Effectiveness of Support Groups for Patients With Contact Dermatitis: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Contact dermatitis can be difficult to manage and overwhelming for patients, often requiring significant lifestyle changes. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate whether a contact dermatitis support group could help patients find community and learn from others who share similar experiences. METHODS: Hour-long, monthly support group meetings facilitated by a social worker, research fellows, and a faculty dermatologist were held for approximately 1.5 years. A 32-question, cross-sectional survey was administered to assess perception of contact dermatitis and overall usefulness of the group. RESULTS: Between 2 and 5 patients attended each group session; 9 participants completed the survey. Most were female (77.8%) and white (77.8%), with an average age of 68.8 years. Eight participants (88.9%) reported that it was important or somewhat important to socialize with others affected by contact dermatitis. Three group members (33.3%) had met with attendees outside of the monthly sessions. The majority (77.8%) reported that the support group had a positive effect on their understanding of contact dermatitis and would recommend the group to others (88.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Support groups may be helpful for patients learning to cope with the challenges associated with contact dermatitis. Although preliminary feedback is promising, further investigation is warranted to determine whether these groups are effective on a larger scale.

Video education to improve clinical skills in the prevention of and response to vasovagal syncopal episodes.

BACKGROUND: Vasovagal syncope is a common clinical occurrence during routine outpatient dermatology procedures, such as injections and biopsies. Despite its prevalence, many medical students and health care professionals do not know how to respond appropriately to a syncopal episode. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of a health education video in teaching medical students and health care professionals the appropriate management steps for vasovagal syncope and its prodromal symptoms in a clinical setting. METHODS: With input from dermatologists and an anesthesiologist, an instructional video was developed to demonstrate basic management for a presyncopal and syncopal patient. A pre- and post-video quiz was used to assess comprehension. A total of 124 medical students and health care professionals were enrolled in this study. RESULTS: After viewing the video, the proportion of respondents who were able to correctly identify how long to monitor a patient after a syncopal episode increased from pre- to post-intervention (44% vs. 71%; p < .001). Participants expressed higher levels of agreement with the statement "I am aware of the appropriate steps in managing a patient during an episode of vasovagal syncope" after the intervention (p < .001). Respondents reported increased confidence in managing a patient during a syncopal episode after this intervention (p < .001). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that this health education video is a useful tool for educating medical students and nursing professionals about the management of vasovagal syncope in a clinical setting. We propose the use of video education as an efficient means of increasing recognition and standardizing therapeutic response to the prodromal symptoms of syncope and syncopal episodes.

Tolerability of hair cleansing conditioners: a double-blind randomized, controlled trial designed to evaluate consumer complaints to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Importance: Consumers have reported skin rash/irritation and hair loss/breakage with Wen by Chaz Dean Sweet Almond Mint Cleansing Conditioner (WCDSAMCC), however epidemiologic, toxicologic and clinical hair loss studies have not provided an explanation. Contact dermatitis has been hypothesized.Objective: To assess the tolerability of six products: WCDSAMCC, three other hair cleansing conditioners, and two controls [salicylic acid shampoo (SAS) and baby shampoo (BS)].Design: Double-blind, randomized, controlled trial.Setting: Single-site study.Population: General population volunteers.Intervention: Standard semi-open patch tests (SOPTs) and duration-escalation repeat open application tests (ROATs) over 5 weeks.Main Outcome Measures: Primary outcome measure was "stopping point" [ROAT total component score ≥6 (maximum 10) or global ≥4 (maximum 5)]. Secondary outcomes included "any reaction" (ROAT component score ≥1) and SOPT ≥ doubtful.Results: Two hundred of 298 volunteers were enrolled. There were no significant differences in the tolerability of WCDSAMCC and any of the other three hair cleansing conditioners as assessed by SOPT or ROAT. WCDSAMCC was significantly better tolerated than SAS ("stopping point", or "any reaction", p values<0.0001) as well as BS (p = 0.01). The frequency of doubtful SOPT reactions was lowest for WCD (2.2%) and highest for SAS (7.1%, p = 0.04).Conclusions: As assessed by both ROAT and SOPTs, WCDSAMCC was similar in tolerability to three other hair cleansing conditioners and significantly better tolerated than both controls (SAS and BS).Summary: This double-blind, randomized, controlled study found that WCDSAMCC was similar in tolerability to three other HCCs and was significantly better tolerated than both SAS and BS. This study provides critical clinical evidence on the comparative lack of cutaneous effects with use of WCDSAMCC.Trial Registration: NCT03483025 ClinicalTrials.gov.