In a review article published in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, the authors clarify what management options are available to treat acne during pregnancy. Topical medications for acne include azelaic acid, clindamycin, erythromycin, metronidazole, and benzoyl peroxide, all of which are recommended for use during pregnancy. Data on dapsone and clascoterone are limited, so it is inconclusive whether it should be used during pregnancy.
[Dermatologists discuss the safety of common dermatologic drugs in pregnant patients. Read more.]
Tretinoin and adapalene were shown to be safe during pregnancy in large studies with no increased risk for congenital malformations. Tazarotene, however, is not recommended during pregnancy due to limited data. Clinical data and animal studies show no teratogenic effects with the use of the following oral antibiotics: cephalexin, cefadroxil, amoxicillin, azithromycin, or erythromycin. Consensus supports the use of cefadroxil for severe acne. Doxycycline, however, should not be used in pregnant patients. Prednisone may be used by pregnant patients, although patients in the first trimester should limit the dosage to 0.5 mg/kg/day because of a risk for cleft palate.
DermWorld Insights and Inquiries: CXCR4 antagonist therapy based on a WHIM syndrome
Emelio had a delightfully whimsical personality that matched his syndrome’s acronym — WHIM (Warts, Hypogammaglobulinemia, Infections, and Myelokathexis). His smile was as infectious as his verrucae, and he joyfully accepted whatever destructive or medical modality we could think of (from cryosurgery to field interferon) with unrelenting enthusiasm, always willing to try something new for his recalcitrant disease. He was our patient in the 1990s, shortly after WHIM was recognized as a distinct disease entity. After a few years, he was “lost to follow-up;” I wish he had not been. How wonderful it would have been to tell him that in 2003, George Diaz from Mt. Sinai School of Medicine performed gene linkage analysis from WHIM pedigrees and discovered three different causal gain-of-function mutations of CXCR4 that have led to mechanism-based therapeutic strategies.Keep reading!
Nonsteroidal approaches for treating patients with atopic dermatitis
A review published in Dermatitis highlights alternatives to corticosteroids for the treatment of patients with atopic dermatitis. The authors discuss the use of biologics, JAK inhibitors, anti-inflammatory topical agents, and phototherapy as alternate treatment approaches. The authors also point out the development of “corticophobia,” which could mean that patients prefer a nonsteroidal approach. The article also proposes a nonsteroidal algorithm to guide physicians in the treatment of atopic dermatitis.
Dermatologists discuss the influx of new JAK inhibitors in dermatology and how they are breaking new ground for the specialty. Read more.
Social media tied to increased interest in cosmetic procedures
Time spent on social media and use of photo-editing applications contributed to the desire to undergo cosmetic surgery, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. The researchers found that factors significantly resulting in differences in desire to have a cosmetic procedure included using photo-editing applications, following celebrities and influencers on social media, and following social media accounts showing cosmetic results.
During the pandemic, there was a statistically significant change seen in the number of participants who followed social media accounts showing results of cosmetic procedures (pre-COVID, 32%; post-COVID, 51%); who thought about having a cosmetic procedure done (pre-COVID, 64%; post-COVID, 86%); who discussed cosmetic procedures with a physician/dermatologist, or other professional (pre-COVID, 44%; post-COVID, 68%); and who believed that a cosmetic procedure would help their self-esteem (pre-COVID, 48%; post-COVID, 78%).
Virtual life has negatively affected patients’ self-perception. Dermatologists may be in a position to help. Read more.
First case of sexually transmitted fungal infection found in U.S.
According to a case report published in JAMA Dermatology, a sexually transmitted ringworm caused by a rare fungus has been reported for the first time in the United States. The patient involves a man from New York City in his 30s who reported having sex with multiple men during a trip to England, Greece, and California. He subsequently developed tinea caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII.
The study found that even when the patient received treatment, the fungal infection, which is highly contagious, can take months to clear up. While the infection can be hard to treat, it is responding to standard treatments like terbinafine, according to reporting by TIME. The tinea caused by this new fungal infection may be mistaken for lesions caused by eczema, which could cause people not to seek the appropriate treatment right away, according to a press release from New York University’s Langone Health.
With increasing resistance to antifungal therapies, here’s what dermatologists need to know about managing dermatophytosis. Read more.
Pediatric Specialty Loan Repayment Program deadline approaching
The Pediatric Specialty Loan Repayment Program offers up to $100,000 loan repayment for eligible clinicians, including those who provide pediatric medical subspecialty and pediatric surgical specialty health care. The program is accepting applications through July 9, 7:30 p.m. ET. Learn more.
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