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Objective: Skin lightening agents are popular in southern Asia, but there is dearth of evidence on their effectiveness on Fitzpatrick IV/V skin types. This study was designed to assess the depigmenting efficacy of commercially available and specifically formulated ointments using the Mexameter® (MX 18).Methods: This single center prospective study was performed to test five commercially available preparations (Eldopaque®, Aziderm®, Garnier Dark Spot Corrector®, Ban a Tan Cream® and Neostrata Pigment Lightening Gel) on 28 healthy female volunteers in Phase 1, while five single active ingredients in lipophilic dispersion (hydroquinone 4%, ascorbyl palmitate 1%, resveratrol 1% arbutin 5% and azelaic acid 20%) were tested on a different group of 26 healthy female volunteers in Phase 2. The test agents were applied twice a day for five days per week and continued for six weeks in both study phases. Weekly Mexameter® measurements were obtained from test sites and negative controls.Results: Significant hypopigmentation when compared to untreated controls was observed with Aziderm cream (p<0.05, MWU) and the Neostrata Pigment Lightening Gel (p<0.05, MWU). All formulated preparations showed significant reduction in pigmentation; however, only the arbutin (5%) containing formulation revealed significant attenuation of pigmentation in comparison to the inactive control (p<0.05, MWU).Conclusion: All applications containing active ingredients showed significant skin lightening; however, only arbutin was able to demonstrate significant diminution of pigmentation when compared to the inactive control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cutaneous tuberculosis is a rare and often overlooked manifestation of tuberculosis, frequently leading to delays from onset to diagnosis. This case report describes the presentation of a 65-year-old male with an asymptomatic solitary plaque with silvery scales persisting for over five years, mimicking solitary plaque psoriasis. Despite intermittent treatment with a potent steroid and a combination of calcipotriol, the patient had only modest alleviation. A skin biopsy was performed, and the histology revealed caseating tuberculoid granulomas. Following treatment with an antituberculosis regimen, the lesion showed significant improvement. The case report highlights the diagnostic challenges of this uncommon entity and the importance of thorough evaluation of recurrent and persistent lesions, particularly in populations with a higher prevalence of tuberculosis. Further, it aims to provide valuable insight to healthcare providers on the atypical clinical presentations of lupus vulgaris mimicking common dermatoses., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Liyanage et al.)

Skin-depigmenting creams are on the rise, driven by societal pressures that equate fair skin with beauty, success, and happiness. This trend has led to many unregulated products being released on the market, causing various adverse effects on users. This case report examines five patients with nail hyperpigmentation following the use of skin-depigmenting creams containing hydroquinone (HQ). The findings from this case report showcase overlooked side effects of these widely used creams. Healthcare providers may be unfamiliar with the rare side effects of depigmenting creams, leading to misdiagnoses and unnecessary evaluations. Moreover, there is a pressing need for healthcare authorities to enhance regulation and for healthcare providers to be more vigilant in diagnosing presentations of nail hyperpigmentation. This case report provides valuable insights into the side effects of HQ-based creams as observed in the Asiatic population., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Bandara et al.)