Tinted sunscreens: A practical guide to counseling patients
In aJAAD research letter, the authors discuss practical tips to help dermatologists counsel patients on how to select and apply tinted sunscreens as effective photoprotection from visible light (VL) — which is known to induce erythema and pigmentation.
In addition to UV filters, tinted sunscreens contain iron oxides, and in some, pigmentary titanium dioxide. While pigmentary titanium dioxide is listed as an “active ingredient” on the label, iron oxides are listed as “inactive ingredients.” These ingredients can scatter and reflect visible light photons, imparting VL photoprotection. The authors also recommend counseling patients to choose a broad-spectrum tinted sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 with iron oxides as ingredients. The authors also offer guidance on how patients can select the correct tone and shade as well as when and how to apply the tinted sunscreen.
DermWorld Insights and Inquiries: Lightening the cutaneous and emotional burden of melasma — cysteamine’s role
Melasma is a frustrating disorder for patients and practitioners alike. The number of therapeutic options is dizzying — Austin et al identified 35 original randomized clinical trials using azelaic acid, cysteamine, epidermal growth factor, hydroquinone, lignin peroxidase, mulberry extract, niacinamide, Rumex occidentalis, triple combination therapy, tranexamic acid, 4-n-butylresorcinol, glycolic acid, kojic acid, aloe vera, ascorbic acid, dioic acid, ellagic acid and arbutin, flutamide, parsley, or zinc sulfate for melasma. The authors concluded that cysteamine, triple combination therapy, and tranexamic acid received strong clinical recommendations for the treatment of melasma. Keep reading!
Nemolizumab plus topicals improve AD itch
According to a study published in theBritish Journal of Dermatology, two phase 3 studies investigated the safety and efficacy of the IL-31 receptor inhibitor nemolizumab for the treatment of moderate-to-severe pruritus in patients with atopic dermatitis. All patients also used topical corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors. The mean percentage of decrease in both the pruritus visual analog scale score and the Eczema Area and Severity Index was significant (66% and 78%, respectively). Nemolizumab 60 mg Q4W in conjunction with topical treatments produced continuous improvement in pruritus, signs of AD, and quality of life for up to 68 weeks.
Is there an association between alopecia areata and retinal diseases?
Authors of a JAADstudy assessed the association of retinal disease with alopecia areata. They compared the incidence of retinal diseases in nearly 10,000 alopecia areata patients with 99,090 matched controls. Alopecia areata patients had an adjusted hazard ratio of 2.96 for retinal disease, with a significantly increased risk of retinal detachment, retinal vascular occlusion, and retinopathy. The median age at diagnosis of retinal disease in these patients was significantly younger than for the control group (43 years vs. 54 years). Patients with alopecia areata had a significantly increased risk of retinal diseases which, according to the authors, may be due to melanocyte damage in the retina and systemic inflammation.
What’s new in hair loss? Find out what the latest research has revealed in DermWorld.
A case report published inThe Journal of Dermatology describes a woman with Netherton syndrome experiencing worsening skin symptoms and brittle hair. She received 600 mg of dupilumab followed by 300 mg every two weeks. There was more than a 50% improvement in overall disease severity after two weeks and almost complete clearance of skin conditions and resolution of bromhidrosis after four weeks. At 12 weeks, the woman’s hair was longer, smoother, and thicker with sustained effects at 16 weeks. A literature review performed by the authors revealed seven cases of Netherton syndrome successfully treated with dupilumab, although they indicate that more research is necessary to support long-term efficacy and safety.
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