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Biomedical subjects

C Piérard-Franchimont

Publications and source records attributed to C Piérard-Franchimont.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Dandruff-associated smouldering alopecia: a chronobiological assessment over 5 years.

BACKGROUND: In some individuals, dandruff may be recurrent and even chronic. This represents a difficult-to-treat condition. Excessive hair shedding and diffuse alopecia may develop. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the chronobiological aspects of dandruff, hair shedding and alopecia. METHODS: This study was performed in eight men suffering from such a scalp condition. They were examined 40 times at regular intervals for five consecutive years. Hair-density assessments and trichograms were performed at least twice per trimester on the parietal region of the scalp, corresponding to an area where dandruff was present. RESULTS: A positive correlation was found between the percentage of telogen hairs and dandruff severity as assessed by the squamometry index. Bimodal yearly biorhythms were found for dandruff severity, telogen counts and hair loss between two consecutive visits. The chronobiological fluctuations were prominent in some study participants, but remained inconspicuous in others. The biorhythms were almost synchronized in all participants, showing variations over the year. CONCLUSIONS: The biorhythms on the hair cycle in dandruff are not fundamentally different from those previously reported in subjects without dandruff. The periodicity may be an intrinsic feature of human skin.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Skin capacitance mapping of psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: The pathobiological dynamics of psoriatic lesions are complex and difficult to perceive by clinical inspection alone. Non-invasive bioengineering methods may prove to be useful in this field. OBJECTIVE: To identify some subtle capacitance variations in the stratum corneum of chronic psoriasis lesions. METHOD: The newly developed method of skin capacitance imaging was used to provide non-optical images of the hydration of the superficial layers of the stratum corneum. RESULTS: Compared to the uninvolved skin, psoriatic lesions usually showed an overall lowered capacitance, admixed with foci of moderately higher capacitance. Still other sharply circumscribed blotches with higher capacitance were present. The latter aspect corresponded to inflammatory areas. Sweating appeared markedly impaired inside the lesions. The fingerprint of some patients was altered, thus potentially interfering with the current biometric security procedures using the same method. CONCLUSION: Skin capacitance imaging is a non-invasive, non-optical method that distinguishes three contrasting levels of stratum corneum hydration in psoriatic lesions. The lowest capacitance level probably corresponded to xerotic orthokeratosis. The medium capacitance level presumably identified foci of parakeratosis and clumps of neutrophils. The highest capacitance level suggested exsudation at the site of prominent vessel dilation and dermal inflammation. Impaired sweating in the psoriatic lesions may potentially interfere with body thermoregulation.

Dermatoglyphics↗
PubMed2006

Skin climacteric aging and hormone replacement therapy.

A gender perspective is indispensable for a full understanding of aging. Menopause is a turning point in women's lives. In addition to the effects of chronological aging, sunlight exposure, and other environmental and endogenous stimuli, the climacteric appears to exert some dramatic consequences on skin biology and aspect. The epidermis may become xerotic and exhibit altered functions. The dermis thins out and its elasticity decreases in concert with the decline in bone mass. The skin microcirculation is impaired. These aspects are some of the better worked-out changes of the climacteric, which in turn seem to be stabilized or in part reversible with hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The HRT effect on menopause consequences on hair growth and sebum production is less impressive. This review summarizes some important impacts of the climacteric on skin, and highlights the benefits of HRT that may influence cosmetic dermatology.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗
PubMed2006

[Hic et Nunc. Naevus or melanoma?].

In Wallonia, the incidence of cutaneous melanoma has steadily increased over the past decades. Hopefully, the early diagnosis made at the premetastatic stage has benefited from great advances both in the clinical and laboratory fields. Thanks to the "Groupement Oncologique Universitaire Wallonie-Liège" (GOUWL) organization, some efforts are currently made in order to better frame and normalize the management of cancer patients. Some medical staffs involved in prospective clinical research bring by their own experience further practical insights for the benefit to the patients. In this field, Belgium is not destituted. We report a brief review of the contribution of the Mosan Study Group of Pigmentary Tumors (GMETP) at the University Hospital of Liège.

