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Skin cancer is the most common human malignancy. The goal of this pilot study was to validate a novel handheld optical polarization imaging (OPI) device for preoperative detection of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) margins. Ten patients with biopsy proven basal cell carcinoma (BCC) were imaged prior to Mohs surgery at UMASS Memorial Medical Center. Preliminary results from analysis of 10 BCC lesions show a strong correlation between optical imaging and histopathology. These findings indicate OPI may be a valuable tool for optimizing surgical treatment of skin cancer.

Background Recent studies demonstrate comparable outcomes of Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) versus local excision (LE) for melanoma in situ. These studies are limited by their focus on the head and neck. Objective The primary objective was to compare 5-year overall and melanoma-specific mortality among patients with melanoma in situ of the trunk or extremities who undergo MMS versus LE. The secondary objective was to compare 5-year local recurrence among the same cohort of patients who undergo MMS versus LE. Materials and methods The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database (2000-2015) was queried to identify patients who underwent MMS versus LE for melanoma in situ of the trunk, upper extremities, or lower extremities. Outcomes were 5-year recurrence, melanoma-specific mortality, and overall mortality. Multivariable regression analyses were performed. Results Thirty three thousand nine hundred eighty-three patients underwent surgical treatment (MMS 3%; LE 97%). In adjusted analyses, there was no difference in local recurrence (hazard ratio [HR] 1.00, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.56-1.78), melanoma-specific mortality (HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.12-6.47), nor overall mortality (HR 1.10, 95% CI 0.82-1.48) between MMS versus LE. Conclusion There is no difference of 5-year local recurrence, melanoma-specific mortality, nor overall mortality associated with MMS versus LE for melanoma in situ of the trunk or extremities.

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common cancer in the United States. Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma has an estimated incidence of more than 700,000 new cases per year and a 5% risk of metastasis.To provide clinicians with guidelines for the management of cSCC based on evidence from a comprehensive literature review and consensus among the authors.The authors conducted an extensive review of the medical literature on treatment methods for cSCC, taking into consideration cure rates, recurrence and metastatic rates, aesthetic and functional outcomes, and cost effectiveness of the procedures.Surgical treatments provide the best outcomes for cSCC. Mohs micrographic surgery is a cost-effective procedure that affords the highest cure rate, maximal tissue preservation, and superior cosmetic outcomes. Nonsurgical methods may be used as a primary treatment for low-risk squamous cell carcinomas, but the cure rates are lower.The cure rate remains the most important consideration in choosing the treatment method, but additional factors, such as the patient's general medical condition, psychosocial circumstances, the location of the tumor and cost effectiveness of the therapy should be considered. Mohs micrographic surgery remains the preferred treatment for high-risk tumors and tumors located in cosmetically sensitive areas.

Background Many variations in the surgical treatment of upper eyelid blepharoplasty have been described, including orbicularis oculi muscle stripping. There is no evidence in the literature to support the efficacy of this technique in improving the aesthetic results of the procedure. Objectives To conduct a single-blind, randomized, controlled, split-face pilot study to evaluate the effects of orbicularis oculi muscle stripping on upper lid blepharoplasty. Methods Ten subjects were randomized to receive upper lid blepharoplasty with orbicularis oculi muscle stripping on one side and skin-only blepharoplasty on the other. Patients and two blinded physicians evaluated the aesthetics of the eyelids at 1-, 3-, and 17-month follow-up visits. Results Blinded physician evaluation failed to show a difference in the overall cosmetic appearance of the eyelids between the control and treatment sides at any time point. Analysis of the composite of all patient scores showed a trend favoring the control side at 3 months (p = .28) and the treatment side at 17 months (p = .50), but neither difference was significant. Conclusion Based on the data from this pilot study, orbicularis oculi muscle stripping appears to have no affect on the aesthetic outcome of upper lid blepharoplasty.

Although it is widely believed that non-segmental vitiligo (NSV) results from the autoimmune destruction of melanocytes, a clear understanding of defects in immune tolerance, which mediate this uncontrolled self-reactivity, is still lacking. In the present study, we systemically evaluated circulating regulatory T (Treg) cells, including CD4(+) CD25(+) FoxP3(+) Treg cells and invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells, as well as naive and memory CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells and their cytokine production, in a cohort of 43 progressive NSV patients with race-, gender-, and age-matched healthy controls. We found that the general immunophenotypes of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells and the percentage of CD4(+) CD25(+) FoxP3(+) Tregs were comparable between NSV and healthy controls. However, percentages of peripheral iNKT cells were significantly decreased in NSV patients compared to that in healthy controls. Our data confirm the previous notion that the percentage of peripheral CD4(+) CD25(+) FoxP3(+) Tregs remains unaltered in NSV and suggests the involvement of defective iNKT cells in the pathogenesis of NSV.

