In vivo reflectance-mode confocal microscopy provides insights in human skin microcirculation and histomorphology

Assessment of dermal papillary and microvascular parameters in psoriasis vulgaris using in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy

In vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is a modern, non-invasive imaging technique, which allows for real-time examination of the upper layers of the skin at a resolution similar to that of classic microscopy. In addition, it has the advantage of real-time evaluation of blood flow and dynamic monitoring of cutaneous changes while preserving tissue integrity. The present study reported on the in vivo RCM technique as an objective method for the noninvasive assessment of psoriasis vulgaris that is potentially applicable in clinical studies and in monitoring the evolution of lesions under treatment. In psoriasis lesions, RCM virtual horizontal sections at the level of the dermo-epidermal junction featured numerous and prominent dermal papillae that were not surrounded by bright rings of basal cells. Micromorphological examination of the lesions using this technique revealed that mean values of the section area, the perimeter and the Feret's diameter of the dermal papillae were significantly higher in psoriatic lesions than in normal skin. An increased number of capillary vessels per lesional dermal papilla as compared to healthy skin was observed. Furthermore, micromorphological parameters of dermal capillaries were increased in psoriatic skin. These observations point to the utility of in vivo RCM as a promising technique for the non-invasive diagnosis of psoriasis vulgaris, for monitoring the evolution of lesions at a micromorphological level under various treatments and for gaining a better understanding of the pathophysiological processes that occur in the evolution of this disease.

Painless, safe, and efficacious noninvasive skin tightening, body contouring, and cellulite reduction using multisource 3DEEP radiofrequency

In the last decade, Radiofrequency (RF) energy has proven to be safe and highly efficacious for face and neck skin tightening, body contouring, and cellulite reduction. In contrast to first-generation Monopolar/Bipolar and "X -Polar" RF systems which use one RF generator connected to one or more skin electrodes, multisource radiofrequency devices use six independent RF generators allowing efficient dermal heating to 52-55°C, with no pain or risk of other side effects. In this review, the basic science and clinical results of body contouring and cellulite treatment using multisource radiofrequency system (Endymed PRO, Endymed, Cesarea, Israel) will be discussed and analyzed.

Evaluation through in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy of the cutaneous neurogenic inflammatory reaction induced by capsaicin in human subjects

We perform an in vivo analysis of the effects of capsaicin on cutaneous microvascularization. A total of 29 healthy subjects are administered a solution of capsaicin (CAP group) or a vehicle solution (nonCAP group) on the dorsal side of the nondominant hand. The evaluation is performed using in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM). Ten minutes after administration, the area of the section, the perimeter, and the Feret's diameter of the capillaries in the dermal papillae become significantly larger in the CAP group as against the nonCAP group, and this difference is maintained until the conclusion of the experiment. In vivo RCM allows the investigation of cutaneous vascular reactions induced by capsaicin. As such, this method may constitute an useful technique both for research and clinical practice.