Acne is a chronic dermatologic disorder that can require long-term treatment. To prevent recurrence after oral treatment for severe acne, topical maintenance treatment is recommended; however, there is little guidance or...Acne is a chronic dermatologic disorder that can require long-term treatment. To prevent recurrence after oral treatment for severe acne, topical maintenance treatment is recommended; however, there is little guidance or research on maintenance regimens. This article briefly summarizes literature on oral isotretinoin and topical retinoids and presents a case series of patients who received tazarotene 0.045% lotion as maintenance following oral isotretinoin. While oral isotretinoin is efficacious, relapse/remission rates range from 0 to 69 percent depending on the definition of relapse/remission, dose, and duration of treatment/follow-up. In addition, oral isotretinoin is a known teratogen, and long-term use (>2 courses of 15-20 weeks) is not recommended. Topical treatments such as retinoids are recommended for maintenance, and some studies support that adapalene and tazarotene provide a benefit. Tazarotene 0.045% lotion is efficacious and safe, with demonstrated reductions in acne, acne-induced post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and melasma. In my clinic, patients with severe recalcitrant acne received once-daily oral isotretinoin for at least 20 weeks until clinically clear. On the day of last isotretinoin dose, once-daily topical tazarotene 0.045% lotion was initiated for 6 to 12 months. A total of 12 patients completed 24.3 (6.7) weeks (mean [standard deviation]) of isotretinoin (cumulative dose: 184.6 [75.1] mg/kg) and 13.0 (6.7) months of post-isotretinoin tazarotene 0.045%. No patients relapsed and all showed subjective visual improvements in acne-related scarring with topical tazarotene. None discontinued tazarotene due to adverse events. These case reports show that tazarotene 0.045% lotion may be an effective and safe treatment to prevent relapse after initial oral isotretinoin treatment.
J Clin Aesthet Dermatol
· 2024 Dec · PMID 39759258
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the correlation between Centers for Disease Control-reported syphilis incidence rates and case burden and public interest in syphilis as indicated by Google search trends. METHODS: Th...OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the correlation between Centers for Disease Control-reported syphilis incidence rates and case burden and public interest in syphilis as indicated by Google search trends. METHODS: This study utilized Google Trends data to analyze popular syphilis-related search terms from 2013 to 2023. The latest Centers for Disease Control-reported syphilis incidence rates for 2022 were compared to Google Trends data to identify patterns or correlations. RESULTS: Google Trends data showed a 37.65-percent increase in average annual searches for syphilis-related terms in the United States from 2013 to 2023. The largest increase in search volume was observed from 2021 to 2022, with a 14.09 percent rise. Mississippi had the highest ten-year average for syphilis-related search terms (97.9). Arkansas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Nevada, and Louisiana were among the top ten highest reported primary and secondary syphilis rates and were among the top ten states with the highest Google Trends search volume. Texas was the only state to be in the top ten highest Google Trend searches and among the top states with the highest reported absolute number of cases. LIMITAITONS: Limitations include the inability for Google Trends analysis to provide absolute search volumes and limited transparency in its algorithm. Additionally, the study relies on data collected from internet users and may potentially exclude individuals without internet access. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that while public interest in syphilis is increasing overall, there may still exist disparities in awareness and education across different regions of the United States.
J Clin Aesthet Dermatol
· 2024 Dec · PMID 39759257
V-to-Y advancement flap is a successful repair technique that preserves vascular and tissue integrity adopted after Mohs micrographic surgery to repair cutaneous defects on the head and neck. However, defects at the late...V-to-Y advancement flap is a successful repair technique that preserves vascular and tissue integrity adopted after Mohs micrographic surgery to repair cutaneous defects on the head and neck. However, defects at the lateral distal nasal ala requires large extension beyond cosmetic margins that increase risk of skin webbing, an undesired result on a cosmetically sensitive location to the patient. In this article, we present a novel approach to modifying the procedure employing the V-to-Y advancement flap by truncated the trailing end of the island pedicle to allow for successful healing and better patient satisfaction.
