysmorphic disorder [BDD]), social media influence, commercial pressures, and longitudinal mental health outcomes. Current regulatory guidance and professional society recommendations are assessed for gaps. RESULTS:Adolescents' emerging autonomy is developmentally incomplete, and appearance-based motivations are often transient and externally influenced. Longitudinal data link cosmetic procedures with higher depression, anxiety, and lower self-esteem. BDD affects ∼2% of adolescents, who rarely improve after intervention and may worsen. Social media exposure doubles the likelihood of considering cosmetic procedures, and commercial marketing further normalizes aesthetic ideals. Existing professional guidelines rarely mandate validated psychosocial screening, structured counseling, or cooling-off periods, leaving adolescents vulnerable to premature intervention. CONCLUSION:A standardized, multi-component ethical framework is necessary to guide clinicians caring for adolescents seeking elective aesthetic procedures. Recommendations include medical-necessity assessment, structured counseling, strengthened parental consent, validated BDD screening, and careful documentation with follow-up. Clear, evidence-informed ethical standards are essential to safeguard adolescent well-being and prioritize patient welfare over commercial interest.
BACKGROUND:The scalp has a higher sebum content than other body areas, leading to issues such as itchiness, dandruff and discomfort. In individuals with scalp seborrhoea, the relationships between sebum levels, hydration, barrier function and self-perceived scalp condition remain poorly understood. AIMS:This study aimed to explore scalp sebum accumulation and associated physiological properties, as well as to evaluate the impact of a single shampoo cleansing efficacy on sebum levels. METHODS:This study involved an Asian population with self-reported scalp oiliness and dandruff. Participants with elevated scalp sebum levels (>75 µg/cm2) completed a health questionnaire and underwent assessments of sebum, hydration, barrier function and lipid oxidative stress biomarkers. To compare physiological differences, measurements were also taken at the frontal hairline and nape. Furthermore, the effects of a single shampoo application on scalp sebum levels were evaluated. RESULTS:At baseline, the scalp exhibited higher sebum levels, lower hydration and weaker barrier function compared to the frontal hairline and nape. Scalp hydration negatively correlated with sebum levels measured in scalp pores. Hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (HODE), an oxidative stress biomarker, positively correlated with scalp sebum. Interestingly, HODE levels also showed a positive correlation with participants' self-reported dandruff and itchiness. After single wash with a shampoo containing 0.5% piroctone olamine (PO), surface and pore sebum levels were significantly reduced, as well as HODE levels. CONCLUSION:This study underscores the significance of sebum levels and composition in scalp health among Chinese individuals, emphasizing the need for shampoos that remove excess sebum while preserving the scalp barrier.
BACKGROUND:Accurately assessing skin color diversity is essential for evaluating whether image datasets without explicit skin type labels are sufficiently diverse for training deep learning models. Traditional methods, such as the Fitzpatrick scale, categorize skin types into six discrete classes but may not fully capture the complexity of skin color and its interaction with light under varying conditions. Continuous and quantitative approaches have been proposed to better represent skin color variation, but their reliability under uncontrolled imaging conditions remains unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS:This study evaluated individual typology angle (ITA), an image-derived color or lightness metric commonly mapped to Fitzpatrick skin type (FST) categories. A dermatologist-labeled dataset (PAD-UFES-20) was used to analyze the performance of ITA. A skin patch image dataset was derived from PAD-UFES-20, and skin color features were extracted for evaluation. RESULTS:The results showed substantial overlap between ITA distributions across FST categories and poor agreement with dermatologist-assigned labels. Fixed-threshold ITA classification achieved 22.9% accuracy, below the majority-class baseline accuracy of 51.3%, and failed to correctly classify the darkest skin type (FST VI). Lighting variation, threshold misalignment, overlapping ITA distributions, and dataset imbalance contributed to unstable ITA behavior across skin types. CONCLUSION:Under uncontrolled imaging conditions, fixed-threshold ITA did not provide reliable Fitzpatrick skin type classification and should not be interpreted as a validated skin type measurement method. These findings demonstrate that ITA is highly sensitive to lighting variation and does not reliably correspond to dermatologist-assigned FST labels. The results highlight the limitations of using ITA as a proxy for skin type assessment in image datasets.
