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Introduction. Skin changes with age, it produces less collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid, loses elasticity, becomes drier and these changes can affect the quality of life. Dracocephalum ruyschiana callus culture extract has demonstrated in studies (in vitro) that it promotes the proliferation of keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts, stimulates collagen synthesis and inhibits its degradation, protects the skin from ultraviolet radiation induced oxidative stress, inhibits endothelial cell proliferation and neoangiogenesis. Materials and methods. Participants (n = 42) were asked to apply two test products on a clean facial skin twice a day. The test products were marked – one for the left side of the face and the other one for the right side of the face. Only one of both cosmetic products contained Dracocephalum ruyschiana extract, participants did not know which one of the both products contains a plant extract. Instrumental assessment of hydration, viscoelasticity (R2, R5, R7), pigmentation and erythema parameters were made using Corneometer CM 825, Cutometer dual MPA580 and Mexameter MX18 (Courage + Khazaka GmbH, Germany). Parameters were evaluated three times: before using cosmetic products (day 0) and after 4 and 8 weeks of regular everyday use of the test products. Six measurements were made during each visit: three on the participant's right cheek and three on the left cheek to determine skin hydration, viscoelasticity, pigmentation and erythema parameters. The assessment also included standardized photography during each visit using Reveal Imager. At the end of the study, participants answered written questions about the cosmetic products and its effectiveness. Independent and paired sample T-test was used for analyzing collected data. P value < 0,05 was considered statistically significant. Results. Statistically significant increase in the skin hydration level was observed on the left side of the facial skin in the start of the study (day 0) (46,52, SD = 9,61) compared to the hydration level after 8 weeks (55,75, SD = 10,99), p = 0,000107. Statistically significant increase in the skin melanin level was observed on the both sides of the participants facial skin – on the left side in the start of the study (day 0) (137,61, SD = 25,50) compared to the melanin level after 8 weeks (153,10, SD = 34,67), p = 0,001335 and on the right side of the facial skin in the start of the study (day 0) (137,76, SD = 23,96) compared to the melanin level after 8 weeks (156,64, SD = 34,05), p = 0,000643. The increase in the skin melanin level was explained by the summer season when the measurements were made. Conclusions: Everyday use of cosmetic product containing Dracocephalum ruyschiana extract leads to improvement in hydration level of the skin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Hand-hygiene and skin disinfection has become one of the main measures to slow down the spread of the COVID-19. However, alcohol-based skin disinfectants may weaken the skin barrier function inducing skin dryness, promoting eczema and therefore decrease the compliance. Skin damage due to intensive hand hygiene measures during the COVID‐19 pandemic has been reported (Erdem et al., 2020). The objective of this study is to evaluate impact of different skin disinfectant formulations in the form of sprays and gels on the skin hydration level. Materials and methods: Volunteers (N = 16) applied 4 different skin disinfectants on certain areas of the forearm 5 times over the 24 hours period: spray A (with glycerine), spray B (without glycerine), gel A (with hyaluronic acid), gel B (without hyaluronic acid). Upper arm was untreated and used as a site for the control measurements. Instrumental assessment to evaluate skin hydration level was performed using Corneometer® on the forearm and upper arm area before, 1 hour and 24 hours after the first application. Between-group differences were assessed by independent T-test. P value < 0,05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Statistically significant increase in skin hydration level 24 hours after first application was observed in the area with spray A application (12,36 %, SD = 18,08) compared to the area with spray B application (-3,14 %, SD = 22,24), p = 0,039. Statistically significant increase in skin hydration level 1 hour after first application was observed in the area with spray A (22,91%, SD = 31,65) application compared to the control area (3,79%, SD = 16,41), p = 0,043. Conclusions: Spray A (with glycerine) application improves skin hydration level immediately after 1 hour compared to the untreated area and after 24 hours compared to the spray B (without glycerine) therefore use of it could enhance compliance with skin disinfection and reduce skin damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Balanitis commonly runs a chronic course with non-specific symptoms including erythema, papules, burning sensation and sometimes erosions. In some cases, malignant transformation has been documented, therefore prompt diagnosis is essential. Dermatoscopy is a non-invasive optical tool that has been widely used in diagnosing inflammatory conditions of the skin and scalp. However, studies on utility of dermatoscopy in differentiating inflammatory balanitis are rare. The study aims to identify characteristic dermatoscopic features of common noninfectious balanitis. Materials and Methods. The study was approved by Riga Stradins University Ethics Committee. Dermatoscopic images (magnification 20x) of histopathologically confirmed Lichen planus (LP, N=5), non-specific (NB, N=5) and Zoon’s balanitis (ZB, N=3) were analyzed by a board-certified dermatologist. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) were ruled out in all patients. Results. Regularly distributed linear branched vessels were observed in 4/5 NB cases. Wickham’s striae (WS) (5/5) surrounded by dotted (3/5) and linear vessels (5/5) were characteristic dermatoscopic findings in LP. Erosion was observed in one LP case, while in case of ZB erosions were present in all cases (3/3). Other dermatoscopic findings in ZB included red and orange structureless areas and regularly distributed curved and branched linear vessels. Conclusions. Dermatoscopy could be a useful tool to differentiate common non-infectious balanitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]