January 14, 2026
IN THIS ISSUE / Jan. 14, 2026
DermWorld What’s hot: Local recurrence and survival in patients with melanoma in situ
Strategies to reduce the risk of surgical site infections of the skin
Effects of PRP on androgenetic alopecia alone or with minoxidil
Are light-based therapies effective for hair loss?
Authors of an article in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology evaluated the efficacy and clinical applications of low-level light therapy (LLLT) in treating various alopecias. LLLT demonstrated varying degrees of efficacy, with the most robust evidence found in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata. For androgenetic alopecia, LLLT improved hair density and follicular responsiveness, with enhanced outcomes when combined with minoxidil or finasteride. For alopecia areata, LLLT may promote regrowth by modulating immune responses and improving perifollicular microcirculation.
[Photobiomodulation: The most popular (and effective) applications of red-light therapies. Read more.]
Emerging data also support LLLT in lichen planopilaris and central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA), with case reports showing reduced inflammation and hair regrowth. For scarring alopecias like frontal fibrosing alopecia and CCCA, results from preliminary clinical trials with dual wavelength LED therapy are promising, and other light-based therapies may aid in reducing symptoms and stabilizing disease when combined with anti-inflammatory treatments.
Related content:
For your patients: Is red light therapy right for your skin?
Is red light PDT with ALA effective for the treatment of BCC? – DermWorld Weekly (September 2025)
DermWorld What’s hot: Local recurrence and survival in patients with melanoma in situ
The incidence of melanoma in situ (MIS) has risen sharply in the U.S., surpassing invasive melanoma in 2025. Despite this sharp rise in MIS detection, mortality remains unchanged, raising concerns for overdiagnosis — cases that meet the histopathologic criteria but would not cause harm if left untreated. Epidemiologic evidence indicates that most MIS are not obligate precursors to invasive melanoma, suggesting that aggressive surgical treatment may be unnecessary. Read more from Jason Lee, MD, FAAD.
Strategies to reduce the risk of surgical site infections of the skin
Authors of a study published in JAAD Reviews summarized current evidence-based strategies for the prevention of surgical site infection (SSI) and best practices for antibiotic prophylaxis. Oral antibiotic prophylaxis is not routinely used for dermatology surgery, except for certain high-risk individuals, they noted. Several interventions to reduce the risk of SSI were supported by randomized controlled trials, including avoiding razors for hair removal, decolonization with intranasal antistaphylococcal agents and antistaphylococcal skin antiseptics for high-risk procedures, use of chlorhexidine gluconate plus alcohol-based skin preparation agents, and optimizing patients’ comorbidities such as glycemic control and smoking cessation.
Standard postoperative wound care practice may be all wet. Read more in DermWorld Insights and Inquiries.
Refractory vulvar lichen sclerosus
Authors of a study published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment explored the risk factors associated with refractory cases of vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS). A total of 457 patients were included in the analysis, 36 of whom were diagnosed with RVLS (7.9%). Independent predictors for refractory VLS included comorbid autoimmune thyroid diseases, perianal region involvement, and presence of erosion/fissures.
[Dermatologists discuss dermatologic changes before and during menopause and the dermatoses that may occur. Read more.]
Treatment approaches for patients with refractory VLS across 20 studies included JAK inhibitors, adalimumab, methotrexate, cyclosporine, photodynamic therapy, and laser therapy. The authors’ synthesis of the evidence showed that while adalimumab did not provide satisfactory clinical improvement, PDT and JAK inhibitors may be potential options for refractory VLS treatment.
Understanding and managing vulvovaginal itching. Read more.
Effects of PRP on androgenetic alopecia alone or with minoxidil
A study published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment compared the effects of 5% minoxidil, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and their combination on hair count, telogen/anagen ratio, and vellus hair in androgenetic alopecia (AGA) patients. Patients were categorized into three groups: group 1 (5% minoxidil), group 2 (PRP), and group 3 (combined therapy).
[PRP, microneedling, and topical minoxidil for refractory AGA. Read more.]
In group 1, 17.6% of the patients showed a moderate response, 58.8% showed a mild response, and 23.5% had no response. In group 2, 46.2% showed a moderate response, 38.5% showed a mild response, and 15.4% had no response. In group 3, 46.7% of the patients showed a moderate response, 46.7% showed a mild response, and 6.7% had no response.
Groups 2 and 3 showed significant improvement in hair count, density, terminal hair count, and anagen ratio. Vellus hair count and density significantly decreased in group 3. The authors concluded that PRP improves hair growth in AGA and is more effective when combined with minoxidil, especially in reducing vellus hair.
Most effective monotherapy for androgenetic alopecia. Read more.
