Category Archives: Dermatology

More Images of Patients With Psoriasis Are Needed in Published Studies – Dermatology Times

Well-demarcated plaques with silvery scale in chronic plaque psoriasis

Image courtesy of DermNet

Very few images of patients with psoriasis are depicted in published studies, according to one review. Including more images in scientific research would help to strengthen a patients perspective and understanding of what treatment effects can be expected.

This systemic review is published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment.1 In this review, the researchers aimed to measure the proportion of shared clinical images in psoriasis trials.

"Patients often find it challenging to grasp the core messages of scientific manuscripts, said Sam Polesie, associate professor at Sahlgrenska Academy, the University of Gothenburg's faculty of medicine, and lead author of the study, in a statement.2 The clinical results are most often described in something called PASI [psoriasis area severity index] values, which is a composite score for redness, scaling, induration, and distribution on predefined body areas.

Psoriasis is defined as a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory systemic disease, characterized by red and scaly plaques on the skin. Furthermore, the severity of psoriasis can range from mild to severe, in which advanced systemic therapies and biologics may be warranted.

In this study, randomized controlled trials involving biological agents for the treatment of psoriasis were searched from inception to October 26, 2021, using Embase, MEDLINE, and Scopus databases.

The search yielded a total of 1918 studies of which 192 were reviewed in full text, with 67 studies excluded for reasons such as wrong outcome, wrong publication type, wrong study drug, etc. In total, 152 studies with 62,871 patients were included in the review. Of these studies, 77% did not include photos of any patients at all. Additionally, the scientific manuscripts and all supplementary material featured a total of only 203 images of 60 patients, yielding an overall share rate [IQR] of 0.1% [0.3- 4.4].

Most of these patients (n = 51,857) were randomized in trials in the primary outcome. Among these patients, only 23 individuals were depicted in images. Furthermore, 5 medical journals with the highest number of randomized patients (n = 50,809) accounted for 80.8% of all individuals included in the review. These journals included the British Journal of Dermatology, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, and the New England Journal of Medicine.

However, the researchers acknowledged the study had some limitations, such as being restricted to studies involving biological agents for the treatment of psoriasis, only including apremilast, ciclosporin, deucravacitinib, dimethylfumarate, and methotrexate as comparative study drugs, and being restricted to studies in the English language.

Despite these limitations, the researchers believe the study supports greater use of patient images in clinical literature and manuscripts to boost patient understanding, compared with psoriasis area severity index and/or physical global assessment scores, which can be difficult to interpret.

The researchers also acknowledged that health care professionals are usually the target audience for these scientific publications. However, a patients rights to shared decision-making has become increasingly important and requires a paradigm shift to bridge the gap between clinical research and a patients understanding of their disease and treatment.

"We hope that this systematic review can serve as an invitation to the pharmaceutical industry and other sponsors, as well as journal editors and authors, to include more images in scientific publications, said Polesie in a following statement.2 Including more clinical images with our original manuscripts could better support patient involvement."

References

1. Polesie S, Alinaghi F, Egeberg A. A systematic review investigating at what proportion clinical images are shared in prospective randomized controlled trials involving patients with psoriasis and biological agents. Journal of Dermatological Treatment. 2023;34(1). doi:10.1080/09546634.2023.2281261

2. University of Gothenberg. Hardly any photos of patients with psoriasis in published studies. EurekAlert. November 20, 2023. Accessed December 18, 2023. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1008573.

[This article was originally published by our sister brand, the American Journal of Managed Care.]

Read the original:

More Images of Patients With Psoriasis Are Needed in Published Studies - Dermatology Times

Case Based Roundtables Part 2: Valorizing Topical Treatment Options for Patients With Vitiligo – Dermatology Times

Read Part 1 here.

Leading experts in vitiligo recently hosted a series of Dermatology Times Case-Based Roundtables in cities around the country to discuss approaches to complex cases, understand challenges across different age groups and skin types, and explore the conditions impact on patient well-being.

Roundtable hosts included Benjamin Lockshin, MD, FAAD, in Washington, DC; Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD, in Miami, Florida; Elizabeth Kiracofe, MD, FAAD, in Chicago, Illinois; James Song, MD, in Seattle, Washington; and Karan Lal, DO, FAAD, in Scottsdale, Arizona. Here are a few additional cases that the roundtable participants delved into.

