Cutaneous CO2 laser resurfacing is a relatively safe procedure with a low complication profile. Proper laser treatment protocol and postoperative management is important in reducing side effects and complications.

Techniques involving the use of selective Q-switched Nd:YAG and long-pulsed alexandrite and ruby laser systems provide a significant delay in hair growth. With further technologic advances and understanding of proper treatment parameters and intervals, it is expected that permanent hair removal may eventually be possible.

Becker's nevus is an uncommon pigmented smooth muscle hamartoma that develops during adolescence and occurs primarily in young men. The nevus is characterized by hypertrichosis and hyperpigmentation and is usually located unilaterally over the shoulder, upper arm, and scapula. We describe a patient with a Becker's nevus who was treated with a long-pulsed ruby laser in order to decrease hair density and pigmentation.

Continuous wave (CW) lasers, the first medical lasers to be used, continue to be effective, but are extremely operator dependent and can potentially result in significant risks, including scarring. In 1983, the theory of selective photothermolysis was introduced, which enabled physician-scientists to design lasers that were highly selective and safer to operate. These newer lasers are capable of affecting a specific target tissue without a high risk of scarring and pigmentary changes. They accomplish this task by producing a wavelength and pulse duration that is best absorbed by a specific target. However, not all modern lasers employ this theory and, therefore, may operate in either a CW, quasi-CW, pulsed, or Q-switched mode. CW lasers are least selective and tend to produce unwanted tissue damage and scarring through heat dissipation. Quasi-CW lasers attempt to limit unwanted thermal damage by producing a series of brief laser pulses or by the chopping of a CW beam; however, they still have a relatively high risk of causing nonspecific tissue damage and thermal injury. The pulsed and Q-switched systems adhere most closely to the principles of selective photothermolysis and result in the most selective destruction with the lowest risk of scarring and unwanted thermal diffusion. Of course, any laser system can potentially result in scarring and tissue damage; therefore, adequate operator education and skill are essential when utilizing medical lasers.

Spiders are able to arouse strong emotional reactions in humans. While spider bites are statistically rare events, our perception is skewed towards the potential harm spiders can cause to humans. We examined the human dimension of spiders through the lens of traditional media, by analysing more than 300 spider-related news published online in Italian newspapers between 2010 and 2020. We observed a recent, exponential increase in the frequency of the news, particularly those focused on medically important spiders -the Mediterranean black widow (Latrodectus tredecimguttatus) and the Mediterranean recluse (Loxosceles refescens). The news quality was generally poor: 70% contained different types of error, 32% were exaggerated, and in virtually none was an expert consulted. Overstated news referring to spider bites were significantly more shared on social media, thus contributing to frame a distorted perception of the risk associated with a spider bite and possibly reducing general public tolerance of spiders.