One of the most commonly used and effective lines of treatment in chronic skin diseases is phototherapy. A protocol of the Kasr Al-Ainy Phototherapy Unit has been proposed for the treatment of different dermatological diseases such as psoriasis, mycosis fungoides, and vitiligo based on the best current research-based guidelines and the experience of the phototherapy team. This protocol is the cornerstone of the everyday practice in Kasr Al-Ainy Phototherapy Unit and the authors believe that dermatologists dealing with such diseases in their hospitals or clinics can find it helpful and applicable to get better results with their patients. In part 2, the specific measures of the protocol for phototherapeutic management of different skin diseases will be discussed.

One of the most commonly used and effective lines of treatment in chronic skin diseases is phototherapy. A protocol of the Kasr Al-Ainy Phototherapy Unit has been proposed for the treatment of different dermatological diseases such as psoriasis, mycosis fungoides, and vitiligo based on the best current research-based guidelines and the experience of the phototherapy team. This protocol is the cornerstone of the everyday practice in Kasr Al-Ainy Phototherapy Unit and we believe dermatologists dealing with such diseases in their hospitals or clinics, can find it helpful and applicable to get better results with their patients. In part 1, the general measures of the protocol will be discussed.

Background and ObjectivesQ‐switched Nd:YAG (QS‐Nd:YAG) toning (low fluence, large spot size, and high frequency) has been used successfully for the treatment of melasma, especially in dark skin phototypes. Punctate leukoderma was found to be a frequent complication that reduced the safety of this procedure. Combining low power fractional CO2 laser, which is another effective melasma laser therapy, might improve the efficacy and safety of this procedure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of combining low power fractional CO2 laser with QS‐Nd:YAG toning in the treatment of melasma.Study Design/Materials and MethodsA randomized comparative split‐face study included a total of 30 patients with bilateral, symmetrical melasma. All patients received QS‐Nd:YAG toning on one randomly selected side of the face, while the other side randomly received either low power fractional CO2 alone (group A) or combined QS‐Nd:YAG toning with low power fractional CO2 (group B). QS‐Nd:YAG toning sessions were scheduled every two weeks for nine consecutive sessions, and low power fractional CO2 sessions were received every 4 weeks for three consecutive sessions. The assessment was done using the modified melasma area and severity index (mMASI) score, spectrophotometry (melanin index [MI] and erythema index [EI]), photography, blinded physician assessment, and patient satisfaction (at baseline, 1 week and 8‐12 weeks after the last treatment sessions).ResultsA significant reduction in the mMASI score and MI was obtained with all treatment regimens. On comparing different modalities, group A reduction in mMASI and MI was significantly greater on the side receiving QS‐ND:YAG toning (64.03% and 8.27%, respectively), than the side receiving low power fractional CO2 laser alone (36.02%. 2.64%, respectively). On the other hand, reduction of mMASI score and MI showed no statistical significance between the side receiving QS‐Nd:YAG toning alone and the combined modality. Punctate leukoderma occurred in four cases (13%) on the side receiving QS‐Nd:YAG toning.ConclusionQS‐Nd:YAG toning is significantly more effective than low power fractional CO2 in the treatment of melasma when used separately. Although combining low power fractional CO2 with QS‐Nd:YAG toning does not increase its efficacy, it minimizes the incidence of the undesirable punctate leukoderma complication and achieves lower recurrence. This combination can thus be recommended as a safe and effective measure for the treatment of melasma. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Fractional CO2 laser rejuvenation of scars offers a high safety profile. Laser marks usually disappear clinically within 1 week. The authors observed occasional persistence of the laser marks on the scar surface. The purpose of this study is to report the incidence and to describe the clinical, dermoscopic, and histological features of a novel observed complication of fractional CO2 laser scar rejuvenation “Persistent Pixel Stamping Marks (PPSM)”.One hundred seventy-one cases were consecutively recruited from patients assigned for fractional CO2 laser scar rejuvenation. Patients who developed the phenomenon 1 month post laser session were recorded and subjected to clinical photography, dermoscopy, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) as well as a 4-mm punch biopsy from pixelated scars. The evolution of PPSM was followed up for 6 months. PPSM developed in 16 patients (9.4%), 15 of which were post burn hypertrophic scars. PPSM was significantly related to darker skin type, darker scar color, and longer scar duration. Histopathological findings included characteristic holes in stratum corneum and superficial dermis, thick collagen bundles perpendicular to the skin surface with loss of elastic tissue, focal interface changes, and triangular focus of fibroblastic proliferation. The marks disappeared in 5 and lasted in 11 patients. Their longevity was significantly related to longer dwell times and lower densities. PPSM represent miniature scarring at the sites of the microscopic thermal zones or a sign of their delayed healing. They tend to follow fractional CO2 laser resurfacing of hyperpigmented, long-standing burn scars. Longer dwell times and lower densities make them last longer.