A 35-year-old Whiteman with Fitzpatrick skin type II and vitiligo on multiple areas of his body, particularly the dorsal hands and forearms, was presented to Chicago roundtable participants. The focus was on unstable vitiligo, characterized by changing depigmented patches. The challenges that were discussed included managing the inflammation that causes vitiligo to worsen. The group reached a consensus on usingoral dexamethasone as the primary treatment for actively depigmenting or unstable vitiligo.

The patient, an outdoor enthusiast and guitarist, faced challenges with topical treatments due to lifestyle constraints. The discussion emphasized the significant benefits of light therapy for vitiligo, recommending sunlight exposure when possible or using specific narrowband wavelengths and UVB light boxes. The contradictory nature of advising careful sun protection while using ultraviolet radiation for treatment was highlighted.

The stability of vitiligo was discussed in terms of satellite lesions, sharp borders, and pigment network absence as markers of stability. The patient had previously used topical corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors but, due to his lifestyle, switched to topical ruxolitinib, which showed improvement in adherence and repigmentation.

The conversation touched on the challenges of obtaining insurance coverage for topical ruxolitinib despite its US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. The group shared experiences from different regions.

I know just from a policy perspective [that] there [are] still some states that consider vitiligo a cosmetic condition. But we all experienced that patients really like the vehicle of topical ruxolitinib and are seeing results with it. The biggest hesitation with using it issimply theres no hesitation with using it. The biggest [universal] pause was [that]...unfortunately, sometimes it can be hard to get covered, Kiracofe said.

Despite coverage difficulties, the group expressed the positive response from patients to topical ruxolitinib, emphasizing its importance as a novel therapy.

Lal presented a case involving a 51-year-old African American man with persistent depigmented patches, impacting his self-esteem. Despite considering topical ruxolitinib as the ideal treatment, Medicaid limitations categorized vitiligo as a cosmetic disease, hindering insurance coverage. The patient initially underwent alternative therapies, including topical steroids and tacrolimus, with minimal improvement.

In our discussion, most patients [of colleagues] were using topical mometasone and topical hydrocortisone 2.5% both in ointment formulations as topical steroids of choice for starting their treatment regimen for vitiligo, and including topical tacrolimus as steroid sparing therapy, where people alternate topical tacrolimus along with topical steroids to reduce the side effects from topical steroids specifically clench acacias, skin thinning, atrophy and stretch marks, Lal explained.

Challenges in accessing phototherapy due to Medicaid restrictions were also discussed. After 3 months, the patient received topical ruxolitinib, resulting in focused improvements on cosmetically sensitive areas. The discussion emphasized the success of topical ruxolitinib, but acknowledged challenges in insurance approval for Medicaid recipients. Side effects, specifically folliculitis with topical ruxolitinib, were addressed, emphasizing management strategies without discontinuing therapy. The discussion concluded with insights into prior authorization processes and the use of specific pharmacies for medication access. Overall, the Scottsdale roundtable participants expressed success with combination therapies and emphasized the need for a holistic approach in vitiligo management.

A 23-year-old African American man with Fitzpatrick skin type VI presented with deep pigmented patches on visible areas such as thehands, arms, neck, and face. The contrast between normal skin and vitiligo patches were particularly noticeable due to his dark complexion, impacting his quality of life, especially as an active sports enthusiast. The continued discussion in Seattle focused on treating patients with different skin colors, considering that darker skin may make vitiligo more noticeable.

Initial treatment involved topical corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors, with the addition of phototherapy when the response was limited. However, the patient developed extensive vitiligo involvement, prompting a shift to alternative treatments. Stable vitiligo was defined as 1 to 2years without new areas of vitiligo.

The panel discussed oral steroids as an option for unstable vitiligo, with varying dosing regimens. The patient received 12 weeks of weekly dexamethasone dosing, followed by repigmentation efforts. Later, due to the patients preference and difficulty with topical treatments, they switched to topical ruxolitinib.

Concerns were raised about the box warning associated with topical ruxolitinib, and the discussion highlighted strategies to communicate the warning to patients without causing undue alarm. Absorption rates of the topical form compared with the oral version were discussed, indicating lower systemic exposure and reduced risk of cumulative effects.