BACKGROUND:Skin aging is a complex process driven by multiplex factors, including chronic inflammation and UV exposure. It has become common practice for cosmetic formulations to counteract skin aging by targeting different pathways simultaneously with a pool of active ingredients. The present study aims to explore the skin protective effects of a novel extract of ferment in combination with copper tripeptide-1 GHK-Cu from an anti-inflammation perspective. MATERIALS AND METHODS:An extract of the Thermus thermophilus and Bacillus subtilis mixed-culture ferment (TBFE) was prepared and the skin protective effects of its combination with the human tripeptide derivative GHK-Cu were explored through in vitro, ex vivo, and clinical tests. RESULTS:The combination outperformed TBFE or GHK-Cu alone in inhibiting secretion of inflammatory cytokines by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages. In addition, one face cream formulated with the combination as the sole active ingredients protected human skin explants from ultraviolet irradiation induced damage by maintaining skin morphology and decreasing the degradation of extracellular matrix. Finally, results from the clinical study demonstrated that the combination was effective in decreasing wrinkles and improving skin barrier conditions. CONCLUSION:It is concluded that the combination of TBFE and GHK-Cu exerts anti-aging effects on human skin by targeting inflammation, extracellular matrix, and skin barrier function. Therefore, the combination offers a promising option for anti-aging skincare regimen by addressing multiple mechanisms involved in skin aging.
Kyrle's disease is a rare skin disorder involving transepidermal keratin elimination, usually linked to systemic illness. We report a unique case-a healthy 26-year-old man resistant to standard therapy. Remission was achieved with daily topical trifarotene 0.005% over eight weeks. This is the first reported KD case successfully treated with trifarotene, a selective RAR-γ retinoid targeting keratinocyte differentiation and inflammation. Its efficacy and safety suggest promise for patients unsuitable for systemic therapy. A summary table of all topical treatment methods for Kyrle's disease, included in the article, provides valuable guidance for managing patients with significant comorbidities.
ABSTRACT Background Skin prick tests(SPTs) are widely used diagnostic tests for evaluating type I hypersensitivity and are interpreted based on human‐measured wheal diameters. However, their diagnostic value may be limited by variability in application, measurement, and interpretation due to human dependency. Medical thermography offers a non‐invasive, objective, and quantitative method to assess local inflammatory responses. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and agreement of thermographic imaging for reading pediatric SPTs and to explore its potential role in supporting a more objective and standardized interpretation. Materials and Methods In this cross‐sectional observational study, SPTs were performed on the upper backs of children aged 5–18 using a standardized aeroallergen panel, along with histamine and saline controls. Thermal images were captured at 0, 2, 5, 10, and 15 min using a mobile thermal camera. The Caloric Allergy Index(CAI) was established to quantify allergen‐induced skin warming relative to positive and negative controls. Results Data from 63 pediatric patients were analyzed. Cohen's Kappa scores ranged from 0.432 to 0.838, indicating moderate to almost perfect agreement between CAI values and conventional wheal measurements. Allergens including grass mix( κ = 0.838) and C. dactylis ( κ = 0.833) showed the highest agreement, followed by D. pteronyssinus ( κ = 0.753) and D. farinae ( κ = 0.672). Moderate agreement was observed for tree mix, cat, and dog epithelium. Positive test sites exhibited continuous warming, typically became statistically discernible in 2–5 min, while negative sites showed minimal change. Conclusion This study introduces a thermographic parameter with overall agreement to conventional SPT readings, supporting the feasibility of thermography as a complementary objective approach in pediatric SPT interpretation.