Belgium↗
PubMed2006

[Cutaneous signs of endocrinopathies].

Some cutaneous lesions accompany or reveal endocrine disorders. Identifying the endocrinopathy is very important because it sometimes allows corrective rather than symptomatic treatment. The most frequenly involved diseases include thyrotoxicosis, hypothyroidism, the auto-immune disorders of thyroid, Cushing syndrome, Addison disease, acromegaly, androgen-dependent disorders, hypopituitarism, hypoparathyroidism, pseudohypoparathyroidism and diabetes mellitus.

Endocrine System Diseases↗
PubMed2006

[How I treat...topical treatment of plaque type psoriasis by the combination of calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate].

The combination of calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate in a single topical formulation is a recent advance in treatment of plaque type psoriasis. Studies rooted on evidence-based medicine have been recently published. We report a synthesis and a critical analysis, critical analysis of these investigations, and translate their data with a view to apply them in daily practice.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed2006

[The skin and menopause].

The estrogen deficit occurring at menopause manifests itself under various modalities in the diverse organs and their functions. Skin does not escape this global involutive process. In addition to the effects of chronological ageing, sunlight exposure and other environmental and endogenous stimuli, the climacteric appears to exert some dramatic consequences on skin biology and aspect. The epidermis, its adnexae and the dermis are altered by this process. The epidermis may become xerotic and exhibits altered functions. The dermis thins out and its elasticity decreases in concert with the decline in bone mass. The skin microcirculation is impaired. These aspects are some of the better-worked out skin climacteric changes of which in turn seem to be stabilized or in part reversible with hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Female↗
PubMed2006

[How I treat...diaper dermatitis].

Diaper dermatitis is the most frequent skin disorder of the newborn. Several clinical types are distinguished. The most frequent type results from increased fragility of the newborn buttock skin when covered by diapers. According to the mechanisms involved and the severity of the dermatitis, one can distinguish the intertrigo of the chubby baby, and the so-called "W", "Y" and "red panties" types of diaper dermatitis. When the effects of occlusion are not controlled by adequate absorption by the diapers maceration of the stratum corneum occurs. As a result, degradation of the skin barrier function takes place. In addition, the value of the coefficient of friction of the skin increases with epidermal weakening to rubbing. In addition, fecal enzymes alter urines and skin. Judicious hygiene measures and a correct choice of care and diapers are mandatory. Cutaneous colonisation by microorganisms, in particular the yeasts Candida spp, is the main complication. Adequate preventive and curative measures can combat diaper dermatitis with confidence. A miconazole paste allows to improve the tribological properties of the interface between diapers and the skin. It also corrects the degradation of the skin barrier function, reduces inflammation and abates the impact of Candida spp. in the pathogenesis of the skin disorder.

Antifungal Agents↗
PubMed2006

[Quality of life, emollients and hydrating agents].

So-called dry skin is a quite common and annoying condition. This skin may affect individuals that are otherwise healthy. It may be particularly severe and unpleasant in cases of ichthyosis, atopic dermatitis or psoriasis. The inductive effects of the environment must not be ignored. Emollients and hydrating agents for the stratum corneum can help relieve the clinical manifestations.

Emollients↗
PubMed2006

[Pimecrolimus (Elidel) for a variety of skin diseases].

Pimecrolimus is an immune downregulator that belongs to the class of calcineurin inhibitors. Its efficacy is recognized for the topical treatment of the mild to moderate types of atopic dermatitis. In addition, the drug shows activity in a series of other dermatitides. We report a review of the international literature about this topic.

Dermatologic Agents↗
PubMed2006

[How I treat...a patient presenting with mycosis fungoides].

Primary lymphomas of the skin exhibit singular clinical, histological and prognostic features that are not shared by lymphomas originating from the lymphoid tissues. This review is an update of the current concepts about the diagnosis and treatment of mycosis fungoides, the most frequent entity among the primary cutaneous lymphomas.

Humans↗
PubMed2006

[How I treat...acne in adolescents: a strategic algorithm without antibiotic].

