INTRODUCTION
Skin cleansing, exfoliation, and moisturizers as adjunct to medical treatment are an integral part of the prevention, treatment, and maintenance of many skin conditions such as acne vulgaris (acne), psoriasis, and xerosis.1-8 The skin of subjects with dry, flaky, or scaling conditions is characterized by decreased water and skin lipids content, among other findings.6 It is well understood that the daily use of gentle cleansers and moisturizers may help to restore and maintain an optimal skin barrier function.7
Strategies for acne care include prescription or over-the-counter agents and non-comedogenic cleansers and moisturizers.2-4
Exfoliation may reduce hyperkeratosis, scabs, and scales in patients with chronic venous hypertension, lymphedema, xerosis, and diabetes-related skin changes.6-9 Removal of nonvital tissue is an accepted method to eradicate biofilms and to stimulate healing.9,10 There are various methods available for skin cleansing, including mild cleansers with a physiological pH (4-7), scrubbing, or skin massage using brushes or derma rollers.11-13 In choosing the right cleanser and cleansing device, it is important to consider aspects such as pathophysiology, skin condition, cleansing efficacy, patient tolerance, and interaction between skin condition, skin type, and the cleanser.14 Further factors to consider are adherence to the treatment, the optimal time and method of cleansing, and the patient's cosmetic perception.6,14,15
Monofilament fiber debriding technology (MFDT) demonstrated benefits for skin cleansing, exfoliation, mechanical debridement of wounds, and the removal of biofilm.1,4,8-10,16 The current review addresses the clinical experience using MFDT for various skin conditions that require cleansing or exfoliation or both, and how to combine it with standard treatment and maintenance.
Strategies for acne care include prescription or over-the-counter agents and non-comedogenic cleansers and moisturizers.2-4
Exfoliation may reduce hyperkeratosis, scabs, and scales in patients with chronic venous hypertension, lymphedema, xerosis, and diabetes-related skin changes.6-9 Removal of nonvital tissue is an accepted method to eradicate biofilms and to stimulate healing.9,10 There are various methods available for skin cleansing, including mild cleansers with a physiological pH (4-7), scrubbing, or skin massage using brushes or derma rollers.11-13 In choosing the right cleanser and cleansing device, it is important to consider aspects such as pathophysiology, skin condition, cleansing efficacy, patient tolerance, and interaction between skin condition, skin type, and the cleanser.14 Further factors to consider are adherence to the treatment, the optimal time and method of cleansing, and the patient's cosmetic perception.6,14,15
Monofilament fiber debriding technology (MFDT) demonstrated benefits for skin cleansing, exfoliation, mechanical debridement of wounds, and the removal of biofilm.1,4,8-10,16 The current review addresses the clinical experience using MFDT for various skin conditions that require cleansing or exfoliation or both, and how to combine it with standard treatment and maintenance.
