Fractional Laser for Prevention of Non-melanoma Skin Cancer.

CITATION: McCormick ET, Desai S, Nelson K, et al. Fractional laser for prevention of non-melanoma skin cancer. J Drugs Dermatol. 2023;22(9):953-954. doi:10.36849/JDD.NVRN0923.

EXTRA, EXTRA, Treatment Approaches for EXTRAmammary Paget Disease.

Desai S, McCormick E, Nelson K, et al. EXTRA, EXTRA, treatment approaches for EXTRAmammary Paget disease. J Drugs Dermatol. 2023;22(8):844-845. doi:10.36849/jdd.NVRN0823.

Cosmetic Enhancement Updates and Pitfalls in Patients of Color.

Skin of color in dermatology encompasses individuals of various ethnic backgrounds including Black or those of African descent, Hispanic or Latino, Asian, Native American, Pacific Islander, and those of mixed ethnicities. Because these populations continue to expand, more patients of color (POC) are seeking out cosmetic enhancements and treatments. Aside from cosmeceuticals, nonsurgical cosmetic rejuvenation options, such laser and light-based treatments, neurotoxins, soft tissue augmentation, and more recently body contouring and skin tightening, are becoming increasingly popular worldwide. This article examines risks of cosmetic enhancement procedures in POC and best practices to prevent adverse events.

Premedical Student Interest in and Exposure to Dermatology at Howard University.

We conducted a cross-sectional survey study of premedical undergraduate students at Howard University (Washington, DC), to evaluate the level of interest that underrepresented in medicine (UiM) premedical students have in the field of dermatology. The 19-question survey assessed student knowledge, opinions, and exposure to dermatology. Dermatology is an area of great interest for UiM premedical students that has few avenues available for exposure and learning. In dermatologic care, race-concordant mentoring is highly valued by UiM premedical students. Increased shadowing, research, and general events geared to dermatology could help improve the disparity between UiM interest in dermatology and actualizing the goal of becoming a dermatologist.

A Survey of Patient Attitudes Towards Topical Minoxidil in the Treatment of Hair Loss.

Hair loss, specifically androgenetic alopecia (AGA), is a common outpatient dermatology complaint. AGA occurs in men and women, results from the effect of dihydrotestosterone miniaturizing scalp follicles, and commonly presents with thinning of the bitemporal, frontal, and vertex scalp.

Nontraditional Healing Utilization and Disclosure Among Dermatology Patients: A National Cross-Sectional Survey Study.

Nontraditional healing (NTH) consists of spiritual and religious healing (SRH) and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). SRH includes faith healing, prayer, and meditation. CAM includes use of nonprescribed medications or behaviors such as supplements, plant-based remedies, and behavioral changes.

An Up-to-Date Approach to the Management of Dissecting Cellulitis.

Dissecting cellulitis of the scalp (DCS) also known as perifolliculitis capitis abscedens et suffodiens (PCAS) is a chronic, relapsing, inflammatory dermatosis consisting of edematous sterile pustules and nodules resulting in sinus tracts and scarring alopecia. Although first described as infectious in 1903, DCS is primarily an inflammatory process that can precede a secondary infection; this is similarly true of the other conditions within the follicular occlusion tetrad: hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), acne conglobata, and pilonidal sinus.

Barriers to Care-Seeking and Treatment Adherence Among Dermatology Patients: A Cross-Sectional National Survey Study.

Disparities and inequities exist in dermatological access and outcomes, associated with demographics such as socioeconomic status (SES) and geography. Some studies have documented barriers to care and treatment adherence in dermatology such as financial and insurance challenges, logistical considerations, and sociocultural beliefs.

Consumer Perspectives on and Utilization of Medical Cannabis to Treat Dermatologic Conditions.

