Introduction: Evaluating the response of various skin types to ultraviolet radiation expo- sure is very important in dermatology. The Fitzpatrick system is the most frequently used classification technique. It is straightforward and practical, assesses photodamage and skin cancer risks, and helps in defining light-based treatments. Nevertheless, there seem to be limitations to its use in non-Caucasians.
Objective: To compare the subjective phototype evaluation method to the Fitzpatrick classification in Caucasian and Asian (East and Southeast Asian, in particular) skin types.
Methods: Caucasian and Asian women (n = 42) were classified using 3 evaluation meth- ods (clinical, Fitzpatrick and Modified Fitzpatrick). The data were collected through ques- tionnaires and analyzed using non-parametric methods. A 5% significance level was adopted.
Results: There were no statistically significant differences within each group between the clinical evaluation, Fitzpatrick classification and the Modified Fitzpatrick classification (Caucasian cr2 = 0.375, p = 0.93 and Asians cr2 = 3.5, p = 0.182).
Conclusion: The three methods evaluate phototypes equally, yet studies with larger pop- ulation samples are still necessary.

Keywords: SKIN, SKIN PIGMENTATION, PHOTOBIOLOGY

Introduction: Melasma can be classified as epidermal, dermal, or mixed using clinical measures such as Wood''''''''s lamp and dermoscopy. The Melasma Area Severity Index and the Melasma Quality of Life Scale are additional subjective classification methods. Objectives: To compare noninvasive melasma classification methods according to response to treatment. Methods: Ten women with melasma were treated with 4% hydroquinone + 0.05% tretinoin + 0.01% fluociolone acetate for 90 days. They were evaluated before and after treatment using dermoscopy, Wood''''''''s lamp, and both subjective measures. Results: No significant correlations were found between the Melasma Area Severity Index and dermoscopic classification, Wood''''''''s lamp examination and the Melasma Quality of Life Scale. The average percentage improvement after treatment was 60.6% in the severity index and 41.1% in the quality of life scale. Dermoscopy revealed telangiectasia in most patients (60%), including those without prior treatment. Conclusions: The subjective assessment tools best reflected the patients'''''''' response to treatment. The classification using Wood''''''''s lamp did correlate with improvement measured by the severity index. The use of dermoscopy for classifying melasma requires further research, since the findings were not correlated with the expected response to treatment.

Keywords: HYPERPIGMENTATION, CLASSIFICATION, THERAPEUTICS

Introduction: Mohs Micrographic Surgery is a surgical technique that produces the greatest cure rates and the lowest recurrence in the treatment of skin cancer. This article describes the experience of performing micrographic surgery in a university hospital, with the aim of introducing the process and disseminating the technique.

Keywords: SKIN NEOPLASMS, MOHS SURGERY, AMBULATORY SURGICAL PROCEDURES, HOSPITALS, UNIVERSITY

One of the signs of perioral aging is the lengthening of the upper lip followed by perioral sagging that leads to the depressed angle of the mouth. Various perioral rejuvenation techniques - such as the use of fillers and ablative techniques - are described, however the inversion of the lip does not usually fully improve with those treatment modalities. The authors describe three patients with depressed angles of the mouth that were surgically corrected through a simple, however little used technique, which produces satisfactory aesthetic results.

Keywords: MOUTH; AGING; SURGERY, PLASTIC.