Access to topical ruxolitinib was a significant point of discussion, with practitioners sharing their experiences. Its important to make sure we always prescribe a topical corticosteroid and a topical calcineurin inhibitor. Then we document that this is nonsegmental vitiligo in the note, rather than segmental vitiligo, which topical ruxolitinib is not approved for, Song said.We alsoneed to be very clear when we write topical ruxolitinib for vitiligo. It shouldnt be greater than 10% BSA [body surface area], which is different than what we see with atopic dermatitis, which is no greater than 20% BSA.Sometimes if you mix those 2up, that can lead to a drug denial. Lastly, there are some payers that consider vitiligo to still be cosmetic, so sometimes they will deny ruxolitinib.... We talked about resources we can use to get these medications approved. The patient can get a passive letter of medical necessity that we can print out, [going] over why vitiligo is not a cosmetic disease.

Case-Based Roundtable moderators across the country reflected on 3 main take-home points to remain cognizant of when meeting a patient with vitiligo.

Read more:

Case Based Roundtables Part 2: Valorizing Topical Treatment Options for Patients With Vitiligo - Dermatology Times

Practical Approaches to Atopic Dermatitis: Real-World Case Analyses – Dermatology Times

Panelist:

Shawn Kwatra, MD

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Baltimore Maryland

Program Description:

An expert in dermatology provides insights from a case-based roundtable conversation, discussing the management of atopic dermatitis patients. They emphasize the complexities of the cases, the considerations regarding topical versus systemic treatments, and the administrative challenges associated with prior authorizations.

Segment Description:

Shawn Kwatra, MD, introduces a video program providing insights from a case-based roundtable conversation, discussing the management of atopic dermatitis across diverse age groups and skin types. The discussion centers on understanding the complexities of the presented cases, the considerations regarding topical versus systemic treatments, and the administrative challenges associated with prior authorizations.

Here is the original post:

Practical Approaches to Atopic Dermatitis: Real-World Case Analyses - Dermatology Times

Schweiger Dermatology Group Expands into South Florida with Locations in West Palm Beach and Miami Beach – Tullahoma News and Guardian

State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada

Zip Code

Country United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe

See original here:

Schweiger Dermatology Group Expands into South Florida with Locations in West Palm Beach and Miami Beach - Tullahoma News and Guardian

Receding Hairline: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments – Men’s Health

NOTICING THAT YOUR HAIR is looking a little thin on top? Or that your hairline seems to be getting higher and higher? These are signs of a

And, its pretty common. By age 35, about two-thirds of men will experience some kind of hair loss, according to the American Hair Loss Association. By the time you reach 50, about 85 percent of men have thinner hair.

A receding hairline refers to hair loss or thinning at the top of the forehead and front of the scalp, explains Jeremy Brauer, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon at Spectrum Skin and Laser in New York.

He adds that receding hairlines can be caused by genetics, hormones, stress, overall health, and some lifestyle habits.

When your hair starts to recede, your self-esteem may take a hit. Fortunately, there are several treatments that can help minimize hair loss and even help with hair regrowth. Usually, you need to see a dermatologist to get the right treatment.

If you are experiencing hair thinning or hair loss, a dermatologist will conduct a thorough consultation, including a review of personal and family history, medical, surgical, social, medication, and allergy history, Dr. Brauer says.

The doctors visit will also include a scalp exam and lab work or other tests to determine the health of your hair and a possible cause for your receding hairline. That helps doctors recommend the best treatment.

Here, dermatologists discuss the common signs of a receding hairline, the most common causes, and possible treatments.

Thinning hair and hair loss are the most common ways hairlines recede, says John Kahen, M.D., chief surgeon, hair transplant specialist, and founder of Beverly Hills Hair Restoration. Receding hairlines may look different from person to person, and they can range from mild to severe, where you become bald.

Some symptoms include:

Receding hairlines often happen in stages, especially if you have male pattern hair baldness, which is common.

Many people first experience thinning hair at the front of their hairline, starting at the temple, before losing the hair completely, Dr. Kahen says. The hair may become patchy or thinner than it was originally.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, there are several stages of male pattern baldness:

Several factors can cause your hairline to recede, including:

Also referred to as male pattern baldness or androgenic alopecia, this is the most common cause of a receding hairline in people born male, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. It can be caused by age, genetics, and hormones.

High levels of the sex hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the hair follicles can contribute to thinning hair and eventual hair loss, says Amy Huang, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist with Medical Offices of Manhattan and contributor to LabFinder.

