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Biomedical subjects

Christopher J Ballard

Publications and source records attributed to Christopher J Ballard.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

Cotton-tipped applicators used in surgery of the nose.

BACKGROUND: A variety of uses have been described for cotton-tipped applicators. OBJECTIVE: We describe an additional application in surgeries involving the nose. This technique uses 8-inch obstetrics-gynecology applicators with oversized cotton tips, unlike most articles, which report the use of 6-inch applicators with smaller cotton heads. The applicators function to stabilize and support the nasal structures and thus provide a steadier operating field. CONCLUSION: It can be used in procedures of the nose, including curettage, electrocautery, hemostasis, and Mohs and other surgical excisions.

Cotton Fiber↗

Lasers alleviate acne.

Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) and sebaceous glands are involved in the pathogenesis of acne. Although often effective, traditional therapies can have drawbacks, such as photosensitivity, other toxicities, polypharmacy and frequent dosing. Lasers have been studied to seek a solution that may overcome these disadvantages. Lasers and other light therapies target the wavelengths of the porphyrins in P. acnes to induce thermal damage that causes the bacterium's destruction. Pulsed-dye laser (PDL) or a system of light pulses and heat with wavelengths between 430 and 1100 nm are both efficacious. The 1450-nm diode laser targets sebaceous glands and is also effective. Topical indocyanine green (ICG) photodynamic therapy (PDT), using the near-infrared (NIR) laser, targets either P. acnes or sebaceous glands. ICG-PDT has fewer adverse effects than aminolevulinic acid-PDT. Lasers are still a relatively new therapy for acne and may be best used in an adjuvant role.

Journal Article↗

Laser therapy for acne.

Considered the most common skin disorder, acne affects millions of people every year. This multifactorial condition of the pilosebaceous follicle is a combination of at least four different primary pathogeneses. In recent years, acne therapies have been improving, becoming more effective, and targeting one or more of these causes. Many current therapies have drawbacks involving patient compliance, systemic toxicities, and bacterial resistance. Lasers are now established options in the armamentarium to treat acne. The 532-nm potassium titanyl phosphate laser, 585- and 595-nm pulsed dye lasers, 1450-nm diode laser, and 1540-nm erbium glass laser have been used with variable efficacy. Lasers may be best used in combination with other therapies to enhance their results. Photodynamic therapy has been successful with substances such as 5-aminolevulinic acid and indocyanine green. Lasers remain viable alternatives for people who may not desire or be able to use topical or systemic formulations. Drawbacks associated with lasers include potential pain, skin discoloration, and cost of treatment. Typically, multiple sessions are required to achieve the desired results, with future maintenance treatments possible to maintain the outcomes. With additional clinical trials underway, laser treatment of acne will surely advance and continue to be optimized in the future.

Acne Vulgaris↗

Basal cell carcinoma of the areola in a man.

Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) that arise in sun-protected sites are quite uncommon. We report a case of BCC of the areola, which is extremely rare. Mohs micrographic surgery was used for the treatment. The etiologic factors of BCCs in sun-protected areas are discussed, and previous studies regarding the treatment modalities are reviewed.

Basal Cell Carcinoma↗