BACKGROUND Although upper eyelid blepharoplasty is a common procedure, subtleties in surgical technique can affect cosmetic outcomes. Suture materials commonly used include polypropylene, monofilament nylon, fast-absorbing gut, and ethylcyanoacrylate (ECA) tissue adhesive. OBJECTIVE To assess upper lid blepharoplasty scars in participants whose incision had been closed with 6-0 polypropylene sutures, 6-0 fast-absorbing gut sutures, or ECA. MATERIALS AND METHODS A randomized, split-eyelid, single-blind, prospective study of the short- (1 month) and intermediate-term (3 months) efficacy of polypropylene, fast-absorbing gut, and ECA on 36 consecutive upper lid blepharoplasties. Participants and a blinded physician evaluator evaluated cosmetic outcome 1 and 3 months after the procedure. RESULTS Three subgroups tested were ECA versus fast-absorbing gut, ECA versus polypropylene, and fast-absorbing gut versus polypropylene. At 1 month, ECA was superior to fast-absorbing gut (p=.03) and had a marginally better outcome than polypropylene (p=.25), and polypropylene had an equivalent outcome to fast-absorbing gut (p=.46). At 3-month follow-up, ECA remained superior to fast-absorbing gut (p=.03). CONCLUSION Although sutured epidermal closure and tissue adhesive are highly efficacious for upper eyelid blepharoplasty, physicians and participants felt that cosmesis with ECA was superior to that with fast-absorbing gut.

BACKGROUND Ablative resurfacing lasers are effective for treatment of acne scars, but they have a high risk of complications. Fractional lasers have less severe side effects but more moderate efficacy than ablative devices. Studies were performed in individuals with Fitzpatrick skin type I to VI. OBJECTIVE To determine the efficacy and safety of an erbium 1,550-nm fractional laser in the treatment of facial acne scars in Fitzpatrick skin types IV to VI. METHODS We conducted a prospective, single-blind, randomized trial in patients with acne scars (n=15), skin type IV to VI, with a 1,550-nm erbium fractionated laser. Patients were divided into two groups; one was treated with 10 mJ and the other with 40 mJ. Five monthly laser sessions were performed. A patient questionnaire was distributed. RESULTS There was a significant improvement in the acne scarring and overall appearance (p

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disease involving the intertriginous areas.We sought to conduct clinical and histopathologic evaluation of the efficacy of long-pulsed neodymium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet laser treatment for HS.We conducted a prospective, randomized, right-left within-patient controlled trial for HS (n = 22). Four monthly laser sessions were performed. Disease activity was measured at baseline, and treatment response was assessed before each laser session and monthly for 2 months after the completion of laser treatment, using a modified scoring system based on Sartorius score. Histologic examination was performed at baseline, immediately after laser treatment, and at 1 and 4 weeks after treatment. A patient questionnaire was circulated on the last visit to assess patients' level of satisfaction.There was progressive improvement in disease activity, most significantly during the 4 months of treatment, which was maintained during the 2-month posttreatment follow-up period. Averaged over all anatomic sites, the percent improvement was 72.7% on the laser treated side, and 22.9% on the control side (P.05). Histologic examination showed an initial acute neutrophilic infiltrate. Granulomatous inflammation was present on follow-up biopsy specimens 4 weeks later. An inflammatory infiltrate surrounded the hair shaft remnants, denoting destruction of hair follicles.Small sample size was a limitation.Long-pulsed neodymium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet laser, together with topical benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin, is significantly more effective than topical benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin alone for the treatment of HS. Preliminary review of histopathology suggests the mechanism of action is destruction of the hair follicle. The overall success of the treatment in both clearing pre-existing lesions and preventing new eruptions, coupled with high patient satisfaction, makes the neodymium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet laser a promising treatment advance for this highly disabling condition.