Bhanot A, Bassue J, Ademola S
… +2 more, Sallee B, Allen P
J Clin Aesthet Dermatol
· 2024 Dec · PMID 39759256
OBJECTIVE: The authors sought to compare the results in Fitzpatrick Skin Type (FST) reporting among providers, trainees, and patients. They discussed the implications of discordance in FST reporting among these groups. M...OBJECTIVE: The authors sought to compare the results in Fitzpatrick Skin Type (FST) reporting among providers, trainees, and patients. They discussed the implications of discordance in FST reporting among these groups. METHODS: This survey-based study was offered to all adult patients (18 years or older), dermatology residents, and dermatology faculty providers at University of Oklahoma Dermatology Clinic in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Deidentified information from the patient survey, provider-assigned FST, and provider credentials were consolidated, and data was analyzed by a biostatistician. RESULTS: The provider-assigned FST was more accurate than the patient's own estimation of their own ability to tan versus burn. The patient's race played an important factor in a discrepancy between provider and patient described FST. Additionally, provider years in practice increased the odds of any discrepancy existing. LIMITATIONS: This study was conducted at one clinic location encompassing only the immediate geographic population. CONCLUSION: Despite being the most used skin tone classification system in dermatology, the FST system has many limitations. The classification system needs to be reevaluated or replaced with methods that more accurately, appropriately, and reliably describe skin tones and skin photo reactivity. Education is necessary for current trainees to avoid erroneous use of classifications such as the FST.
J Clin Aesthet Dermatol
· 2024 Dec · PMID 39759254
BACKGROUND: Intradermal injections of highly diluted botulinic neuroprotein is a popular aesthetic medicine procedure to improve the texture of the skin, enlarged pores, and fine lines. OBJECTIVE: The authors present a c...BACKGROUND: Intradermal injections of highly diluted botulinic neuroprotein is a popular aesthetic medicine procedure to improve the texture of the skin, enlarged pores, and fine lines. OBJECTIVE: The authors present a case report of nine subjects who received treatment with botulinic neuroprotein combined with an amino acid cluster and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid. METHODS: Nine women between the ages of 30 to 59 years old in a stable medical condition with moderate to severe lateral cantal wrinkles and smile lines at maximum expression and were recruited. The typical exclusion criteria for botulinum neurotoxin and hyaluronic acid injections were fulfilled. RESULTS: No complications were observed. In all treated patients, there was clinical improvement in skin surface and texture, as well as attenuation of fine lines, with preserved natural facial mimetic activity. In two patients who were prone to rosacea, we noticed an improvement in erythema and flushing. Three patients with oily skin showed decreased oiliness and pore size. CONCLUSION: The Jalu-toxin technique is a safe and efficient method for skin quality enhancement.
J Clin Aesthet Dermatol
· 2024 Dec · PMID 39759253
Giant cell tumors of tendon sheath (GCTTS), also known as synovialomas, are benign tumors that originate from the fibrous sheath, or soft tissue, that surround tendons. These tumors predominantly present on the hand, but...Giant cell tumors of tendon sheath (GCTTS), also known as synovialomas, are benign tumors that originate from the fibrous sheath, or soft tissue, that surround tendons. These tumors predominantly present on the hand, but can present in the wrist, ankle, knee, elbow, or hip. The classic presentation of GCTTS is a painless, firm, slow growing mass present for weeks to months. The pathogenesis of GCTTS remains unknown. Histopathological examination of the tumor is required to confirm the diagnosis. The preferred treatment is surgical excision with long-term follow up. To our knowledge, this is the third reported case of GCTTS originating in the subunguium and the first reported case of GCTTS in the subunguium of the toe.
