Cosmetic considerations after breast cancer treatment.

Treatments for breast cancer can have an array of adverse effects, including hair loss, scarring, and irritated skin. These physical outcomes can, in turn, lead to body image concerns, anxiety, and depression. Fortunately, there is growing evidence that certain cosmetic therapies can improve patient self-image. Here we review various cosmetic treatment options including hair camouflage, eyebrow and eyelash camouflage, treatments for hirsutism, nipple and areola tattooing, post-mastectomy scar tattooing, treatments for dry skin/xerosis, removal of post-radiation telangiectasias, and lightening of post-radiation hyperpigmentation. For each patient concern, we report potential procedures, clinical evidence of impact on quality of life, special considerations, and safety concerns. This article aims to equip dermatologists with resources so that they may effectively counsel breast cancer survivors who express treatment-related cosmetic concerns.

Novel and Off-Label Biologic Use in the Management of Hidradenitis Suppurativa, Pyoderma Gangrenosum, Lichen Planus, and Seborrheic Dermatitis: A Narrative Review.

With advances in drug development and our understanding of the pathophysiology of skin disease, biologic medications have emerged as powerful management tools for dermatologists. While biologics have most often been used in the management of psoriasis, they are being used off-label for the management of a variety of other immune-mediated skin diseases with overlapping molecular targets. This narrative review focuses on the novel and off-label use of biologic medications for the management of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), pyoderma gangrenosum (PG), lichen planus (LP), and seborrheic dermatitis (SD). Review of the literature revealed that IL-17, IL-23, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors were being used across a variety of immune-mediated skin pathologies with variable efficacy, among other targeted biologics. While biologics were generally safe in the treatment of primary immune-mediated skin disorders, paradoxical disease eruptions were noted with biologic use and were theorized to occur owing to immune dysregulation and cytokine imbalance. While numerous case reports show promise for the use of biologics in immune-mediated skin pathologies, the variable efficacy and safety reported warrants more thorough investigations of the role of these targeted medications in comprehensive disease management.