The antipsoriatic efficacy, tolerability and safety of calcipotriol ointment was compared with tar in a prospective, right/left randomized, investigator-blinded controlled study. Calcipotriol ointment 50 micrograms/g twice daily was applied to one-half of the body. On the opposite side, white soft paraffin was applied in the morning, and coal tar solution BP 15% v/w in aqueous cream in the evening. Thirty patients with stable chronic plaque-type psoriasis were recruited. Assessments were made at 2, 4 and 6 weeks. Three patients were withdrawn from the study. A decrease in PASI score was seen on both sides at 2, 4 and 6 weeks. The differences from baseline between the two treatments were statistically significant in favour of calcipotriol. Improvement with calcipotriol was rapid in the first 2 weeks of treatment. With tar, significant improvement occurred only after 4 weeks of treatment. The differences in the scores for erythema, induration and desquamation from baseline between the two treatments were also statistically significantly in favour of calcipotriol at all evaluation points. Seven patients developed irritation on the calcipotriol-treated side, but there were no adverse effects on the tar-treated side. In two patients, itching associated with psoriasis was reduced by the calcipotriol. Although the mean serum calcium and phosphate levels remained within the normal ranges after 6 weeks' treatment, there were significant changes in their values compared with baseline.

Conventional acne treatment presents several challenges such as intolerable side effects and antibiotic resistance. Dermocosmetic products may be used to reduce these unwanted effects. Dermocosmetics include skin cleansers, topical sebum-controllers, skin antimicrobial/anti-inflammatory agents, moisturizers, sunscreens, and camouflage products. Appropriate use of these products may help augment the benefit of acne treatment, minimize side effects, and reduce the need for topical antibiotics. In Asia, there is currently limited scientific data on the application and recommendations for dermocosmetic use in acne vulgaris (AV). This article reviews the evidence on dermocosmetics for AV and provides practice recommendations as discussed during the 4th Asia-Pacific Acne Leaders' Summit held in Bangkok, Thailand, on 7 and 8 February 2015. Through a premeeting survey, a series of plenary lectures, a stepwise program of discussion sessions, and Medline article review, the Expert Panel set forth relevant recommendations on the role of dermocosmetics as adjunct for treating AV in Asian patients.

Seborrhoeic dermatitis (SD) is common in Asia. Its prevalence is estimated to be 1-5% in adults. However, larger population-based studies into the epidemiology of SD in Asia are lacking, and the aetiology of SD may differ widely from Western countries and in different parts of Asia. In addition, clinically significant differences between Asian and Caucasian skin have been reported. There is a need to define standardized clinical diagnostic criteria and/or a grading system to help determine appropriate treatments for SD within Asia. With this in mind, experts from India, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Italy convened to define the landscape of SD in Asia at a meeting held in Singapore. The consensus group developed a comprehensive algorithm to aid clinicians to recommend appropriate treatment of SD in both adults and children. In most cases, satisfactory therapeutic results can be accomplished with topical antifungal agents or topical corticosteroids. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents with antifungal properties have been shown to be a viable option for both acute and maintenance therapy.

Atopic dermatitis is a common condition characterized by pruritus, inflammation, and dryness of the skin. Inflammation disrupts the barrier function of the stratum corneum, predisposing the skin to be dry, and increases susceptibility to irritants and secondary bacterial infection. Sensitive skin is common, reported by 40-50% of women and 30% of men in the US, Europe, and Japan. Basic requirements in managing eczema and sensitive skin include effective cleansers that do not compromise skin barrier integrity, alleviation of skin dryness, and restoration of skin barrier function through the use of therapeutic moisturizers. The selection of a skin cleanser is therefore an important part of managing these conditions. Studies have reported clinical improvement with the use of soap-free cleansers in combination with topical treatments. While topical corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents are mainstays of treatment for atopic dermatitis, therapeutic moisturizers are important adjuncts. Moisturizers improve skin hydration, reduce susceptibility to irritation, restore the integrity of the stratum corneum, and enhance the efficacy of topical corticosteroids.

Background Androgenetic alopecia (AGA), or pattern hair loss, is a common disorder in both Asian men and women. There are several guidelines for the treatment of AGA which are suitable for Caucasian patients; however,