Al Khobar

Fordyce spots are harmless sebaceous glands that appear on the lips and vermilion border and often cause cosmetic concern. Researchers are evaluating the safety and effectiveness of a 1726-nm diode laser that targets these glands for improving the appearance of Fordyce spots. This pilot study focuses on treating adults aged 18 and older who have visible Fordyce spots on their lips or vermilion border. Participants will receive two to three laser treatment sessions using the Accure 1726-nm diode laser, spaced four weeks apart. This device uses temperature-guided, multi-pulse energy delivery with continuous cooling and is FDA-cleared for acne treatment. After the treatment sessions, participants will have follow-up visits at weeks 4, 8, 12, and 24. There is an optional additional visit around 12 months after treatment to observe long-term effects without further treatment. During the study, researchers will track the reduction in Fordyce spot count, overall aesthetic improvement, patient satisfaction, and safety. Assessments include clinical evaluations and patient feedback at each follow-up visit. The main results will be analyzed through week 24, with data from the optional 12-month follow-up summarized separately. Participant involvement includes attending treatment and follow-up visits over a period of up to 12 months.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the central nervous system, often leading to neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD), which causes bladder storage symptoms such as urinary frequency, urgency, and nocturia. These symptoms are common in people with MS and can significantly impact quality of life, including psychological distress and sleep disturbances. This research investigates the effectiveness of transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS), a non-invasive treatment, compared to a sham TTNS in managing bladder storage symptoms among people with MS. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an active TTNS group or a sham TTNS group. The active group will receive stimulation of the tibial nerve on the medial side of the foot using a TENS unit for 30 minutes per session, three times a week, over 6 weeks totaling 18 sessions. The sham group will have stimulation applied to the lateral side of the foot, avoiding the tibial nerve, with similar session frequency and duration. All TENS units will be preset to ensure consistent stimulation parameters. Throughout the study, researchers will assess bladder symptoms and quality of life using questionnaires like the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire for Overactive Bladder (ICIQ-OAB) and a 3-day bladder diary at baseline, 6 weeks, and 6 months after the intervention. Additional measures include urinary sensation scales and participants' perceptions of change. The study aims to provide high-quality evidence on TTNS's safety and effectiveness for bladder symptoms in MS and explore its potential impact on sleep quality and daily function.