OTC hair growth therapies for skin of color patients
In a review published in theJournal of Drugs in Dermatology, the authors examined the evidence behind alternative topical treatments for hair loss in skin of color patients. They found no studies supporting the use of coconut oil or castor oil for hair loss and only animal studies showing some potential for the use of pumpkin seed oil, henna, and aloe vera. Two randomized controlled trials supported the use of rosemary for hair loss while three studies showed that topical capsaicin improved hair regrowth for patients with alopecia areata.
Apply for an Academy Hair Loss and Alopecia Initiative in Research (HAIR) grant by Aug. 31. Learn more and apply.
DermWorld Insights and Inquiries: Putting a finger on the diagnosis of Achenbach syndrome
Castillo et al reported the case of a 48-year-old woman complaining of acute pain, swelling, and ecchymosis of the volar aspect of her right third finger, sparing the fingertip, when walking her dog. Be honest — would you have diagnosed Achenbach syndrome (AS)? Not I. As I remind my residents, it is challenging to render a diagnosis that you have never heard of. After reading this commentary, those unfamiliar with this diagnosis should be able to recognize it, differentiating from other diseases presenting similarly.
The disorder was first described in 1958 by the German physician Walter Achenbach, who presented six cases of women with recurrent episodes of acute pain on the palmar aspect of one or more digits followed by blue discoloration. The syndrome is also known as paroxysmal finger hematoma (PFH) or blue finger syndrome. Keep reading!
Celiac disease: Which skin conditions may be related?
Authors of a study published in theInternational Journal of Dermatologyexplored the relationship between celiac disease and various skin diseases, including psoriasis, chronic urticaria, rosacea, and atopic dermatitis (AD). Several studies from recent years have shown an increased prevalence of celiac disease among patients with psoriasis. One case-control study of children demonstrated a significant risk of developing psoriasis later in life and about half of the psoriasis cases could be attributed to underlying celiac disease.
A recent systematic review of 64 studies on chronic urticaria and autoimmune disease associations found celiac disease to be the third most commonly associated diagnosis. Additionally, a population study of 12,778 patients with chronic urticaria reported the odds of having celiac disease at nearly 27% compared to controls.
[Can diet affect dermatology health? Experts weigh in on the evidence inDermWorld.]
The authors note that studies of children specific to AD and celiac disease are lacking. One case series of 351 children with AD demonstrated a nonsignificant 1.4% of patients with comorbid celiac disease. However, a systematic review of autoimmune diseases involving skin and intestinal mucosa demonstrated an increased association with celiac disease, so further study is warranted.
Here’s what it takes to launch a successful Skin Cancer Awareness Month
Every May, for Skin Cancer Awareness Month, the AAD launches an awareness campaign to educate the public about skin cancer prevention and early detection. The SPOT Skin Cancer™ campaign continues to be a success, reaching millions of individuals each year with key messages that emphasize the importance of using sun protection and seeing a board-certified dermatologist for suspicious moles or lesions.
In this DermWorld Weekly interview, Carrie Kovarik, MD, FAAD, chair of the AAD Council on Communications, and Nicole Dobkin, the AAD’s public relations manager, share what it takes to create and execute a successful skin cancer awareness campaign year after year. Read more.
A review of TYK2 inhibitors for dermatologic conditions
In theInternational Journal of Dermatology, researchers reviewed the safety and efficacy findings of three TYK2 inhibitors that have advanced furthest in clinical trials for the treatment of dermatologic autoimmune conditions: deucravacitinib, brepocitinib, and PF-06826647.
[Read about how the potential approval of multiple JAK inhibitors could offer new treatment options for dermatology patients in DermWorld.]
Preliminary efficacy findings show statistically significant improvement in diseases studied, including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, vitiligo, systemic lupus erythematosus, hidradenitis suppurativa, and alopecia areata for the majority of doses.
Deucravacitinib is the most advanced in the clinical testing process and has entered phase 3 trials. In alignment with its selectivity for TYK2 inhibition, side effects associated with inhibition of other JAKs such as neutropenia, dyslipidemia, or elevation in liver enzyme or serum creatinine levels were not present. The most commonly reported adverse effects were infections, headaches, and gastrointestinal issues. Brepocitinib, however, did show some decrease in reticulocytes, neutrophils, and platelet counts.
While TYK2 inhibitors have an improved safety profile compared to pan JAK inhibitors, this increased selectivity is not absolute. The researchers speculate that dose optimization may be the key to minimizing adverse events.
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