The carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ) laser is a versatile tool that has applications in ablative lasing and caters to the needs of routine dermatological practice as well as the aesthetic, cosmetic and rejuvenation segments. This article details the basics of the laser physics as applicable to the CO ₂ laser and offers guidelines for use in many of the above indications.

Background : A cosmetically pleasing postoperative scar is an important aim of all aesthetic surgeries. Use of proper suture materials for delicate and gentle suturing of the operative injury is an important requirement for achieving satisfactory scars. However, closure of the edges of wounds by means of conventional suture materials does not always meet the requirements to achieve this objective. Aim : To simplify and facilitate the process of surgical wound closure, to improve the quality of scar, and to achieve a good cosmetic effect through the introduction of a new type of suture material. Materials and Methods : We have introduced a new surgical suturing material-a nontraumatic, barbed thread connected with the suture needle-APTOS SUTURE (European patent 1075843 as of 1999). Presented herein is a new modification of the technique of uninterrupted subcutaneous and intracutaneous suturing of wound edges, and the details of our experience with this material. Results : Our experience shows that, with use of APTOS, wound closure is carried out easily and quickly. The wound remains stable, the time of healing is shortened, and the process of suture removal is simplified, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing scar. Conclusions : The technique of surgical wound suturing proposed herein is a simple, facilitated, and efficient option of wound-edge closure, which can successfully be used, both in general and in aesthetic surgery for wound closure, such as plasty of scars, face lift, mammoplasty, and abdominal plasty.

Background : Q-switched Nd:YAG laser, a melanin pigment-specific laser was used to treat melanocytic nevi in Indian patients. Objective : To assess the clinical response of nevi to Q-switched Nd:YAG laser of 1064 nm wavelength. Materials and Methods : Nineteen patients received an average of 2.57 treatments with Q-switched Nd:YAG laser of 1064 nm wavelength, repetition rate of 10 Hz, 10 nanoseconds pulse width, and spot size of 4 mm to 6 mm with a fluence ranging from 4 to 9.7 joules/cm ² . The clinical end point of the laser treatment was brisk whitening. The response was assessed by using a global assessment score. Results : The clinical global assessment score showed excellent response in 8/19 patients and good response in 6/19 patients. Conclusion : The Q-switched Nd:YAG laser of 1064 nm wavelength resulted in significant improvement (lightening) of nevi.

Nicolau syndrome is an uncommon complication of intramuscular injection leading to variable degrees of necrosis of skin and the underlying tissues. We report here two cases of this syndrome. Our first case was a 25 year-old male who developed intense pain and purplish discoloration of the skin in the right hip after intramuscular diclofenac injection. The second case was a 60 year-old male who developed intense pain and discoloration of skin, not only at the injection site, but also on the left scapular area and left elbow after receiving chlorpheniramine maleate injection intramuscularly. These cases highlight the need for awareness about this condition and the need to exercise utmost care during the administration of any parenteral injections by dermatologists.

CD301 cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorders (CLPDs) present variable clinical and histological manifestations. We report here a case of an adult male patient who progressed from lymphomatoid papulosis to anaplastic large cell lymphoma. The patient responded satisfactorily to a low dose of methotrexate.

Topical self drying silicone gel is a relatively recent treatment modality promoted as an alternative to topical silicone gel sheeting. Thirty patients with scars of different types including superficial scars, hypertrophic scars, and keloids were treated with silicon gel application. The results of the self-drying silicone gel have been satisfactory.

Microneedling with dermaroller is a new treatment modality for the treatment of scars, especially acne scars, stretch marks, wrinkles, and for facial rejuvenation. It is a simple and relatively cheap modality that also can be used for transdermal drug delivery.