Tools for evaluating the effectiveness of treatments in rosacea

Abstract

The Observ 520x is a skin analysis system that helps dermatologists accurately diagnose skin conditions at both the epidermal and dermal layer levels. The technology was developed on the scientific principle of skin fluorescence as a means to optically examine skin health at a deeper level. It is a great way to create a medium to long-term skin treatment plan. A great advantage of this device is the archiving and documentation of the patient’s progress at all visits. The “before and after” pictures will always be from the same angles, with the same brightness, without shadows, and at the same quality. The possible viewing modes are: Daylight1- the surface of the skin is seen naturally, without shadows, mimicking daylight. Cross Polarized2- is a cross-polarized light that suppresses surface glare so that dermal, vascular, and pigmented structures can be visualized. Parallel- Polarized3- an improved view of the skin’s surface, fine lines, microrelief, wrinkles, texture, and pores. True UV Mode4- exposes skin abnormalities both on the surface and in depth, and also shows the degree of coverage of the skin surface with applied sun protection. Wood’s5- the wood lamp allows us to visualize fungal and bacterial infections on the surface of the skin, areas with hypersecretion of sebum and skin affected by depigmentation in vitiligo. Pigmentation mode- the filter that determines both epidermal and dermal pigmentation, differentiating different skin dyschromias. Vascular- the module that represents vasculature, inflammation, and skin telangiectasias. Aim: to examine the applicability of the OBSERV 520x device in evaluating skin eruptions associated with rosacea. Materials and methods A case study is presented below. Results We present the case of a 45-year-old patient, who has been suffering from rosacea for approximately 4-5 years. The physical and anamnestic diagnostic examination was performed, as well as with the help of the OBSERV 520x device. On an erythematous background there are papules, in some places pustules, telangiectasias. He also complains of itching on the face. The clinical diagnosis was established, treatment was indicated. The pictures were repeated with the help of the device, over an interval of 5 months after the initiation of the treatment. In the case of the patient, emphasis was placed on the vascular mode, which uses perpendicularly polarized light over which some algorithms are applied to highlight only vascular problems: cuperosis, vascular capillaries, and sensitive areas. Discuss Although they are not visible to the naked eye, certain injuries do not mean they do not exist. Most skin problems start in the deep layers first and migrate to the surface. Cuperosis is the most common problem that first starts in the dermis and then migrates to the epidermis. Conclusions The OBSERV device is a facial diagnostic tool that helps us evaluate the dynamics of lesions both on the surface and in-depth, with the tracking of treatment progress.