Sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data in dermatologic studies and opportunities for inclusion.

Dermatologists serve a vast array of patients with unique backgrounds. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) designated members of sexual and gender minorities as underrepresented in scholarly literature. Our study examines the past 10 years of studies published in highly-cited dermatologic journals, surveying each study for common data collection of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) in dermatological studies. We found representation of sexual and gender minorities to be increasing in dermatological studies but recommend that SOGI data be collected regularly just as any other common variable in dermatological patient studies.

A Patient-Centered Guide to Hidradenitis Suppurativa Flare Prevention.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic debilitating skin disease characterized by painful dermal abscesses, subcutaneous inflammatory nodules, draining sinuses and hypertrophic scars. Prompt recognition and management of the disease is of the utmost importance as prolonged disease can have long-standing physical and psychological consequences. Quality of life and symptom improvement are viable outcomes from preventative interventions in patients with HS. While there is not a cure for HS, symptoms can be managed, and recurrence can be reduced following various lifestyle changes. Treatment should be focused on prevention of disease progression, reducing the frequency of recurrence, and treating existing lesions to minimize pain and drainage. J Drugs Dermatol. 2021;20(12):1295-1300. doi:10.36849/JDD.5838.

Response to "Assessing a Paradigm Shift: Perceptions of the USMLE Step 1 Scoring Change to Pass/Fail".

We commend Wei et al1 for highlighting the fundamental shift that dermatology program directors (PDs) and students alike will experience following the change of the USMLE Step 1 to pass/fail.

Hand hygiene during COVID-19: Recommendations from the American Contact Dermatitis Society.

The recent COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in increased hand hygiene and hand cleansing awareness. To prevent virus transmission, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends frequent hand washing with soap and water. Hand hygiene products are available in a variety of forms, and while each of these formulations may be effective against COVID-19, they may also alter skin barrier integrity and function. As health care workers and the general population focus on stringent hand hygiene, the American Contact Dermatitis Society anticipates an increase in both irritant contact and allergic contact hand dermatitis. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers with moisturizers have the least sensitizing and irritancy potential when compared to soaps and synthetic detergents. This article provides an overview of the most frequently used hand hygiene products and their associations with contact dermatitis as well as recommendations from the American Contact Dermatitis Society on how to treat and prevent further dermatitis.

Vitiligo Possibly Triggered by COVID-19 Vaccination.

Several cutaneous manifestations following COVID-19 vaccination have been cited in the literature since the beginning of the pandemic. Two case reports regarding the development of vitiligo after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Herein, we present a case report of a patient who developed new-onset vitiligo two weeks after receiving her COVID-19 vaccine. Although the pathogenesis is unclear, it may be related to the inflammatory cells involved in both the pathogenesis of vitiligo and the mechanism by which the COVID-19 vaccine stimulates the immune system. This case report highlights the need for further investigation into the link between COVID-19 and the development of vitiligo.

Social Media in Dermatology and an Overview of Popular Social Media Platforms.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Social media provides an accessible and increasingly popular avenue for sharing healthcare information, networking, and outreach in dermatology. We provide an overview of prominent social media platforms, also known as applications or apps, as well as a discussion of their influence and implications for the field. RECENT FINDINGS: The various collaborative features of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat, and other emerging platforms have proven appealing to organizations and users seeking dermatology-related content and medical advice. However, the potential for propagation of inaccurate or even dangerous information is high. SUMMARY: Despite the risks associated with social media usage, dermatology can benefit from opportunities to connect and engage with audiences through these platforms. Dermatologists should be encouraged to increase their presence on multiple social media apps to dispel and counteract misleading posts with evidence-based knowledge.

Social Media and Clinical Research in Dermatology.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The immense growth of social media has afforded new opportunities in dermatology clinical research. This review serves to outline how social media has impacted clinical research and to explore future avenues for which social media can make a significant impact in dermatology clinical research. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent clinical trials augmented by social media have demonstrated increased participant enrollment, shortened recruitment timelines, and decreased recruitment cost. The incorporation of social media into clinical research has also afforded greater access to teledermatology and the initiation of virtual clinical trials. SUMMARY: Clinical research serves as a primary source of evidence for refining healthcare practices by expanding the understanding of patient demographics, methods for improving patient care, and new therapeutic discoveries. Since its initiation, social media has played an integral and ever-expanding role in clinical research.

Social Media and Ethical Challenges for the Dermatologist.

Purpose of Review: The purpose of review is to provide guidance on the use of social media within the context of dermatology and discuss its ethical, professional, and legal implications in education, mentorship, networking, business, and clinical settings. Recent Findings: Despite its fundamental value as a means of communication and knowledge sharing, social media carries legal, ethical, and professional challenges. Healthcare providers have run into issues such as misinformation, conflicts of interest, and overstepping patient-physician boundaries when using social media. An interesting finding is that dermatologists commonly engage with an online audience through social media marketing or being an influencer to improve business and extend their reach to clients; however, this warrants formal training and the need to monitor their own online presence to prevent legal consequences. Summary: Social media has become integral in everyday life; billions of people now receive information and stay connected with each other through social platforms. Within medicine, social media has enhanced various aspects of healthcare, such as professional networking, patient care, and patient education. In dermatology, social media allows dermatologists to promote their businesses and services through patient testimonials, posting advice on blogs, and networking with a large audience of potential patients. However, having a social media presence must be exercised with care, purpose, and transparency to maximize benefits and minimize harmful consequences. This is especially important when inappropriate social media posts by physicians can be scrutinized for breaching patient confidentiality, violating privacy, financial conflicts of interest, and possibly disseminating incorrect information.