Introduction: 

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and May 28 is National Sunscreen Day, by the early 20-century sunscreen started to manufacture and by the mid-1970s that sunscreens gained a degree of consumer acceptance, which help and prevent a variety of dermatological conditions. 

How to have optimal sun protection 

To have good sunscreen: 

Broad-spectrum sunscreen= UVA + UVB protection 

Water resistance = maintenance of SPF after 40 or 80 minutes in water. 

SPF ≥ 15 or 30 recommended. 

Re-apply1-2 hours during outdoor activates 

Other measures: 

Staying in the shade especially from 10 AM – 2 PM 

Wide brim hats 

Sunglasses 

Protective clothing 

Types of sunscreens: Chemical	Physical
works like a sponge on the surface of your skin, absorbing the sun’s rays.	works like a shield on the surface of your skin, deflecting the sun’s rays.
Optimal if you have sensitive skin	Easier to rub in the skin without leaving residue
Example: zinc oxide, titanium dioxide	oxybenzone, avobenzone, and ecamsule

 Concentrations as are utilized in SPF testing is: 2 mg/cm2 to achieve 2 mg/cm2 of density: 

1 teaspoon of sunscreen to the face/head/neck 

1 teaspoon to each upper extremity 

2 teaspoons to the front and back torso 

2 teaspoons to each lower extremity 

Benefits of sunscreen: 

Reduce the onset of Photoaging 

Photo immune Suppression 

Non-melanoma Skin cancer 

Photosensitivity Disorders 

 

Written by: Abdullah Nasser Al-Omair, Dermatology Resident

Reference: UpToDate

 

 

  Vitamin D is a fat-soluble hormone found in the body that serves many purposes, most famously bone formation. Although vitamin D is most important for bone health, it also plays a key role in many of the body’s other functions including but not limited to; antimicrobial, antiproliferative, anti comedogenic, and antioxidative processes. Vitamin D is gained through diet, supplements, and exposure to sunlight. In regards to dermatologic diseases, and more specifically in the treatment of acne vulgaris, the antimicrobial properties of vitamin D have been an interesting area of research in recent years.

 

  It has been established that acne vulgaris patients were more likely to have deficient vitamin D levels than controls. Variable associations have been made between the severity of acne lesions and deficient vitamin D levels, although some studies have shown improvement in inflammatory acne lesions when patients were given vitamin D supplementation. This improvement is restricted to inflammatory lesions, while non-inflammatory lesions showed no improvement. This could be due to vitamin D’s antimicrobial properties, as inflammation caused by propionibacterium acnes is significant to the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris. Another association between vitamin D levels and acne vulgaris is linked to sebaceous gland activity, in which it was found that lower levels of vitamin D stimulate lipogenesis in sebaceous glands. The increased lipogenesis promotes inflammatory lesions in acne vulgaris.

 

 These findings open the door to the possibility of using topical vitamin D analogues in the treatment of acne, as well as screening acne vulgaris patients for Vitamin D deficiency. As of today, using vitamin D in the treatment of acne is grade B recommendation with IIb level of evidence.

 

 

 

 

Written by: Hadeel Awartani, Medical Student

 

 

Resources:

1-Amal Ahmed Mohamed, Eman Mohamed Salah Ahmed, Rasha T.A. Abdel-Aziz, Halaa H. Eldeeb Abdallah, Hadeel El-Hanafi, Ghada Hussein, Maggie M. Abbassi & Radwa El Borolossy (2020) The impact of active vitamin D administration on the clinical outcomes of acne vulgaris, Journal of Dermatological Treatment, DOI: 10.1080/09546634.2019.1708852

2-Navarro-Triviño FJ, Arias-Santiago S, Gilaberte-Calzada Y. Vitamin D and the Skin: A Review for Dermatologists [Internet]. Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas (English Edition). Elsevier Doyma; 2019 [cited 2021Apr23]. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S157821901930112X

3-Mostafa WZ, Hegazy RA. Vitamin D and the skin: Focus on a complex relationship: A review [Internet]. Journal of advanced research. Elsevier; 2015 [cited 2021Apr23]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4642156/

4-Study links vitamin D deficiency with acne [Internet]. Dermatology Times. [cited 2021Apr23]. Available from: https://www.dermatologytimes.com/view/study-links-vitamin-d-deficiency-with-acne

5-Vitamin D for Acne: Benefits, Uses, & Effects of Vitamin D Deficiency [Internet]. Healthline. 2021 [cited 23 April 2021]. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/vitamin-d-for-acne

 

 

  Dermaplaning is a simple non-invasive outpatient procedure which has gained popularity through social media platforms as an easy way to achieve a smoother skin complexion, remove unwanted hair on the face and prevent acne vulgaris. Although this procedure has only recently become well-known, it has been performed by dermatologists and licensed aestheticians for many years.

 

  Dermaplaning exfoliates the face by using a small scalpel blade to remove dead skin cells from the upper epidermis and facial hair. The removal of this superficial layer of skin offers the cosmetic benefit of achieving a more radiant and even texture complexion, as well as minimizing fine wrinkles and reducing the appearance of acne scars. As with any exfoliating procedure, dermaplaning allows deeper penetration of skin products such as moisturizers and serums which may contribute to the improved appearance of skin post-procedure. This is why dermaplaning may be of great benefit in patients with hyperproliferative disorders such as eczema or psoriasis, as removal of the cellular debris would allow proper penetration of hydrating treatments.

 

  Although dermaplaning is considered a low-risk procedure, it does not come without side effects such as skin hypersensitivity directly after or infection in rare cases. It is advised to apply protective sunscreen to reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation of the new skin layer and apply soothing agents to reduce inflammation.

