Combination oral minoxidil and bicalutamide for the treatment of female pattern hair loss in adolescents
Authors of a brief report in JAAD evaluated the safety and efficacy of low-dose oral minoxidil (LDOM) and bicalutamide in adolescents with female pattern hair loss (FPHL). The authors conducted a retrospective review of all patients with FPHL aged 12-18 years who were treated with LDOM and bicalutamide between May 2020 and May 2024.
[Finasteride vs. minoxidil for female pattern hair loss. Read more.]
All patients started bicalutamide at a dose of 10 mg, with the dose increased to 20 mg in seven patients. All patients were also treated with LDOM at a mean dose of 2.8 mg. After a mean duration of bicalutamide treatment of 15 months, a reduction in the mean Sinclair grade from 2.6 to 2.2 was noted. Three of the nine patients demonstrated a one-point improvement in Sinclair grade, while six patients maintained a stable hair density.
Dermatologist hair experts discuss the efficacy and safety considerations of off-label treatments for female pattern hair loss. Read more.
DermWorld Insights and Inquiries: From Down Under to all over — Kava-induced cutaneous adverse reactions
In traditional societies, kava (or “kava kava”) is typically consumed as a beverage for its relaxant, analgesic, and anxiolytic effects. Kava and kava derivatives are readily available and legal in the United States. Clinically, kava dermopathy presents as a reversible ichthyosiform eruption that may be associated with other adverse effects. Dermatologists are more likely to encounter acute idiosyncratic rashes due to kava exposure than classic dose-related kava dermopathy. Although acute urticaria, patch test-positive contact dermatitis, and a dermatomyositis-like eruption have been reported, it is the “sebotropic” eruptions that should alert clinicians to consider kava as the inciting culprit. Keep reading!
Derm Coding Consult: Appropriate use of skin substitutes in dermatology — Documentation and coding guidance
Skin substitutes are a diverse group of biologic, synthetic, or biosynthetic materials designed to provide temporary or permanent coverage of open skin wounds. In dermatology, they have become valuable adjuncts in the management of both acute and chronic wounds. Skin substitutes are particularly useful for covering defects in complex wounds or during reconstruction, especially when conventional wound care has failed to promote healing. Read more about their appropriate use, including documentation and coding.
Marta J. Van Beek, MD, MPH, FAAD, elected to AMA Board of Trustees
The American Medical Association (AMA) announced the election of Iowa dermatologist Marta J. Van Beek, MD, MPH, FAAD, to its Board of Trustees.
Dr. Van Beek has more than 20 years of experience in organized medicine, currently serving as chair of both the AMA Council on Legislation and the Dermatology Section Council. She also serves as a board member of the American College of Mohs Surgery, and Surgical Section Chair of the Association of Professors of Dermatology. Previously, Dr. Van Beek held various leadership positions with the American Academy of Dermatology, including serving on its Board of Directors and as its Secretary-Treasurer and Assistant Secretary-Treasurer. Additionally, she helped the Academy implement DataDerm™, the world’s largest dermatology clinical data registry.
Dr. Van Beek has spent nearly a decade caring for patients, mentoring physicians in training, and leading staff at University of Iowa (UI) Health Care. She currently serves as UI Health Care’s Executive Medical Director of Ambulatory Care, overseeing the operations structure of 22 primary care and specialty clinics. Dr. Van Beek is also the fellowship director of Mohs surgery and dermatologic oncology, as well as associate program director of the dermatology residency at UI Health Care.
Contact allergens in top-selling diaper preparations
An article published in Pediatric Dermatology reviewed the 25 best-selling diaper preparations sold on Amazon.com to identify the number and types of allergens in each product. The ingredients were cross-referenced with allergens listed in the 2018 Pediatric Baseline Patch Test Series and North American Contact Dermatitis Group.
[Pediatric dermatologists share clues for distinguishing contact dermatitis from atopic dermatitis and discuss noteworthy allergens. Read more.]
Of the topical diaper preparations reviewed, 80% contained one or more potential allergens. Of these, 67% contained more than one potential allergen. The most common potential allergens were propolis (44%) and lanolin (36%). Other common potential allergens were Compositae mix, fragrance, tocopherol, and balsam of Peru. The authors noted diaper preparation products that do not have ingredients contained on either potential allergen list.
Contact dermatitis experts discuss key cosmetic allergens and how to investigate which product may be causing a patient’s allergic reaction. Read more.
2023 QPP participation and performance data now available
CMS has released the initial 2023 Quality Payment Program (QPP) data, including Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) and Alternative Payment Model (APM) participation. The 2023 QPP Participation and Performance Results At-a-Glance report provides a summary of key metrics such as participation rates, scoring, and payment adjustments. More detailed resources, including the Experience Report and Public Use File, will be available by July 2025.
For more information about 2023 QPP Participation and Performance Results At-A-Glance, review the 2023 Data Use Guide.
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