High DHT levels can also shorten your hair growth cycle, lead to hair shedding and brittle hair, and slow hair growth, Dr. Brauer says.

Smokers may be predisposed to a receding hairline because of the oxidative stress smoking has on your hair follicles, Dr. Kahen says. Research suggests that smoking can change the growth cycle of hair follicles, contributing to hair loss. When you quit smoking, you reverse the receding hairline.

Going overboard with hair care might contribute to a receding hairline, Dr. Brauer says. If youre harsh with your hair, the physical force may cause it to fall out.

Heat styling, using too many chemicals, coloring, or aggressive washing or styling may lead to hair loss.

Emotional stress or the stress related to an injury or surgery may impact your hair and cause hair loss, Dr. Brauer says.

Some health problems, including hypothyroidism, hormonal disorders, or malnutrition, might cause a receding hairline, Dr. Huang says. Infectious diseases or autoimmune disorders can also be contributors, Dr. Brauer adds.

Dr. Brauer says hair loss may result from a poor diet. Vitamin B12, riboflavin, biotin, and folate deficiencies have been linked with hair loss. Research in mice suggested that obesity may induce cellular stress that can trigger hair thinning.

Early treatment is crucial for a receding hairline. Dr. Brauer says long-term treatment is usually necessary to prevent additional hair loss. These are the most common treatments:

Many people start with the over-the-counter treatment Minoxidil to help with their hair loss, Dr. Huang says.

This topical treatment usually works best to treat early-stage hair loss, Dr. Kahen says. Its usually effective at preventing hair loss and increasing hair thickness.

Its believed that Minoxidil increases blood flow to hair follicles, increasing hair growth, he explains. But, the AAD says its unlikely to spur full hair regrowth.

Finasteride has been shown to slow hair loss, and some people see hair regrowth when they start taking it at the first signs of hair loss, according to the AAD.

The results arent always permanent, Dr. Kahen says. The medication is meant to be taken long-termif you stop taking it, your hair loss may recur.

Sometimes, finasteride is prescribed along with minoxidil,

Low-level light therapy and microneedling can stimulate hair growth in the areas where its thinning, Dr. Kahen says. Lasers can boost cell growth in hair follicles. Microneedling creates tiny injuries to the skin and heightens the skins natural healing response, which may help regrow hair.

This procedure involves drawing blood, placing it in a machine to separate the red blood cells from plasma, and then injecting it into your scalp, according to the AAD. This helps regulate hair growth and thicken hair. Its not a permanent solution, though.

Doctors might prescribe corticosteroids for hair loss caused by autoimmune conditions, says Dr. Brauer. These drugs may reduce inflammation, counteract the effects of the disease, and allow hair to grow.

A hair transplant is a permanent treatment for hair loss. Dr. Kahen says its the best option when youre genetically predisposed to hair loss. It can take several months to see results, however.

Vitamins and supplements that claim to help with hair loss could help with hair regrowth, but Dr. Brauer says most havent been studied. The effectiveness depends on whats causing the receding hairline, and they may work best when caused by a vitamin deficiency, Dr. Kahen says.

Still, many dermatologists recommend some over-the-counter hair supplements, including Nutrafol, Viviscal, and Isdin, Dr. Huang says.

The earlier, the better, Dr. Kahen says.

I recommend seeing a dermatologist or trichologist for a receding hairline as soon as you begin experiencing symptomsif it is something thats bothering youso, you can begin preventative measures as soon as possible, he adds.

Erica Sweeney is a writer who mostly covers health, wellness and careers. She has written for The New York Times, HuffPost, Teen Vogue, Parade, Money, Business Insider and many more.

Read this article:

Receding Hairline: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments - Men's Health

Podcast CE: Ophytrium in Dermatology: When, where and whys of using Douxo S3 topical therapies – DVM 360

Program Description

During this podcast, we will discuss the innovative new science behind the DouxoS3 line by Ceva specifically focused the new to veterinary medicine active ingredient, Ophytrium.We will discuss the basics of cutaneous structure aka the epidermal barrier function as well as the cutaneous immune system and response and finally the cutaneous microbiome.These 3 different systems all play a role in many different dermatologic diseases which plague our veterinary patients.

