Tetracyclines may pose greater hyperpigmentation risk
According to a study presented at the Society for Investigative Dermatology’s recent annual meeting, doxycycline is significantly associated with the development of new hyperpigmentation in acne patients, particularly in patients with skin of color.
[Dermatologists discuss new understandings of the pathogenesis of melasma and emerging treatments inDermWorld.]
The researchers identified over one million patients diagnosed with acne, including 150,714 who were prescribed doxycycline, 43,987 prescribed minocycline, and 38,112 prescribed cephalexin for oral monotherapy. They found that patients who received doxycycline and minocycline were more likely to develop new hyperpigmentation versus those given cephalexin. Odds of new hyperpigmentation associated with doxycycline versus cephalexin were higher in Black, Hispanic, and Asian patients. Results were similar but with lower risk for minocycline versus cephalexin.
The researchers suggest that dermatologists may want to lean more toward minocycline when prescribing for patients. Also, they recommend taking a second look at topical formulations of antibiotics as well as counseling patients about sunscreen use, particularly in patients with darker skin.
DermWorld Insights and Inquiries: Forty years of marriage, dermatology, inequities, and gratitude
The professional inequities between the genders and married physicians are real. Although I have tried to be a decent husband and father, Ronnie has borne the brunt of the domestic and parental duties. In two-physician households, she is not alone. COVID may have exacerbated these tendencies. According to the AMA, 25% of women physicians are married to doctors, and 16% of male doctors are married to physicians. Reviewing the literature of the last two decades on how female physicians cope with the challenge of balancing their family and professional lives for the duration of their professional careers revealed that they suffer from the work-family conflict more than other professionals and that it has a more negative effect on women than on men. Keep reading!
Registry now accepting monkeypox cases
A registry to gather information about dermatologic manifestations of monkeypox, as well as skin reactions to the monkeypox vaccine, was launched this week. The registry is an effort on behalf of the American Academy of Dermatology and the International League of Dermatologic Societies. Cases can be entered by all health care professionals taking care of either (a) patients with monkeypox or (b) patients who have received a smallpox/monkeypox vaccine and developed a skin reaction that you wish to report. Learn more or enter a case.
AAD statement on National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's report on environmental impact of sunscreens and potential impacts of changes in sunscreen usage
The American Academy of Dermatology supports the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s recommendation that the U.S. EPA conducts an ecological risk assessment of UV filters to characterize possible risks to aquatic ecosystems and the species that live in them. It also describes the role of sunscreens in preventing skin cancer and what is known about how human health could be affected by potential changes in usage. Read more.
New federal guidance on nondiscrimination in telehealth services
Dermatologists and other medical providers now have technical guidance and resources on how to avoid risks of discrimination when providing telehealth services to patients. This new guidance from the Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Justice explains that patients with disabilities and limited English proficiency should have access to telehealth services without fear of discrimination. It requires that providers of such telehealth services understand what constitutes instances of discrimination and make specific accommodations available to these patients. Patients in both categories — with disabilities or limited English proficiency — have the right and means to file a complaint if they believe they have experienced discrimination in accessing or receiving telehealth services. Learn more about this new guidance.
FDA issues warning to companies selling unapproved new drugs for mole and skin tag removal
The FDA recently issued three warning letters to companies (Amazon.com, Ariella Naturals, and Justified Laboratories) for introducing mole and skin tag removal products not evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness or quality, and require FDA approval. Introducing these products into interstate commerce is in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. There are no FDA-approved over-the-counter drug products for the removal of moles and skin tags. The mole and skin tag removal products sold by these firms have not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness or quality and require FDA approval.
The warning letters alerted the companies that failure to adequately address the violations may result in legal action. The companies have 15 days from receipt of the letter to respond to the agency with actions they have taken to address any violations.
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