 

  Despite the renewed public interest, patients should take into consideration the possible risks of dermaplaning especially if they plan to do it themselves. Improper tools or technique may result in injury or infection, and it is best to consult your dermatologist before self-performing this procedure.

 

 

Written by: Hadeel Awartani, Medical Student

 

 

Resources:

1- Dermabrasion and Dermaplaning  https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/dermabrasion-and-dermaplaning

2- Townsend R (2017) The Use of Advance Dermaplaning in Clinical Skin Care and Treatment. Clin Dermatol Res J 2:2. doi: 10.4172/2576-1439.1000117

3- Dermaplaning: Efficacy, Side Effects, and More https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/dermaplaning

4- Pryor L, Gordon CR, Swanson EW, Reish RG, Horton-Beeman K, Cohen SR. Dermaplaning, topical oxygen, and photodynamic therapy: a systematic review of the literature. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2011 Dec;35(6):1151-9. doi: 10.1007/s00266-011-9730-z. Epub 2011 May 2. PMID: 21533984.

 

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been initially defined as a disease of the respiratory tract; however, with the increasing number of patients and announcing that the virus became a pandemic, new systemic clinical manifestations are observed, including dermatological manifestations. However, the identification and characteristics of these manifestations are still controversial. This review article aims to evaluate the medical literature and explore the dermatological clinical manifestations in patients with SARS-CoV-2.

 

 

Dermatological lesions are frequent in patients with SARS-CoV-2, especially erythema, urticaria, and varicella-like rash. Differential diagnosis should be thoroughly considered before deciding that the present rash is related to SARS-CoV-2 infections. Till present, the rash is not correlated to the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection, which needs to be confirmed with studies with a more robust design and larger sample sizes. These findings should be considered by clinicians working with patients with SARS-CoV-2 in order not to misdiagnose the occurrence of dermatological lesions, which may delay therapy or increase the risk of complications.

 

 

Written by: Abdulelah Khalaf Nasser Almutairi, MBBS

 

Reference:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7402433

 

 

 

 

 

Hypertrichosis (also known as Werewolf syndrome) is the presence of abnormal amounts of hair on the body in non-androgenic sensitive areas. This needs to be differentiated from hirsutism, which is a condition associated with male-like pattern growth of hair in females, mostly due to endocrine causes.

 

Excess hair growth associated with hypertrichosis may include any hair type (terminal, vellus, and lanugo), this hair growth particularly involves non-androgenic sensitive areas. Congenital form of hypertrichosis is believed to be due to inheritance or a spontaneous mutation. In addition, this form of hypertrichosis is extremely rare, and only a few cases have ever been reported. Furthermore, hypertrichosis could also be acquired and presents in late stages of cancer by an unknown mechanism, this hair growth is termed “malignant down”. However, cancer is not the only cause of the acquired form, it can also be caused by certain medications, such as minoxidil, phenytoin, and cyclosporine. There is not a known cure for the congenital form of hypertrichosis, however, the mainstay of treatment for the acquired form is addressing the culprit and using cosmetic hair removal methods (shaving, waxing, eflornithine cream, etc.).

 

Hypertrichosis is a rare disorder that presents with excessive unwanted hair growth. It could be congenital or acquired, however, the congenital is very rare. Treatment involves treating the underlying cause and using hair removal techniques.

 

 

 

Written by: Khalid Al Dakheel, Medical Student 

 

Resources:

Fitzpatrick’s Color Atlas and Synopsis of Clinical Dermatology, Seventh Edition

https://www.mayoclinic.org/

www.DermNetNZ.org

 

 

 

Herpes zoster (also known as shingles) is a localized, blistering, and painful rash caused by reactivation of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) (as known as herpesvirus 3 member of the Herpesviruses). Herpes zoster is characterized by blisters that are confined to the cutaneous distribution of one or two adjacent sensory nerves, which are usually unilateral with a sharp cut-off at the anterior and posterior midlines.

 

 

the clinical presentation includes pain, which may be severe, relating to one or more sensory nerves. The patients usually feel quite unwell with fever and headache with the lymph nodes draining the affected area being enlarged and tender. The chest (thoracic), neck (cervical), forehead (ophthalmic), and lumbar/sacral sensory nerve supply regions are most commonly affected at all ages, with the frequency of ophthalmic herpes zoster increases with age. Anyone with previous varicella (chickenpox) may subsequently develop zoster. they may occur in childhood but are more common in adults, especially the elderly. After primary infection, VZV remains dormant in dorsal root ganglia nerve cells in the spine for many years before reactivating and migrating down sensory nerves to the skin causing herpes zoster. it’s still unknown why certain nerves are at higher risk, but the currently acknowledged trigger factors are: Pressure on the nerve roots, radiotherapy at the level of the affected nerve root and Spinal surgery.  Common complications are: Involvement of several dermatomes or bilateral eruptions in unique dermatomes. Eye complications when the ophthalmic division of the fifth cranial nerve is involved. Deep blisters that destroy the skin. Muscle weakness in about one in 20 patients, with Facial nerve palsy being the most common result (Ramsey Hunt syndrome). Post-herpetic neuralgia is the persistence or recurrence of pain in the same area, more than a month after the onset of herpes zoster and It becomes increasingly common with age.

 

 

Antiviral treatment can reduce pain and the duration of symptoms if started within one to three days after the onset of herpes zoster. Because the risk of severe complications from herpes zoster is higher in older people, those aged over 60 years might consider the zoster vaccine, which can reduce the incidence of herpes zoster by half, and if they get herpes zoster despite being vaccinated, the symptoms are usually less severe and post-herpetic neuralgia is less likely to develop.

 

 

 

Written by: Bayan Alhazmi, Medical Student 

 

Resources:

https://www.dermnetnz.org/