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

Although treating contagious molluscum with 5% potassium hydroxide solution is common, some studies challenge its efficacy. Ten patients (aged 4-13) with a total of 141 lesions were evaluated. After 28 days of treatment there were 105 lesions (75% of the initial amount), none of which achieved total resolution. Persistent lesions were curetted in up to two sessions; 28 of the 105 lesions remained after treatment. The percentages of reduced or completely resolved lesions were higher for curettage than potassium hydroxide (71% x 9%, p = 0 .01 vs. 80% x 0%, p = 0.02).

Keywords: MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM, THERAPEUTICS, CURETTAGE

Introduction: The skin is subject to intrinsic and extrinsic aging processes, which makes treating cutaneous photoaging clinically challenging.
Objective: To use objective and subjective parameters to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and clinical efficacy of a cosmetic product containing 0.05% retinaldehyde, 4% nicotinamide, and 1% Vitis vinifera extract in the treatment of skin aging.
Methods: A monocentric, prospective, open study evaluated 40 female volunteers (25-40 years old) with Fitzpatrick skin types I to IV, who used the dermocosmetic product for 60 consecutive days. Subjective assessments were carried out by the physician and the volunteer patients. In addition, ultrasound examination and objective assessment of photographic records using the Visia® imaging system, skin biopsies, corneometry, pH metry, and sebumetry were conducted.
Results: Thirty-six volunteers completed the study. Subjective evaluations revealed improvements in wrinkles, fine lines, sagging, vitality, and overall appearance. Ultrasound and skin biopsies showed increased collagen (94.4% and 30.6%, respectively). Pictures from the Visia® device demonstrated a reduction in stains, wrinkles, and pores, and improvements in the skin''''''''s texture. Sebumetry revealed a decrease in the oiliness and the pH. Measurements taken with the corneometer remained constant.
Conclusions: This dermocosmetic product is effective and safe in the treatment of photoaging.

Keywords: RETINOIDS, RETINALDEHYDE, NIACINAMIDE, SKIN AGING

Introduction: Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous follicles. Treatment should be early and effective to prevent scarring and psychosocial effects, and isotretinoin is the drug of choice for moderate or severe cases.
Objective: To assess efficacy, safety and tolerability of an isotretinoin similar to the reference product.
Methods: A bicentric study, with therapeutic intervention was conducted, including 50 participants aged 13 to 35 years, with moderate to severe acne, using isotretinoin 0.5 mg/kg/day up to 120 mg/kg. Efficacy was assessed through lesions counting, the investigator's global assessment (IGA) scale, patient satisfaction and application of the quality of life questionnaire specific for Acne (Acne Qol). Safety and tolerability were assessed by analysis of adverse events and laboratory tests. Results: Mean age was 20 years, 70% of participants were men, with a reduction of 99% of lesions after treatment and complete remission of lesions in 91.5% of participants. IGA scale reduced 98% in the score after treatment. Also, 100% of participants declared to be satisfied, with significant improvement in quality of life. Adverse events were similar to those described in the literature.
Conclusion: The assessed isotretinoin was equally effective, safe and well-tolerated when compared with published data of the standard product.

Keywords: ACNE VULGARIS; TREATMENT OUTCOME; ISOTRETINOIN

Introduction: Molluscum contagiosum is a dermatovirosis caused by a poxvirus. In the literature there are descriptions of different therapeutic approaches of this infection.
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of imiquimod – isolated and associated with curettage – in the treatment of molluscum contagiosum.
Methods: Group A: 20 patients used 5% imiquimod cream 3 times a week for 6 weeks. Group B: 10 patients used a creamy base 3 times a week, for 6 weeks. After the initial 6 weeks, all patients underwent curettage.
Results: Group A: 31% decrease in the number of lesions in the 6th week, with a curettage effectiveness of 97.6%; Group B: 4.8% increase in the number of lesions in the 6th week, with a curettage effectiveness of 81.1%. The mean value for the pain level during curettage was 1.8 for Group A and 3.0 for Group B.
Conclusions: Due to the facts that the rate of cure of contagious molluscum lesions increased and the pain decreased when the curettage procedure was conducted after the use of the immunomodulator, it was possible to conclude that the association of 5% imiquimod cream to the curettage may be a therapeutic possibility.

Keywords: Molluscum Contagiosum; Dermatology; Dermatologic Surgical Procedures

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

Tattooing is an ancient practice and very popular nowadays. The pigments used have changed over time but still present varied and poorly regulated compositions. There are many described cases of adverse effects after tattooing, mainly infectious and hypersensitivity reactions. We report the case of a 64-year-old woman, healthy, with papules on her eyebrows one month after performing micropigmentation. The excisional biopsy diagnosed molluscum contagiosum, and the lesions were curetted. There are few reports in the literature of the spread of molluscum contagiosum caused by tattooing.

Keywords: Molluscum contagiosum. Tattooing. Poxviridae infections.

Although little reported in daily practice, the use of systemic retinoids can cause changes in the shape, color, and texture of hair shafts. We report a case of a patient treated with isotretinoin for acne vulgaris who experienced new growing curly hair. Such hair changes are recognized during therapy with oral retinoids; however, isotretinoin-induced modifications on the hair fiber curvature are extremely rare.

Keywords: Hair; Isotretinoin; Pharmacological treatment

INTRODUCTION: Acne is a prevalent chronic disease that can cause physical, emotional, and social effects. Isotretinoin and chemical peels are available as treatment, but their combination has historically been avoided due to reports of abnormal healing. Recent studies suggest that the combination with superficial or medium-depth peels is safe, but there are no studies considering the specific characteristics of the Brazilian population.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of combining isotretinoin and chemical peels in the treatment of acne scars.
METHODS: A clinical trial was conducted with patients aged 15 to 25 years undergoing acne treatment with isotretinoin. The intervention group underwent three Jessner's peels during isotretinoin use, while the control group underwent the same peels after treatment with isotretinoin was completed. Outcomes were assessed using the QGSGS and IGA scales by two blinded evaluators.
RESULTS: Peels performed concomitantly with isotretinoin did not result in worse outcomes on the QGSGS and IGA scales compared to the control group.
CONCLUSION: The combination of isotretinoin and chemical peels proved to be safe, but further studies with larger samples are needed to establish recommendations.

Keywords: Acne Vulgaris; Isotretinoin; Chemexfoliation.

Molluscum contagiosum is a common viral infection in children, usually self-limiting, but treatment of extensive or recalcitrant cases can be challenging. We report a child with refractory MC unresponsive to conventional therapies who achieved complete clearance with low-dose oral isotretinoin. This case highlights the potential of isotretinoin as a novel therapeutic approach for refractory molluscum contagiosum in children.

Keywords: Molluscum contagiosum; Isotretinoin; Child; Retinoids