Dermatology resident comfort level treating hair conditions related to patients with skin of color.

Background: Although recent studies demonstrated resident satisfaction in the treatment of skin of color (SOC) related disease, comfort levels treating hair specific to populations within the SOC spectrum is unclear. Objective: The purpose of this study is to assess dermatology residents comfort level in recognizing and treating various common hair conditions with a focus on those specific to SOC. Methods: An Institutional Review Board-approved survey was distributed to United States residents of Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited dermatology programs. Data pertaining to hair care knowledge and treatment comfort levels were collected. Analysis was completed using equal variance 2-sample t tests and analysis of variance F tests, P < .05. Results: Dermatology residents were relatively comfortable with common conditions such as androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata, but uncomfortable with creating healthy hair regimens, discussing natural hair care products, and treating trichorrhexis nodosa. Resident self-identification as underrepresented in medicine significantly impacted resident knowledge of hair care and treatment in patients with SOC. Limitations: This study was limited due to small sample size and potential recall bias. Conclusion: This study highlights knowledge gaps in understanding hair-related care for patients with SOC, affirming the continued importance of diversifying dermatology programs as well as hair-specific training for residents.

Eyelash serums: A comprehensive review.

BACKGROUND: Eyelash serums, both prescription and over-the-counter, are gaining popularity for enhancing the appearance of eyelashes through various biologically active molecules. Categorized into prostaglandin analogs and non-prostaglandin analogs, these serums claim increased strength, length, luster, and thickness. Current United States law also requires no efficacy or safety assessments by the Food and Drug Administration before approving products for consumer use, potentially posing health risks for patients seeking over-the-counter eyelash enhancements. AIMS: Our aims include exploring proposed benefits and adverse effects associated with eyelash serums, while providing evidence-based clinical recommendations on their use. We aim to contribute valuable insights to the understanding of eyelash serums and their respective safety considerations. METHODS: The authors conducted a comprehensive electronic search across databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central, and Google Scholar to evaluate eyelash serum ingredients. Articles were evaluated by two independent researchers for relevance, and the ingredients discussed were analyzed and given clinical recommendations for eyelash serums based off the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. RESULTS: Results highlight bimatoprost's efficacy, supported by numerous studies evaluating safety and adverse effects. Other prostaglandin ingredients show potential benefits, but further studies are encouraged to enhance the understanding of respective safety profiles. While non-prostaglandins ingredients show promising data, more studies are needed due to a lack of formal evidence in eyelash serum use. CONCLUSION: As the cosmeceutical market for eyelash serums is growing, dermatologists need to be knowledgeable about evidence-based information regarding prescription and over-the-counter eyelash serum products before making recommendations to patients.

Misinformation about Monkeypox on TikTok.

TikTok is the newest and the most popular form of social media for young global audiences. Healthcare professionals can present medical information to all audiences in engaging and short-length videos. Our study evaluated the reliability of monkeypox-related information presented on TikTok. We assessed the quality of the information presented using DISCERN, a peer-reviewed tool used for evaluating health information presented to consumers. Findings from our study suggested that physicians, members of the healthcare field, and nonmedical individuals post videos for viewers with unreliable information. Physicians and other healthcare professionals should prioritize providing reliable and well-cited information about current infectious diseases, such as monkeypox, to the young and impressionable audiences using TikTok.

A practical guide to reducing preoperative and intraoperative patient anxiety in dermatologic surgery.

BACKGROUND: Dermatologists perform a variety of procedures including excisions, biopsies, and other minor surgical procedures. Patients can experience anxiety in anticipation of their surgeries or may develop anxiety during the procedure. Since most dermatologic procedures occur with the patient awake and alert, the physician can offer comforting methods to alleviate some of that anxiety. AIMS: We wanted to provide a review of available methods that dermatologists can use to reduce patient anxiety. MATERIALS & METHODS: In this paper, we review the current literature on methods that can be used in dermatology offices to reduce overall patient anxiety levels. RESULTS: In the preoperative stage, providers can offer educational content to explain the procedure to their patients. Whether it be through telephone calls, educational videos, or utilization of visual models, educating the patient regarding their procedure may reduce their anxiety. Intraoperatively, there are multiple methods that can be used such as music, guided imagery, coloring books, medications, hypnosis, and distraction techniques. DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION: There is a variety of approaches that can be easily implemented in the office and can help in reducing the anxiety of the patients to allow for a pleasant patient experience and an overall satisfactory procedure outcome.

Effects of Plant-Derived Dietary Supplements on Skin Health: A Review.

Dietary supplements have become increasingly popular to improve facial appearance and optimize skin health. With countless supplements available online and in stores, there are unlimited options for patients to choose from. Federal law does not require the Food and Drug Administration to assess each product's efficacy before its appearance on the market. Therefore, evidence-based medicine is vital for dermatologists to provide adequate recommendations regarding the safety and efficacy of various dietary supplements. The goal of this review is to evaluate plant-derived, antioxidant oral supplements and their effects on wrinkle appearance, skin hydration, skin elasticity, and photoprotection.

A Review of Pityriasis Rosea in Relation to SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 Infection and Vaccination.

