Botulinum toxin type A with topical minoxidil vs. topical minoxidil alone in males with androgenetic alopecia
A study published in the Archives of Dermatological Research evaluated the efficacy of treatment with botulinum toxin type A (BTA) combined with topical 5% minoxidil in males with androgenetic alopecia. Of 60 patients, those who received BTA and minoxidil showed significant hair growth improvement at four and six months, higher patient satisfaction, and a better quality of life compared with those who received minoxidil alone. No adverse effects were observed after treatment with BTA. The authors concluded that combination treatment with BTA and topical 5% minoxidil significantly improves hair growth, scalp health, and quality of life in male patients with androgenetic alopecia.
Sexual dysfunction with 5-alpha reductase inhibitors for androgenetic alopecia. Read more.
DermWorld Insights and Inquiries: Shocking news — Heat shock protein inhibition finally enters the realm of dermatologic therapy
Heat shock proteins (HSP) were serendipitously discovered by the brilliant Professor Ferruccio Ritossa in 1962 while studying nucleic acid synthesis in chromosomal puffs of Drosophila salivary glands. De Maio states, “Ritossa noticed something unexpected when cells were placed at the wrong temperature, and an incredible transcriptional activity was observed as new chromosomal puffs.” This was called the “heat shock response” which led to the discovery of HSP and their profound effect on biology and medicine. Heat shock protein inhibition is a novel approach that may prove valuable for dermatologists treating inflammatory, autoimmune, bullous, and oncologic diseases. Keep reading!
Topical ivermectin vs. metronidazole in patients with rhinophyma
A study published in JAAD evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of ivermectin 1% cream applied vs. metronidazole 0.75% for 12 weeks in patients with mild-to-moderate inflamed rhinophyma. Treatment with ivermectin twice daily resulted in statistically superior improvement in erythema and papules/pustules at eight and 12 weeks compared with treatment with ivermectin once daily and metronidazole twice daily. In addition, 60% of the patients treated with ivermectin 1% cream twice daily achieved a clear/almost clear status. All treatments were well-tolerated.
Abrocitinib in patients with prurigo nodularis, chronic pruritus of unknown origin
A phase II non-randomized clinical trial published inJAMA Dermatologyassessed the efficacy and safety of abrocitinib in adults with moderate-to-severe prurigo nodularis (PN) or chronic pruritus of unknown origin (CPUO). In the trial, 10 patients with PN and 10 patients with CPUO received 200 mg of abrocitinib once daily for 12 weeks. At week 12, the Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale score reduced by 78.3% in patients with PN and by 53.7% in those with CPUO. Most of the patients achieved a four-point or greater improvement on the Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale.
Understanding and treating chronic itch. Read more.
Supplemental patch testing identified allergens missed by standard screening series
A study published inDermatitis assessed the characteristics, frequency, and relevance of patch-test reactions to supplemental patch testing. A total of 791 patients who underwent testing from 2017 to 2020 were included in the analysis. Overall, 19.5% (2017–2018) and 12.1% (2019–2020) of the patients with negative patch-testing results to the North American Contact Dermatitis Group screening series had relevant reactions to Supplemental Series A and Supplemental Series B allergens. The most common allergens included octyl gallate, cinnamic alcohol, phenyl salicylate, hexahydro-1,3,5-tris-(2-hydroxyethyl)triazine, and abitol.
How should dermatologists manage contact allergies to botanicals? Read more.
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