Journal of Drugs in Dermatology : JDD

BACKGROUND: Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) exhibits inhibitory effects on the neuromuscular junction, and its use is well established in cosmetic dermatology. Our review aims to analyze the evidence for its use in the treatment of various dermatological, neurological, gastroenterological, ophthalmological, otorhinolaryngological, dental, urological, gynecological, and cardiovascular disorders. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed for studies published between 2012 and 2022 that discussed the therapeutic use of BoNT in human participants...

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.

BACKGROUND: Photoaging due to cumulative lifetime ultraviolet light exposure is the greatest contributing factor to facial aging. With the continued growth of the population of individuals aged ≥65 years and over, demand for safe and effective photoaging treatments will likely increase. METHODS: This qualitative review provides an overview of efficacy and safety of over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription topical treatments for photoaging, including recent data from an investigator-initiated trial of the topical retinoid tazarotene...

BACKGROUND:   Dermal fillers containing calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) are categorized as biostimulatory. However, differences in CaHA biomaterial likely affect the resultant induction of collagen synthesis, and variability in microsphere shape and size likely influences a patient’s immune response. This study compares 2 CaHA based fillers: one suspended in carboxymethylcellulose (denoted "CaHA/CMC"), and one crosslinked with 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether to hyaluronic acid (denoted "CaHA/HA")...

Onychomycosis is a prevalent condition affecting the United States and global population. Treatment options are limited, with only 3 topical anti-fungal medications garnering approval in the US within the last 25 years: ciclopirox, tavaborole, and efinaconazole. The economic impact and quality of life burden due to onychomycosis are high. Here we provide an up-to-date review of all approved topical anti-fungal therapies for toenail onychomycosis. We discuss treatment efficacies, pharmacology, and use in special populations, as well as current evidence for complementary and alternative medicine...

Regenerative aesthetics aims to restore the structure and function of aging skin. Two products, Radiesse (CaHA) and NCTF 135 HA (micronutrient mesotherapy) have been established as minimally invasive treatments that restore the structure and function of various skin components. It has been anecdotally observed by the authors, however, that some patients respond suboptimally to regenerative treatments without a clear indication as to why. It was hypothesized that micronutrient deficiencies in some patients may contribute to their lack of responsiveness and that a concurrent delivery of amino acids and co-enzymes may create a nutritional reservoir necessary for optimal protein synthesis...

PURPOSE: A rise in market demand for anti-aging skin care products has resulted in a proliferation of cosmeceuticals, including products that contain vitamin C. Many topicals containing vitamin C claim to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. However, these claims have not been systematically evaluated. METHODS: A systematic review of literature published between January 2015 and September 2022 was performed per PRISMA guidelines. Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed were queried for records relevant using the following Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms: “Topical Vitamin C OR Ascorbic acid”, “Vitamin C efficacy”, “dermatology”, “cosmetology”, and “skin anti-aging”...

BACKGROUND: Age-related changes in body skin are emerging as important therapeutic targets. A novel topical firming and toning body lotion (FTB) has been developed to target multiple pathways involved in body skin rejuvenation. METHODS: FTB was evaluated in a randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled, 12-week study in women (N=54) with mild to moderate lack of firmness on the upper arms and mild to moderate cellulite on the thighs. Investigator clinical assessments, instrumentation evaluations, and patient questionnaires were performed...

Onjectives: To evaluate the long-term efficacy and tolerance of an anti-aging daily serum (AADS) when used twice-daily over 12 weeks by women with moderate skin fatigue and overall photodamage. The treatment targeted rejuvenation and prejuvenation of the facial skin. Method: This was an institutional review board (IRB)-approved, randomized, single-center, double-blinded, vehicle-controlled (VC) study involving healthy subjects. Seventy female subjects were recruited aged 30 to 60 years old, Fitzpatrick skin types I to VI, with moderate overall photodamage, facial skin dullness, and skin firmness...

Sensitive skin (SS) is a common patient complaint; however, there are no consistent guidelines to guide dermatologists' approaches to diagnosis and management of SS. Attendees of an international dermatology conference were surveyed to gauge dermatology providers' experiences and perspectives on SS. Survey results suggest that although the definition and diagnosis of SS are ambiguous, SS is increasingly being considered as a unique condition. Patients are commonly seeking dermatologic care for SS; however, dermatologists identified challenges with diagnosis, counseling patients, selecting products or medications, and assessing clinical improvement...