Pityriasis rosea (PR) is an acute exanthematous disease, commonly preceded by a primary solitary herald patch followed by the onset of smaller scaly papulosquamous lesions within days to weeks. The exact cause of PR remains unclear; however, rash eruptions are thought to be associated with systemic reactivation of human herpesvirus 6 and 7 (HHV-6/7). Several cutaneous manifestations, including PR, have been reported secondary to SARS-CoV-2 infection and/or COVID-19 vaccination. The purpose of this review is to synthesize available data regarding PR in close association with SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 infection and/or vaccination. A total of 154 patients were included in this study with 62 females and 50 males. PR was reported to occur more commonly in association with SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 vaccination (102, 66.2%) than during infection (22, 42.3%) or post-infection (30, 57.7%). Interestingly, only 7.1% of patients were tested for concomitant HHV-6/7 past or current infection, with 4.2% testing positive or reporting a history of roseola infantum. While rare, clinicians should be aware of the possibility of patients developing PR associated with SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 infection and/or vaccination, among other cutaneous reactions. Future studies exploring the link between PR and SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 infection and/or vaccination would be beneficial, including direct examination of tissue and serological studies for evidence of COVID-19-induced HHV-6/7 reactivation.

Cutaneous Rosai-Dorfman Disease: A Case Report.

Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) is a rare benign non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis. The most common site of extranodal involvement is the skin. Cutaneous involvement without lymphadenopathy is extremely rare. It is often difficult to diagnose primary cutaneous RDD secondary to the non-specific nature of its clinical and histologic features. Consequently, diagnosis can be significantly delayed. To our knowledge, about 220 reports of purely cutaneous RDD are documented in the literature to date. We present an additional unique case of cutaneous RDD and emphasize the challenging nature of accurate clinical and histopathologic diagnosis.

Sophomore Signaling: The Second Year of the ERAS Supplemental Application for Dermatology Residency.

The sophomore year of the supplemental application remains largely unchanged for applicants to dermatology residency. Both program preferences and geographic preferences, although optional, may strongly benefit applicants based on the evidence following the first application cycle. They may greatly improve the residency application process with continued refinements.

The Impact of Hyperhidrosis on Quality of Life: A Review of the Literature.

Hyperhidrosis is a condition of excessive sweating, which can have profound physical and mental effects. Hyperhidrosis is a significantly impactful and distressing illness that warrants equal attention as other more well-known dermatologic conditions. However, because of a lack of awareness among the public, stigma, and difficulty with access to treatments (due to cost or insurance coverage), patients are less likely to be diagnosed and treated. In hyperhidrosis, quality-of-life surveys can be useful for determining the magnitude of symptoms and to evaluate treatment outcomes. The purpose of this study was to conduct a narrative literature review to investigate the impact of hyperhidrosis on quality of life. A total of 49 articles investigating the impact of primary hyperhidrosis on quality of life were selected for the review. Hyperhidrosis is a potentially debilitating illness that affects multiple domains of patients' lives including their psychological, physical, and social functioning. Despite the significant impacts, patients with hyperhidrosis are less likely to seek care. Here, we explore these impacts, and disparities in care, in more detail.

Hyperhidrosis: A Review of Recent Advances in Treatment with Topical Anticholinergics.

BACKGROUND: Topical anticholinergics have been reported to be effective in managing hyperhidrosis (HH) given the recent approval of glycopyrronium tosylate. OBJECTIVE: This review aimed to examine the effectiveness of emerging topical anticholinergic treatments for HH and their associated adverse effects in comparison to current treatment options. METHODS: We conducted a search within the PubMed and Embase databases for current and emerging topical anticholinergic treatments for primary HH. RESULTS: The topical anticholinergics that have been recently investigated for use in HH include glycopyrrolate, oxybutynin, sofpironium bromide, and umeclidinium. The only agent currently FDA approved is glycopyrrolate. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of topical anticholinergic treatment options is important for patient care when managing HH. This review shows that while available safety data thus far are limited, emerging topical anticholinergics pose minimal known human risks.

Prurigo Pigmentosa Following a Keto Diet and Bariatric Surgery.

Prurigo pigmentosa (PP) is a rare pruritic condition with idiopathic etiology that affects mostly females. It most commonly presents as a rash on the neck and trunk. We report the occurrence of PP in a young woman on two separate occasions; her first episode was following a ketogenic diet and second after undergoing a laparoscopic gastric sleeve surgery. This presents as a unique case because, to our knowledge, PP has only been reported in a small number of cases in the Western world. This presentation could be suggestive of a stronger relationship between PP and the metabolic state of the body. It also outlines the effectiveness of treatment options currently in use for treating PP.

Applying to dermatology residency without a home program: Advice to medical students in the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

Dermatology has historically been one of the most competitive residencies to match into. One commonly overlooked factor is the importance of having mentors in the field, as they have experience guiding successful applicants and can provide great insight into what residency programs are looking for. Given that many students without home dermatology programs may struggle to find mentors in the field, we share advice on how these students can obtain the mentorship and guidance needed to match into dermatology.

A review of topical vitamin C derivatives and their efficacy.

Vitamin C is a popular ingredient in over-the-counter cosmeceuticals due to its many biological functions in maintaining and improving skin health by treating UV damage, improving discoloration, and boosting collagen production. Several chemically modified derivatives of vitamin C have been developed in an attempt to increase the stability, percutaneous absorption, and overall activity of this ingredient in topical formulations. The goal of this review is to evaluate the differences between vitamin C derivatives that have been designed for cosmeceutical use and their efficacy.