BACKGROUND: Access to medical cannabis products (MCPs) has rapidly increased though literature on consumer behaviors and attitudes with regards to dermatologic use is limited. OBJECTIVE: We sought to address the gap of knowledge regarding consumer utilization and perspectives surrounding MCPs for dermatologic indications. METHODS: A survey was emailed via SurveyMonkey’s platform to adult users of their rewards panel asking about usage patterns and beliefs regarding MCP use to treat dermatologic conditions. RESULTS: 504 of 700 survey invitations sent out were completed (72% response rate). 17.6% of respondents used an over-the-counter (OTC) cannabis product without dermatologist recommendation to treat a skin condition [most common indications: acne (28.4%) and psoriasis (26.1%)]. Of those who had seen a dermatologist, 15.3% used an OTC product [most common indications: psoriasis (32%) and rosacea (30%)] and 7.8% used an MCP which required a Department of Health-approved card per their dermatologist’s recommendations [most common indications: acne (68%) and psoriasis (28%)]. 11.8% of respondents were not comfortable seeing a dermatologist who recommended MCPs. LIMITATIONS: Limitations include small sample size as well as selection bias. CONCLUSION: Consumers are interested in and are using MCPs for dermatologic indications, most commonly for inflammatory skin disorders. Targeted education for dermatologists is recommended. J Drugs Dermatol. 2022;21(1):31-36. doi:10.36849/JDD.6540.

Associations between onychomycosis and COVID-19 clinical outcomes: a retrospective cohort study from a US metropolitan center.

Little is known about the relationship of COVID-19 outcomes with onychomycosis. We investigated the relationship of onychomycosis with COVID-19 outcomes. A retrospective cohort study was performed on SARS-CoV-2 positive adult outpatients or inpatients who had onychomycosis and other skin diseases. Overall, 430 adults were identified with SARS-CoV-2 and a skin disease, including 98 with diagnosed onychomycosis. In bivariable logistic regression models, onychomycosis was associated with increased hospitalization {odds ratio(OR) [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 3.56 [2.18-5.80]}, initial inpatient vs. outpatient visits (OR [95% CI]: 2.24 [1.35-3.74]), use of oxygen therapy (OR [95% CI]: 2.77 [1.60-4.79]), severe-critical vs. asymptomatic-mild severity (OR [95% CI]: 2.28 [1.32-3.94]), and death (OR [95% CI]: 7.48 [1.83-30.47]) from COVID-19, but not prolonged hospitalization (OR [95% CI]: 1.03 [0.47-2.25]). In multivariable models adjusting for socio-demographics, comorbidities, and immunosuppressant medication use, the associations with onychomycosis remained significant for hospitalization, inpatient visits, oxygen therapy, severe-critical COVID-19. Onychomycosis was a significant independent risk factor for COVID-19 severity, hospitalization, and receiving supplemental oxygen therapy.

Atopic dermatitis is not associated with SARS-CoV-2 outcomes.

Atopic dermatitis is characterized by immune dysregulation, which may predispose toward worse COVID-19 outcomes. We conducted a retrospective cohort study to investigate the relationship of atopic dermatitis with COVID-19 symptom severity, hospitalization, length of hospital stay, requirement for oxygen therapy, long-term morbidity and mortality. Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to examine the impact of atopic dermatitis (independent variable) on COVID-19 symptom severity, hospitalization, length of hospital stay, requirement for oxygen therapy, long-term morbidity and mortality (dependent variables). SARS-CoV-2 positive adult patients with diagnosed AD had similar odds of hospitalization (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 0.51 [0.20-1.35]), acute level of care at initial medical care (0.67 [0.35-1.30]), severe-critical SARS-CoV-2 (0.82 [0.29-2.30]), requirement of supplemental non-mechanical oxygen therapy (1.33 [0.50-3.58]), extended hospital stay (2.24 [0.36-13.85]), lingering COVID-19 symptoms (0.58 [0.06-5.31]) and COVID-19 death (0.002 [< 0.001- > 999]) compared to patients without AD. Our findings suggest AD is not an independent risk factor for COVID-19 severity or complications.

