Female pattern hair loss: Topical 17α-ethinyl estradiol with minoxidil vs. topical minoxidil
A study published in Clinical and Experimental Dermatology evaluated the safety and efficacy of a topical solution containing 17α-ethinyl estradiol 0.01% with minoxidil 2% (EMX) versus minoxidil 2% alone (MX) in treating female pattern hair loss. A total of 43 women blindly applied a spray solution containing either EMX or MX twice daily for six months. The outcomes were assessed at baseline and six months. Both groups showed improvement, with greater improvements noted in the EMX group than in the MX group; however, this difference was not statistically significant. Additionally, more patients in the EMX group reported menstrual irregularities.
DermWorld Insights and Inquiries: Necrotizing infundibular crystalline folliculitis — Not yet crystal clear
Necrotizing infundibular (ostial) crystalline folliculitis is an underrecognized disorder characterized by folliculocentric waxy papules in the seborrheic areas of adult patients. Time and exposure to several articles are necessary to crystallize a novel clinicopathological correlation in my mind. Such is the case with necrotizing infundibular crystalline folliculitis (NICF). I suspect that I have seen this condition but have never diagnosed it for one of two reasons: 1) I did not recognize it, or 2) the disorder was empirically treated and resolved, so no biopsy was performed that could have rendered the diagnosis. An increasing number of cases are drug related. The diagnosis requires histopathologic confirmation demonstrating intrafollicular filamentous birefringent crystalline deposits. Keep reading!
Treatment with intralesional 5-FU in patients with keloids
A systematic review published in the Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery assessed data regarding the use of intralesional 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) for the management of patients with keloids. The results showed that 73% of patients experienced more than 25% improvement in keloids, and 67% experienced more than 50% improvement. The relapse rate was 16% at 27 weeks. No major adverse events were reported. The authors concluded that the positive outcomes and safety profile observed underscore the benefit of intralesional 5-FU monotherapy as a therapeutic option for keloids.
A review published in the Archives of Dermatological Research summarized data regarding the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis of drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS). The article provided guidelines for managing patients with DRESS, offering a step-by-step outline of treatment recommendations, including topical and systemic steroids, cyclosporine, intravenous immunoglobulin, N-acetylcysteine, plasmapheresis, targeted therapies, and supportive therapies.
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