Dermatology and Cosmetics
Year:2019 | Volume:10 | Issue:2|Papers Count:8

Background and Aim: Drug delivery through the microneedle array has been considered as an easy and noninvasive method in recent years. The purpose of this study was to design and construct an array of biodegradable polymeric microneedles containing Amphotericin-B to introduce this system and its use in the treatment of cutaneous lesions caused by Leishmania major parasite inoculation as a model in skin infections. Methods: In this study, microneedles were fabricated by three-step molding method, which included master mold making, polymeric matrix that blending of polyvinyl pyrrolidine and methacrylic acid and finally casting. Results: The identification of Amphotericin-B in polymeric microscopic compositions was investigated by absorption and emission spectroscopy. Also, the mechanical strength of microneedles, which confirms their ability to penetrate the skin, was investigated by a transducer. Conclusion: In this study, the design and fabrication of a skin-permeable polymeric microneedle array with biodegradability and biocompatibility characteristics in physiological environment was performed. Using the properties of designed needles, loading of Amphotericin-B was used for the treatment of leishmaniasis and skin fungal infections.

Background and Aim: Schema modes include specific schemata and coping styles which are activated in emotional situations. They create formation of behavioral patterns compatible with their own schemata. The purpose of this study was to predict the quality of life in vitiligo patients according to their schema modes. Methods: In this descriptive-correlational study, 170 vitiligo patients were selected by simple random sampling method. They filled Schema Modes Inventory and brief form of the World Health Organization`s Quality of Life questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient, and stepwise regression. Results: The results of the analysis of the Pearson correlation coefficient revealed that quality of life was related to all schema modes except detached self-soother mode. Happy child and healthy adult schema modes had a significant positive relationship with quality of life, while the other schema modes (except detached self-soother) had a significant negative relationship with quality of life in vitiligo patients. Also, the results of stepwise regression showed that vulnerable child, detached protector, compliant surrender and happy child schema modes had the strongest effect in predicting the quality of life, respectively. Conclusion: Regarding the importance of the role of schema modes in quality of life in vitiligo patients, offering psychotherapies such as schema therapy seems necessary.

Background and Aim: Cosmetic surgery is one of the last achievements of human being for creation of beauty. The purpose of this study was to explain the relationship between personality traits and perceived stress with body image. Methods: This is a correlation type study relying on structural equation modeling. A total of 350 applicants for cosmetic surgery who referred to surgical centers in northern Tehran in 2017 were voluntarily selected by convenient and purposive sampling method. They filled the demographic, perceived stress by Cohen et al (1983), the personality by NEO, body image concern by Littelton questionnaires. Data analysis was done at descriptive and inferential levels using version 24 of SPSS, AMOS and with normality tests, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), structural equation modeling. Results: The results showed that there is a significant relationship between personality traits and body image concern. There were significant relationships between perceived stress and body image concern, and also between personality traits and perceived stress. Also, the structural model of the body image concern based on personality traits and perceived stress had a favorable fit. Conclusion: It is necessary to use standardized scales to understand and evaluate psychological pre-cosmetic surgery, and this screening can reduce the number of unnecessary cosmetic surgeries and increase the satisfaction of surgical outcomes.

Background and Aim: Demodex is a common mite and ectoparasite in humans and animals. The existence of Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis in human skin can have a role in some inflammatory skin diseases such as acne, rosacea, and dermatitis. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of Demodex ectoparasite in women and its possible association with skin lesions. Methods: Fifty women with skin lesions (case group) and 50 women without skin lesions (control group) were selected and evaluated by clinical and laboratory tests. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee and the volunteers provided written informed consent. The skin scrapings were investigated by placing in a 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH) and lactophenol solutions and were analyzed under microscope to detect the Demodex. Results: Twenty-two out of 50 patients (with acne, rosacea, dermatitis, and eczema) had Demodex folliculorum infestation (44%). The highest levels of infestation were observed in women aged 20-30 years (22%) and the infestation of Demodex was only confirmed in 10 cases (20%) out of the 50 subjects in the control group. Conclusion: The rate of Demodex in patients with skin lesions was much higher than healthy subjects. There was a significant association between Demodex and skin lesions (sig. =0. 023, P<0. 05). The authors suggest that Demodox treatment should be considered in the therapeutic strategy of some inflammatory skin diseases.

Background and Aim: Cosmetic surgery is one of the most common phenomena in recent decades. Due to high prevalence of psychiatric disorders among the cosmetic surgery applicants, it is important to explore the pathways and variables which affect mental health of these people. The aim of the present study was to investigate the mediating role of difficulties in excitement adjustment in the relationship between attachment styles and psychopathology in women undergoing cosmetic surgery. Methods: The present study was descriptive and based on correlation models. The sample included all women who applied for cosmetic surgery who referred to the specialized surgical centers of Kermanshah, 300 of whom were selected by available sampling method. Data were collected by attachment styles. Excitement adjustment difficulty and psychopathology questionnaire and were analyzed by SPSS 22 and LISREL 8/8. Results: The hypothesized model of research is fitted with the experimental data. There was a significant relationship between attachment styles and psychopathology directly and indirectly. The results of path analysis indicated mediating role of the difficulties of excitement adjustment in the relationship between attachment styles and psychopathology. Conclusion: Attachment styles and difficulties in excitement adjustment can be effective in preventing, diagnosing and treating of mental disorders, and promoting mental health of cosmetic surgery applicants.

Onychomycosis is a common nail disorder. If left untreated, it may cause nail deformity and nail plate dystrophy. Since nails have aesthetic importance, onychomycosis may have some impact on quality of life by causing a change in the appearance of nail and/or nail dystrophy and by interfering with fine activities carried out by hand. The aim of this review is to evaluate the quality of life in patients with onychomycosis.

Mycetoma usually involves the skin, the subcutaneous tissues and deep structures such as the muscle and bone, but infection can also spread to more distant sites through the blood and lymph. If left untreated, the disease leads to deformity and loss of function, which may be fatal. The disease has a severe medical and socioeconomic impact on individuals, communities and health authorities. Elaborating a public health strategy for the prevention and control of mycetoma will require collection of epidemiological data on its burden as well as precise diagnosis and early treatment strategies.