摘要：Objective: The goal of any topical formulation is efficient transdermal delivery of its active components. However, delivery of compounds can be problematic with penetration through tough layers of fibrotic dermal scar tissue.Approach: We propose a new approach combining high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and Raman spectroscopy (RS) using a topical of unknown composition against a well-known antiscar topical (as control).Results: Positive detection of compounds within the treatment topical using both techniques was validated with mass spectrometry. RS detected conformational structural changes; the 1,655/1,446?cm?1 ratio estimating collagen content significantly decreased (p?<?0.05) over weeks 4, 12, and 16 compared with day 0. The amide I band, known to represent collagen and protein in skin, shifted from 1,667 to 1,656?cm?1, which may represent a change from β-sheets in elastin to α-helices in collagen. Confirmatory elastin immunohistochemistry decreased compared with day 0, conversely the collagen I/III ratio increased in the same samples by week 12 (p?<?0.05, and p?<?0.0001, respectively), in keeping with normal scar formation. Optical coherence tomography attenuation coefficient representing collagen deposition was significantly decreased at week 4 compared with day 0 and increased at week 16 (p?<?0.05).Innovation: This study provides a platform for further research on the simultaneous evaluation of the effects of compounds in cutaneous scarring by RS and HPLC, and identifies a role for RS in the therapeutic evaluation and theranostic management of skin scarring.Conclusions: RS can provide noninvasive information on the effects of topicals on scar pathogenesis and structural composition, validated by other analytical techniques.

摘要：Burns expose the deeper tissues of the skin or body to invasive microbes. Topical preparations for treating burn wounds, to be useful, should ideally have antibiotic power and promote healing. Silver compounds have been the mainstay of topical burn treatment for decades. However, most chemical substances retard wound healing. Several natural agents such as honey and moist exposed burn ointment (MEBO) are believed to protect wounds from infection and promote healing without causing any of the adverse effects of purified chemicals. In this study, we compared the wound healing properties of MEBO, a herbal preparation of Chinese origin, with silver sulphadiazine (SSD), a long-standing conventional burn dressing. Ten adult Sprague Dawley rats were divided into two groups. They were housed in separate cages and received partial-thickness burn wounds on their dorsal skin. They were then treated with MEBO and SSD. The wounds were inspected daily until day 8, when all the animals were sacrificed, perfused with normal saline, and had their wounds excised and prepared for histology. It was found that animals in both groups were well preserved. No clinical infections occurred. Wound healing was at an advanced stage by day 8 in all the animals. Clinical and histological examination showed that the two agents gave the animals comparable protection and healing possibilities. It is concluded that MEBO is a suitable and efficacious alternative to conventional silver-based topical therapies for treating partial-thickness burn wounds.

摘要：Introduction and importance: Skin tuberculosis is a rare chronic skin disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Due to variations in host immunity, as well as differences in the toxicity, quantity, and routes of invasion of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, different clinical manifestations can occur. Case presentation: A 60-year-old female with a history of SLE for 16 years presented with dark brown nodules and plaques on the left lower limb and dorsal hands for approximately 8 months, which worsened with erythema and ulceration over the last 3 months. Prior to this, she was diagnosed with Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Her ulcer progressively increased in size and number, accompanied by yellowish-white cheesy discharge. Diagnostic evaluations, including a biopsy, confirmed the diagnosis of NF. Subsequently, the patient underwent treatment with a combination of surgical intervention, pharmacotherapy, and other supportive measures, leading to improvement and eventual discharge. Clinical discussion: Unlike the classical presentations, this case report describes a rare manifestation of NF secondary to cutaneous tuberculosis complicated by SLE. This presentation poses challenges in diagnosis and treatment, emphasizing the significance of comprehensive debridement and combination therapy in such patients. Further research is necessary to validate its effectiveness across broader patient demographics, especially in pediatrics and pregnant women. Conclusion: This case highlights the rare association between NF and cutaneous tuberculosis. The report of this case, with its rare clinical manifestations, can serve as a good reference to reduce misdiagnosis of cutaneous tuberculosis and provide timely and effective treatment for patients.