BACKGROUND:Skin prick tests(SPTs) are widely used diagnostic tests for evaluating type I hypersensitivity and are interpreted based on human-measured wheal diameters. However, their diagnostic value may be limited by variability in application, measurement, and interpretation due to human dependency. Medical thermography offers a non-invasive, objective, and quantitative method to assess local inflammatory responses. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and agreement of thermographic imaging for reading pediatric SPTs and to explore its potential role in supporting a more objective and standardized interpretation. MATERIALS AND METHODS:In this cross-sectional observational study, SPTs were performed on the upper backs of children aged 5-18 using a standardized aeroallergen panel, along with histamine and saline controls. Thermal images were captured at 0, 2, 5, 10, and 15 min using a mobile thermal camera. The Caloric Allergy Index(CAI) was established to quantify allergen-induced skin warming relative to positive and negative controls. RESULTS:Data from 63 pediatric patients were analyzed. Cohen's Kappa scores ranged from 0.432 to 0.838, indicating moderate to almost perfect agreement between CAI values and conventional wheal measurements. Allergens including grass mix(κ = 0.838) and C. dactylis(κ = 0.833) showed the highest agreement, followed by D. pteronyssinus(κ = 0.753) and D. farinae(κ = 0.672). Moderate agreement was observed for tree mix, cat, and dog epithelium. Positive test sites exhibited continuous warming, typically became statistically discernible in 2-5 min, while negative sites showed minimal change. CONCLUSION:This study introduces a thermographic parameter with overall agreement to conventional SPT readings, supporting the feasibility of thermography as a complementary objective approach in pediatric SPT interpretation.
Lentigo simplex is a benign melanocytic lesion commonly arising in childhood. We report a 10-year-old girl with a stable periorbital lentigo simplex treated using a 755-nm picosecond alexandrite laser. The patient underwent five treatment sessions over three years, resulting in significant pigment reduction without adverse effects or recurrence. This case highlights the long-term safety and efficacy of picosecond laser treatment for pediatric facial pigmented lesions, particularly in cosmetically sensitive areas. It also adds to the limited literature supporting laser use in children and emphasizes the importance of noninvasive options for aesthetic concerns.
BACKGROUND:Sunscreens are agents to protect the skin from the destructive effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Pharmacists are expert healthcare providers who guide consumers regarding the usage of sunscreen. This study aims to evaluate pharmacists' knowledge, attitudes, practices and perceptions regarding sunscreen use in Jordan. METHOD:A cross-sectional study was conducted among pharmacists in Jordan using a self-administered questionnaire created using Google Forms and distributed online social media platforms. The questionnaire contained five sections to assess demographics (9 items), knowledge (11 items), attitudes (8 items), practices (12 items) and perceptions (2 items). The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS:A total of 407 pharmacists working in different fields completed the survey, 79.6% were female and 20.4% male. 56.5% of participants were under 30 years old, while 56% of participants had less than 5 years' experience. The results showed that knowledge, attitude and practice scores were significantly associated with age (p = 0.011 and p < 0.001, respectively). In addition, 53.8% of participants were familiar with the Fitzpatrick scale of skin type that categorizes the skin into six types, and 232 participants (57.0%) responded correctly regarding the classification of active ingredients in sunscreen agents. Participants with 5-10 years of experience were less likely (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 0.59 (95%CI: 0.37-0.94); p-value < 0.05) to have better knowledge of sunscreen compared to others (p < 0.05). Participants aged 30-39 years (aOR: 2.13 (95%CI: 1.34-3.38), p-value < 0.01), those with postgraduate studies (aOR: 2.85 (95%CI: 1.41-5.77), p-value < 0.01), those with 11-15 years of experience (aOR: 2.37 (95%CI: 1.11-5.05), p-value < 0.05), those who work in academia (aOR: 2.65 (95%CI: 1.15-6.10), p-value < 0.05), those who were married (aOR: 1.83 (95%CI: 1.22-2.75), p-value < 0.01), and those who graduated from a public university (aOR: 2.33 (95%CI: 1.55-3.51), p-value < 0.001) were more likely to show positive attitude towards the use of sunscreen. CONCLUSION:Jordanian pharmacists' knowledge and practice of sunscreen use were generally adequate; however, specific gaps were identified in certain areas. This demonstrated that pharmacists need more specialized courses during their continuing professional development to address these gaps and improve their knowledge and abilities.
