BACKGROUND: Treatments including intralesional corticosteroid injection, pressure therapy, cryotherapy, and various laser therapies have had limited success for keloids and hypertrophic scars. OBJECTIVE: This trial evaluated the efficacy of a combination of 578 nm copper bromide laser and the more traditional intralesional corticosteroid injection for the treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars with respect to scar color. METHODS: Keloids or hypertrophic scars of 12 Korean patients were treated five times by the combined treatment at 4-week intervals. Clinical improvement was assessed by the physicians' global assessment (PGA) comparing pre- and post-treatment photographs, as well as 4 weeks after the last treatment. Erythema intensity was quantified using a mexameter. RESULTS: Most scars showed significant clinical improvement in PGA and decreased erythema intensity after 5 treatments. All patients showed improvements in symptoms like pruritus. CONCLUSION: The combined treatment is effective for keloids and hypertrophic scars, especially when the telangiectatic portion of the scars is prominent. The adjunctive use of 578 nm copper bromide laser decreased the telangiectatic side effects of an intralesional corticosteroid injection by reducing the vascular components of scars.
Cicatrix ; Cicatrix, Hypertrophic* ; Copper* ; Cryotherapy ; Erythema ; Humans ; Keloid* ; Laser Therapy ; Pilot Projects* ; Pruritus

rue fungal infection of the nail plate is known as onychomycosis. Systemic therapy of onychomycosis is more likely to be effetive than topical treatment. However, the potential for adverse reactions and for interaction with the metabolism of other medication can preclude their use. Furthermore, some people do not want to take oral medicine for treatment of onychomycosis. Because of this, the prospect of effective topical therapy is a welcome alternative. To provide better delivery of drug to bed and nail plate, we trimmed with electric nail grinder (KHP 3000 Frees(R), Germany), and then applied nail lacquer (Amorolfine HCl, Loceryl(R), Galderma korea). The potential for synergism of electric nail grinder with topical antifungal agent is expected.
Lacquer* ; Metabolism ; Onychomycosis* ; Oral Medicine ; Ruta

Oral finasteride(Propecia(R)), 1mg/day, has been widely used as an effective treatment for male androgenetic alopecia since it had been approved by the Food and Drug Administration(FDA) of U.S. in December 1997. Gynecomastia has been one of the most common adverse effects in the patients who were taking 5mg of oral finasteride(Proscar(R)). Recently, several cases of unilateral or bilateral finasteride induced gynecomastia have also been reported in 1mg of oral finasteride(Propecia(r)). We report two cases of finasteride(Propecia(R)) induced painful bilateral gynecomastia, which are the first published documentations in Korea.
Alopecia ; Documentation ; Finasteride ; Gynecomastia* ; Humans ; Korea ; Male

Bokbunja (Rubus Coreanus Miquel) is a wild berry to Rosaceae genus of which application areas have been expanded due to many health effects. Bokbunja contains carbohydrates, protein, fats and dietary fibers as major components and various flavonoids such as tannins, volatile components including organic acids, alcohols and hydrocarbons as minor ones. Those active compounds attribute to increase in immune function, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Recently pure compounds have been isolated from the extracts for the development of medicines. We report here on two cases of acne vulgaris that was successfully treated with Rubus Coreanus Miquel extracts.
Acne Vulgaris ; Alcohols ; Carbohydrates ; Dietary Fiber ; Fats ; Flavonoids ; Fruit ; Hydrocarbons ; Propionibacterium acnes ; Rosacea ; Rosaceae ; Tannins

No abstract available.
Dermatitis* ; Metronidazole* ; Tacrolimus*

No abstract available.
Cicatrix* ; Phototherapy* ; Platelet-Rich Plasma*

BACKGROUND: Alcohol intake induces complex changes in the human body. However, there has not been much investigation on the interaction between alcohol and human skin. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of alcohol intake on the skin's physiology. METHODS: A total 16 Korean males was enrolled in this study and they were divided into two groups (group A and group B). Each group included 8 people. Group A drank alcohol (20.1%, 360 ml) for 90 min and Group B drank 360 ml of normal saline. The body temperature, the skin erythema index, the transepidermal water loss (TEWL), the skin hydration, the skin pH and skin sebum were measured before and 30 min and 120 min after alcohol intake. RESULTS: In group A, the skin erythema index, TEWL, skin hydration and skin pH significantly increased 30 min after alcohol intake, while the body temperature and sebum decreased. All the measurements except sebum recovered 120 min after alcohol intake. However, in group B, all the measurements were not significantly changed. CONCLUSION: Alcohol intake affects thermoregulation, the skin barrier function and the skin pH. This study showing that physiologic changes are induced by alcohol intake may help investigate the interaction between alcohol and skin disease.
Body Temperature ; Body Temperature Regulation ; Erythema ; Human Body ; Humans ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Male ; Sebum ; Skin ; Skin Diseases ; Skin Physiological Phenomena

Herpes simplex virus (Herpesvirus hominis), a member of the herpeptoviridae family, is among the most common infectious viral pathogens in humans. Types of HSV can be subdivided into HSV-1 and HSV-2 on the basis of physiological, serologic and epidemiologic differences, although both are closely related immunologically and DNA sequence homology. HSV-1 is frequently associated with oropharyngeal, eye and skin infections, while HSV-2 is most commonly associated with genital tract infections. Characteristically after the primary infection, HSV can be linked to latency in neural tissue. Reactivation of HSV can be triggered by sunburn, fever, stress, menstruation and local trauma. Here we report a case of reactivation of herpes simplex virus type 2 in foot dorsum followed by repetitive friction due to Sandals' trap.
Base Sequence ; Female ; Fever ; Foot* ; Friction* ; Herpes Simplex* ; Herpesvirus 1, Human ; Herpesvirus 2, Human ; Humans ; Menstruation ; Reproductive Tract Infections ; Simplexvirus* ; Skin ; Sunburn

Ingrown toenail is a common disorder resulting from various etiologies including excessive external pressure, ill-fitting footwear, and improper nail-trimming techniques. Patients commonly present with pain in the affected nail but with progression, drainage, infection and difficulty walking occur. It is often difficult to manage and frequently recurs, despite the multitude of treatment techniques that have been reported. Conservative therapy is a reasonable approach in patients with a mild to moderate ingrown toenail that do not have significant pain, substantial erythema, or purulent drainage from the lateral nail edge. We report a case of ingrown toenail in a 45-year-old female treated with K-D(R) wire, a corrective device. After application of K-D(R) wire for 3 weeks, ingrown toenail healed and the nail deformity was corrected.
Congenital Abnormalities ; Drainage ; Erythema ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Mobility Limitation ; Nails ; Onychomycosis ; Tinea

Anal disorders are common and more than one half of the population will experience one at some time during their lives. Anal erosion and fissures can cause discomfort, severe pain, bleeding and inflammation. In the acute phase of anal erosion, with bowel habit management and topical emollient, lesions can be improved. Chamomile and Myrrh are known for centuries to have several effects and have anti-inflammatory, sedative, antibacterial and antifugal properities. Here, We report a case of anal erosion treated with Chamomile and Myrrh extracts (Ad-Muc(R)). Our case indicates that Chamomile and Myrrh extracts might play a role in the management of anal erosion and fissure.
Chamomile* ; Fissure in Ano ; Hemorrhage ; Inflammation