BackgroundStriae distensae are frequent undesirable skin lesions that result in considerable esthetic concern. Treatment has always been challenging. Several modalities are available; however, none of them is consistently effective. Laser has become a popular therapeutic alternative.ObjectiveThe aim

BACKGROUND:Xanthelasma palpebrarum (XP) is a common cosmetic concern. Although there is a wide range of therapeutic modalities for XP, there is no general consensus on the optimal treatment for such condition.OBJECTIVE:Compare the efficacy and safety of super pulsed (SP) and fractional CO2 lasers in the treatment of XP.PATIENTS AND METHODS:This prospective randomized comparative clinical study included 20 adult patients with bilateral and symmetrical XP lesions. Xanthelasma palpebrarum lesions were randomly assigned to treatment by either single session of ablative SP CO2 laser or 3 to 5 sessions of ablative fractional CO2 laser with monthly intervals. All patients were assessed using digital photography and optical coherence tomography images.RESULTS:Xanthelasma palpebrarum lesions on both sides were successfully removed with significant improvement in size, color, and thickness. Although lesions treated by SP CO2 laser showed significantly better improvement regarding color and thickness of the lesions, downtime and patient satisfaction were significantly better for lesions treated with fractional CO2 laser. Scarring and recurrence were significantly higher in lesions treated by SP CO2 laser.CONCLUSION:Ablative fractional CO2 laser is an effective and safe therapeutic option for XP with significantly shorter downtime and higher patient satisfaction compared with SP CO2 laser.

BackgroundThe burden of leprosy continues to decline globally because of sustained efforts by national leprosy programs along with continued support from both local and international partners. It is therefore important that all countries, where the disease is endemic, continue to sustain these declines and critically follow the detection of new cases. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to study the epidemiology of leprosy in Sharkia governorate of Egypt in order to highlight the effectiveness of the leprosy control program during the period from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2010. Patients and methodsThis is an epidemiological retrospective study carried out by reviewing the records of leprosy patients in the Sharkia governorate, Egypt (1 January 2000 to 31 December 2010). Data were obtained from the Zagazig Leprosy and Dermatology Clinic and the Leprosy Control Unit of the Ministry of Health and Population, where leprosy patients in the governorate are examined, registered, treated, and followed up. ResultsDuring the study, the total number of newly detected cases in Sharkia governorate was 488, with no sex difference. New cases of leprosy detected in children below 14 years ranged between 6.1 and 26.3%. A total of 210 (43%) positive contact cases were detected, and the majority (93%) was multibacillary. Disability grade 0 was recorded in 73.8%, grade 1 in 20.9%, and grade 2 in 5.3%. New case detection was through official notification in 58%, contact surveillance in 21.5%, voluntary presentation in 20.1%, and during mass surveillance in 0.2% of cases. ConclusionAlthough great achievement is apparent in controlling leprosy and reducing the burden of the disease in Egypt, Sharkia governorate needs strict implementation of the control program. The present study in Sharkia governorate highlights the importance of prophylaxis, follow-up, and early detection of disease in the group of patients. This needs to be ensured by strengthening the integration with general health services, active staff members and coworkers, continuous surveillance, and sufficient funds.

BackgroundGenetic variability in the androgen receptor gene is the cardinal prerequisite for the development of early-onset androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Recent studies have reported the prevalence of hypertension among patients with AGA, and proposed that both phenomena may be explained by hyperaldosteronism. ObjectiveTo estimate the serum levels of aldosterone, free testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S) and to detect tissue aldosterone receptor and androgen receptor in female patients with AGA, in an attempt to highlight their role in the pathogenesis of AGA. Patients and methodsThis case control study included 20 female AGA patients and 20 age-matched healthy controls. All cases were subjected to complete history taking, general and dermatological examination. Serum levels of aldosterone and free testosterone by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and DHEA-S (solid-phase enzyme immunoassay) were estimated for patients and controls, together with aldosterone and androgen receptors by a real-time PCR from scalp biopsy specimens of involved and noninvolved areas of patients as well as controls. ResultsThere was a significant elevation in serum aldosterone (P<0.001) and free testosterone (P<0.019) in patients when compared with controls; however, the serum level of DHEA-S was higher in cases, with no statistical significance (P<0.176). Both androgen and aldosterone receptor levels were significantly higher in involved areas than in the controls (P<0.001 and P<0.001, respectively), noninvolved areas than the controls (both: P<0.001), and higher in involved than in noninvolved areas (P<0.002 and P<0.001, respectively). ConclusionOn the basis of the results, more emphasis is placed on the role of aldosterone, free testosterone and DHEA-S in the pathogenesis of female AGA, with the possible role of androgen and aldosterone receptors. More studies are required to confirm the results and for new lines of therapy.

Vitiligo is an acquired pigmentary disorder that affects between 1% and 2% of the general population. Phototherapy remains the cornerstone of treatment, with NB‐UVB being the most frequently used. BB‐UVA can be a plausible alternative for darker population; skin photo type III and IV.

Both types of Ultraviolet (UV), UVB (290-320 nm) and UVA (320-400 nm), produce increased pigmentation or tanning. However, no evaluation of UVA alone in the treatment of vitiligo has been reported. Therefore, it was the purpose of this work to study the pigmentogenic effect of UVA (5 and 15 J/cm(2)) in vitiligo. The study included 20 randomly selected patients with vitiligo involving more than 30% of the body surface area with a bilateral/symmetrical distribution. They were equally divided into two groups each of 10 patients. All patients received three weekly sessions of UVA, 15 J/cm(2) in group I and 5 J/cm(2) in group II, a total of 48 sessions over 16 weeks. Overall pigmentation of 60% and above was recorded in 50% and 10% of patients in groups I and II, respectively. We conclude that broadband UVA alone, without psoralens, and in appropriate doses may be of important therapeutic value in vitiligo.