Exploring the implications of the first COVID-19 lockdown on patients with melanoma: a national survey.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic upon care of malignant melanoma (MM) remains as yet poorly understood. We undertook a UK-wide national survey, in conjunction with a patient support group (Melanoma UK), to explore patient perceptions of the impact of the pandemic upon treatment and outpatient care of their MM. Our findings suggest that following the onset of COVID-19, a significant minority of treatments and appointments have been delayed, there has been a shift from face-to-face to virtual outpatient consultations and there may be a rise in psychological comorbidities in patients with MM. We would urge clinicians to consider mental health interventions as part of a holistic care package.

Topical timolol in dermatology: infantile haemangiomas and beyond.

Timolol, a nonselective ß-adrenergic receptor blocker, is well-tolerated and is becoming increasingly popular in dermatology, especially in the management of infantile haemangioma (IH). Its effects are mainly due to vasoconstriction, inhibition of angiogenesis and keratinocyte migration promotion for re-epithelialization and wound healing. We review the evidence behind the use of timolol in several dermatological conditions including IH, pyogenic granulomas, Kaposi sarcoma, chronic wound healing, postsurgical wounds, acne vulgaris, rosacea, eczema and red scrotum syndrome.

Systemic photoprotection in 2021.

Systemic photoprotection aims to negate the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation-induced DNA damage. Systemic supplements may be used as a monotherapy or in combination with topical sunscreens. Using the keywords 'carotenoids', 'flavonoids', 'systemic photoprotection', 'polyphenols' and 'polypodium leucotomos extract', we searched the databases MEDLINE and EMBASE to find relevant English-language articles. Few trials have supported the use of any of these supplements as monotherapy, impeding the recommendation of these systemic supplements as an alternative to sunscreen for photoprotection. Nicotinamide has exhibited clinically relevant benefits in reducing nonmelanoma skin cancers in trials and could be recommended as an adjunctive therapy for the most vulnerable indviduals. Further research is required, which needs to be of higher statistical power, using more clinically meaningful outcome measures with comparison to the current gold standard of care (topical photoprotection) to support the use of alternative therapies in clinical practice.

Hydroquinone: myths and reality.

Hydroquinone has pharmacological uses in disorders of pigmentation because of its ability to competitively inhibit the enzyme tyrosinase. Our contemporary review presents the strongest evidence supporting the use of hydroquinone with the most effective and tolerable formulations combining hydroquinone, retinoid and corticosteroid (modified Kligman formula or 'triple combination cream'). The risk of exogenous ochronosis is low if prescribed concentrations of ≤ 5 for a limited period with regular monitoring. Dermatologists should reassure patients that with controlled use, hydroquinone can be well-tolerated and safe for a range of hyperpigmentary conditions.

Vitiligo: an update on systemic treatments.

Vitiligo is an autoimmune skin condition characterized by depigmented macules and patches, and has a huge psychosocial impact on patients. Treatment of vitiligo aims to prevent the spread of disease and facilitate repigmentation of affected lesions. The mainstay of treatment for unstable vitiligo has been topical agents (corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors) and phototherapy. However, systemic treatments are increasingly being shown to have a significant impact on the course of the disease as monotherapy or adjunctive therapy. Of note, oral mini-pulsed corticosteroid therapy, methotrexate, minocycline, ciclosporin, Janus kinase inhibitors and certain supplements have been used in the systemic treatment of vitiligo. We review the underlying evidence supporting the use of each of these systemic treatments.

Spironolactone in dermatology: uses in acne and beyond.

Spironolactone is a synthetic aldosterone receptor antagonist, with a role off-label in various dermatological conditions. Its antiandrogenic properties make it suitable for diseases in which excess androgen production results in unwanted and psychologically distressing manifestations in susceptible females. Treatment with spironolactone aims to attenuate androgen-mediated conditions including acne, hidradenitis suppurativa, female pattern hair loss and hirsutism. We discuss the emerging utility of spironolactone in dermatology, its potential adverse effects and considerations for monitoring.

Surgical plume in dermatology: an insidious and often overlooked hazard.

Dermatologists performing surgical procedures face occupational and health hazards when exposed to surgical plume released during electrosurgical and ablative laser procedures. These hazardous fumes have toxic, infectious and carcinogenic effects. Understanding this risk is of particular importance during the COVID-19 pandemic as the understanding of the transmissibility and infectious nature of the virus is still evolving rapidly. In this article, we present the hazards from laser and surgical plumes, and discuss possible preventative measures aimed at reducing these risks.