J Clin Aesthet Dermatol
· 2024 Dec · PMID 39759252
OBJECTIVE: Non-surgical facial aesthetics (NSFA) is a rapidly growing field involving the use of dermal fillers and botulinum toxin for aesthetic enhancement. The aesthetic injectables market is expanding, attracting int...OBJECTIVE: Non-surgical facial aesthetics (NSFA) is a rapidly growing field involving the use of dermal fillers and botulinum toxin for aesthetic enhancement. The aesthetic injectables market is expanding, attracting interest from individuals seeking NSFA procedures. There has also been marked interest among healthcare professionals (HCPs) aspiring to become aesthetic practitioners. Conferences play a crucial role as educational platforms for HCPs venturing into NSFA. We used a national NSFA conference as an education tool for undergraduate and postgraduate healthcare students, assessing the utility of this conference in imparting knowledge on topics such as training pathways, regulations and complications in NSFA. METHODS: The FACExpo conference, held in November 2022, was organized by both qualified and aspiring aesthetic practitioners. Pre- and post-conference questionnaires were administered to attendees to evaluate their interest in facial aesthetics and their knowledge before and after the conference. RESULTS: A total of 68 delegates responded to the pre-and post-conference questionnaires. There was a statistically significant improvement in awareness of training pathways, regulations, and complications (<0.0001). Only 39.71 percent of delegates were aware of the NSFA regulations before the conference, which increased to 91.18 percent in the post-conference survey. Similarly, 38.24 percent of delegates were confident in their understanding of training pathways pre-conference which increased to 97.10 percent post-conference. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that facial aesthetic conferences can be used as an educational tool for aspiring practitioners and highlights the existing knowledge gap among current practitioners. Further research is needed to assess the overall impact of aesthetic conferences on the education of aspiring practitioners.
J Clin Aesthet Dermatol
· 2024 Dec · PMID 39759251
This article explains the value and rationale behind the use of checklists. Included is a surgery checklist used successfully over many years by a highly experienced dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon. This approach...This article explains the value and rationale behind the use of checklists. Included is a surgery checklist used successfully over many years by a highly experienced dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon. This approach is used by all clinicians and office staff in a very busy ambulatory practice that incorporates medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology, including Mohs micrographic surgery.
J Clin Aesthet Dermatol
· 2024 Dec · PMID 39759250
In the past three decades, there has been a remarkable surge in the popularity and use of herbal medicines. However, despite their widespread use, herbal remedies remain inadequately regulated, exposing consumers to pote...In the past three decades, there has been a remarkable surge in the popularity and use of herbal medicines. However, despite their widespread use, herbal remedies remain inadequately regulated, exposing consumers to potential adverse effects. This case series examines eight patients with severe cutaneous manifestations resulting from the topical application of (black cumin) oil, emphasizing the critical significance of patch testing, thorough history-taking regarding exposures and herbal supplement usage, and the necessity for enhanced regulatory measures. Additionally, it delves into various treatment modalities, offering valuable insights for clinicians managing similar cases.
J Clin Aesthet Dermatol
· 2024 Nov · PMID 39758223
BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease of the pilosebaceous unit frequently cited as the most common condition diagnosed and treated by dermatologists. Among the many therapies developed for tr...BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease of the pilosebaceous unit frequently cited as the most common condition diagnosed and treated by dermatologists. Among the many therapies developed for treating acne, none are effective for all patients and new treatments are always being sought. A commercial nutraceutical formulated with vitamins, minerals and a proprietary blend of botanicals has been used as a safe and effective adjunctive therapy for non-cystic acne (Clear Skin Formula; VitaMedica®). OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this nutraceutical for treating non-cystic acne. METHODS: Subjects randomly received study product (n=26) or placebo capsules (n=14) which were taken daily for 84 days. RESULTS: Treatment with the nutraceutical supplement decreased mean (SD) inflammatory lesions counts from 21.4 (9.3) to 10.4 (8.1) (=0.0001), decreased non-inflammatory lesion counts from 35.0 (17.1) to 19.5 (13.2) (<0.0001) versus nonsignificant changes for placebo-treated subjects. Mean baseline IGA scores improved by nearly 1 grade from 2.3 (0.5) to 1.4 (0.6) after 84 days of treatment (<0.0001) versus no change for subjects treated with placebo. The clinical improvements corresponded with significant improvements in acne-related quality of life measures. The nutraceutical supplement was well-tolerated. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate this nutraceutical to be safe and effective adjunctive therapy for patients with non-cystic acne. ClinicalTrial.gov Identifier NCT05879406.
