Daily Cosmetic Research Analysis

OBJECTIVES: Oral candidiasis (OC) is a fungal infection caused primarily by Candida albicans. Treatments are associated with side-effects and toxicity. Bipolar water (BW), a novel functional water with antimicrobial, biofilm-disrupting, and wound-healing properties, offers a promising alternative therapy.This clinical trial aimed at evaluating the efficacy and safety of BW in OC treatment. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial enrolled 72 participants diagnosed with OC. Participants were randomized into four groups: BW mouthwash at two concentrations (HOCl at 40-55 mg/L, group 1; HOCl at 120 mg/L ± 20 mg/L, group 2), BW mouthwash (HOCl at 40-55 mg/L combined with nystatin tablets, group 3), and control group (CG; nystatin tablets and sodium-bicarbonate mouthwash). Efficacy was evaluated by clinical efficacy, mycological efficacy, and comprehensive efficacy (defined as a combination of clinical and mycological responses), and safety was assessed by adverse event (AE) monitoring. P-values were considered significant if < 0.05. The treatment schedule was as follows: BW mouthwash (groups 1, 2, and 3) was used five times a day, nystatin was taken three times a day (group 3), and sodium-bicarbonate mouthwash was used three times a day in the control group. RESULTS: At 14 days, groups 1 and 2 demonstrated percent clinical response of 76.5% and 64.7%, respectively, which was comparable with that in the CG (64.7%). Values for mycological response were 47.1% and 37.5%, with clearance of 23.5% and 18.8%, respectively. The CG achieved a significantly higher percent clearance (76.5%). With respect to comprehensive efficacy, there was no significant difference between the three groups (88.2%, 82.4%, and 88.2% for groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively), but percent cure was higher in the CG (52.9%) than in group 1 (17.6%) and group 2 (11.8%). At 28 days, group 3 achieved the highest values for clinical response (87.5%) and cure (68.8%), marginally exceeding that for the CG (76.5% and 58.8%, respectively). There was no significant difference between the two groups with respect to clinical efficacy, mycologic efficacy, and comprehensive efficacy. BW was well-tolerated, with only mild AEs reported (e.g., oral irritation), which did not merit treatment discontinuation. CONCLUSIONS: BW mouthwash, as a standalone or adjunctive therapy with nystatin tablets, is a safe and efficacious treatment for OC, significantly alleviating clinical symptoms and improving the chance of cure. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The findings of this study provide valuable evidence on the clinical benefits of BW in treating OC, and may contribute to the development of new therapeutic options for this common (but challenging) condition. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR) under the registration number ChiCTR2400087579.

BACKGROUND: Patients with Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) are at risk of developing a subsequent primary MCC, but its profile and survival impact remain unclear. OBJECTIVES: To describe the epidemiologic profile and evaluate the prognosis of patients with multiple primary Merkel cell carcinoma (MPMCC). METHODS: This retrospective cohort study used data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (2004-2021). Standardized incidence ratios were calculated to estimate the risk of subsequent MCC. Multivariable Cox models with a time-varying covariate were applied to compare survival between patients with single and multiple primary MCC. RESULTS: Of 9536 patients with MCC, 130 (1.4%) developed MPMCC. MCC survivors had a nearly 60-fold increased risk of subsequent MCC (standardized incidence ratio = 61.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 50.2-75.3), with 78.5% diagnosed with a second primary MCC within 5 years. In patients with MPMCC, the median tumor size decreased from 20.0 mm at first diagnosis to 15.0 mm at the second (P = .038). MPMCC was associated with worse overall (hazard ratio = 1.64; 95% CI, 1.31-2.05) and cancer-specific survival (hazard ratio = 2.64; 95% CI, 1.91-3.65). LIMITATIONS: Retrospective design and potential misclassification of MPMCC. CONCLUSIONS: MPMCC is associated with significantly worse overall and cancer-specific survival, supporting the need for intensified follow-up strategies.

BACKGROUND: Skin quality affects both external perception and psychological well-being. A decline in skin quality, as seen in acne tarda or due to prolonged mask use, especially in healthcare professionals, can be reflected in emergent perceptual category (EPC) parameters. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this led to an increase in mask-induced acneiform eruptions, commonly referred to as "maskne." Intradermal application of Incobotulinumtoxin A (INCO) may improve skin quality, but data in maskne patients are limited. AIMS: To evaluate the efficacy of intradermal INCO on skin quality in women with maskne. PATIENTS/METHODS: In a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 36 women with maskne received intradermal INCO (20 U) or placebo (2:1) in the mid and lower face. Skin roughness (SEr), sebum level, pore size, and erythema index were measured over 112 days using biophysical tools. Patient and expert assessments were recorded via Global Impression of Change Scale (GICS). RESULTS: Thirty-three participants completed the study. The INCO group showed significantly greater SEr improvement than placebo on days 28, 56, 84, and 112. Sebum level decreased significantly by day 28 (-19.27 μg/cm CONCLUSION: Intradermal injection of INCO represents a promising approach for managing mask-associated skin conditions ("maskne"). While further investigations are necessary to fully establish its benefits, the present study offers encouraging evidence supporting its efficacy.