High levels of benzene detected in OTC acne treatments
According to a study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, dozens of over-the-counter acne products had very high levels of benzene, even when taken directly from store shelves. Among 111 benzoyl peroxide (BPO) products purchased from various U.S. retailers, 34% had benzene above the conditionally restricted FDA limit of 2 ppm. Concentrations ranged from 0.16 ppm to 35.3 ppm.
The researchers found that the products rapidly degraded when exposed to UV levels similar to those from sunlight. They did find, however, that cold storage significantly reduces benzene formation, suggesting the need to recommend refrigeration until alternate BPO formulations are developed.
View the Academy’s recently updated talking points about addressing benzene found in acne products. The Academy provides these talking points to members to make sure you have what you need when your patients have questions so you can reinforce our Your Dermatologist Knows message — that when it comes to skin, hair, and nail questions, their best resource is you, a board-certified dermatologist.
DermWorld Insights and Inquiries: Homing in on hornerin — Breaking down the barrier to understand its crucial role in atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is characterized by skin barrier dysfunction, inflammation, and chronic pruritus. The etiology of AD, however, is complicated and incompletely understood, with genetic, environmental (soaps, surfactants, stress), and immunological factors causing skin barrier abnormalities and immune dysregulation. Although newer therapies such as monoclonal antibodies (dupilumab, tralokinumab) and JAK inhibitors (upadacitnib, abrocitinib) are in the limelight, replenishing the skin barrier should always be a cornerstone of treating AD. This commentary will focus on some of the latest research on newly discovered proteins in the stratum corneum, which may lead to novel therapeutic interventions. Keep reading!
Safety of treatment with IL-4/IL-13 inhibitors vs. JAK inhibitors in patients with AD
A study published in JAAD assessed the safety profile of anti-IL-4/anti-IL-13 agents versus JAK inhibitors in patients with atopic dermatitis. The outcomes analyzed included the incidence of cardiovascular events, cancer, infections, and other drug-associated adverse events within one year of treatment initiation. The results showed that there was an increased risk of serious skin infections and bacterial infections in patients undergoing treatment with JAK inhibitors compared with those undergoing IL-4/IL-13 inhibition. There was no significant difference in the incidence of cardiovascular events, thromboembolism, and malignancies between the two groups.
Dermatologists discuss the influx of new JAK inhibitors in dermatology and how they are breaking new ground for the specialty. Read more.
Artificial intelligence in melanoma and keratinocyte carcinoma diagnosis
A systematic review published in Dermatologic Surgery explored published artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms trained on dermoscopic and macroscopic clinical images for the diagnosis of melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. The review, which included 232 studies, found that the algorithms had an average accuracy of 90% — sensitivity 87% and specificity of 91% for detecting any cutaneous malignancy. According to the authors, issues such as limited validation and under-representation of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and skin of color limit their generalizability.
Dermatologists discuss the possibilities — and pitfalls — of ChatGPT in clinical practice. Read more.
Stigmas about mental health care remain for physicians, residents
Most physicians and residents report feelings of burnout, while stigma about receiving mental health care remains prevalent, according to a new report from The Physicians Foundation. A total of 1,020 physicians, 353 residents, and 350 medical students responded to the survey, which assessed well-being, perceptions about the state of the health profession, and support for mental health care. The survey showed that six in 10 physicians often have feelings of burnout, up from four in 10 physicians in 2018. Similarly, six in 10 residents also reported feelings of burnout.
Most physicians (77%), residents (75%), and medical students (78%) felt that there is stigma surrounding mental health and seeking mental health care among physicians, while four in 10 physicians were also afraid or knew a coworker who was afraid of seeking mental health care because of questions asked in medical licensure and credentialing.
Experts discuss available resources, and how the conversation surrounding physician mental health has changed. Read more.
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