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Silicone gel sheets and intralesional corticosteroids are effective treatments for hypertrophic scars according to evidence studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate, both clinically and by ultrasound, the efficacy and tolerability of a topical self-drying silicone gel containing polysiloxane and silicone dioxide applied twice daily in eight hypertrophic scars. After 6 months all lesions showed evident clinical and/or ultrasound improvement, with a mean scar thickness reduction of 37% (range 20-54%). Although controlled trials in larger series of patients are necessary, our results suggest that the self-drying silicone gel may represent a safe and effective treatment for hypertrophic scars.

Unlabelled: Severe alopecia areata (AA) may have a chronic relapsing course and is often resistant to current treatments., Objectives: The aim of our study was to evaluate whether topical immunotherapy with squaric acid dibutylester (SADBE) is able to improve the course of severe AA and to reduce the severity of relapses., Methods: Fifty-four patients affected by severe AA treated with SADBE who were followed for a period of at least 2 years were selected as the study group. Data collected were compared with those of a matched control group of 54 patients who did not receive any treatment. Student's t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pearson's chi-squared test were utilized for data analysis., Results: At the end of therapy, in comparison with the control group, the treatment group showed a statistically significant (p < 0.001) improvement. At follow-up, there was no significant change in relapse rate (treated 44% vs control 52%). However, relapses in the treated group were significantly less severe compared with the control group (p < 0.001)., Conclusions: Our data suggest that topical SADBE represents a valid therapeutic option in severe AA, and may prove to be disease modifying.