Factors that influence platelet rich plasma efficacy in androgenetic alopecia
According to a network analysis published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, six patient and protocol factors were found to affect the efficacy of platelet rich plasma (PRP) treatment on patients with androgenetic alopecia. The authors first analyzed patient factors that may impact PRP treatment according to a mean six-month change in hair density from baseline. Results showed that treatment at a younger age yielded better results. Improvement in hair density was also greater in women than men by 241 hair/cm2.
[Experts examine the theory behind the use of PRP for dermatologic procedures. Read more inDermWorld.]
The study also revealed that more frequent PRP sessions with decreased time between treatments correlated with higher hair density. Chemically activated PRP also performed significantly better by 16.47/cm2 compared with inactivated PRP. Double centrifugation increased hair density by 145.29 hairs/cm2 compared to single spin, and whole-head administration was more effective by 60.16 hairs/cm2 compared with split-scalp administration.
DermWorld Insights and Inquiries: Lipodystrophia semicircularis — A lipoatrophy not to get depressed about
My patient’s lesions were present for a few weeks — there was no history of obvious trauma (although as a graduate student she spends considerable time at a desk), lesional discomfort, or systemic symptoms in this healthy woman. I breathed a sigh of relief once I performed my examination, observing symmetrical, horizontal, linear depressions on the anterior thighs, being reasonably confident of the diagnosis of lipoatrophia semicircularis (LS). LS is likely a common disorder that is either unrecognized or underreported. Interestingly, when I was discussing the condition with my patient, I had my hand in my scrubs’ pocket and felt a linear depression on my anterior left thigh — corresponding to where I lean against my chair when signing out dermatopathology cases. Reassurance, without invasive or expensive diagnostic studies, while eliminating any potential causative microtrauma, may be all that is necessary for patients with LS. Keep reading!
Underlying conditions associated with development of prurigo nodularis
In a retrospective review published in the Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, data from 57 patients with prurigo nodularis found that 32 patients had an evident cause of itching, 15 had possible explanations for itching, and 10 had no underlying explanation of itching. The use of opioids and the incidence of 11 conditions known to cause itching were investigated. Atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, diabetes, and anxiety were disproportionately present in this patient population. The authors found that most patients with prurigo nodularis had an identifiable cause of pruritus, emphasizing the importance of history taking and laboratory review in these patients.
The FDA recently approved the first treatment for prurigo nodularis. Read more in DermWorld Weekly.
Psychological therapies in the management of dermatologic diseases
A systematic review of 40 articles published in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology included more than 3,000 patients — a majority of whom had psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. The authors investigated the efficacy of psychological interventions for managing skin diseases. They found that cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness interventions were most helpful for patients with psoriasis, whereas habit reversal was more effective for patients with atopic dermatitis. The authors suggest that dermatologists should consider recommending mind-body techniques or referral to a psychologist as a potentially helpful and low-risk adjuvant treatment option for common skin diseases.
Virtual life has negatively affected patients’ self-perception. Dermatologists may be in a position to help. Read more inDermWorld.
In a systematic review and meta-analysis published in Contact Dermatitis, the authors assessed the association of mask wearing with the development of facial dermatoses. About 55% of those who wore masks experienced facial dermatoses, with acne, facial dermatitis, itch, and pressure injuries being the most reported. Duration of wearing a mask was the most significant risk factor for the development of facial dermatoses, with exposure to face masks for as little as four hours per day resulting in increased risk. There was insufficient evidence to demonstrate that N95 masks significantly increased the risk for developing facial dermatosis compared with surgical masks.
Visit the Academy’s COVID-19 resource center for clinical guidance as well as information on teledermatology, vaccines, regulatory updates, and more.
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