Hydrocolloid dressing vs. petroleum for scar appearance after dermatologic surgery
Authors of a JAMA Dermatology study investigated whether a one-time application of hydrocolloid dressing (HCD) for one week after excisional surgery affects scar appearance and surgical complications compared to daily petroleum ointment.
[Petroleum jelly: Safety, myths, and misconceptions. Read more.]
Surgeon and patient ratings for overall appearance were clinically comparable. The HCD group had higher, but not statistically significant, rates of adverse events, including postoperative bleeding (20.6% for HCD vs. 8.8% for petroleum), wound dehiscence (6.2% vs. 0%), and surgical site pain (21.2% vs. 12.3%). No patients required postoperative antibiotics. The authors concluded that HCD yields similar scar appearance and complication rates as daily petroleum ointment.
Experts discuss current approaches to scar management. Read more.
DermWorld Insights and Inquiries: The illusions of IgG4-related skin disease
Prior to researching this commentary, I had illusions that I grasped the fundamental concepts of IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD). After writing this editorial, I have no such illusions — IgG4-RD is a confounding disorder. IgG4-RD is confusing because its manifestations are protean, and its pathogenesis is poorly understood. IgG4-RD is a multi-organ, fibro-inflammatory condition with tumefactive lesions of unknown etiology and characteristic histopathological features. Virtually any organ can be involved; the pancreas, kidneys, orbital adnexal structures, salivary glands, and retroperitoneum are most commonly affected. Keep reading!
Recovering from SJS and TEN
Authors of a study published in JAMA Dermatology explored the long-term mental and physical health effects of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN). This investigation was completed by interviewing participants about their SJS/TEN experiences after being discharged from the hospital.
According to 29 patient interviews, patients experienced ongoing biological symptoms, such as skin issues, debilitating visual impairment, blindness, and lack of functional autonomy. Psychological impacts included symptoms of anxiety, obsessive thinking, flashbacks, and depression. Some survivors expressed a sense of abandonment and described negative impacts on their careers. Survivors often experienced medical distrust, driven by physician knowledge gaps, inadequate education, and the sudden unpredictable nature of SJS/TEN. The authors noted that at a minimum SJS/TEN care should include mental health, dermatology, and ophthalmology follow-up.
Authors of a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology compared the level of vitamin D in individuals with rosacea and healthy individuals. The mean vitamin D level among patients with rosacea (29.9) was higher than the control group (24.5), but the difference was not statistically significant. There was no significant difference in the mean vitamin D level between rosacea patients and controls regardless of disease severity or gender.
A study published in JMIR Dermatology investigated the popularity of various psoriasis treatments based on the number of mentions received on popular social media platforms.
[Your Dermatologist Knows: You’re the experts. We’re proving it to the public. Learn more.]
The 10 most-mentioned treatments across both forums were risankizumab, UV-B phototherapy, apremilast, methotrexate, adalimumab, guselkumab, secukinumab, clobetasol propionate, Cal/BD foam, and ixekizumab. According to the authors, the data suggests that patients prefer injectable medications, especially biologics.
[Are psoriasis biologics safe during conception, pregnancy? Read more.]
Additionally, 51% of patients reported using complementary and alternative medicine, including herbal therapy and dietary changes. Given their rising popularity, understanding the data surrounding the efficacy of these treatments and their interactions with conventional medicine will better equip dermatologists to serve patients, the authors noted.
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