Most effective treatment for moderate-to-severe acne
Researchers conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis comparing the effectiveness of moderate-to-severe acne treatments published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. The researchers included 85 studies in their investigation and found that topical triple-agent fixed-dose combination (FDC) gel (clindamycin phosphate 1.2%/adapalene 0.15%/benzoyl peroxide 3.1%) and combinations of double-agent fixed-dose topical treatments and oral antibiotics consistently ranked in the top three.
[What’s new in the management of acne vulgaris? Read more.]
Researchers included monotherapies, various combination treatments, physical treatments, combined oral contraceptives, and others. There was a 90% or greater likelihood that triple-agent FDC gel was the most efficacious treatment. The study authors concluded that topical triple-agent FDC gel was superior to all treatments for moderate-to-severe acne, making it possible to reduce the need for oral antibiotics.
Neuropsychiatric diagnoses after isotretinoin initiation in pediatric acne patients. Read more.
DermWorld Insights and Inquiries: Periocular hypopigmentation of the elderly — A new POTUS dermatosis?
As we are amid the 2024 election, this is an opportune time to review significant dermatologic disorders that afflicted several Presidents of the United States (POTUS). Following the historical summary, consideration will be given to a newly named dermatosis that may ultimately be associated with other POTUS dermatoses. I was intrigued by the manuscript by Mildner et al, describing “periocular hypopigmentation of the elderly” (POHE). Asymptomatic, bilateral hypopigmentation affecting both the upper and lower eyelids was observed in all patients. The authors propose that POHE results from a combination of external (e.g., sparing during sun exposure, surrounded by hyperpigmented and actinically damaged skin) and internal factors (e.g., fair skin types and intrinsic skin aging). Keep reading!
Berdazimer gel in patients with molluscum contagiousum
A post hoc analysis published in Pediatric Dermatology assessed the efficacy and safety of berdazimer gel 10.3% versus vehicle in molluscum contagiousum (MC) patients with or without atopic dermatitis. Treatment with berdazimer gel was associated with higher complete lesion clearance rates in both patients with and without atopic dermatitis than the vehicle. Adverse events, including application-site pain and dermatitis, were more common in the subgroup of patients with atopic dermatitis. The authors concluded that the treatment is an effective option for patients with MC with or without concurrent, or a history of, atopic dermatitis.
Pediatric dermatologists discuss what’s new — and unchanged — in treating molluscum contagiosum. Read more.
Lasers for the treatment of nail psoriasis
A systematic review published in the International Journal of Dermatology evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of laser treatments for patients with nail psoriasis. The lasers used to treat nail psoriasis included pulsed dye laser, long-pulsed neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser, and fractional carbon dioxide laser.
[7 nail care tips that can reduce nail psoriasis. Read more.]
Pulsed dye laser and Nd:YAG laser treatments appeared to show comparative effectiveness; however, patients seemed to experience more discomfort with Nd:YAG laser treatment. Pulsed dye laser and Nd:YAG laser treatments were found to improve nail bed features, whereas fractional carbon dioxide laser treatment was found to improve both nail bed and matrix features. Lasers may serve as an effective treatment option for nail psoriasis cases that are resistant to conventional topical and systemic therapies, the authors concluded.
JAK inhibitors for alopecia areata: Dermatologist knowledge, attitudes
A research letter published in JAAD evaluated dermatologists’ attitudes toward and knowledge of oral JAK inhibitors to identify education gaps and barriers to prescription. An anonymous online survey and quiz were distributed to 131 U.S.-based board-certified dermatologists, of which 66% responded. Most respondents were comfortable or very comfortable prescribing JAK inhibitors to patients aged 18-34 (67.5%) or 35-64 (58.1%) but were uncomfortable or very uncomfortable with patients younger than 17 years old (54.1%) or older than 65 (54.7%). Most felt neutral or comfortable prescribing to patients with prior histories of skin cancer (59.3%) but were uncomfortable or very uncomfortable with a history of other malignancy (76.7%), thromboembolic disease (84.9%), genetic hypercoagulability risk (93%), or atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (95.3%).
[Dermatologists discuss the influx of new JAK inhibitors in dermatology. Read more.]
Participants also completed a quiz evaluating JAK inhibitor knowledge; 78% of respondents answered at least 50% of questions correctly. According to the authors, many physicians lacked knowledge of JAK inhibitor side effects yet cited these as a primary concern when prescribing, even though a recent meta-analysis found no significant adverse effects associated with JAK inhibitor use compared to placebo in alopecia areata patients.
The American Academy of Dermatology is a non-profit professional organization and does not endorse companies or products. Advertising helps support our mission.
