Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology

OBJECTIVE: The condition of the skin can vary due to weather fluctuations. Therefore, this post-hoc analysis evaluated efficacy and safety of tazarotene 0.045% lotion in warmer versus colder months. METHODS: In two Phase III, double-blind, 12-week studies, participants aged nine years or older with moderate-to-severe acne were randomized 1:1 to once-daily tazarotene or vehicle lotion. The pooled population (N=1,614) was stratified by randomization date (warmer=May to September; colder=October to April)...

BACKGROUND: Polycaprolactone (PCL) threads are a novel treatment option for promoting collagen production and smoothing the skin. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of threads versus microneedling with autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of atrophic acne scars. METHODS: The study included 24 patients (12 females, 12 males) aged 20 to 37 years with atrophic acne scars. Each patient was treated in a split-face manner; a microneedling pen device was used to treat the right side with microneedling and PRP, whereas the left side was treated with threads...

OBJECTIVE: Isotretinoin is a widely used and clinically efficacious treatment for severe, recalcitrant, nodular acne vulgaris (AV). Clinicians are generally familiar with safety concerns regarding isotretinoin use, especially teratogenicity. However, there are specific "real-world" challenges with use of conventional formulations based on the original isotretinoin formulation, including poor solubility and food-dependent absorption requiring high fat intake with each dose. This review describes the development and use of new isotretinoin formulations and their potential to improve long-term outcomes in patients with AV...

BACKGROUND: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of hair-bearing intertriginous areas with a profound impact on quality of life. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine what barriers to treatment exist among both HS experts and non-experts. METHODS: An IRB-approved, anonymous, voluntary survey was distributed to dermatologists through the HS Foundation listserv from June to September 2021. RESULTS: Eighty-eight total responses were collected from 49 (55...

Prior research has shown that surgical plume released in ablative procedures poses significant health risks to providers. For dermatologists, the possibility of oropharyngeal human papillomavirus (HPV) inoculation from inhalation of viral particles released in smoke has been previously documented. Despite this, there are limited guidelines of health and safety protocols for physicians performing electrodesiccation or laser surgery and many providers are still not vaccinated against HPV. Due to the occupational risk of autoinoculation, we recommend that all dermatologists be vaccinated against HPV...

BACKGROUND: Although the effects of oral isotretinoin (OI) on acne vulgaris and preventing further acne scars have been well-documented, the specific impact of OI alone on pre-existing atrophic acne scars (AAS) remains unclear. No clinical study has objectively evaluated the effect of OI on AAS yet. OBJECTIVE: We sought to investigate the OI effect on AAS quantitatively and reliably by shear-wave elastography (SWE). METHODS: This work is a single-center, prospective and observational study...

BACKGROUND: Hypopigmented scars are challenging to treat due to a lack of effective treatments and often transient results. Recent reports suggest that prostaglandin analog-induced hyperpigmentation may have favorable dermatological applications. OBJECTIVE: Analyze previous studies involving the use of prostaglandin analogs in the treatment of hypopigmented scars. METHODS: PubMed/Medline was queried through 10/01/2022 with the following search terms: (bimatoprost AND scar), (latanoprost AND scar), (travoprost AND scar), (prostaglandin analogs AND hypopigmented scars), (PGF2alpha AND hyperpigmentation), (prostaglandin analogs AND hyperpigmentation)...

OBJECTIVE: A new formulation of benzoyl peroxide (E-BPO cream, 5%) entraps benzoyl peroxide (BPO) in silica microcapsules. This study assesses the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of E-BPO cream, 5%, in rosacea in two Phase III clinical trials. METHODS: In two 12-week, randomized, double-blind, vehicle cream-controlled Phase III trials, 733 subjects at least 18 years old with moderate to severe rosacea were randomized (2:1) to once-daily E-BPO cream, 5%, or vehicle...

No abstract text is available yet for this article.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to assess the long-term safety and tolerability of microencapsulated benzoyl peroxide cream, 5% (E-BPO cream, 5%), in subjects with rosacea. Efficacy and tolerability have been previously demonstrated in two 12-week, randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled Phase III trials. METHODS: In this open-label extension study (NCT03564145; clinicaltrials.gov), all subjects from the initial placebo-controlled Phase III trials could receive E-BPO cream, 5%, for up to an additional 40 weeks, up to a total of 52 weeks of E-BPO cream, 5%, exposure...

