Association between actinic keratosis treatments and use of antihypertensives?
Authors of a report in JAAD explored the relationship between the use of various antihypertensives and actinic keratosis (AK) treatment rates. Patients from a large population database were isolated based on who had a history of AK. These patients were then divided into separate cohorts based on their development of AK after taking a single antihypertensive, hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), lisinopril, losartan, metoprolol, carvedilol, hydralazine, diltiazem, or clonidine, for at least one year. These patients were compared to those with no history of antihypertensive medications.
[Derms discuss how to balance the latest evidence, patient preferences, and clinical experience when treating AKs. Read more.]
Of the blood pressure medications assessed, patients taking HCTZ, lisinopril, metoprolol, and carvedilol had higher numbers of AK treatments. HCTZ users had the higher rates of all treatment types. Lisinopril and metoprolol users required higher rates of 5-fluorouracil and imiquimod. While several of the medications were associated with higher rates of treatment, patients on HCTZ exhibited a significant and disproportionate need for AK treatments across all treatment modalities, with diltiazem and clonidine exhibiting the least. According to the authors, HCTZ may be more photosensitizing or carcinogenic than other antihypertensives.
DermWorld Insights and Inquiries: Mastering dermatology
At the AAD Annual Meeting in Orlando, I was honored to receive the 2025 AAD Master Dermatologist award. How did I get here? In high school, I declared I wanted to become a broadcast journalist, emulating Eric Sevareid. My mother said, “Warren, be real — you don’t write very well and are not that good-looking. Be a doctor first — then write.” In medical school, when I told my parents that I decided to go into dermatology, I did so hurriedly, without giving them a chance to respond. With time they learned that dermatologists are real doctors. I know that they would be proud today. Keep reading!
Laser and energy treatments for acne scarring
A study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology highlighted the potential of laser treatments for the management of atrophic facial acne scars. The study focused on clinical trials assessing the outcomes of treatment with ablative, non-ablative, fractional, and non-fractional lasers. The use of ablative lasers resulted in significant improvement in acne scarring by stimulating collagen formation and skin regeneration but required a longer downtime and was associated with a higher risk of hyperpigmentation. Non-ablative lasers, however, offered faster recovery with milder effects. Fractional lasers allowed for quicker healing, given their mechanism of treating skin in columns while leaving intact areas.
Experts discuss current approaches to scar management. Read more.
Efficacy of upadacitinib vs. dupilumab for atopic dermatitis
An article published in the British Journal of Dermatology assessed the safety and efficacy of upadacitinib versus dupilumab in adult and adolescent patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. The patients were randomized to receive upadacitinib or dupilumab for 16 weeks. Treatment with upadacitinib was associated with superior efficacy in terms of achieving an Eczema Area and Severity Index–90 response and a Worst Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale 0/1 response at week 16 compared to treatment with dupilumab. The authors concluded that treatment with upadacitinib was superior to treatment with dupilumab in patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis when based on the achievement of near-complete skin and little to no itch at week 16.
Abrocitinib efficacy after switching from dupilumab. Read more.
After three months into 2025, the United States has surpassed the total number of measles cases in the country for all of last year, according toCNN. As of Friday, Texas has reported 259 cases this year, New Mexico has reported 35 cases, and Oklahoma reported two. According to the CDC, in 2024, there were 285 total measles cases reported. 2025 is only the fifth year since 2000 that an outbreak has led to more than 100 cases and only the third year that an outbreak has led to more than 200 cases. In the current outbreak, 36 patients have been hospitalized. In the years since measles was declared eliminated in the U.S., there have been an average of about 179 cases reported each year, but the worst outbreaks each year typically stay under 50 cases.
FDA testing confirms minimal benzene in most benzoyl peroxide acne products, some voluntary recalls issued
Following advocacy from the Academy, the FDA released results from its testing of 95 benzoyl peroxide acne products for potential benzene contamination. The findings, published on March 11, confirm that more than 90% of tested products contained undetectable or extremely low levels of benzene. However, some products did show elevated levels, leading to voluntary recalls.
The agency’s testing follows third-party reports that raised concerns about benzene contamination in certain benzoyl peroxide products. Recognizing the widespread use of these treatments in acne management, the AADA urged the FDA to investigate the findings and provide transparency to dermatologists.
While the FDA’s results provide important reassurance, the AADA remains committed to ensuring dermatologists and patients have access to safe and effective treatments.
FDA issues warning letters for unapproved sunscreens
On March 12, the FDA issued warning letters to CoLabs Intl. Corp, Kabana Skin Care, and Waxhead Sun Defense Company for marketing and distributing sunscreen drug products that are mislabeled and unapproved by the FDA in violation of the Federal Food Drug & Cosmetic Act.
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