J Clin Aesthet Dermatol
· 2024 Nov · PMID 39758222
OBJECTIVE: We sought to analyze the effectiveness, recurrence, safety, and patient satisfaction rates following xanthelasma palpebrarum (XP) treatment with trichloroacetic acid (TCA) 80%. METHODS: This was a retrospectiv...OBJECTIVE: We sought to analyze the effectiveness, recurrence, safety, and patient satisfaction rates following xanthelasma palpebrarum (XP) treatment with trichloroacetic acid (TCA) 80%. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of patients treated with TCA 80% for XP between January 2012 and August 2022. A prospective telephone questionnaire was administered to the same patient population to evaluate recurrence, patient satisfaction, and side effects. RESULTS: In total, 77 patients were included in this retrospective review. Most patients received one treatment (n=38; 49.4%) and had XP located bilaterally (n=59; 76.6%) on either the lower eyelids only (n=18; 23.4%) or both the upper and lower eyelids (n=18; 23.4%). Following treatment, 94.2 percent (n=49) of patients expressed satisfaction and 97.2 percent (n=70) displayed a clinician-reported improvement in XP. In the prospective patient questionnaire, the reoccurrence of XP was self-reported in 24.7 percent (n=19) of all patients. The adverse events, reported by the clinician during the retrospective review and the patient during the prospective questionnaire, included erythema (n=2; 2.6%), hyperpigmentation (n=4; 5.2%), hypopigmentation (n=3; 3.9%), and scarring (n=2; 2.6%). LIMITATIONS: Limitations may exist due to the retrospective nature of the chart review, missing data, and lack of a comparator cohort. Thus, further studies are required to validate this study's preliminary results. CONCLUSION: XP has a strong likelihood of recurrence. However, TCA 80% for XP management should be considered as a treatment option due to high patient satisfaction, mild side effects, low cost, and long-term cosmetic results.
J Clin Aesthet Dermatol
· 2024 Nov · PMID 39758221
OBJECTIVE: We sought to compare the safety and efficacy of combining fractional 2940-nm Erbium:YAG (Er:YAG) laser with autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) versus its combination with low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for...OBJECTIVE: We sought to compare the safety and efficacy of combining fractional 2940-nm Erbium:YAG (Er:YAG) laser with autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) versus its combination with low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for enhancing the outcome of postsurgical and post-traumatic scars. METHODS: Fourty-five individuals with post-surgical or post-traumatic scars were randomly divided into three groups: Group A received four fractional Er:YAG laser sessions spaced four weeks apart along with eight sessions of intradermal PRP injections spaced two weeks apart; Group B received four fractional Er:YAG laser sessions spaced four weeks apart along with two sessions of light emitting diode (LED) weekly; and Group C received four fractional Er:YAG laser sessions spaced four weeks apart. Treatment efficacy was evaluated using clinical photographs, Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), patient satisfaction and histopathology. RESULTS: Regarding vascularity following treatment and the total VSS score, there were significant differences between the studied groups, with scoring was the lowest in Group A compared to Group B and C. Patient satisfaction was the highest in Group A compared to Group B and C. LIMITATIONS: A limitation of the current study is the short follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Scar revision therapy using combined fractional Er:YAG laser with either PRP or LLLT were found to be more efficient and superior to fractional Er:YAG laser alone.