Cutaneous warts are benign epithelial lesions caused by human papillomavirus and are common entities, affecting nearly 10 percent of the United States population. While most warts spontaneously resolve, the immunocompromised are susceptible to recalcitrant warts which often require medical treatment. Most current therapies use either physical or chemical destruction for wart removal, but these treatments are associated with adverse effects. Intralesional vitamin D3 has the potential to demonstrate a stronger treatment response due to its ability to stimulate the immune system at the injection site via cell-mediated immunity...

No abstract text is available yet for this article.

Prior research has demonstrated that early treatment of port-wine birthmark (PWB) with pulsed dye laser (PDL) yields optimal patient outcomes. Given the known variations in practice patterns among dermatologists offering PDL, we conducted a cross-sectional analysis in order to determine the travel distance and time to practice locations offering PDL therapy for PWB among the pediatric population. We determined the travel time and distance from each county population center in the United States to the nearest PDL site using ArcGIS and linked the data to demographic characteristics in each census tract...

We report a retrospective chart review of 112 images submitted from 85 patients through the Epic electronic medial record to determine disposition of patient complaints and to estimate cost savings. The study represents a single practice at a tertiary care university practice. Sixty (53.6%) were resolved electronically. The remaining 52 (46.4%) were deemed to require an in-person office visit. Of the 60 electronically resolved, 23 (38.3%) involved reassurance of a self-limited condition while 37 (61.7%) involved prescription management...

Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a viral infection that affects primarily pediatric patients, sexually active young adults, and immunocompromised people of all ages. MC occurs all over the world, making up about one percent of skin disorders and appears to be increasing in prevalence. This cutaneous infection is often associated with atopic dermatitis and is typically self-limiting, although spontaneous resolution can take months to years. Many treatments exist, but only one-a drug-device product using topical cantharidin- is approved by the United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of MC...

It is not uncommon for dermatologists to utilize compounded drug formulations to address specific patient needs that cannot be met using commercially available drugs. Some dermatology practices may derive certain economic benefits and convenience for their patients by compounding formulations in-house. Compounded drugs are considered off-label; thus, they are not approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Oversight of compounding pharmacies and in-clinic compounding varies by state, although the FDA has issued guidance on compounding pharmacies and regulates outsourcing and 503(B) pharmacies...

It is important for dermatologists who treat molluscum contagiosum (MC) to be aware of documentation and coding requirements for reimbursement by insurance payors when treating patients with molluscum contagiosum (MC). For example, treating 15 or more MC lesions in one patient during a single visit is coded differently than treating fewer lesions. Additionally, MC reimbursement codes are specific to the area of the body being treated. In general, coding for MC destruction should be as specific as possible, with detailed documentation and photographs...

Despite its high global prevalence, molluscum contagiosum (MC) is not well understood outside of dermatology. Due to the potential self-limiting nature of MC, a common clinical approach in management is to wait for the papules to resolve spontaneously over several weeks to months, without medical intervention. However, this "watch and wait" approach increases risk of spreading the virus to others, extending the duration of the infection, and emergence of several psychosocial issues (e.g., anxiety, embarrassment, isolation)...

BACKGROUND: Melasma is a widespread condition that affects people of many ethnicities and is prevalent in the Middle East. To date, the therapeutic arsenal is still not effective, especially in countries with high ultraviolet light index. New treatment options are needed. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this pilot study was to assess the efficacy of topical tranexamic acid (TA) 2% combined with vitamin C 2% in the treatment of resistant melasma in the Mediterranean region...

OBJECTIVE: Atopic dermatitis (AD) management requires long-term use of drugs that come with side effects. Compounds such as xyloglucan (XG) and pea proteins (PP) are emerging alternatives to corticosteroids that have shown to restore skin barrier function in preclinical studies. This double-blind, parallel, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial investigated the efficacy and safety of XG and PP, in adult AD patients. METHODS: Fourty-two patients with AD were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive a XG+PP treatment or the vehicle without XG+PP twice/day for 14 consecutive days for assessment at baseline, Day 8 and Day 15; follow-up visit was 14 days after the end of treatment (Day 28)...