Introdução: The increase in the demand for cosmetic procedures has in turn stimulated the search for effective and safe analgesia.Topical anesthetics are an alternative to infiltrative anesthesia, and promote an appropriate analgesia without inducing adverse effects. Objective: To compare the pain ratings of two topical lidocaine formulations in patients undergoing fractional CO2 laser therapy. Methods: Eight patients underwent a single fractional CO2 laser session after applying a commercial formulation of 4% lidocaine on the right side of the face and a dispensed 30% lidocaine formulation combined with 7% tetracaine on the left side of the face.The intensity of the pain was assessed using the visual analogue pain intensity scale at the end of the procedure. Results: No significant statistical differences were detected between the formulations. Conclusions: Formulations with high concentrations of anesthetics are not more effective than commercial products in producing analgesia.

Keywords: ANESTHETICS, ANESTHESIA AND ANALGESIA, LASERS

Reconstructions of the auricular pavilion are complex, especially when there is a loss of cartilaginous support. A case of chondrocutaneous defect reconstruction, after the exeresis of a basal cell carcinoma in the upper third of the auricular pavilion, is reported. Silicone fiber was used to model and provide support for the ear. The technique of using cartilage or compound grafts in the auricular pavilion is described.

Keywords: EAR CARTILAGES, SURGERY, PLASTIC, EAR DEFORMITIES, ACQUIRED, EAR, PROSTHESES AND IMPLANTS

Introduction: Isotretinoin was initially used to treat severe inflammatory acne and is now widely recognized as an effective therapy for acne vulgaris. Many factors are associated with the recurrence of this condition, which ranges from 5.6-65.4%. There is much con- troversy regarding the importance and contribution of each factor.
Objectives: To determine the recurrence rate in patients who underwent full treatment with oral isotretinoin (dose between 120 and 150 mg/kg) and risk factors.
Methods: Retrospective study of data from 276 patients treated with isotretinoin. The analysis was carried out after a minimum of 30 months after the end of the treatment. Recurrence was defined as the appearance of new active lesions that required retreatment.
Results: While the recurrence rate in patients who underwent the full dose was 25.53%, it reached 81.03% in those who received an incomplete dose. The other studied factors presented no statistical significance.
Conclusion: Oral isotretinoin therapy is effective in producing a significant and long- term reduction of acne. Nevertheless, it is important to note that recurrence can occur, especially when recommended doses are not reached.

Keywords: ACNE VULGARIS, ISOTRETINOIN, RECURRENCE

Introduction: Glomus tumors are rare benign lesions that are most often found on the tips of the fingers; they account for 1.0-4.5% of neoplasias on the hand. Subungual glomus tumors occur more frequently in women in their 30s and 50s.
Objective: This study evaluated glomus tumor patients'''''''' epidemiological profiles, their satisfaction with the treatment and the rate of recurrence due to incomplete removal.
Method: The records of patients that were treated for glomus tumors at a dermatology clinic between 1992 and 2011 were evaluated regarding gender, age, profession, affected area of the body, satisfaction with the treatment and possible recurrence.
Results: The patients (n = 8, average 63 years) were older than those usually described in the literature. The most frequently described profession was that of housewife. All patients were satisfied with the aesthetic results of the treatment. There was a total improvement of the pain in threepatients, while patients with a partial improvement in pain experienced a recurrence. The recurrence rate due to incomplete removal was 50%.
Conclusion: The surgery''''''''s effectiveness can be measured by the improvement of the pain; persistence of pain can indicate recurrence.

Keywords: THERAPEUTICS, GLOMUS TUMOR, NAILS

With the intention of contributing to the manuscript sent by Lüdtke et al. (2013) to this journal, the authors send this letter to the editors with comments relevant to the article, which examines the profile of the sample of patients with periorbital hyperpigmentation assisted at an ambulatory unit in southern Brazil. The authors of this letter present their considerations and suggestions to the authors of the referred article, and add relevant comments to the published study.

Keywords: HYPERPIGMENTATION; EYE; DERMATOLOGY.