A study published in JAAD Reviews evaluated the efficacy and safety of oral flutamide for hair loss disorders. Five studies described the effect of flutamide in 142 patients — 134 with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and eight with fibrosing alopecia. Flutamide was used as adjuvant therapy in 20% of patients and monotherapy in 80% of patients.
The authors found that AGA patients using flutamide for one-to-two years experienced an average 27% reduction in hair loss severity. One randomized controlled trial found that oral flutamide outperformed cyproterone acetate and finasteride. In another randomized trial, topical 2% flutamide and 5% minoxidil significantly increased hair thickness and density compared to minoxidil alone.
DermWorld Insights and Inquiries: Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis — Six decades of progress
Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis (EPF, aka Ofuji disease) is a quizzical disorder. In 1965, Ise and Ofuji described the case of a 42-year-old woman who “repeatedly developed crops of small pustules on the face, the trunk, and the upper arms without any general symptoms.” Although topical steroids and indomethacin are standard first-line therapies, increasingly, JAK inhibitors are being reported as highly effective for recalcitrant, classical adult EPF. Read more.
A novel application of punch excision therapy for keloids
An article published in JAAD summarized the current evidence on the efficacy and safety of punch excision therapy for the management of keloids. Seven studies involving 248 patients were included. The studies employed punch excision therapy in combination with intralesional steroid injection and were categorized into three specific techniques: drill, side insertion, and core excision.
[Experts discuss current approaches to scar management. Read more.]
Among three studies employing the drill technique, Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) scores were reduced by 57.2%, while two studies reported a 61% reduction in mean Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale scores. For the side insertion technique, one study reported an 83.2% reduction in VSS. Two studies, involving 22 patients with ear keloids, utilized the core excision technique, resulting in 100% of patients achieving a Physician’s Global Assessment score of 1 and 95% of patients experiencing a significant reduction (>50%) in keloid height and volume. Four studies reporting VSS scores found a mean reduction of 63.7% after punch excision therapy. All the studies reported substantial improvement in keloid characteristics after punch excision therapy.
Dermatologists offer insight and instruction for approaching procedural afflictions. Read more.
Authors of a study published in the International Journal of Dermatology reviewed and analyzed migraine prevalence in rosacea patients compared to non-rosacea populations while exploring influencing factors. Eleven studies with 112,994 rosacea patients and 4,402,330 non-rosacea participants were included.
[Demodectic eruptions: More than you mite have imagined. Read more.]
The prevalence of migraine in rosacea patients was 25%, with substantial variability across populations. Compared to controls, rosacea patients had nearly twice the odds of migraine, though the association may not be significant in some populations, the authors noted. Erythematotelangiectatic subtype, female gender, age, and severity were identified as potential contributing factors.
Dermatologic safety of cosmetic products marketed to children
An article in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology examined common ingredients found in cosmetic products marketed to tweens and teens and assessed the potential side effects with their use. The article reviewed retinol, exfoliating acids (alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids), and vitamin C. Current literature and FDA-approved guidelines indicate that these ingredients have not been thoroughly tested in children. The authors noted that using these products can pose risks such as skin redness, irritation, heightened sun sensitivity, dermatitis, and other potential adverse effects. The inclusion of these ingredients can disrupt the skin barrier in children, rendering their use both unnecessary and potentially harmful, they wrote.
How can dermatologists counsel teens, tweens, and their parents on safe skin care practices? Read more.
Advertisement
The American Academy of Dermatology is a non-profit professional organization and does not endorse companies or products. Advertising helps support our mission.