Burlando M, Algeri A, Salvi I
… +2 more, Cozzani E, Parodi A
J Clin Aesthet Dermatol
· 2024 Nov · PMID 39758220
BACKGROUND: Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is an oral treatment approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to treat moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis among adult patients. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate sociodem...BACKGROUND: Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is an oral treatment approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to treat moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis among adult patients. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate sociodemographic, anthropometric, and medical characteristics in patients with psoriasis without previous history of traditional systemic therapy and to observe if the efficacy or AEs of dimethyl fumarate correlate to any of the patients' characteristics. METHODS: Ninety-two patients with mild-to-moderate psoriasis were enrolled. Each patient was reviewed at 4, 12, 24 and 36 weeks. The PASI score and any clinical side effects or blood count abnormalities were recorded. RESULTS: After 4 weeks, a decrease in the median value of PASI index was already noticeable (p<0.001). After 12 weeks of treatment, 43.9% of patients reached PASI-50, 12.3% PASI-75. The patients achieving PASI-75 after 12 weeks of treatment were significantly younger than those who did not. Age, BMI index, gender and gastroprotection used were not significantly related to the occurrence of side effects. CONCLUSION: Profiling of patients could be useful in predicting the response to treatment. In our study, younger patients were found to respond better to dimethyl fumarate.
J Clin Aesthet Dermatol
· 2024 Nov · PMID 39758219
We present a case of a patient with longstanding psoriasis vulgaris who developed an atopic dermatitis-like eruption following long-term IL-17A inhibitor therapy. Following many years of excellent disease control with se...We present a case of a patient with longstanding psoriasis vulgaris who developed an atopic dermatitis-like eruption following long-term IL-17A inhibitor therapy. Following many years of excellent disease control with secukinumab and later ixekizumab, he developed a de novo eczematous eruption, which showed spongiotic dermatitis upon biopsy. The patient was successfully treated for both psoriasis and atopic dermatitis with upadacitinib, a Janus kinase inhibitor. This case suggests an interplay between Th1/Th17 and IL-4/IL-13 immune axes during prolonged biologic therapy, potentially due to upregulation of IL-4 following IL-17 blockade. It highlights the complex immune interactions in inflammatory skin diseases and demonstrates the utility of broader cytokine inhibition in managing evolving presentations.
J Clin Aesthet Dermatol
· 2024 Nov · PMID 39758217
OBJECTIVE: The desire for improved hair appearance, hair growth and strength are common drivers of supplementation for women experiencing thinning hair. This study examined the effect and safety of a gummy supplement con...OBJECTIVE: The desire for improved hair appearance, hair growth and strength are common drivers of supplementation for women experiencing thinning hair. This study examined the effect and safety of a gummy supplement containing B vitamins, zinc and botanical ingredients to improve hair growth, strength and perceived hair quality outcomes. METHODS: Healthy females (n=65) ages 18 to 60 with thinning hair were enrolled. After obtaining consent, subjects were evaluated for hair density and tensile strength, then randomized to either a placebo or test product. The test product consisted of two gummies consumed daily. Subjects returned after six months and were again evaluated using phototrichogram for hair density and tensile strength assessment and completed a Self-Assessment Questionnaire reporting hair quality outcomes. RESULTS: Subjects who consumed the test product showed increased hair density between baseline and 6 months (10.1% increase, <0.001) as well as compared to placebo (2% decrease) (<0.001). Hair strength tensile measurements were improved in the test group from baseline (10.2% improvement, <0.002) compared to placebo (9.3% improvement), yet the difference was not statistically significant between groups. Self-assessed improvements in shedding, strength, breakage and brightness were noted compared to the placebo group (<0.05). There were no adverse events or reactions. LIMITATIONS: This study did not assess hair for longer than a six-month period and utilized subject perception for outcomes that differ from clinical assessments. CONCLUSION: Daily use of a dietary supplement gummy was associated with significant improvement in hair growth as well as self-assessed improvements in hair strength, shedding, and appearance.
