Tattoos have long become a part of human civilization. However, as the number of people who get tattoos increases, so is the number of people who wish to have their tattoos removed. Compared to other methods, laser‐based devices are associated with the best efficacy and least side effects in tattoo removal. Lack of understanding of the fundamental principles of laser and managing its parameters may result in suboptimal result and increased risk of side effects. Recognizing and mastering multiple factors including skin types, nature and color of tattoos, and proper selection of laser parameters such as wavelength, fluence, and pulse, are central in achieving an optimal tattoo removal outcome. This review provides a comprehensive overview on the fundamental principle of laser and practical approaches in tattoo removal.

Aim:  This study aims to assess the effectiveness of epidural steroid injection as well as comparing two agents commonly used in these procedures, namely triamcinalone acetonide and methylprednisolone acetate. Method:  Twenty subjects were recruited into each group receiving either agent. Results:  Overall result showed that there were marked improvement in symptoms in both agents but there were no differences in terms of superiority from one agent to another. Conclusion:  Epidural steroid injection is effective and both agents are equipotent.

To compare the effectiveness of tranexamic acid (TA) combination serum with hydroquinone, the gold standard in whitening agents for healthy populations. This was a three‐arm randomized controlled trial. The subjects were divided into three groups: the first group received 3% TA combination serum (3% TA, 4% galactomyces ferment filtrate, 2% niacinamide, and 4% alpha arbutin), the second group received 2% TA combination serum, and the third group received 4% hydroquinone. One milliliter of each serum was applied on three holes: Hole A, which was located 4 cm from the left cubital fossa, Hole B, which was located 4 cm from the first hole, and Hole C, which was located 4 cm from the right cubital fossa. The skin brightness and pigmentation intensity were evaluated each week for 4 weeks using a chromameter. A total of 44 subjects were recruited for this study. All groups showed a significant improvement in skin brightness and pigmentation intensity after 4 weeks (p < .001). There were no differences between the treatment groups and hydroquinone (p > .05). TA serum (2 and 3%) combined with 4% galactomyces ferment filtrate, niacinamide, and alpha arbutin is an effective depigmenting agent.

Abstract:Polymorphisms that occur in the CYP1A1, CYP17 and TNF-α genes affects hyperkeratinzation process, sebum production and inflammation in acne vulgaris. Polymorphisms of CYP1A1, CYP17 and TNF-α genes can be identified by using PCR and sequencing techniques. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the role of polymorphisms of CYP1A1, CYP17, and TNF-α genes and the interaction polimorphisms of CYP1A1, CYP17 and TNF-α genes to severe acne vulgaris. This study was conducted as an observational study with case-control method, in 64 patients with severe acne, and as controls 73 patients with mild acne and healthy people. Criteria based on Combined Acne Severity Classification. Biospesimen blood 1 ml taken from vena mediana cubiti then performed PCR and sequencing to determine the sequence of nucleotides in DNA fragments. The conclution from the study shows that polymorphisms of CYP1A1, CYP17, TNF-α genes and the interaction polimorphisms of CYP1A1, CYP 17 and TNF-α genes is not a risk factor for severe acne vulgaris, but polymorphism of CYP1A1 gene is a risk factor for acne vulgaris.

Skin whitening products market is a vast and rapidly growing industry which is estimated to worth US$ 31.2 billion by 2024. 1 The desire to obtain a fair complexion to achieve a certain standard of beauty has been in practice for ages in various countries and cultures. 2 In addition, this appearance also serves as an expression for the "good," "holy," and virtuous attributes in multiple religious worldviews. 3 As a result, it is not surprising that attempts to make the skin fairer, both through certain practices or products, continue to thrive and expand up until now.

Tuberculosis verrucosa cutis is a paucibacillary form of cutaneous tuberculosis that often occurs in sensitized immunocompetent individuals due to exogenous reinfection. The diagnosis is often difficult because the clinical features are often not typical and acid-fast staining test often shows negative results. Therapeutic trial with antituberculosis therapy is justified if there is strong clinical suspicion in which diagnosis can be made based on the therapeutic response. We report a 46-year-old male with erythematous verrucous plaque on the right knee and crusted erythematous plaque on the left dorsal foot that had been present for 20 years. There were neither history of previous trauma nor tuberculosis treatment. Histopathology, culture, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Mantoux test, and chest radiograph were negative for cutaneous tuberculosis. Gamma release interferon assay showed positive result. The patient was given category 1 antituberculosis treatment and showed improvement after three weeks. Treatment was continued for 6 months and the lesion significantly regressed.

Background The antimelanogenesis effect of topical and oral glutathione has been shown in several in vitro and clinical studies. However, whether combination of topical and oral glutathione is superior to topical or oral monotherapy is unknown. This study aimed to compare the skin‐whitening effect of topical and oral glutathione combination therapy against topical and oral monotherapy. Methods This double‐blind randomized controlled study was done on 46 participants who were divided into two equal groups. Each group received oral placebo and oral glutathione, respectively. All participants were also instructed to apply topical placebo and glutathione to each facial side, respectively. Colorimeter examination was done biweekly using mexameter and chromameter for 8 weeks. One‐way ANOVA test was used to compare the results of all groups. Results The combination group showed significantly lower melanin index (MI) and L* score to placebo (P < 0.05). The mean MI and L* score of the combination group were the highest of all groups. Statistical significance of difference in L* score was reached when the combination group was compared to the oral placebo and topical glutathione group (P < 0.05). Conclusion This study showed that topical and oral glutathione were effective skin‐lightening agents. Furthermore, combination of topical and oral glutathione might be superior to monotherapy.

Exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) has an impact in the form of changes in the dermis collagen fibers and can result in decreasing the thickness and density of collagen. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of mangosteen pericarp extract to the thickness and density of collagen in mice skin after being exposed to UVB. This research was conducted in the animal laboratory and the anatomic pathology laboratory Hasanuddin University, Makassar. The study used pure animal experimental research design with control group. The samples were 24 mice that were divided into four groups: normal, UVB, ethanol and mangosteen groups. Mangosteen pericarp extract with a concentration of 50% was applied shortly after the mice were exposed to UVB. The thickness and density of collagen in normal group was significantly higher than UVB and ethanol groups. Mangosteen groups showed collagen density higher than UVB and ethanol groups. No significant differences between mangosteen and normal group. No significant differences between ethanol and UVB groups. Mangosteen pericarp extract with a concentration of 50% (2 mg / gBW mice) can increase the thickness and density of collagen in mice skin exposed to UVB.