BACKGROUND:Acne vulgaris is a common skin disorder characterized by multifactorial pathogenesis. In recent years, multiple non-invasive imaging methods have been explored to monitor in vivo acne lesions. Technologies such as reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) have improved our capabilities to characterize and monitor this condition; nevertheless, limitations remain in resolution and depth. Line-field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC-OCT) is a novel imaging technique that combines the strengths of RCM and OCT, offering high-resolution vertical and horizontal imaging of skin tissue up to 500 µm deep. The aim of this study was to characterize and quantify the microstructural features of different acne lesion morphologies using LC-OCT and to compare these findings with those observed in normal skin. METHODS:A total of 52 facial acne lesions (microcomedones, closed and open comedones, papules, and pustules) from 20 patients with mild-to-moderate acne and 15 healthy controls were imaged using LC-OCT. Vertical, horizontal, and 3D images were analyzed for structural features, with quantitative measurements of lesion diameter and depth. RESULTS:LC-OCT revealed distinct microstructural features at each stage of acne development. Microcomedones showed bright perifollicular rings in 83.3% of cases, absent in healthy skin, indicating early follicular hyper keratinization. Closed comedones appeared as cystic, keratin-filled structures beneath intact epidermis, while open comedones displayed surface discontinuities and mixed reflectivity plugs. Papules and pustules demonstrated perifollicular hyperreflective halos and numerous "bright dots", corresponding to inflammatory cell infiltrates. CONCLUSIONS:LC-OCT provides non-invasive, high-resolution imaging of acne microarchitecture, from subclinical changes in acne-prone skin and incipient microcomedones to inflammatory lesions, offering potential utility in diagnosis, disease monitoring and personalized therapeutic strategies.
Background Multiphoton tomography equipped with fluorescence lifetime imaging (MPT-FLIM) is a novel noninvasive imaging technique for analyzing morphological and metabolic states of skin diseases at a subcellular resolution. The present study is the first to establish MPT-FLIM as an imaging modality to monitor treatment response in psoriasis during topical anti-inflammatory therapy.Materials and Methods Patients with psoriasis treated with topical calcipotriol/ betamethasone dipropionate (C/B) or a calcipotriol derivative (C/-) formulation were recruited and monitored using MPT-FLIM. Imaging was performed at baseline on day 0, and during treatment on days 3 and 28.Results A total of six patients prescribed C/B, six patients prescribed C/- and four healthy controls were recruited. Characteristic histological features were visualized, including acanthosis, parakeratosis, papillomatosis, and thinning of the granular layer. There was a strong correlation between clinical, multiphoton tomographic, and pathophysiological improvement during treatment. Assessment of subclinical metabolic changes was a predictive parameter for treatment outcome. Detection of fluorescence signals from drug components allowed for tracking of drug distribution in intra- and intercellular spaces.Conclusion MPT-FLIM proved to be a suitable tool for monitoring treatment response in psoriasis patients and tracking drug delivery. It could be a potential method for monitoring other inflammatory skin diseases during treatment to adjust therapy on an individual level.