Read the original post:

Podcast CE: Ophytrium in Dermatology: When, where and whys of using Douxo S3 topical therapies - DVM 360

POLL: Which Skin Cancer Drug Recently Received a Complete Response Letter From the FDA? – Dermatology Times

Which skin cancer drug recently received a Complete Response Letter from the FDA?

All 3 drugs listed in this poll have recently made appearances in the news for various reasons.

Moderna and Merck recently announced follow-up data from the phase 2b randomized KEYNOTE-942/mRNA-4157-P201 study, a clinical trial evaluating mRNA-4157 (V940), an investigational individualized neoantigen therapy, in combination with pembrolizumab (Keytruda), Merck's anti-PD-1 therapy, in patients with resected high-risk melanoma (stage III/IV) following complete resection.

V940 plus pembrolizumab also continued to demonstrate a meaningful improvement in distant metastasis-free survival, compared with pembrolizumab alone, reducing the risk of developing distant metastasis or death by 62%.

Read more from Dermatology Times here.

Additionally, AiViva Biopharma recently announced positive and promising data from its phase 1/2 clinical trial of AIV001 (Axitinib), a novel intradermal treatment, in patients with basal cell carcinoma.

It is exciting and important to have AiViva Biopharma develop a drug, with a new mechanism of action, that has the potential to treat BCC that avoids surgery, said Brian Berman, MD, PhD, in a press release. Berman is Professor Emeritus of DermatologyandDermatologicSurgery at The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

Read more from Dermatology Times here.

Checkpoint Therapeutics, Inc. faces a delay in the approval process for its cosibelimab biologic license application (BLA) following the issuance of a complete response letter (CRL) by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The CRL specifically points to issues uncovered during an FDA inspection of Checkpoint's third-party contract manufacturing organization.

Notably, no concerns were raised regarding clinical data, safety, or labeling.

James Oliviero, President and CEO of Checkpoint, remains optimistic, stating that the company aims to address the deficiencies in a resubmission, anticipating marketing approval for cosibelimab in 2024.

Reference

U.S. Food and Drug Administration Issues Complete Response Letter for COSIBELIMAB solely due to inspection findings at third-party manufacturer. Checkpoint Therapeutics, Inc. December 18, 2023. Accessed December 19, 2023. https://ir.checkpointtx.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/111/u-s-food-and-drug-administration-issues-complete-response

Originally posted here:

POLL: Which Skin Cancer Drug Recently Received a Complete Response Letter From the FDA? - Dermatology Times

How to Treat Textured Skin, According to Dermatologists – Prevention Magazine

Searching for a smooth, bump-free complexion? Figuring how to get rid of textured skin is the best place to start. If your skin is full of highs and lows (literally), youve likely searched at-home solutions like acne treatments, anti-aging creams, the best face exfoliators, and beyondbut these can only do so much. Ahead, our experts share the best tips to help you get even, smoother skin.

Meet the experts: Marisa Garshick, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York; and Lesley Clark-Loeser, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Precision Skin Institute.

Textured skin can refer to a number of skin conditions, but in general it refers to skin that may feel raised, bumpy, or uneven, explains Marisa Garshick, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York. This can be a result of breakouts, clogged pores, fine lines and wrinkles, acne scarring, rough, dry or irritated skin, as well as pores.

You can tell if you have uneven skin texture by the way your skin looks and feels. If you can see or feel any sort of bumpy or otherwise raised areas while applying your skincare products or makeup, this may be an indicator of textured skin.

Some are more prone to experience textured skin than others, and your skin type may determine what type of texture you have, Dr. Garshick explains. For example, those with oily skin may experience clogged pores and breakouts leading to more textural changes, while those with dry skin may experience rough, flaky patches that contribute to changes in texture. Additionally, those with mature skin tend to experience things like fine lines and wrinkles, which can contribute to the skins overall texture, Dr. Garshick explains.

While there are a slew of products and treatments that can make skin feel more even, there really is no specific secret weapon or a one-size-fits-all all solution for textured skin, as its causes can be quite varied, says Lesley Clark-Loeser, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Precision Skin Institute. The key is knowing your skin or consulting with a dermatologist to help you understand your skin type and tailor a routine that is ideal for you. In addition to discovering the cause of your skin texture, consider the below options for a smoother complexion.