Examining Trends in Dermatology Publications: A 10-Year Follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: Examining trends in adult and pediatric dermatology publications by Mimouni et al for 15 years (1993–2007) showed that there was a higher yearly increase in articles with higher level of evidence such as clinical and randomized controlled trials with a slower rise in articles with a lower level of evidence such as letters and case reports.1 We wanted to see if trends in dermatology research have differed over the following 10 years (2008–2017). METHODS: We used the methodology of Mimouni et al to find the total number and categorization of publications in adult and pediatric dermatology from 2008 to 2017. We used MEDLINE to search the terms ‘skin’ AND ‘disease’ OR ‘dermatology’ for adults and pediatrics. A regression analysis (SAS 9.4) was used to understand the change in frequency across the years. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: By analyzing publications from 2008 to 2017, speculations mentioned in Mimouni et al held true regarding the statistically significant increase in total number of publications in addition to meta-analyses and practice guidelines, which was not shown in the 1993–2007 analysis. The statistically significant increase previously mentioned in clinical trials, case reports, and pediatric randomized controlled trials was lost in the 2008-2017 data. CONCLUSION: Trends in pediatric and adult dermatology publications in 2008–2017 differ from those identified in 1993–2007. There is a new significant increase in higher level of evidence not reported previously such as meta-analyses and practice guidelines. This is good for dermatology, and we hope the trend continues to further the specialty. J Drugs Dermatol. 2021;20(11)1248-1251. doi:10.36849/JDD.6088.

Emerging therapies for rare cutaneous cancers: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Rare cutaneous cancers require early management given their aggressive nature; however, few therapeutic options exist for managing these rare cancers. OBJECTIVE: To identify emerging therapies for extramammary Paget's disease, Merkel cell carcinoma, sebaceous gland carcinoma, microcystic adnexal carcinoma, Kaposi sarcoma and cutaneous angiosarcoma. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted using PubMed database from October 2010 to October 2020. Published clinical trials and case reports/series were included if they involved primarily a targeted agent rather than classic cytotoxic chemotherapy or photosensitizing medication. Active clinical trials were evaluated using ClinicalTrials.gov, the Japanese University Hospitals Clinical Information Network, and the ISRCTN registry. Quality of evidence for each study was rated using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine Level of Evidence Rating Scale. RESULTS: There are several emerging therapies for rare cutaneous cancers with many clinical trials actively recruiting. PD-1 receptor inhibitors were the most investigated treatment, targeting several cancers. Merkel cell carcinoma and Kaposi sarcoma had the most clinical trials while microcystic adnexal carcinoma and sebaceous gland carcinoma had the least. The main limitation was a lack of key findings from clinical trials still in progress. CONCLUSIONS: Emerging therapies exist for rare cutaneous cancers; results of ongoing studies will provide more robust evidence in the future.

Patient Perceptions and Satisfaction With Teledermatology During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Survey-Based Study.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed the practice of dermatology as social distancing guidelines have led to a shift from in-office care to virtual telehealth (teledermatology). We aimed to determine patient satisfaction, perceived barriers, as well as indications for teledermatology appointments during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A survey was sent out via SurveyMonkey's online platform to patients of the George Washington Medical Faculty Associates' Dermatology department who attended telehealth appointments during the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: Out of 894 invitations sent, 168 patients completed our survey.The most common reasons for making a telehealth appointment were for a new rash (11.6%), eczema (9.8%), and psoriasis (9.1%). The most common reasons respondents liked telehealth were because of time efficiency (81.1%), not requiring transportation (74.2%), and maintaining social distancing (73.6%). The most common reasons respondents did not like telehealth were due to lack of physical touch (26.8%) and feeling they received an inadequate assessment (15.7%). Very few patients reported that they were unlikely to undertake another telehealth visit (9.94%) or recommend a telehealth visit to others (6.92%). CONCLUSION: Dermatology patients likely perceive telehealth visits as a convenient and safe method for quality care during the COVID-19 pandemic. The lack of physical touch, inability to provide close inspection and/or procedural intervention can be frustrating for patients and therefore meaningful selection of appropriate cases for telehealth visits can optimize the patient experience. Overall, telemedicine represents an effective and safe vehicle for delivering care especially during a global pandemic. J Drugs Dermatol. 2021;20(2):178-183. doi:10.36849/JDD.5714.

Perceptions and recommendation behaviors of dermatologists for medical cannabis: A pilot survey.