Introduction: Fractionated resurfacing has been demonstrated in case reports to notably improve the cosmetic outcome of surgical scars. The aim of this study was to compare fractionated resurfacing (fractional photothermolysis [FP]) with the pulsed dye laser (PDL). If novel minimally invasive therapies such as FP are proven to be safe and effective for the treatment of surgical scars, patients receiving cutaneous surgery will be significantly allayed in their concern about the cosmetic outcomes of their surgical scars. Materials and Methods: Randomized, double-blinded split scar study in 15 scars in a total of 12 patients after Mohs surgery for nonmelanoma skin cancer on the face, neck, chest, or back. Patients were treated on one-half of the scar with 1550-nm erbium doped fiber laser and on the contralateral half with the 595 nm V-Beam PDL. Patients were treated with each laser device on half of the scar for a total of 2 treatment sessions at 2-week intervals. Results: After a series of 2 treatments, greater improvements were noted in the portion of surgical scars treated with FP than with PDL in overall cosmetic outcome (FP, mean improvement = 59.7%, range = 40–80% vs PDL, mean improvement = 47.9%, range = 20–60%; P= .05). In pigmentary variation (FP, mean improvement = 47.2%, range = 20–80% vs PDL, mean improvement = 28.5%, range = 0–40%; PConclusions: To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to compare the outcome of treatment with PDL with FP in terms of pigmentary variation, textural change, and overall cosmetic improvement. The data presented herein suggest that FP results in significantly greater improvements in surface pigmentation, textural variation, and scar thickness relative to PDL. Similar to previous case reports, FP was uniquely successful in improving hypopigmented scars. The greater depth of penetration and significant skin remodeling induced with FP likely account for its greater improvement in textural change and thickness of surgical scars. Both FP and PDL appear to be highly safe modalities for the treatment of surgical scars with minimal discomfort and no adverse effects.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic suppurative condition for which there is limited efficacy of medical and surgical treatments.To assess whether the 1,064-nm neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) laser is an effective treatment for HS.Prospective, randomized, controlled study for patients with stage II to III HS disease (n=22). A series of 3 monthly laser sessions were performed. Treatment response was measured before each laser session and 1 month after the completion of laser treatment (HS Lesion, Area, and Severity Index (HS-LASI) scale). A modification was made to include symptoms (erythema, edema, pain, and purulent discharge; modified HS-LASI, 0-3 scale).The percentage change in HS severity after 3 months of treatment was -65.3% over all anatomic sites, -73.4% inguinal, -62.0% axillary, and -53.1% inframammary. For all anatomic sites combined and each individual anatomic site, the change in HS severity from baseline to month 3 was statistically significant at the treated sites (p.02 for modified HS-LASI and HS-LASI) but not at the control sites (p.05 for modified HS-LASI and HS-LASI).The long-pulse Nd:YAG laser is effective for treatment of HS. The effectiveness of Nd:YAG laser, a hair epilation device, supports the primary follicular pathogenesis of the condition.

Summary Background Photoadaptation to ultraviolet (UV) B phototherapy is due to both pigmentary and nonpigmentary influences. Objectives To measure photoadaptation in vitiliginous skin and to compare it with normal pigmented skin. Methods Seventeen patients with Fitzpatrick skin phototypes III–VI with vitiligo received six to nine UVB treatments, two to three times weekly. Minimal erythema dose (MED) testing was done at baseline and after all treatments; the percentage change in MED was analysed as a measure of photoadaptation. The percentage decrease in cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) over 24 h after a single exposure of 1 MED was analysed on vitiliginous and normal skin. Results The mean ± SD percentage change in MED from before to after treatments was: treated vitiliginous skin 28·5 ± 39·9% (P = 0·015), treated normal skin 35·9 ± 49·9% (P = 0·015), untreated vitiliginous skin 11·9 ± 22·6% (P =0·070), untreated normal skin 25·1 ± 41·3% (P = 0·041). Of these patients, two-thirds had a positive percentage change in MED (photoadaptation). The mean amount of CPDs induced per megabase of DNA immediately after exposure was significantly higher in vitiliginous skin. The mean ± SD percentage decrease in CPDs (rate of repair) in 24 h was 35·7 ± 26·8% in vitiliginous skin (P = 0·027) and 46·2 ± 19·5% in normally pigmented skin (P = 0·001); no difference was noted in the repair in vitiliginous skin compared with normal skin (P = 0·4). Conclusions Photoadaptation in vitiliginous and normal skin was observed in two-thirds of patients. Vitiliginous skin had significantly more CPDs following UVB exposure; the rate of repair of UVB-induced DNA damage was equivalent to that in normal skin.

