Low-dose oral minoxidil vs. combination therapy with dutasteride or finasteride
A report published in JAAD evaluated the efficacy and safety of low-dose oral minoxidil (LDOM) monotherapy versus combination therapy with antiandrogens. Thirty-one participants received LDOM 0.625 to 2.5 mg/d without a 5α-reductase inhibitor (group A). Thirty-six received combination therapy (group B) with dutasteride 0.5 mg/d or finasteride 1 to 5 mg/d. Men in group B who received finasteride received 1 mg/d, whereas women received 2.5 to 5 mg/d.
[Hair experts discuss the efficacy and safety of off-label treatments for female pattern hair loss. Read more.]
The average changes in trichromatic width and density were 5.2 μm and 9.3 hairs/cm2 for group A and 5.2 μm and 21.1 hairs/cm2 for group B. There was no significant difference in width changes between cohorts; however, group B patients had significantly increased density, according to the researchers.
DermWorld Insights and Inquiries: Getting a head up on cutaneous scalp malignancies
I’m confident that your alopecic patients with a suspected keratinocyte carcinoma or melanoma of the scalp jokingly ask you to be careful with your biopsy procedure so they do not lose any more hair. While patients and dermatologists correctly assume that scalp malignancies are more frequent on the scalp of alopecic patients because of increased ultraviolet exposure, what other factors are at play? Interestingly, the ultraviolet protection factor provided by the shorter hair was generally higher by a range of 2–5 than that provided by the longer hair. In discussing the pros and cons of a pharmacological approach to alopecia, rarely (if ever) has the issue of cancer prevention been taken into consideration. At the very least, we should remind patients that there is more to a luxurious mane than appearance. Keep reading!
Academy mourns the passing of Richard B. Odom, MD, FAAD
The Academy recently learned with sorrow of the passing of Richard B. Odom, MD, FAAD, former president of the AAD. A career U.S. Army officer, Colonel Odom served as chief of dermatology and residency program director at Letterman Army Medical Center in San Francisco from 1972-84. Dr. Odom completed his academic dermatology career at UCSF where he was clinical professor and vice-chair of dermatology from 1984-1995. He practiced at Sonoma Dermatology from 2004-2015.
Dr. Odom served as president of the American Academy of Dermatology, the San Francisco Dermatologic Society, and the Pacific Dermatologic Association. He received the Gold Medal from the Academy, the Rose Hirshler and Walter B. Shelley Awards from the Women’s Dermatologic Society, and the Distinguished Achievement Award from Wake Forest University.
In honor of Dr. Odom’s legacy, a donation to Camp Discovery has been made on behalf of the AAD Board of Directors.
Considerations when choosing fillers
Authors of an article published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology summarized essential considerations for filler selection, focusing on viscoelasticity and cohesiveness, safety profiles, and clinical applications. Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, particularly monophasic types, exhibit smoother consistency and better cohesiveness, making them ideal for high-mobility areas like the mouth. Biphasic fillers, with higher viscoelasticity, provide superior lifting capacity for deeper tissue support. Non-HA fillers, such as poly-L-lactic acid and calcium hydroxylapatite, offer longer-lasting results but require precise techniques due to irreversibility.
The fifth annual report of DataDerm was recently published in JAAD. The Academy launched DataDerm in 2016 as the clinical data registry of Academy, and it is also the largest dermatology clinical registry in the world. In addition to helping members successfully submit performance data for CMS’s Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS), the registry also supports members with data requests on various clinical topics, including patterns of treatment of atopic dermatitis, skin cancer among immunosuppressed patients, and characteristics of patients with onychomycosis.
DataDerm recently launched a collaborative effort with Boehringer Ingelheim and OM1, the Academy’s data analytics partner. Utilizing OM1’s PhenOM artificial intelligence platform, this initiative developed educational resources to improve the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of patients suffering from generalized pustular psoriasis. In January 2025, DataDerm transitioned to a new platform that is owned and operated by the AAD. The platform includes new functionality and registry development options to facilitate additional participants and include new and diverse clinical data.
Participate in DataDerm to experience how the registry helps to advance skin disease diagnosis and treatment, guide clinical practice, optimize MIPS reporting, and drive clinically relevant research using real-world data. Learn more and enroll.
Sunscreen safety, dispelling myths
A literature review published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology explored the mechanisms of action, efficacy, and safety concerns related to sunscreen use. The authors aimed to clarify current understandings and dispel prevalent myths. Despite ongoing debates regarding certain ingredients, the authors say, the scientific consensus supports the use of sunscreens as a critical defense against ultraviolet radiation, and continued research is necessary to address safety concerns and to refine sunscreen formulations for optimal protection and minimal adverse effects.
Get best practices for addressing patients’ questions about sunscreens. Read more.
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