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Biomedical subjects

Mala Bhalla

Publications and source records attributed to Mala Bhalla.

11 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Microdermabrasion: Reappraisal and brief review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Microdermabrasion (MDA) is a recently introduced noninvasive, nonsurgical, office-based esthetic procedure for revitalizing and rejuvenating the skin. It is a closed-loop vacuum-assisted abrasive procedure, which uses the physical action of inert crystals to exfoliate the skin. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to evaluate the procedure of MDA in postacne scarring, melasma, and facial rejuvenation, and review the relevant literature. METHODS: Ten patients each of postacne scarring, melasma, and facial rejuvenation were treated by a series of weekly MDA sittings alone or in conjunction with a topical retinoid. The results were assessed by patient questionnaire and an objective assessment by two independent observers. The literature was reviewed to find indications and efficacy of MDA. RESULTS: All the patients of postacne scarring, melasma, and facial rejuvenation reported a mild but definite improvement, which increased when MDA was performed in conjunction with a topical retinoid. Most of the literature based on subjective and patient-dependent assessment parameters points toward a marginal improvement in the skin appearance following repeated procedures. CONCLUSION: Reappraisal of this potentially useful procedure points toward a need for well-designed clinical trials and studies with a long follow-up based on objective assessment parameters.

Cicatrix↗
PubMed2004

Watchmaker's pin-vise for manual tattooing of vitiligo.

BACKGROUND: Tattooing is a commonly used procedure for camouflage of depigmented lesions, especially in vitiligo. OBJECTIVE: To find a cheap and effective instrument for manual tattooing. METHODS: A watchmaker's pin-vise has been described for use as an instrument along with sewing needles for tattooing in vitiligo. RESULTS: A watchmaker's pin-vise is a cheap and effective for manual tattooing of vitiligo. CONCLUSION: A watchmaker's pin-vise loaded with sewing needles is an effective, cheap, and sterilizable instrument for tattooing. Sewing needles can be used as disposable needles.

Humans↗
PubMed2003

Trichotillomania.

Trichotillomania, though uncommon, is one of the causes of unexplained hair loss, especially in children. Three girls in the age group of 4-6 years were observed in our pediatric dermatology clinic to have trichotillomania. In one child, there was co-existent alopecia areata. All were referred to the child guidance clinic and they all showed improvement with behavior therapy. A close liasion between the dermatologist, psychiatrist and parents would go a long way in preventing this alopecia

Alopecia Areata↗
PubMed2002

The combination of glycolic acid peels with a topical regimen in the treatment of melasma in dark-skinned patients: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Melasma continues to be a difficult condition to treat, especially in dark-skinned patients, although various topical modalities including hydroquinone, tretinoin, and/or topical steroids have been used singly or in combination with variable results. OBJECTIVE: To determine if serial glycolic acid peels provide additional improvement when combined with a time-tested topical regimen, a modification of Kligman's formula (hydroquinone 5%, tretinoin 0.05%, hydrocortisone acetate 1% in a cream base). All cases had epidermal melasma as detected by Wood's light examination. METHODS: Forty Indian melasma patients were divided into two groups of 20 each. One group received serial glycolic acid peel combined with a topical regimen, modified Kligman's formula. The other, a control group, received only modified Kligman's formula. The results were evaluated by a clinical investigator both subjectively and with photographs taken at baseline, 12 (before the fourth peel), and 21 (3 weeks after the sixth peel) weeks. For clinical evaluation, the Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) was used. RESULTS: A significant decrease in the MASI score from baseline to 21 weeks was observed in both groups (P <.001). The group receiving the glycolic acid peels showed a trend toward more rapid and greater improvement, with statistically significant results (P <.001). Only a few side effects were observed in the peel group. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that serial glycolic acid peels provide an additional effect to a topical regimen which is a modification of the time-tested Kligman's regimen for treating melasma in dark-complexioned individuals if used judiciously and under supervision. It demonstrates that superficial chemical peels are beneficial in the treatment of melasma.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed2002

A comparative study of 20% azelaic acid cream monotherapy versus a sequential therapy in the treatment of melasma in dark-skinned patients.

BACKGROUND: Melasma is a commonly found hyperpigmentary disorder in dark-complexioned persons, which is rather difficult to treat. Azelaic acid (AZA) 20% is considered efficacious in the treatment of melasma, although the response is rather slow. It has also been combined synergistically with topical retinoic acid, where the results were satisfactory. OBJECTIVE: The study was done to evaluate the usefulness of a sequential therapy of potent topical steroids +20% AZA cream versus only 20% AZA cream in the treatment of melasma. METHODS: This was a prospective, single-blind, right-left comparison pilot study with (1). twice daily application of 20% AZA to one half of the face for 24 weeks and (2). a potent topical steroid, 0.05% clobetasol propionate cream, to be applied for 8 weeks only and then to be followed by 20% AZA cream only for the next 16 weeks on the other half. Concomitant use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen was also mandatory. Thirty Indian patients (25 females, 5 males), whose ages ranged from 21 to 45 years and who were not pregnant, nursing or on any concurrent therapy, completed the study. Clinical evaluation, photography and the overall response were assessed at 4, 8, 16 and 24 weeks. RESULTS: At 4, 8 and 16 weeks, the lightening of melasma was significantly more marked on the side receiving the sequential therapy rather than the side receiving only 20% AZA cream (p < 0.001). However, at 24 weeks, although the difference was still significant (p = 0.0052), as many as 96.7 and 90% of patients of each group (sequential therapy and AZA) had good to excellent responses to treatment. The side-effects noted were mostly mild and transient and mainly local irritant effects. CONCLUSIONS: A sequential therapy of topical potent steroids +20% AZA cream can be considered as another alternative treatment for melasma, which combines the beneficial effects of both besides perhaps increasing the compliance of the patients. 20% AZA monotherapy itself is also an effective and well-tolerated therapy for melasma in dark-skinned races.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Reversible neurotoxicity after an overdose of topical lindane in an infant.

Lindane (gamma benzene hexachloride) is a widely prescribed topical scabicide because of its efficacy and cost-effectiveness. Although toxicity from a single proper application of lindane is generally not observed, the hazards of repeated applications, industrial exposure, and accidental ingestion have been well documented. We herein describe an infant with reversible neurotoxicity following repeated applications of 1% lindane for the treatment of scabies. The role of factors predisposing to increased absorption and the recommendations to minimize potential neurotoxicity are emphasized.

Administration, Cutaneous↗