Introduction: Skin cancer is the most common type of neoplasia in humans, with ultraviolet radiation being considered the main cause. Basal cell carcinoma is the most frequent cutaneous neoplasia, and photoprotection is seen as the most effective measure in its prevention. Nonetheless, there is still some resistance to the use of sunscreens among the general population. There is also a lack of reports in the literature on whether such resistance differs in patients with basal cell carcinoma. Objectives: To evaluate whether there is change in habits regarding exposure to the sun and use of sunscreen after diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma in patients treated at the Dermatology Outpatient Clinic of Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (RS), Brazil. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 120 patients diagnosed and treated for basal cell carcinoma, who responded to a questionnaire regarding their sun exposure habits and use of photoprotection methods before and after diagnosis. Results: Of the 120 patients interviewed, 73.3% reported changes in their habits regarding exposure to the sun and use of sunscreen after receiving a diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma. The main reasons alleged by those who denied having changed their behavior towards sun exposure (26.7%), were the lack of fear of new tumors, as well as the high cost of sunscreens. Conclusions: A diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma motivates most patients to improve their use of preventive measures regarding protection from the sun. Nonetheless, about a third of the studied population still resisted such measures, the main reason cited being the high cost of sunscreens. Therefore, awareness campaigns about the importance of using photoprotection methods to prevent skin cancer must be implemented, and the development of programs aimed at making sunscreens available to the general population – especially to high-risk patients – must be sought.

Keywords: SKIN NEOPLASMS, CARCINOMA, BASAL CELL, HEALTH EDUCATION

Introduction: Periorbital hyperpigmentation is a multifactorial dyschromia that involves the eyelid''''''''s vascularization and melanin hyperpigmentation. Objective:To compare the efficacy of 2.5% thioglycolic acid, 2% hydroquinone, 2% Haloxyl, and 10% thioglycolic acid peel in the reduction of dark circles. Methods: Eighty patients were divided into four groups. Groups 1, 2, and 3 underwent treatments with 2.5% thioglycolic acid, 2% hydroquinone, and 2% Haloxyl, respectively. Group 4 underwent five biweekly sessions of chemical exfoliation with 10% thioglycolic acid. All patients were evaluated by two physicians after the treatment: the one who performed the treatment, and another who was blinded to the outcome. The assessment was carried out using photographs and a clinical satisfaction questionnaire distributed to the patients. Results: The best results occurred in Groups 1 and 2. Group 3 had slightly inferior results, possibly due to the low concentration used. Group 4 had the least significant results, however this outcome may have been influenced by the higher age of the group members and the lack of daily use of medications. Conclusions: There is still not an ideal treatment for dark circles, with the currently available therapeutic resources only alleviating the difference in color between the lower eyelids and the rest of the face.

Keywords: HYPERPIGMENTATION, SKIN PIGMENTATION, EYELIDS

Introduction: Although the intradermal melanocytic nevi are benign lesions, many patients seek for dermatologists for their excision. However, there are no studies about the best method for this procedure.
Objective: To compare in a randomized clinical trial the excision of intradermal melanocytic nevi in the face for shaving and elliptical excision with suture
Methods: Patients with intradermal melanocytic nevi on the face were selected for removal by shaving or ellipse, randomly. The results were described regarding patient satisfaction and photographic records evaluated by a blinded physician.
Results: 18 patients underwent excision of intradermal melanocytic nevi. The mean scar size after six months of the procedure was of 8,11mm for the excision in ellipse and 2,92mm for the shaving (p < 0.05). The mean score of the patients after six months was 9.67 (ellipse) and 9.57 (shaving) (p = 0.8). The mean by the blinded physician was of 7.78 (ellipse) and 7.86 (shaving) (p = 0.91). 28.6% of patients undergoing shaving had recurrence of the nevus.
Conclusions: The two forms are of excision are equivalent concerning patients satisfaction and the judgment of medical team about the aesthetic results of the scar. However, ellipse with suture excision has the advantage of having a lower relapse.

Keywords: NEVUS, INTRADERMAL; AMBULATORY SURGICAL PROCEDURES; SKIN; THERAPEUTICS

INTRODUCTION: Melasma is a highly common dermatosis that has numerous therapeutic alternatives but tends to be a therapeutic challenge due to its refractory and relapsing nature.
OBJECTIVE: Comparison between intense pulsed light with pulse-in-pulse mode (IPL-PIP) and retinoic acid peel (RAP) for melasma treatment.
METHODS: We conducted six bi-weekly IPL-PIP sessions in the left hemiface and three-monthly RAP sessions in the right hemiface.The Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) and MelasQol questionnaires were applied before and one month after the last treatment session.
RESULTS: We observed a reduction of approximately 33% in hemiface MASI with RAP and of 35% in hemiface with IPL-PIP, showing significant improvement of melasma with both methods.There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Both practices were well tolerated by patients, but RAP had more reports of adverse events than IPL-PIP.There was a substantial improvement in the quality of life of the patients with both therapeutic methods.
CONCLUSIONS: RAP and IPL-PIP are effective in treating melasma and improving patients' quality of life.There was no statistical difference between the methods concerning lesion clearance and quality of life of patients.

Keywords: Chemexfoliation; Light; Melanosis; Retinoids

The "gummy smile" occurs when more than 3-4 mm of gingiva appears during the act of smiling. It is considered unattractive and causes aesthetic disharmony. It has a multifactorial etiology, with several techniques described for its correction. Myomodulation with hyaluronic acid is a non-surgical alternative with immediate and lasting results. In this article, we present a case of myomodulation with hyaluronic acid to correct "gummy smile" in a 31-year-old patient.

Keywords: Hyaluronic acid; Gingiva; Smile