For many causes of textured skin, the skincare products you apply can mean the difference between a smooth and bumpy complexion. For example, those who struggle with dry skin or dry patches should focus on using hydrating, moisturizing ingredients while those with acne should focus on using proven acne-fighting ingredients like exfoliating acids, benzoyl peroxide, or retinoids/retinol, Dr. Garshick says. For those who experience texture due to sun damage, fine lines, or wrinkles, at-home use of exfoliating acids, and products that induce collagen production like retinoids and growth factors can help smooth the skin, explains Dr. Clark-Loeser.

If you arent satisfied with the results of at-home efforts to smooth skin, consider speaking to your dermatologist about professional skincare treatments, including:

Below, find some of the most common causes of textured skin to help you figure out how to best care for your complexion:

Rosacea, a skin condition, is a common reason for textured skin in adults and young adults, explains Dr. Clark-Loeser. In fact, the skin condition, characterized by flushed skin (usually on the cheeks) and bumps or pimples, affects more than 14 million Americans. Dr. Clark-Loeser suggests a less is more approach to treating rosacea via gentle products. Products containing niacinamide and sulfur soap can be particularly helpful.

Milia, which appear as small white or yellow papules are a type of cyst that appears on the skin due to trapped dead skin, Dr. Garshick explains. While certain people may be more susceptible than others, it can occur in all ages, genders, races and ethnicities. Exfoliating acids and retinol/retinoids may be effective at preventing milia, but seeing your dermatologist for manual extraction is often the best way to have milia removed.

Whether due to your skin type or from environmental factors, dry skin can contribute to less smooth and even possibly bumpy skin, Dr. Clark-Loeser explains. Extreme temperatures and humidity, like cold temperatures with low humidity or hot climates with either very low or high humidity can challenge the barrier function of the skin, resulting in inflammation and dryness. There are lots of dry skin treatments, like using mild cleansers, the best moisturizers for dry skin, and gentle facial exfoliants.

Blackheads and whiteheads are types of breakouts known as comedones and may occur when the pores become clogged, Dr. Garshick says. Blackheads, or open comedones, appear darker because the clogged pore is open to the air which causes oxidation. Whiteheads, or closed comedones, are not open to the air, appearing lighter in color. The best way to treat blackheads and whiteheads is with the use of retinoids, as well as exfoliating acids to help prevent the buildup of dead skin, Dr. Garshick says.

In addition to blackheads and whiteheads (which are non-inflammatory acne), inflammatory acne like papules and pustules, also contributes to textured skin. This type of acne results from a combination of oil, inflammation, bacteria, and buildup of dead skin cells. Garshick recommends using acne-fighting ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinoids.

A common result of mild to severe acne, acne scars also contribute to textural changes as scars may be raised or depressed, Dr. Garshick says. In some cases, the treatment may include lasers or microneedling to help boost collagen production or steroid injections to help flatten keloid or hypertrophic scars.

While fine lines and wrinkles are normal, they may become more pronounced with age and lead to textural changes in the skin, explains Dr. Garshick. Luckily, if these visible signs of aging bother you, there are a variety of treatments to help smooth the skin, like at-home use of retinoids, peptides, growth factors, and sun protections, as well as in-office procedures including neuromodulators (like Botox) and lasers, Dr. Garshick adds.

According to Dr. Clark-Loeser, Accumulated sun damage, with or without precancerous lesions, can also contribute to overall skin texture. In addition to causing fine lines, wrinkles, and sun spots, sun damage can cause other textural changes like rough patches and loose skin, per the American Academy of Dermatology Association. Treat sun damage with the same topicals you would use on fine lines and wrinkles (with an emphasis on SPF), says Dr. Clark-Loeser, and schedule a visit with your dermatologists to rule out skin cancer and find out your options for in-office skin smoothing procedures.

Sometimes it can be hard to avoid a bit of skin texture every once in a while, but following a skincare routine tailored to your skin type and concerns can go a long way toward mitigating the many causes of textured skin. Consider using topical exfoliating acids (like glycolic acid or salicylic acid) to buff away dryness and dead skin, and always be sure to use at least SPF 30 to prevent sun damage and skin cancer, Dr. Clark-Loeser and Dr. Garshick note.

The texture of your skin does tend to change with age. This occurs due to the loss of collagen which causes changes in skin texture leading to fine lines, wrinkles, as well as enlarged pores, Dr. Garshick explains.

