Tocilizumab Treatment in COVID-19 Patients: Comparing Cutaneous Disease and Adverse Drug Effects.

Actemra (tocilizumab) received emergency use authorization for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in June 2021. Literature has linked numerous cutaneous adverse effects to tocilizumab. In this current survey, investigators reviewed and compared these adverse effects to the common cutaneous manifestations of COVID-19. While similarities in patient presentation exist, important distinctions are made to aid dermatologists in their clinical diagnosis.  J Drugs Dermatol. 2023;22(12):e42-e43.     doi:10.36849/JDD.6532e.

Nirmatrelvir-ritonivir, COVID-19, and possible adverse cutaneous reactions.

Nirmatrelvir-ritonivir (Paxlovid) recently received emergency use authorization for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Literature has linked numerous cutaneous adverse effects to nirmatrelvir and ritonavir, the copackaged tablets within Paxlovid. A review and comparison of these adverse effects to the common cutaneous manifestations of COVID-19 is provided. Numerous drug-to-drug interactions exist between nirmatrelvir-ritonivir and commonly-used medications within dermatology.

Sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data in dermatologic studies and opportunities for inclusion.

Dermatologists serve a vast array of patients with unique backgrounds. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) designated members of sexual and gender minorities as underrepresented in scholarly literature. Our study examines the past 10 years of studies published in highly-cited dermatologic journals, surveying each study for common data collection of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) in dermatological studies. We found representation of sexual and gender minorities to be increasing in dermatological studies but recommend that SOGI data be collected regularly just as any other common variable in dermatological patient studies.

A Review of the Current Evidence Connecting Seborrheic Dermatitis and Parkinson's Disease and the Potential Role of Oral Cannabinoids.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with multiple comorbidities, including seborrheic dermatitis (SD), which develops in more than half of PD patients. SD in patients with PD can be severe and frequently intractable by traditional topical therapy. Cannabinoids possess anti-inflammatory and neuromodulatory properties working within the intrinsic endocannabinoid system, the activation of which may alleviate the motor symptoms of PD. The effect of cannabinoids on SD is unknown. Here we explore the pathophysiological mechanisms and possible therapeutic role of oral cannabinoids in PD patients with SD, and review speculative mechanisms underlying the association of PD and SD. Current data supporting the use of cannabinoids in both PD and SD, as well as oral cannabinoid safety and tolerability, are presented. Cannabinoids may provide the possibility of simultaneous treatment of both SD and PD. Specific SD studies and additional safety data on oral cannabinoids are needed.

Response to "Assessing a Paradigm Shift: Perceptions of the USMLE Step 1 Scoring Change to Pass/Fail".

We commend Wei et al1 for highlighting the fundamental shift that dermatology program directors (PDs) and students alike will experience following the change of the USMLE Step 1 to pass/fail.

Hand hygiene during COVID-19: Recommendations from the American Contact Dermatitis Society.

The recent COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in increased hand hygiene and hand cleansing awareness. To prevent virus transmission, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends frequent hand washing with soap and water. Hand hygiene products are available in a variety of forms, and while each of these formulations may be effective against COVID-19, they may also alter skin barrier integrity and function. As health care workers and the general population focus on stringent hand hygiene, the American Contact Dermatitis Society anticipates an increase in both irritant contact and allergic contact hand dermatitis. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers with moisturizers have the least sensitizing and irritancy potential when compared to soaps and synthetic detergents. This article provides an overview of the most frequently used hand hygiene products and their associations with contact dermatitis as well as recommendations from the American Contact Dermatitis Society on how to treat and prevent further dermatitis.

Teledermatology application use in the COVID-19 era.

Owing to the COVID-19 outbreak, the use of telemedicine applications has increased throughout the United States. Using an algorithm to analyze mobile application rankings, we were able to examine how applications with telemedicine services have increased in prevalence and rank pre- and post- COVID-19. Telemedicine apps saw an increase of 210.92 ranked positions on average. Within US telehealth, skin conditions have become the fifth most common diagnosis. Widespread use of teledermatology has been well-accepted. Dermatologists and patients report high satisfaction using teledermatology during COVID-19 and intend to continue using these services in the future. COVID-19 has assisted in reducing physician concerns previously preventing some dermatologists from utilizing teledermatology in their services. Additionally, the geographical and socioeconomic barriers preventing some patients from receiving dermatologic care have been minimized through the use of teledermatology. Addressing these obstacles for dermatologic care improves healthcare equity.