Electromagnetic radiation has vast and diverse effects on human skin. Although photobiologic studies of sunlight date back to Sir Isaac Newton in 1671, most available studies focus on the UV radiation part of the spectrum. The effects of visible light and infrared radiation have not been, until recently, clearly elucidated. The goal of this review is to highlight the effects of visible light on the skin. As a result of advances in the understanding of skin optics, and comprehensive studies regarding the absorption spectrum of endogenous and exogenous skin chromophores, various biologic effects have been shown to be exerted by visible light radiation including erythema, pigmentation, thermal damage and free radical production. It has also been shown that visible light can induce indirect DNA damage through the generation of reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, a number of photodermatoses have an action spectrum in the visible light range, even though most of the currently available sunscreens offer, if any, weak protection against visible light. Conversely, because of its cutaneous biologic effects, visible light is used for the treatment of a variety of skin diseases and esthetic conditions in the form of lasers, intense pulsed light and photodynamic therapy.

Tristimulus colorimetry and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) are white-light skin reflectance techniques used to measure the intensity of skin pigmentation. The tristimulus colorimeter is an instrument that measures a perceived color and the DRS instrument measures biological chromophores of the skin, including oxy- and deoxyhemoglobin, melanin and scattering. Data gathered from these tools can be used to understand morphological changes induced in skin chromophores due to conditions of the skin or their treatments. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of these two instruments in color measurements of acanthosis nigricans (AN) lesions. Eight patients with hyperinsulinemia and clinically diagnosable AN were seen monthly. Skin pigmentation was measured at three sites: the inner forearm, the medial aspect of the posterior neck, and anterior neck unaffected by AN. Of the three, measured tristimulus L*a*b* color parameters, the luminosity parameter L* was found to most reliably distinguish lesion from normally pigmented skin. The DRS instrument was able to characterize a lesion on the basis of the calculated melanin concentration, though melanin is a weak indicator of skin change and not a reliable measure to be used independently. Calculated oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin concentrations were not found to be reliable indicators of AN. Tristimulus colorimetry may provide reliable methods for respectively quantifying and characterizing the objective color change in AN, while DRS may be useful in characterizing changes in skin melanin content associated with this skin condition.

Background Botulinum toxin Type A (BoNT A) for the treatment of facial wrinkles is delivered through local injection. We previously demonstrated that topical surface application of BoNT A has negligible cutaneous bioavailability and is not effective in treating wrinkles. Objective To determine the effect of BoNT A solution applied topically on the skin surface immediately after ablative fractional CO2 laser treatment. Methods We conducted a randomized controlled trial for patients with periorbital wrinkles (crow's feet) (n = 10). Treatment was performed on both sides of the face with fractional ablative CO2 laser followed by the application of topical solutions of BoNT A on one side and normal saline as control on the other side. Pretreatment assessment was performed, and at 1 and 4 weeks after treatment. Results There was a clinically significant greater degree of improvement in wrinkles after treatment with CO2 laser, on the topically applied BoNT A side. Also, the difference between the 2 treatment types (laser followed by topical BoNT A vs laser followed by saline) at 1 week and at 1 month was statistically significant. Conclusion Topically, noninjectable form of BoNT A applied on the surface of the skin after ablative fractional CO2 laser is effective in the treatment of lateral periorbital wrinkles.

Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease affected by both genetics and immune factors. This devastating disease has a huge impact on the quality of life of affected individuals and a pronounced economic burden on the society. Recent understanding of the immunopathogenesis of psoriasis has led to significant progress in its treatment. Many disease-related factors affect the choice of therapy. Mild psoriasis can generally be managed with topical medications, while moderate-to-severe psoriasis is conventionally treated with more aggressive systemic therapies. The ideal treatment should be cost-effective, provide long-term remission and exhibit few side effects. This chapter highlights topical therapies currently under development for psoriasis.

The term "flagellate erythema" after bleomycin therapy was described as bleomycin-induced linear hyperpigmentation. Since then, this pattern has not been related to any other chemotherapeutic regimen.We report a rare patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia who developed "flagellate dermatitis" induced by bendamustine.Chemotherapy induced "Flagellate Dermatitis" is a rare finding reported only after bleomycin therapy. We describe the first case with this characteristic eruption pattern after administration of bendamustine.