Acne is a multifaceted disorder. Its clinical presentation differs according to the age and gender of the subjects. Acne of the adolescent is a frequent disorder. Some topical and oral antibiotics have proven their efficacy. However, the risk of bacterial resistance may be a concern for the clinicians and their patients. Hence, a therapeutic strategy without antibiotics merits to be considered. Retinoids have a place of choice in this therapeutic strategy. Benzoyl peroxide and miconazole are also active and valuable agents in this therapeutic algorithm.

Acne Vulgaris↗
PubMed2005

Activity of the triazole antifungal r126638 as assessed by corneofungimetry.

BACKGROUND: R126638 is a novel triazole exhibiting potent in vitro and in vivo antifungal activity against fungal pathogens including dermatophytes and yeasts. OBJECTIVE: To determine the antifungal activity in time in the stratum corneum of healthy volunteers after oral intake of R126638 at a daily dose of 100 or 200 mg for 1 week. METHOD: Sixteen male volunteers were randomly allocated to oral treatment with either 100 or 200 mg of R126638 once daily for 1 week. Five cyanoacrylate skin surface strippings (CSSS) were obtained from the forearm of each subject before drug intake at day 1. CSSS were also collected during treatment at day 2 (24 h after the first drug intake, before the second drug intake), at day 4 (before the fourth drug intake) and at day 7 (10 h after the last drug intake). The post-treatment lingering effect was assessed at day 10 (3 days after treatment) and at day 14 (7 days after treatment). The corneofungimetry bioassay was performed on these CSSS to assess the antifungal profile of R126638. Cells of different fungal species (Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Microsporum canis, Candida albicans and Malassezia globosa) were deposited and cultured for 10 days on CSSS in a sterile and controlled environment. The extent of fungal growth on the stratum corneum was determined using computerized image analysis. RESULTS: R126638 clearly reduced the growth of all tested fungal species. The onset of effects of R126638 was evidenced at day 4 when it reached statistical significance for 3 of 5 species. At day 7, significance was reached for 4 of 5 species. During the posttreatment period, R126638 remained effective for 4 of 5 species at day 10, and this activity persisted until day 14 for 2 of 5 species. CONCLUSION: A broad spectrum antifungal activity was rapidly expressed in the stratum corneum after oral intake of R126638. The drug likely reached the upper layers of the stratum corneum by diffusion and persisted in this location for at least 7 days after treatment.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2005

New insights into the effect of amorolfine nail lacquer.

Despite improvements in antifungal strategies, the outcome of treating onychomycoses often remains uncertain. Several factors account for treatment failure, of which the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the antifungal are of importance. The taxonomic nature and ungual location of the fungus cannot be neglected, besides the type of nail and its growth rate. In addition, the biological cycle of the fungus and the metabolic activity of the pathogen likely play a marked influence in drug response. The presence of natural antimicrobial peptides in the nail is also probably a key feature controlling the cure rates. There are many outstanding publications that cover the full spectrum of the field. The purpose of this review is to put in perspective some facets of activity of the topical treatment using amorolfine nail laquer. The antifungal activity of the drug is likely less pronounced in onychomycosis than that expected from conventional in vitro studies. However, the nail laquer formulation should reduce the propensity to form antifungal-resistant spores and limit the risk of reinfection.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed2005

Striae distensae in darker skin types: the influence of melanocyte mechanobiology.

INTRODUCTION: Striae distensae in White people are commonly described as being reddish at first and turning white in time. This dual perception has been challenged. Indeed, the color difference between striae distensae and their surrounding skin varies on a wide range in part depending upon typology. AIM: To study striae nigrae that are found only in subjects of darker complexion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study conducted in 44 darker skin adults, dermoscopy was combined to reflectance colorimetry. RESULTS: Striae nigrae exhibited hypermelanosis of the epidermal rete ridges crossing transversally the lesions in a laddering pattern. By contrast, striae albae showed only faint melanotic networks. CONCLUSIONS: As striae distensae are in part under the influence of skin stretching, their colors are likely to be controlled by some mechanobiological process activating or inhibiting melanogenesis in people of darker complexion. No argument involving an inflammatory mechanism is supported by the present observations.

Journal Article↗