Shannen Zitz is an Assistant Editor at Prevention, where she covers all things lifestyle, wellness, beauty, and relationships. Previously the Editorial Assistant at Prevention, she graduated from the State University of New York at Cortland with a bachelor's degree in English. If shes not reading or writing, you can probably find her frequenting the skincare and makeup forums on Reddit or hogging the squat rack at the gym.

Karan Lal, D.O., F.A.A.D., is a native New Yorker now living in Scottsdale, Arizona. He practices in both Scottsdale and New York. Dr. Lal is the only double fellowship trained pediatric and cosmetic dermatologist in the USA. He is a key opinion leader and international speaker with interests including social media medicine, LGBTQ health, eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo, laser surgery, melasma, and soft tissue augmentation. He is the chair of the social media committee for the Society of Pediatric dermatology and is on the ASDS DEI committee. Dr. Lal is often seen either on the news, at F45, or playing with his parrot Maui.

Read the rest here:

How to Treat Textured Skin, According to Dermatologists - Prevention Magazine

Dermatology decoded with Dr. Davin Lim – manilastandard.net

With the number of popular ingredients and buzzwords these days, it can be overwhelming to do research and digest skincare information. Its a good thing Dr. Davin Lim, a board-certified dermatologist based in Brisbane, Australia, provides bite-sized content on social media and the video streaming platform YouTube for a better understanding of dermatology.

Dr. Lim veers away from the often jargon-heavy side of the field, making it easier for regular individuals to grasp essential information about skincare. He stands out not only for his medical expertise but also for his ability to demystify dermatology for non-medical audiences. He turns it from an intimidating subject into one that everyone can comprehend and navigate, very much like a friend casually discussing things with you.

With a mission to cut out the hype and mystery of the skin care industry, Dr. Lim has become a trusted voice in the field, providing valuable skincare insights. From dissecting the intricacies of various skincare products to sharing do-it-yourself (DIY) techniques and delving into the world of advanced skin procedures like lasers, peels, injectables, and surgery, Dr. Lim covers it all with the mission to share useful information.

In a one-on-one interview during his visit to the country earlier this month, Dr. Lim helped me understand the new technology of a power duo Potenza RF microneedling and the AnteAGE MDX Exosome Solution. He described the new treatment as a step up from microneedling.

Were using needles, very fine microneedles. Were adding something called radio frequency and it generates heat. Heat, itself, does wonderful things for the skin. It can remodel scarring, tighten up the skin, reduce wrinkles, and treat large pores as well.

In the Philippines, the services are offered at the Facial Care Centre at GT Tower in Makati.

Dr. Lim explained that Potenza Radio Frequency (RF) microneedling seamlessly combines two established methods for rejuvenating the skin: microneedling for mechanical stimulation, initiating skin renewal, and monopolar radio frequency energy for thermal stimulation, enhancing neocollagenesis or the process of creating new collagen. Essentially, it integrates controlled heat energy into the microneedles, providing a dual impact of youth-enhancing benefits to the skin.

The ideal combination to the Potenza procedure is the AnteAGE MDX Exosome Solution, ensuring optimal outcomes by guiding your cells to naturally promote skin regeneration, alleviate inflammation, and stimulate healthy collagen growth, effectively reversing the aging process of the skin.

What are exosomes?

Exosomes, lipid nanoparticles released by cells, serve as messengers to communicate with other cells, playing a vital role in overseeing biological processes within the body. In the context of the skin, this implies that exosomes play a key role in signaling the skin to engage in beneficial actions such as increasing the production of healthy collagen, reducing inflammation, and promoting skin renewal.

AnteAGE MDX Exosome Solution is a unique treatment that combines exosomes from human bone marrow and umbilical cord stem cells, known for their anti-inflammatory and healing properties. This high-quality and pure formula stands out as a potent exosome treatment unlike any other.

If theres one thing Dr. Lim said that stuck with me, it would be the major skincare rule he swears by Be intentional. Everything that you put on [your skin] should be thoughtful. If you want to change, pick an ingredient for your concerns, Dr. Lim shared. The biggest mistake I see is people just using too much stuff. If youre focused on using one or two things according to your concern and be very precise with your skincare, youll get your skincare goals a lot better than trying everything.

- Advertisement -

More:

Dermatology decoded with Dr. Davin Lim - manilastandard.net