Aristizabal MA, Zieman D, Berman HS
… +6 more, Williams KA, Markham DJ, Heckman MG, Hochwald A, Barbosa NS, Degesys C
J Clin Aesthet Dermatol
· 2024 Oct · PMID 39445326
OBJECTIVE: We sought to examine possible differences in BCC characteristics and treatment patterns between two matched cohorts of Hispanic White and non-Hispanic White individuals. METHODS: In this single institution, re...OBJECTIVE: We sought to examine possible differences in BCC characteristics and treatment patterns between two matched cohorts of Hispanic White and non-Hispanic White individuals. METHODS: In this single institution, retrospective matched cohort study, data from patients with biopsy proven BCC from June 2005 to May 2022 was collected. Demographic, BCC, and treatment characteristics were compared between Hispanic White and non-Hispanic White individuals using a Wilcoxon rank-sum test, for continuous and ordinal variables, and Fisher's exact test, for categorical variables. RESULTS: A total of 604 individuals with a diagnosis of biopsy-proven BCC were matched in a 1:1 fashion by age (± 0 years) and sex, based on self-identified ethnicity as Hispanic or non-Hispanic. Since all patients self-identified as White race, the two cohorts were labeled Hispanic White (n=302) and non-Hispanic White (n=302). The most frequent location for BCC was in the H area, 129 [42.7%] White Hispanic group vs 132 [43.7%] White non-Hispanic group (p = 0.87). In both Hispanic White and non-Hispanic White groups, the predominant subtype of BCC was the nodular (149 [50.2%] vs 164 [54.7%], p = 0.25). The median BCC pre-operative size in the Hispanic White group was 0.9 cm, whereas in the non-Hispanic White group, it was 1.0 cm (p = 0.004). Furthermore, the MMS defect size in the Hispanic White group had a median of 1.3 cm, while in the non-Hispanic White group, it was 1.6 cm (p < 0.001). LIMITATIONS: Retrospective design, single-center study, and self-reported race and ethnicity. CONCLUSION: Both groups had similar demographics, tumor features, treatments, and post-operative complications. Notably, preoperative lesion and MMS defect sizes were larger in non-Hispanic Whites than in Hispanic Whites, contrary to expectations. Despite assumptions of poorer skin cancer outcomes among Hispanics, our findings indicate increased sizes in non-Hispanic Whites. Given the diversity in genetics and clinical traits within ethnicities, especially Hispanics, more research is needed for precise insights into disease outcomes across diverse backgrounds.
Zundell MP, Perez-Chada L, Tapryal N
… +6 more, Gondo GC, Husni ME, Ball GD, Woodbury MJ, Merola JF, Gottlieb AB
J Clin Aesthet Dermatol
· 2024 Oct · PMID 39445325
OBJECTIVE: We sought to correlate the time lag between psoriatic arthritis (PsA) symptom onset and diagnosis to the likelihood and severity of depression, social impairment, and disease impact on quality of life. METHODS...OBJECTIVE: We sought to correlate the time lag between psoriatic arthritis (PsA) symptom onset and diagnosis to the likelihood and severity of depression, social impairment, and disease impact on quality of life. METHODS: This cross-sectional study conducted by the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) surveyed individuals with PsA using patient-reported outcome measures. RESULTS: The analysis cohort comprised 2,196 patients with PsA. Likelihood of depression progressively increased when time between PsA symptom onset and diagnosis was beyond six months (28.6% <6 months; 29.6% 7-12 months; 38.1% 13-24 months; 35.4% >2 years; <0.01). Individuals with more than six months delay reported increasingly higher rates of experiencing moderate limitation in social participation (22.9% <6 months; 29.2% 7-12 months; 34.0% 13-24 months; 35.3% >2 years; <0.001). Unacceptable PsA symptom rates (PsAID score >4) increased with time between PsA symptom onset and diagnosis (74.7% <6 months; 76.4% 7-12 months; 80.8% 13-24 months; 81.6% >2 years; <0.05). These relationships persisted in body mass index (BMI) and age adjusted models. LIMITATIONS: The study only includes participants who were active members of the NPF, and all data was self-reported. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that delays between PsA symptom onset and diagnosis that are greater than six months lead to increased likelihoods of depression, social disengagement, and impaired quality of life, and that longer delays lead to increasingly worse outcomes in these domains.