Efficacy of spironolactone in treating patients with acne
Authors of a review published in Archives of Dermatological Research evaluated the effectiveness and safety of spironolactone for acne vulgaris. Of the 14 identified studies, the analysis found that spironolactone 5% was more effective than placebo in reducing total lesion count and acne severity index (ASI), respectively. The 100 mg group showed a significant improvement in ASI compared to the topical group. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found no significant difference in comedones and pustules count over six to eight weeks, while single-arm studies showed significant improvement after eight weeks. The authors concluded that spironolactone 5% significantly reduced total lesion count and ASI after eight weeks, while also reducing comedones and papules.
DermWorld Insights and Inquiries: A tale of two disorders of hypopigmentation — The potential role of Cutibacterium acnes dysbiosis in progressive macular hypomelanosis and lichen striatus
The skin microbiome may be altered by external factors such as the environment or medications (notably antibiotics) and has been implicated in inflammatory (atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, acne vulgaris, and hidradenitis suppurativa), neoplastic (Merkel cell carcinoma, Kaposi sarcoma), or other diseases. In 2018, I stated that “dysbiosis” would be the medical word to watch. This editorial will focus on two entities with intriguing recent literature on how dysbiosis may be a factor in presenting with hypopigmentation — progressive macular hypomelanosis and lichen striatus. Keep reading!
Is the severity of shedding from topical minoxidil linked to treatment efficacy?
Results of a study published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment suggested that topical minoxidil use temporarily increases hair shedding among individuals with androgenetic alopecia, with a longer duration for 2% minoxidil than 5%, and the severity of shedding is linked to treatment efficacy. The researchers selected 49 individuals who were undergoing topical treatment with either 2% or 5% minoxidil for a course of 24 weeks. The team tracked hair shedding continuously for a single week, calculating both the total loss of participants’ hair and the average amount of daily hair shedding.
[Topical finasteride with minoxidil vs. topical minoxidil alone for male-pattern androgenic alopecia. Read more.]
The team reported that a transient rise in hair shedding among the 49 trial subjects was seen within the initial 12 weeks of treatment using minoxidil. They highlighted the length of this shedding phase, with persistence lasting longer in the 2% minoxidil group than in the 5% group. The study showed that the initial increase in hair loss is temporary for most patients.
Can immune checkpoint inhibitors reduce actinic keratoses?
Authors of a study published in JAMA Dermatology investigated whether immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are associated with changes in field cancerization as evaluated by the number of actinic keratoses (AK) and keratinocyte carcinomas (KC) 12 months after starting ICI therapy. The mean AK number significantly decreased from 47.2 at baseline to 14.3 at 12 months.
Younger patients and those with a history of blistering sunburn were more likely to reduce their AK numbers by 65% or greater. Total numbers of KC decreased from 42 in the 12 months before starting ICI therapy to 17 in the 12 months after. The number of cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas decreased from 16 to five in the same period.
Pharmaceutical company issues recall of anesthetic
Amneal Pharmaceutical LLC is recalling two lots of ropivacaine hydrochloride injection, USP, 500mg/100mL, infusion bags as the products may contain inert fiber identified as polypropylene fibers from the IV bag. To date, Amneal Pharmaceuticals has received no reports of adverse events or injuries related to this recall. Read the FDA alert.
Open Payments review period
The Open Payments program, administered by CMS, promotes transparency by making public the financial relationships between physicians and industry (e.g., pharmaceutical and device companies). The pre-publication review and dispute period is open through May 15, 2025, giving physicians the opportunity to review and dispute any data reported about them before it is released. While participation is voluntary, it’s an important chance to ensure your information is accurate. Learn more and access the CMS portal.
Advertisement
The American Academy of Dermatology is a non-profit professional organization and does not endorse companies or products. Advertising helps support our mission.