BACKGROUND The term "flagellate erythema" after bleomycin therapy was described as bleomycin-induced linear hyperpigmentation. Since then, this pattern has not been related to any other chemotherapeutic regimen. OBSERVATION We report a rare patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia who developed "flagellate dermatitis" induced by bendamustine. CONCLUSION Chemotherapy induced "Flagellate Dermatitis" is a rare finding reported only after bleomycin therapy. We describe the first case with this characteristic eruption pattern after administration of bendamustine.

Tristimulus colorimetry and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) are white-light skin reflectance techniques used to measure the intensity of skin pigmentation. The tristimulus colorimeter is an instrument that measures a perceived color and the DRS instrument measures biological chromophores of the skin, including oxy- and deoxyhemoglobin, melanin and scattering. Data gathered from these tools can be used to understand morphological changes induced in skin chromophores due to conditions of the skin or their treatments. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of these two instruments in color measurements of acanthosis nigricans (AN) lesions. Eight patients with hyperinsulinemia and clinically diagnosable AN were seen monthly. Skin pigmentation was measured at three sites: the inner forearm, the medial aspect of the posterior neck, and anterior neck unaffected by AN. Of the three, measured tristimulus L*a*b* color parameters, the luminosity parameter L* was found to most reliably distinguish lesion from normally pigmented skin. The DRS instrument was able to characterize a lesion on the basis of the calculated melanin concentration, though melanin is a weak indicator of skin change and not a reliable measure to be used independently. Calculated oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin concentrations were not found to be reliable indicators of AN. Tristimulus colorimetry may provide reliable methods for respectively quantifying and characterizing the objective color change in AN, while DRS may be useful in characterizing changes in skin melanin content associated with this skin condition.

BACKGROUND Subcuticular incision is performed to release fibrotic bands beneath acne scars and to stimulate neocollagenesis. Naturally sourced porcine collagen has been approved for filling moderate to deep facial wrinkles and nasolabial folds. To our knowledge, naturally sourced porcine collagen filler has not yet been tried as a treatment for correcting atrophic acne scars. OBJECTIVE To objectively assess and directly compare the efficacy and safety of subcuticular incision versus naturally sourced porcine collagen dermal filler in correcting atrophic and rolling acne scars. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed a prospective, randomized, split-face, single-blind study to evaluate intermediate long-term efficacy of subcision and collagen dermal filler on 20 unilateral faces. Patients and blinded physicians evaluated results. RESULTS Patients rated subcision as superior to collagen dermal filler at 3 months (p=.03). At 6 months, subcision had a slightly higher rating than collagen dermal filler (p=.12). Blinded evaluators leaned toward subcision at 3 months (p=.12) and at 6 months showed no preference (p=.69). CONCLUSION Subcuticular incision and naturally sourced porcine collagen dermal filler appear to be efficacious for improving atrophic and rolling acne scars. Patients may prefer subcuticular incision over collagen dermal filler. Blinded evaluators found no significant difference between the treatments. The authors indicate no significant interest with commercial supporters.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of visible light on the immediate pigmentation and delayed tanning of melanocompetent skin; the results were compared with those induced by long-wavelength UVA (UVA1). Two electromagnetic radiation sources were used to irradiate the lower back of 20 volunteers with skin types IV-VI: UVA1 (340-400 nm) and visible light (400-700 nm). Pigmentation was assessed by visual examination, digital photography with a cross-polarized filter, and diffused reflectance spectroscopy at 7 time points over a 2-week period. Confocal microscopy and skin biopsies for histopathological examination using different stains were carried out. Irradiation was also carried out on skin type II. Results showed that although both UVA1 and visible light can induce pigmentation in skin types IV-VI, pigmentation induced by visible light was darker and more sustained. No pigmentation was observed in skin type II. The quality and quantity of pigment induced by visible light and UVA1 were different. These findings have potential implications on the management of photoaggravated pigmentary disorders, the proper use of sunscreens, and the treatment of depigmented lesions.

Laser hair removal is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of unwanted body hair but is not exempt from side effects. A rare but significant adverse effect with this treatment modality is paradoxical hypertrichosis.To evaluate the potential etiologies, risk factors, related laser types, and treatment options for the development of excess hair after laser therapy.An analysis of previously published case studies and review articles along with our own experience was used to gather information regarding this phenomenon.Paradoxical hypertrichosis has a low incidence, ranging from 0.6% to 10%, and most commonly occurs on the face and neck. All laser and light sources have the potential to cause hair induction, especially in individuals with darker skin types (III-VI); with dark, thick hair; and with underlying hormonal conditions. Possible causes include the effect of inflammatory mediators and subtherapeutic thermal injury causing induction of the hair cycle. Treatment for paradoxical hypertrichosis is laser therapy of the affected area.Paradoxical hypertrichosis is a rare side effect of laser hair removal; the pathogenesis of this event remains widely unknown. We recommend further large-scale studies to investigate this effect. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.

