Whey protein consumption and acne severity in men with acne
A double-blind randomized controlled trial published in The Journal of Dermatology assessed whether whey protein consumption in men was associated with acne severity. Forty-nine men with mild to moderate facial and/or truncal acne received either whey protein and non–whey protein nutritional supplements or only non–whey protein nutritional supplements for six months. The participants’ diet was otherwise similar. Consumption of whey protein did not have a significant effect on the total number of facial and truncal acne lesions.
[Acne: Clindamycin-tretinoin vs. benzoyl peroxide-adapalene. Read more in DermWorld Weekly.]
DermWorld Insights and Inquiries: Anticipating Iceland — Ice-pack dermatosis
Iceland beckons. My wife and I eagerly await the other-worldly topography, unpronounceable waterfalls, midnight sun, and the warmth of the Blue Lagoon. The depiction of Iceland as the “land of fire and ice” is apt. As a dermatologist, when I hear that phrase, my mind wanders to erythema ab igne and cold-induced dermatoses. This commentary will focus on ice-pack dermatosis (IPD). IPD usually presents on the lower back and buttocks as painful erythematous papules and plaques. IPD may mimic lupus erythematosus histologically, emphasizing the need for careful clinical-pathologic correlation. Keep reading!
Derm Coding Consult: CMS creates permanent drug code for treating molluscum contagiosum
CMS has created a permanent drug code, J7354, for cantharidin, a drug used to treat molluscum contagiosum in adult and pediatric patients 2 years and older. The new J-code became effective on April 1, 2024. Read more.
Safety of dermatologic medication use in lactation
In a JAAD continuing medical education article, the authors review the safety of dermatologic therapies used during lactation. The study found that topical steroids, calcineurin inhibitors, salicylic acid, and calcipotriene are safe to use during lactation. Topical coal tar, methotrexate, oral vitamin A derivatives, mycophenolate mofetil, and apremilast should be avoided. As biologics are unlikely to reach the infant’s circulation, they are also safe to use during lactation. The article also reviews additional dermatologic therapies.
Read more about the safety of dermatologic medications in pregnancy inDermWorld Weekly.
Patient reviews and their impact on dermatologists
A study published in the International Journal of Dermatology reviewed the results of a survey conducted among 137 academic dermatologists to investigate their perspectives on patient reviews. More than half of the participants responded that patient reviews contributed to some degree of stress or burnout, with younger and female dermatologists being more likely to be affected. Furthermore, more than half of the participants did not find patient reviews helpful and did not feel that they correlated with being a good doctor. The authors conclude that an adjusted approach to patient feedback may be needed to foster effective communication and enhance the overall patient experience while limiting physician stress and burnout.
How can dermatology practices respond to false and malicious online reviews while maintaining HIPAA compliance? Read more.
The American Academy of Dermatology is a non-profit professional organization and does not endorse companies or products. Advertising helps support our mission.
