Oral vs. topical finasteride: Sexual, neuropsychiatric AEs
Authors of a study published in the International Journal of Dermatology analyzed FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) data to explore whether there may be an association between the route of administration of finasteride and post-finasteride-like adverse events (AEs), including persistent sexual and neuropsychiatric AEs. The investigators assessed signals for 13 post-finasteride syndrome-related AEs with topical and oral finasteride and dutasteride across two periods 2006-2011 (before post-finasteride syndrome reporting) and 2019-2024 (after post-finasteride syndrome reporting).
[Minoxidil, finasteride, dutasteride monotherapy for male pattern hair loss. Read more.]
Fewer signals for post-finasteride syndrome-like AEs were detected with topical finasteride compared to oral finasteride in both time periods. No signals were found for topical dutasteride, which the authors suggest may be because its use is limited. Many reported AEs, such as erectile dysfunction and depression, may be influenced by age, stress, or comorbidities, suggesting caution in attributing causality to finasteride, they concluded.
Efficacy of combination topical finasteride and minoxidil in male androgenetic alopecia. Read more.
DermWorld Insights and Inquiries: Part 2 — Eccrine mucin-producing sweat gland carcinoma
Eccrine mucin-producing sweat gland carcinomas (EMPSGCs) are rare low-grade sweat gland carcinomas characterized by immunoexpression of neuroendocrine markers and mucin production. They occur most frequently in the head and neck region, with a strong predilection for the eyelids. Clinically, EMPSGCs are variable and nondescript. Lesions may present as slow-growing, skin-colored nodules that may be solitary or multiple, cystic, or pigmented. The clinical differential diagnosis could include chalazion, hidradenoma, basal cell carcinoma, dermatofibroma, or other neoplasms. Although the vast majority of EMPSGCs are indolent, complete surgical excision is recommended, with careful clinical follow-up for local recurrence or rare metastases. Keep reading!
Are topical corticosteroids associated with increased risk of pregnancy complications in psoriasis patients?
Authors of a study published in JAAD analyzed data for potential associations with topical corticosteroid use and risk of pregnancy complications in psoriasis patients. They included all female psoriasis patients with pregnancy diagnosis with vs. without topical corticosteroid (TC) prescription at least six months after pregnancy diagnosis.
[Dermatologists discuss the risks and benefits of performing dermatologic procedures on pregnant patients. Read more.]
TC-exposed vs. non–TC-exposed subjects had decreased risk of low gestational weight gain and no difference in risks of other pregnancy complications. They found that TC-exposure in pregnancy was associated with decreased risk of low maternal weight gain. According to the authors, fetal growth and maternal weight gain outcomes might be attributed to systemic TC absorption. TC exposure was not associated with increased risk of pregnancy complications in psoriasis patients, they concluded.
Dermatologists discuss the safety of common dermatologic drugs in pregnant patients. Read more.
Efficacy of PRP for melasma: Microneedling vs. microinjections
In an article published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, the authors compared the efficacy and side effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy administered by microneedling vs. microinjection. Microneedling and microinjection were used to apply PRP to the face’s two sides.
[Dermatologists discuss new understandings of the pathogenesis of melasma and emerging treatments. Read more.]
A significant difference was observed in the mean change in modified Melasma Area and Severity Index score between microinjection and microneedling. Of the patients in the microneedling group, 46.7% achieved greater than 75% improvement, compared to only 5.5% in the microinjection group. Twelve patients (41.4%) in the microneedling group and six patients (26.1%) in the microinjection group demonstrated improvements greater than 50%.
According to a study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, firefighters face significantly higher cancer death risks from occupational toxic exposures.
[Danger in the workplace: Occupational associations of skin cancer. Read more.]
The association reached statistical significance only for skin cancer (HR: 1.72) and kidney cancer (HR: 1.39), although suggestive increases in mortality from prostate and colorectal cancers were observed. An association with lung cancer was only apparent after three decades of follow-up. The duration of a firefighting career was not significantly associated with cancer mortality risk.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warning letters to five personal care brands for marketing unapproved sunscreen products in mousse, whipped, or foam formulations. The letters were sent to Supergoop!, Vacation Inc., Kalani Sunwear, Fallien Cosmeceuticals, and K & Care Organics (BOTAO brand). The FDA states that mousse and foam sunscreens cannot be sold in the U.S. without FDA over-the-counter (OTC) drug approval because these products do not fall within the dosage forms as generally recognized as safe and effective under the OTC sunscreen monograph.
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