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February 4, 2026


IN THIS ISSUE / Feb. 4, 2026


Safety of oral minoxidil in pediatric patients

An article published in the Archives of Dermatological Research reviewed oral minoxidil’s benefits and risks in pediatric patients. A total of 364 pediatric patients were included in the study. Adverse events occurred in 25.2% of patients with hair disorders and 26.1% of patients with refractory hypertension. Improvement in hair density was seen in 59.5% of patients, while hair loss stabilization occurred in 24.3%. Oral minoxidil may represent a safer and more effective option for pediatric patients, although large-scale, randomized controlled trials are recommended to confirm these results and establish optimal dosing guidelines, according to the authors.

Shedding light on treatments for female pattern hair loss. Read more.


Headshot for Dr. Warren R. Heymann
DermWorld Insights and Inquiries: Deeper thoughts about acne keloidalis nuchae

The term acne keloidalis nuchae (AKN) is a misnomer — it is not acne, a true keloid, nor are all cases on the neck; regardless, the term AKN is firmly entrenched in the literature. AKN usually affects those with darkly pigmented skin, especially people of African descent. The disorder primarily affects the young age group, with a male-to-female ratio of approximately 20:1. Dermatologists will recognize the firm, dome-shaped, inflammatory papules, and pustules characteristically appearing on the nape of the neck. Subsequently, fibrosis may develop into keloidal papules, nodules, and plaques I mistakenly viewed AKN as a variant of pseudofolliculitis barbae and would treat the disorder with intralesional triamcinolone in the minute follicular papules. Now I understand that AKN is a primary scarring alopecia that may respond best to deeper injections of triamcinolone. Read more.


Perioperative strategies for advanced melanoma, nonmelanoma skin cancers

An article published in JAAD reviewed recent advancements in perioperative strategies for cutaneous malignancies and offered opinions on identifying tumors that may benefit from perioperative strategies. Pilot and follow-up studies on perioperative treatments, particularly immunotherapy, for melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer have shown efficacy in reducing tumor size, downstaging resections, and increasing both pathologic response and survival rates while reducing reliance on postoperative treatments. More information regarding optimal dosing and side effects is needed to better inform clinical practice.

Experts discuss neoadjuvant vs. adjuvant immunotherapy for melanoma — and recent advances in the neoadjuvant space. Read more.


Characteristics of super-responders in patients with alopecia areata treated with tofacitinib

A study published in Clinical and Experimental Dermatology characterized and identified predictors of super-responders (SRs) among patients with alopecia areata (AA) treated with tofacitinib. The authors conducted a retrospective analysis of 80 patients with AA treated with tofacitinib.

[Comparing the efficacy of JAK inhibitors used in alopecia areata. Read more.]

SRs comprised 37.5% of the cohort. Significant predictors of SRs included older age and the absence of prior JAK inhibitor treatment. Female patients and those without previous corticosteroid use also trended toward higher SR rates, although these factors were not statistically significant. SRs demonstrated faster and more sustained hair regrowth, with 93% achieving SALT100 by six months compared with 42% of non-SRs at 12 months.

Share the AAD’s Hair Loss Resource Center with your patients.

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Hidden UV filters in 150 popular sunscreens

A Brief Report published in JAAD analyzed top-selling sunscreens for the presence of hidden UV filter analogs. The top 150 sunscreens on Amazon were reviewed for SPF, price, ingredients, and “mineral only” claims. Ingredient lists were screened for known UV filter analogs.

[Experts offer best practices on efficiently addressing patients’ questions about sunscreen. Read more.]

Hidden UV filter analogs appeared in 48.3% of the sunscreens (including those labeled “mineral only”) and were associated with significantly higher SPF than products without them. The most common analogs were butyloctyl salicylate (39.3%), diethylhexyl syringylidenemalonate (DESM) (12.7%), and ethylhexyl methoxycrylene (8.0%).

Share this infographic on how to select a sunscreen with your patients.


Joint Commission, National Quality Forum to align patient safety event lists

The Joint Commission and the National Quality Forum (NQF) announced last week that, starting in 2027, the Joint Commission’s Sentinel Events (SE) List and NQF’s Serious Reportable Events (SRE) List will be aligned. The change should streamline event reporting for dermatologists in Joint Commission-accredited facilities. Read the Joint Commission/NQF announcement.

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