BACKGROUND:Functional cosmetic materials with anti-aging properties, such as wrinkle reduction, often struggle to penetrate the skin's stratum corneum (skin barrier). Therefore, to exert anti-aging effects, these materials must pass through the skin barrier and reach fibroblasts in the dermal layer. In this study, deformable liposomes were developed for efficient transdermal delivery of retinol, a well-known anti-wrinkle agent. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Five formulations (ML-1 to ML-5) were prepared using hydrogenated lecithin (HL) and mannosylerythritol lipid (MEL) as an edge activator with HL:MEL mass ratios of 10:0, 7:3, 5:5, 3:7, and 0:10. Their physicochemical properties, including particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity, encapsulation efficiency and deformability index were analyzed. For the optimal formulation, the liposome morphology was observed using cryo-TEM, and the retinol skin penetration ability of each liposome formulation was evaluated using a Franz diffusion cell. RESULTS:Their physicochemical properties were investigated, and ML-4 with an HL:MEL mass ratio of 3:7 was identified as the optimal formulation for transdermal delivery (particle size 89.3±6.8 nm, zeta potential -25.2±1.1 mV, polydispersity index 0.263±0.012, encapsulation efficiency 86.3±2.3%, and deformability index 5.76±1.9). Cryo-TEM analysis confirmed the liposomal morphology of ML-4. The retinol skin penetration ability of each formulation was evaluated using the Franz diffusion cell, with the conventional liposome (ML-1) without MEL as the control. The ML-4 formulation achieved a total retinol penetration of 29.0%, a 10.6% increase compared to ML-1 (18.4%). CONCLUSIONS:In this study, the ML-4 deformable liposome formulation, using MEL as an edge activator, efficiently encapsulates retinol, a wrinkle improvement agent, and improves skin penetration without causing physical damage. These findings suggest that ML-4 can serve as an efficient transdermal delivery system for functional cosmetic materials.
BACKGROUND:Betulin exhibits potent antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, effectively preventing ultraviolet (UV)- and heat-induced skin aging. Its limited solubility in cosmetic solvents restricts its application. METHODS:To enhance betulin's applicability, a self-assembled nanocarrier, arginine-caprylate ion pair loaded with betulin (B-ACS), was developed. Structural properties, loading efficiency, skin permeability, and antioxidant activity were assessed. UVB-induced damage was examined in human keratinocytes (HaCaT; n = 3) by measuring inflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) via ELISA. Three-dimensional reconstructed human skin models were exposed to UVA (10 J/cm2) to evaluate collagen and aquaporin-3 protection. A pilot randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial (n = 12, 2 weeks) assessed 3 % (w/w) B-ACS cream on UV- and infrared-induced skin damage. RESULTS:B-ACS showed a particle size of 236.9 ± 10.3 nm, 98.3 ± 1.3 % encapsulation efficacy, and superior reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging (IC50 = 4.87 ppm) compared to free betulin (IC50 = 8.26 ppm). In HaCaT cells, B-ACS significantly reduced UVB-induced inflammatory cytokine and MMP expressions (p < 0.05). In reconstructed skin, it prevented UVA-induced collagen and aquaporin-3 degradation. Clinically, 3% B-ACS cream significantly improved elasticity (1.69-fold), brightness (2.59-fold), and pigmentation (1.91-fold); transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and heat-aging markers decreased 1.39-fold and 1.63-fold versus placebo, respectively (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION:B-ACS enhances betulin's solubility and delivery, offering potent efficacy against UV- and heat-induced aging.
Background Measurement of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) is widely used to evaluate skin barrier function.Materials and Methods This study compared two devices-the DermaLab (DL) TEWL probe and the VapoMeter (VM) - from data collected across three studies to measure TEWL in scarred and normal skin. Each site was measured three times per device, alternating devices to allow vapor clearance. Inter-device reliability was assessed from 1,617 paired locations, each averaged from the three readings. Intra-observer reliability was able to be determined from a dataset of 1,628 DL and 1,635 VM measurements.Results Data were stratified into low, medium, and high TEWL ranges based on measurement distribution and observations. Overall inter-device reliability was 'good' but varied by range: 'poor' in low, 'excellent' in medium, and 'moderate' in high TEWL ranges. In the medium range, the VM reported nearly twice the TEWL values compared to the DL, while in the high range, it read approximately 34% higher.Conclusions Both devices showed excellent intra-observer reliability overall. However, in the low TEWL range, the DL exhibited 'moderate' reliability, whereas the VM showed slightly better, 'good' reliability. Differences in chamber architecture-semiopen for the DermaLab and closed for the VM-appear to drive the observed variability in measurement reliability across TEWL ranges. Analysis of this large dataset indicates that the VM likely approaches saturation at the categorized 'high' TEWL values, constraining its accuracy, whereas the DermaLab exhibits reduced measurement stability at low TEWL levels, limiting its applicability under those conditions. Targeted methodological work is needed to refine DL performance in the lowTEWL regime and to more precisely define the upper operational limit of the VM.