Granuloma annulare (GA) is a benign, usually self-limiting, dermatosis, that typically presents as asymptomatic, flesh-colored or erythematous papules, frequently arranged in an annular or arciform pattern on the distal extremities. Although localized GA is most commonly observed, a generalized or disseminated form can occur. The etiology of GA is unknown; however, multiple inciting factors have been proposed. Histologically, GA is characterized by foci of degenerative collagen associated with palisading, sometimes infiltrating granulomatous inflammation.We report 6 cases with biopsy-proved GA, resistant to the standard modalities of treatment that resolved after 3 months with monthly rifampin (600 mg), ofloxacin (400 mg), and minocycline hydrochloride (100 mg) combination therapy. Rifampin, ofloxacin, and minocycline combination therapy has been successfully used to treat patients with paucibacillary leprosy. Given reports that prolonged antibiotic agents are a useful treatment for GA, rifampin (600 mg), ofloxacin (400 mg), and minocycline hydrochloride (100 mg) combination therapy was initiated in these patients. Complete clearance of the plaques was achieved 3 to 5 months after the initiation of treatment. Some patients experienced postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.Although our treatment was effective, further studies may be needed to confirm the success of this therapeutic option for patients with recalcitrant lesions of GA.

Comparison of the efficacy of nonablative fractional laser (NAFL) and the V-beam pulsed dye laser (PDL) for improvement of surgical scars.A randomized blinded split-scar study. Fifteen scars in 12 patients were treated a minimum of 2 months after Mohs surgery. Patients were treated on half of the scar with a 1,550-nm NAFL and on the contralateral half with the 595 nm PDL.A nontreating physician investigator evaluated the outcome of the scar in terms of scar dyspigmentation, thickness, texture, and overall cosmetic appearance (5-point grading scale).After a series of four treatments at 2-week intervals, greater improvements were noted in the portion of surgical scars treated with NAFL (overall mean improvement 75.6%, range 60-100%, vs. PDL, 53.9%, range 20-80%; p.001).These data support the use of NAFL as a highly effective treatment modality for surgical scars, with greater improvement in scar appearance than with PDL. It is likely that the greater depth of penetration and focal microthermal zones of injury with NAFL, inducing neocollagenesis and collagenolysis, account for its greater improvement in scar remodeling. These encouraging results lead us to recommend that NAFL be added to the current treatment armamentarium for surgical scars.

On the one hand, the majority of the published data on the topic of cosmetic dermatology and laser surgery have been focused on the Caucasian population; on the other hand, statistics in the United States showed significantly shifting demographics in the past decade. Hispanics and Asians accounted for 40% of the total growth of the US population, African Americans for 12%, and non-Hispanic Caucasians for somewhat over 2%. According to the 2000 census, 29% of the United States population, representing approximately 85 millions, is not Caucasian but are individuals of color.1 By the year 2056 it is expected that more than 50% of the US population will be of non-European descent and will likely include a large number of ethnic patients with cosmetic needs.2 Most of the current literature remains devoted to examining laser procedures performed on individuals with fair skin tones (Fitzpatrick skin phototypes I–II) and protocols have largely been defined on the basis of the more extensive clinical experience that has accumulated surrounding these patients, even though Asians, Hispanics, and African Americans are showing increased demand for dermatologic laser surgery.3

› Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is responsible for various acute and chronic effects on the skin.

Objective: To assess clinical and histopathologic changes occurring after long-pulsed 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Design: Prospective, controlled clinical and histologic study of patients with Hurley stage II HS disease. Setting: Outpatient dermatology department at Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan. Participants: Nineteen patients with Fitzpatrick skin types II to VI with Hurley stage II HS lesions of the axilla and groin. Interventions: Two monthly laser sessions were performed using the long-pulsed 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser. Main Outcome Measure: Clinical response was scored using the modified Sartorius scale for HS reflecting Lesion Area and Severity Index (LASI). Histologic changes were examined before treatment and 1 week, 1 month, and 2 months after treatment. Results: The percentage change in HS severity after 2 sessions of laser treatment was -31.6 over all anatomic sites (P