Dermatoporosis as a disease entity is relatively newly described, the title conceived as recently as 2007. The background of chronic skin fragility, bruising, and atrophy appears to start in some patients as early as their mid-forties, but is full blown over the age of 65 years. The dehydration and fragility of the skin with recurrent bruising and breakdown were initially attributed to increased vessel fragility and permeability thought to be associated with inherent vascular tissue defects in a milieu of increased inflammation and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation...

BACKGROUND: Alopecia areata (AA) is a debilitating autoimmune disease that results in non-scarring hair loss. Baricitinib is the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved treatment for AA.  Objective: Review the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, efficacy, and safety of baricitinib in the treatment of AA.  Methods: A literature review was conducted using the MEDLINE (PubMed) and EMBASE databases for articles published between January 2010 to November 2022...

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common cause of hair loss in men and has limited treatment options. Minoxidil is a common therapeutic option for AGA patients because of its availability. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a newer option in AGA management with promising results that may be suitable for some patients. Despite a great prevalence of AGA outside the United States and Europe, there remains limited studies on the efficacy of PRP for AGA treatment. Our study's objective was to compare the efficacy of PRP and minoxidil therapy for the treatment of AGA in a Pakistani population...

BACKGROUND: Defensins recruit leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 6 positive (Lgr6+) stem cells which ultimately regenerate new basal stem cells, healthy keratinocytes, and nascent hair follicles. Thus, defensins are an exciting, novel therapy for the reversal of skin aging. METHODS: This is a multicenter, prospective, open-label clinical trial. Twenty healthy subjects, aged 45-80, with Fitzpatrick skin types II-IV were enrolled in the study...

BACKGROUND: Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) is a rare disease that causes disabling cutaneous photosensitivity with pain and burning sensations. In 2019, afamelanotide, an α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone analogue, was approved in the United States for treatment of EPP. In this study, patients receiving afamelanotide filled out questionnaires assessing the benefit of treatment. Outcomes measured included: return to normal activities, experience of phototoxic reactions, effect on patient confidence, and more...

BACKGROUND: To meet the unique needs of aging skin of the neck, a new neck cream that enhances nitric oxide availability has been developed to visibly improve signs of aging and overall quality of skin. METHODS: The primary objective of this dual center, open label clinical trial was to assess the efficacy and tolerability of the new neck cream applied twice daily over 12 weeks in aging women with mild-to-moderate lines and wrinkles of the neck (Group 1, N=26). A second group with mild-to-moderate lines and wrinkles and photodamage of the neck and décolleté (Group 2, N=10) applied the neck cream (AM/PM) in combination with a double-conjugated retinoid/alpha hydroxy acid (AHA-Ret; PM) to both the neck and décolleté over 12 weeks...

The current US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) indications for baricitinib include alopecia areata, rheumatoid arthritis, and COVID-19. However, increasing evidence indicates that baricitinib is effective in treating a variety of dermatological conditions. This review article comprehensively presents the available literature on this topic and will be of interest to practitioners in the field. These disorders may be broadly classified as connective tissue diseases, eczematous dermatoses, alopecias, vascular disorders, granulomatous diseases, neutrophilic dermatoses, vitiligo, psoriasis, lichenoid disorders, and other miscellaneous disorders...

BACKGROUND: Conflicting evidence exists regarding the role of race in access to biologics for patients with psoriasis. OBJECTIVE: To compare biologic use among adult and pediatric United States psoriasis patients of different racial backgrounds. METHODS: Population-based study of US psoriasis patients using the 2003 to 2018 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). RESULTS: Among 31,525,500 adults and children with psoriasis (weighted), 3,026,578 (9...

BACKGROUND: Variations in the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and disease course in skin of color (SOC) atopic dermatitis (AD) patients have been reported that may impact treatment approach and skincare recommendations. METHODS: The project used a modified Delphi hybrid process comprising face-to-face discussions and an online review process. A panel of physicians (advisors) who treat SOC patients with AD used information from literature searches, expert opinions, and their experience to develop a practical algorithm to improve outcomes for SOC patients with AD...

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.