OBJECTIVES: Evidence suggests that cannabinoids may provide therapeutic benefit to patients with dermatologic conditions. The recommendation behaviors of dermatologists with regards to recommending medical cannabis are unknown. We administered a pilot survey to evaluate dermatologists' recommendation behaviors including dermatologic indications and formulation preferences. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was done to sample dermatologists using a 24-question survey. SETTING: Online survey through SurveyMonkey® that was distributed via Orlando Dermatology Aesthetic and Clinical Conference's mailing list, including thousands of practicing dermatologists. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Descriptive data of dermatologists' recommendation behaviors of medical cannabis are described. Fisher's exact test and Chi-Square tests were used to compare recommendation behaviors by gender, age, years in practice, and residency legality. RESULTS: The survey was sent to 7176 individuals; of the 28.7 % who opened the email, 2.2 % completed the survey (N = 145). 91 % of dermatologists were in support of medical cannabis use and 13.8 % have recommended it for a dermatologic condition. Atopic dermatitis (45 %) and psoriasis (40 %) were the most common. The most common form of administration was topical (75 %). The main reasons for not recommending medical cannabis were limited knowledge (56 %) and lack of experience (48 %). CONCLUSIONS: Cutaneous inflammatory and pruritic conditions such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis were the most common reasons dermatologists recommended medical cannabis in our survey. Respondents' recommendation patterns may have been limited by limited by lack of knowledge or experience with medical cannabis. The small sample size of our survey limits generalizability to the dermatology field and warrants further investigation.

The Influence of Dermatologists' Use of Social Media on Attracting Patients.

BACKGROUND: Many dermatologists consider social media to be a useful tool for building their practices and personal brands. However, limited data exists on patients’ perceptions of the value of social media in dermatology. OBJECTIVE: To examine how social media influences patients when choosing a dermatologist and which aspects of dermatologists’ sites offer the most benefit to patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was completed by sampling a diverse online population using a 10-question survey. RESULTS: The survey was sent to 1,481 individuals; of the 57.5% who qualified, 98.5% completed the survey (N=715). Of the qualified respondents, 58% were female and 42% were male. Twenty five percent were 18-29 years, 24% were 30-44 years, 33% were 45-60 years, and 19% were over 60 years. Fifty-seven percent reported that social media is only slightly important or not at all important when selecting a dermatologist. According to respondents, patient reviews (68%), years of experience (61%), and medical information written by the dermatologist (59%) were the most important aspects of dermatologists’ social media sites. Cosmetic patients (P<0.0001), younger patients (P<0.0001), and participants with fewer years of education (P=0.0006) valued social media significantly more when selecting a dermatologist compared to their counterpart populations. LIMITATIONS: Selection bias is possible given the survey was distributed only to SurveyMonkey® users. CONCLUSION: Given the majority of patients reported that social media is not important or only slightly important, dermatologists should consider means other than social media to attract new patients to their practices. For dermatologists who use social media, they should highlight patient reviews, experience level, and original medical content. J Drugs Dermatol. 2020;19(5):   doi:10.36849/JDD.2020.4849.

The Influence of Supportive Oncodermatology Interventions on Patient Quality of Life: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

BACKGROUND: Dermatologic adverse events (dAEs) secondary to anticancer treatments reduce patients’ quality of life (QOL) and result in interruptions in anticancer therapy. OBJECTIVE: Determine if a comprehensive supportive oncodermatology program improves patients’ QOL scoring. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional survey of adult cancer patients enrolled in the George Washington University Supportive Oncodermatology Clinic. All patients were above age 18 years and received dermatologic care between May 1, 2017 and November 1, 2019. Fifty-five patents meeting inclusion criteria were invited to complete an online survey with questions adapted from the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ-18). RESULTS: Survey initiation rate was 61.8% (34/55) and completion rate 88.2% (30/34). Average QOL score prior to treatment was 6.5 (moderate effect on QOL) and 3.8 (small effect) afterwards (P=0.0005; 95% CI -3.9 to -1.). Average satisfaction score was 4.15 ± 0.7 (satisfied). Impact on treatment adherence earned the lowest score (3.67, neutral to satisfied). LIMITATIONS: Recall bias Conclusion: Enrollment was significantly associated with improved QOL. Dermatologic care also resulted in overall satisfied patient outcomes, although many patients were unsure if these dermatologic interventions aided in anticancer treatment adherence, highlighting the need for evidence-based management strategies for dAEs. J Drugs Dermatol. 2020;19(5):  doi:10.36849/JDD.2020.5040.