Nodular basal cell carcinoma (nBCC) of the face can be challenging to diagnose in its early stages. We report our observation of a simple and rapid clinical maneuver that enhances the visualization of arborizing vessels, erosions, and bleeding, thereby facilitating the identification of nBCC. This preliminary observation suggests that the technique may reduce unnecessary biopsies, preserve cosmetic outcomes, and support timelier patient management.
BACKGROUND:Photoaging, primarily induced by prolonged ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure, significantly alters skin structure and function, necessitating models for deeper understanding and intervention development. This study aims to establish a BALB/c mouse model for investigating photoaging, leveraging their haired skin and genetic consistency. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Six-week-old female BALB/c mice were subjected to repeated exposure to Ultraviolet A (315-400 nm) (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (280-315 nm) (UVB) radiation at doses corresponding to one and two minimal erythemal doses (MEDs), four times weekly for 12 weeks. Skin aging was evaluated through clinical observations of wrinkles, thickness, hydration, and elasticity, as well as histopathological analyses of epidermal and dermal thickness and collagen degradation. Additionally, gene expression was conducted for collagen Types I and III, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 1, 2, and 3. RESULTS:UV-exposed mice exhibited significant increases in skin thickness and wrinkle formation, with concurrent decreases in hydration and elasticity compared to controls. Aging signs were more pronounced in the two MED-group than in the one MED-group. Histological assessment showed epidermal hyperplasia, dermal thickening, and collagen degradation. Furthermore, UV irradiation upregulated MMP-1, MMP-2, and MMP-3 expression while downregulating Collagen 1 and 3, indicating molecular pathways of skin aging. CONCLUSIONS:The BALB/c mouse model effectively mimics human photoaging under chronic UV exposure using a two-MED protocol, which corresponds to a total dose of 51.8 J/cm2 UVA and 5.53 J/cm2 UVB. This practical model, which exhibits skin features comparable to those of humans, provides a closer approximation of human skin responses for comprehensive studies on the mechanisms and interventions of photoaging.
Background Striae gravidarum is a skin change that occurs during pregnancy, which does not pose a physiological threat to health but can cause psychological distress for individuals. Women may use moisturizers or aromatherapeutic oils in attempts to prevent the formation of striae.Aim The purpose of this study is to review the literature on randomized controlled trials evaluating the effectiveness of aromatherapy oils in preventing striae gravidarum.Methods The protocol for this systematic review and the writing of the article were based on the PRISMA-P (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols) criteria. The systematic review was conducted using the Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases between December 2024 and January 2025. Studies were selected by defining inclusion and exclusion criteria according to the PICOS method.Results This systematic review included four randomized controlled trials with a total of participants. Two of the studies were published in 2024, one in 2022, and the other in 2020. This systematic review included four randomized controlled trials with a total of 671 pregnant participants. The essential oils used in the studies included coconut oil, rose oil, sesame oil, sweet almond oil, and olive oil. The studies found that coconut oil was effective in preventing striae gravidarum, while rose, sesame, and sweet almond oils were not effective.Conclusion There is some evidence for the effect of aromatherapy in preventing striae gravidarum. However, larger sample sizes, higher-quality studies, and randomized controlled trials with blinding methods are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of aromatherapy oils and determine their beneficial effects on pregnant women.
B&G Plantar warts are common reasons for consultation and present multiple treatments as well as varying results.Methods This clinical case demonstrates the step-by-step process for surgical removal of plantar warts.Results Healing times are shorter than with conventional treatments.Conclusion Surgical removal of plantar warts is a first-line treatment.
