Scientific Journal of Dermatology and Venereology

Formulation and Effectiveness Test of 96% Ethanol Extract Anti-Acne Serum Cashew Leaves (Anacardium occidentale L.)

Raysha Mc Seer, Rini Dwiastuti, Eka Indra Setyawan — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 01:29:55 +0000

Introduction: Recently, the use of cosmetics to cure acne made from natural ingredients can have a good effect. Cosmetic preparations that are currently developing rapidly are serum preparations because they have better effects, and the moisturizing technology used is based on skin physiology. The natural ingredient in question is cashew leaves, which treat acne caused by Propionibacterium acnes. This research aims to obtain a serum preparation of cashew leaf extract to determine its effectiveness against P. acne and optimize the two ingredients, namely carbopol and triethanolamine (TEA) so that the serum preparation has physical stability that meets predetermined standards.

Methods: This research is pure experimental research of a qualitative nature to obtain a serum preparation of cashew leaf extract with effectiveness as an anti-acne and using the factorial design method with the optimization factor for carbopol concentration comparison as a gelling agent and TEA as an alkalizing agent. The physical property parameters observed as a response to the equation are spreadability and viscosity using two-way statistical tests, ANOVA, with IBM SPSS statistics 29.0.1.0 software.

Results: The research results obtained indicate the effectiveness of cashew leaf extract serum preparations against bacteria, such as Propionibacterium acnes. Apart from that, there is no significant difference between the formulas in the spreadability parameters, which means there is no influence from variations in carbopol and TEA concentrations on the physical evaluation of spreadability. Meanwhile, there are significant differences between the formulas in the viscosity parameters, there is an influence of variations in the concentration of carbopol and TEA on the physical evaluation of viscosity.

Conclusion: Cashew leaf extract serum preparations are effective in treating bacteria Propionibacterium acnes, the cause of acne.

Effectiveness of Topical Treatment of Steroid and Calcineurin Inhibitor Combination Therapy for Atopic Dermatitis in Children at Skopje Hospital, Macedonia

Maria Margareth Wilson — Wed, 15 May 2024 07:27:17 +0000

Introduction: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that often occurs in children. Topical treatments, including steroids and calcineurin inhibitors (CNI), are the main line of AD therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of topical treatment of combination steroid and CNI therapy for AD in children at Skopje Hospital, Macedonia.

Methods: This research was a retrospective study involving 60 children with AD who were treated with combination therapy of steroids and CNIs for 8 weeks. Clinical data, including SCORAD (Severity of Atopic Dermatitis) score and extent of eczema, were collected before and after treatment.

Results: Steroid and CNI combination therapy showed significant improvement in SCORAD score (p<0.001) and eczema extent (p<0.001) after 8 weeks of treatment. Reported side effects are minimal.

Conclusion: Combination therapy of steroids and CNIs is an effective and safe treatment for AD in children.

Effectiveness of Systemic and Topical Combination Therapy for the Treatment of Pustular Psoriasis: A Meta-Analysis Study

Muhammad Yusuf — Thu, 16 May 2024 02:58:58 +0000

Introduction: Pustular psoriasis is a rare and severe variant of psoriasis, characterized by sterile pustules that appear over erythematous plaques. Treatment is challenging and often requires a combination of systemic and topical therapy. This meta-analysis study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of systemic and topical combination therapy for the treatment of pustular psoriasis.

Methods: Relevant publications were identified through electronic searches in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Studies evaluating the effectiveness of systemic and topical combination therapy for the treatment of pustular psoriasis were included. Data were extracted and analyzed using random effects statistics.

Results: A total of 10 studies with a total of 324 patients were included in the analysis. Systemic and topical combination therapy demonstrated significant effectiveness in improving pustular psoriasis plaque improvement (PASI 75: 58% vs. 23%, p<0.001) and time to recurrence (12 months vs. 6 months, p<0.001) compared with systemic therapy or single topical. The most common side effect is skin irritation, which occurs in 15% of patients.

Conclusion: Systemic and topical combination therapy is an effective treatment option for pustular psoriasis. The choice of therapy should be based on the individual characteristics of the patient. Further research is needed to optimize the combination of agents and to evaluate long-term effectiveness.

Analysis of Risk Factors that Influence Patient Compliance in Taking Antiretroviral Drugs for HIV/AIDS Treatment in Hanoi Hospital, Vietnam

Pham Uyen, Mariette Jackson — Thu, 16 May 2024 06:08:43 +0000

Introduction: HIV/AIDS infection remains a global public health problem, with antiretroviral therapy (ARV) being key in its management. Patient adherence to ARV treatment is critical to achieving viral suppression and preventing drug resistance. This study aims to analyze the risk factors that influence patient compliance in taking ARV drugs at Hanoi Hospital, Vietnam.

Methods: This study used a cross-sectional analytical observational design involving 300 HIV/AIDS patients undergoing ARV therapy at Hanoi Hospital. Data was collected through structured interviews and patient medical records. Data analysis used logistic regression to identify risk factors associated with patient compliance.

Results: The research results showed that the level of patient compliance with ARV treatment was 72%. Risk factors that are significantly associated with patient compliance are: Low social support (OR=2.3; p=0.02), Limited knowledge about HIV/AIDS and ARV treatment (OR=1.8; p=0.04), Stigma and discrimination related to HIV/ AIDS (OR=1.7; p=0.03), Severe side effects of ARV drugs (OR=1.6; p=0.03), Complexity of ARV treatment regimens (OR=1.5; p=0.04).

Conclusion: This study found that patient adherence to ARV treatment at Hanoi Hospital was influenced by various factors, including social support, knowledge about HIV/AIDS and ARVs, stigma and discrimination, drug side effects, and the complexity of the treatment regimen. Interventions targeting these risk factors may help improve patient compliance and achieve more optimal treatment outcomes.

Analysis of the Role of Cosmetic Dermatology in Improving the Quality of Life of Patients with Vitiligo: Observational Study at Busan Hospital, South Korea

Kim Soohyuk, Moon Kaeun — Thu, 16 May 2024 08:54:38 +0000

Introduction: Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease that causes skin depigmentation. This can have a significant impact on the patient's quality of life. Dermatological cosmetics can be used to cover depigmented areas and improve the patient's quality of life.

Methods: This observational study was conducted on vitiligo patients treated at Busan Hospital, South Korea. Patients were given a questionnaire to assess their quality of life before and after using dermatology cosmetics. A total of 250 research subjects took part in this study. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests.

Results: The results showed that the use of dermatological cosmetics significantly improved the quality of life of vitiligo patients. Patients report improvements in self-satisfaction, self-image, and social interactions.

Conclusion: Cosmetic dermatology is a safe and effective therapeutic option to improve the quality of life of vitiligo patients.