Trends by race and ethnicity in incidence and mortality of acral lentiginous melanoma: analysis of Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results 2000-2020.

Limited data describe the epidemiology and risk factors of acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM). In this retrospective analysis, we examined trends in incidence and mortality of ALM among racial and ethnic minoritized populations. We queried 22 Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registries for cases of ALM among Hispanics, non-Hispanic Asians or Pacific Islanders (NHAPIs), non-Hispanic Blacks (NHBs), and non-Hispanic Whites (NHWs) from 2000 through 2020. Age-adjusted incidence and annual percentage changes (APCs) were estimated. Kaplan-Meier curves were stratified by race and ethnicity and compared with log-rank tests. Cox proportional hazard regression models were adjusted for age, sex, race, ethnicity, income, urban-rural residence, stage, and treatment. Of 4188 total cases of ALM with complete data, our study cohort was comprised of 792 (18.9%) Hispanics, 274 (6.5%) NHAPIs, 336 (8.0%) NHBs, and 2786 (66.5%) NHWs. The age-adjusted incidence of ALM increased by 2.48% (P < 0.0001) annually from 2000 to 2020, which was driven by rising rates among Hispanics (APC 2.34%, P = 0.001) and NHWs (APC 2.69%, P < 0.0001). Incidence remained stable among NHBs (APC 1.15%, P = 0.1) and NHAPIs (APC 1.12%, P = 0.4). From 2000 through 2020, 765 (18.3%) patients died from ALM. Compared to NHWs, Hispanics, NHAPIs, and NHBs had significantly increased ALM-specific mortality (all P < 0.0001). Unadjusted and adjusted cause-specific mortality modeling revealed significantly elevated risk of ALM-specific mortality among Hispanics (hazard ratio [HR] 1.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.22-1.75; adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.38, 95% CI 1.14-1.66), NHAPIs (HR 1.80, 95% CI 1.41-2.32; aHR 1.58, 95% CI 1.23-2.04), and NHBs (HR 1.98, 95% CI 1.59-2.47; aHR 2.19, 95% CI 1.74-2.76) (all P < 0.001). Our study finds rising incidence of ALM among Hispanics and NHWs along with elevated risk of ALM-specific mortality among racial and ethnic minoritized populations. Future strategies to mitigate health inequities in ALM are warranted.

Electronic Nicotine Dispensing Systems Compared to Traditional Cigarettes in Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Patient and Dermatologist Perceptions.

Background: Smoking cigarettes can have deleterious effects on hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) disease severity, but little is known about the relationship between vaping electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and HS severity. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the rate of ENDS use in those with HS and the perceptions of HS participants and dermatologists on the relationship between vaping and HS. Methods: Two separate cross-sectional, anonymous, multiple-choice questionnaires were administered. One questionnaire was distributed to those with HS recruited via online HS-related forums. Inclusion criteria were diagnosis of HS, age 18 and over, and residence in USA. The other questionnaire was distributed to currently practicing, board-certified dermatologists recruited via an email listserv. Results: Overall, 302 participants with HS completed the questionnaire. Fifty-six participants (18.5%) smoke cigarettes and 41 participants (13.6%) vape ENDS. One-third of ENDS users (14/41) switched from cigarettes to ENDS after learning of their HS diagnosis, of which 78.6% (11/14) believed that the switch decreased the severity and/or frequency of their HS flares. Fifty dermatologists completed the questionnaire, of whom over half (54%, 27/50) were unsure about the relationship between vaping and HS severity. Conclusions: As cigarette smoking and HS are closely linked, the use of ENDS in HS warrants further study.

Barriers to Dermatologic Care and Use of Internet Sources in Hidradenitis Suppurativa.

Poondru S, Scott K, Riley JM. Barriers to dermatologic care and use of internet sources in hidradenitis suppurativa. J Drugs Dermatol. 2023;22(7):710-711. doi:10.36849/JDD.7355.

Managing Facial Hyperpigmentation.

This JAMA Network Insight describes dermatologists' role in managing hyperpigmentation, from counseling on photoprotection to prescribing treatment regimens, for this psychosocially distressing entity.

Patient perspectives of wound care management in hidradenitis suppurativa.

Wound care management and costs in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) are unmet needs. This study explored patient perspectives of at-home management of acute flares of HS and chronic daily wounds, their satisfaction with current wound care methods, and the financial burden of wound care supplies. An anonymous, multiple choice, cross-sectional questionnaire was distributed among online HS-related forums between August and October 2022. Participants 18 years or older with a diagnosis of HS who live in the United States were included. In total, 302 participants completed the questionnaire: 168 White (55.6%), 76 Black (25.2%), 33 Hispanic (10.9%), 7 Asian (2.3%), 12 multiracial (4.0%), and 6 other (2.0%). Dressings commonly reported included gauze, panty liners or menstrual pads, tissues or toilet paper, antiseptic dressing, abdominal pads, and adhesive bandages. Commonly reported topical remedies for acute flares of HS included warm compresses, Epsom salt baths, Vicks VapoRub, tea tree oil, witch hazel, and bleach baths. One-third of participants (n = 102) reported dissatisfaction with current wound care methods, and 48.8% (n = 103) believed that their dermatologist does not meet their wound care needs. Nearly half (n = 135) reported being unable to afford the type and quantity of dressings and wound care supplies they would ideally want. Black participants were more likely than White participants to report being unable to afford their dressings and find the cost as very burdensome. Overall, dermatologists must improve patient education of wound care methods in HS and address the financial burden of wound care supplies by exploring insurance-funded options.