A study published in the International Journal of Dermatology investigated the evidence of hair oils, including castor, pumpkin, lavender, peppermint, rosemary, and tea tree oil, to determine their efficacy in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. Human studies on rosemary and tea tree oil showed promising results, the authors noted, although the remaining essential oils showed positive results only in mice models.
[Dutasteride microinjections with oral minoxidil vs. oral minoxidil for androgenetic alopecia. Read more.]
The study also noted the potential adverse effects of hair oils, including contact and irritant contact dermatitis. Linalool, a fragrance commonly seen in personal care products, can be found in many oils, including lavender oil. The authors recommend patch testing for individuals with a history of atopic dermatitis recalcitrant to treatment who frequently use hair oils. More research is needed to determine the efficacy of hair oils for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in humans, according to the study authors.
Factors that influence platelet rich plasma efficacy in androgenetic alopecia. Read more.
DermWorld Insights and Inquiries: The intimate dance of Staphylococcus aureus and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
I was aghast when I opened the PUVA unit when Joe told me that his mycosis fungoides was worsening — I understood why Alibert first described the disorder as resembling mushrooms in 1806. His lesions had mushroomed and were impetiginized. I called his referring physician expressing my concern about a potential anaplastic transformation. I placed Joe on sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim — within days his lesions improved dramatically, and the tumors shrank. I had always known that patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) are at risk from infection from Staphylococcus aureus (SA), often as a cause of their demise, and that SA could be a driving force worsening CTCL, but Joe’s case crystallized that tenet. This commentary will explore the intricate and intimate relationship of SA with CTCL. Keep reading!
Imiquimod for management of lentigo maligna
A study published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venerology investigated the effect of imiquimod versus placebo in neoadjuvant settings. This prospective, multicenter, phase III trial randomized 283 patients with lentigo maligna (LM) to imiquimod or placebo for four weeks. All patients then underwent excision with a 5-mm margin four weeks after the last application of imiquimod or placebo.
Imiquimod significantly reduced lesion size after four weeks compared with placebo, without increasing the risk of intralesional excision. Additionally, significantly more patients treated with imiquimod achieved complete remission compared with placebo (26% vs. <1%). The authors found that physicians should consider the neoadjuvant use of imiquimod prior to excision for large LM lesions in potentially disfiguring locations.
An antioxidant in medical devices that may cause allergic contact dermatitis
A case series published in Contact Dermatitis presented data from six patients who experienced eczematous reactions after application of different types of medical devices. All patients had a positive reaction to 4,4’-thiobis(2-tert-butyl-5-methylphenol), an antioxidant found in several types of medical devices, and to at least one product containing this antioxidant. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis revealed varying concentrations of the antioxidant across different products. The antioxidant 4,4′-thiobis(2-tert-butyl-5-methylphenol) can be the culprit allergen present in various medical devices, including different wound dressings and surgical tape, according to the study’s authors.
Pediatric dermatologists share clues for distinguishing contact dermatitis from atopic dermatitis and discuss noteworthy allergens. Read more in DermWorld.
For the last nine months, we’ve been making sure the public understands that Your Dermatologist Knows how to offer the best possible care for the skin, hair, and nails. Your AAD knows that to reach the public, we need to be where they are. That’s why earlier this month we launched the @AADskin account on TikTok.
Being active on TikTok will give us the opportunity to position the specialty and educate our target audience about caring for their skin, hair, and nails. We’ll also be able to actively monitor the conversation about dermatology on TikTok, allowing us to seek and respond to trends and misinformation. Our TikTok presence will also expand our opportunities for collaborating with dermfluencers.
If you’re on TikTok, follow us and let us know what you think of our content! If you’re not…that’s OK. The AAD will make sure our message is being seen and heard there.
FDA reports risk of delayed onset inflammation near dermal filler treatment sites
The FDA has recently updated its webpage on dermal fillers (soft tissue fillers) to reflect information from reports of delayed onset inflammation such as swelling or redness that can develop near the dermal filler injection site following viral or bacterial illnesses or infections, vaccinations, or dental procedures.
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