Counselling wound care for patients with hidradenitis suppurativa
Today’s report also covers research into dermo-cosmetic regimens for perimenopausal and menopausal women, the effects of sex on the comorbidities of alopecia areata, and more (1,359 words, 6 minutes)
The Women in Dermatology e-newsletter is supported without restriction by Galderma Canada
Good morning and welcome to the Women in Dermatology e-newsletter from Chronicle Companies. We’re pleased to have you join us. This biweekly bulletin will update you on new findings regarding dermatologic issues that affect women and the female dermatologists who care for them. We welcome your feedback and opinions, so let us know if you have any comments, observations, or suggestions. You can email them to us at health@chronicle.org
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, painful skin condition that disproportionally affects women, according to The Center for Women’s Integrated Health at the University of Chicago. Research published in the International Journal of Women’s Dermatology (Oct. 2023; 9(3):p e096) finds wound care in HS can be challenging, involving the management of both sudden flares and persistent wounds that require daily care. The study addressed the critical unmet needs regarding wound care for these patients. The main objective was to assess how dermatologists provide wound care counselling and recommend suitable products to individuals with HS.
For this study, the authors distributed an anonymous, multiple-choice, online questionnaire to 74 board-certified dermatologists practicing in the United States between Aug. and Oct. 2022. In total, 50 dermatologists completed the survey. Of the respondents, 38% self-identified as HS experts.
The results showed that 62% of dermatologists discuss wound care dressings, 74% discuss at-home management of acute HS flares, and 48% discuss clothing modifications with their patients. According to the authors, these findings suggest that the dermatology community does recognize the importance of wound care and management in HS patients.
The study also identified areas where patient education and care could be enhanced. Overall, 70% of dermatologists believed that HS patients were not well-informed about wound care practices, and 90% agreed that patients needed more comprehensive wound care education.
Another aspect of the study was the assessment of specific recommendations made by dermatologists for wound care products. The responses showed that 80% recommended abdominal pads, 76% gauze, and 52% menstrual pads as wound dressings. Regarding at-home flare care management, 76% recommended warm compresses, 50% bleach baths, and 28% zinc oxide. Additionally, warm compresses and bleach baths had the highest efficacy ratings for the management of flares.
Bottom line
The authors found an enhanced need for education and guidance regarding wound care in HS patients. They also found that even though most dermatologists counsel their patients regarding wound care, a significant number do not. The most common wound care recommendations included dressings such as abdominal pads or gauze and at-home treatments, including warm compresses and bleach baths.
Effects of sex and age on the comorbidities of alopecia areata
A study published in Health Science Reports explored the relationship between age, sex, and comorbidities in patients with alopecia areata (AA). The researchers found the prevalence of hypothyroidism, a common comorbidity among participants, was higher in women than in men. They also found a significant association between the type of alopecia and sex and that sex could influence comorbidities in AA patients.
For this cross-sectional study, the authors reviewed the clinical records of 402 AA patients. The result showed that the most common conditions associated with AA were anxiety, dermatitis, hypothyroidism, hyperlipidemia, and vitamin D deficiency.
Evaluation of adapted dermo-cosmetic regimens for perimenopausal and menopausal women
Research in Skin Research and Technology assessed the effectiveness of specialized anti-aging dermo-cosmetic products designed for perimenopausal and menopausal women. The researchers found that anti-aging products tailored to perimenopausal and menopausal women improve skin hydration, reduce wrinkles, and positively impact the quality of life.
This study included 101 perimenopausal women and 101 menopausal women not taking hormone replacement therapy. Each group followed a specific dermo-cosmetic regimen for 56 days. The regimens included day cream, night cream, and serum. The results showed that the participants experienced notable enhancements in the facial signs of wrinkles and vascular indicators, increased skin hydration and reduced transepidermal water loss.
Clinical features and biophysical characteristics of lips of South Asian women
A Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology study evaluated the clinical features and biophysical characteristics of the vermillion lip in South Asian women. The researchers found that lip texture and fine lines significantly increased from 20 to 40 years of age. At the same time, overall lip health declined with age, and the aging process led to increased levels of transepidermal water loss and lip dryness.
For this study, the authors evaluated the characteristics of the vermillion skin of 114 South Asian women between 20 and 45. The women were sorted into three groups according to their age group: 20s, 30s and 40s.The authors then measured the women’s lips’ dryness, roughness, fine lip lines, roughness of lip texture, hydration of lips, and barrier function. Results showed that roughness of lip texture, fine lines and dryness levels significantly differed between the three age groups.
Maternal pruritus gravidarum and its long-term effect on dermatologic morbidity in the offspring
A study in the Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine evaluated if children born to mothers with pruritus gravidarum (itching during pregnancy) are at increased risk of long-term dermatology-related hospitalizations. The authors found that children born to these mothers were more prone to experiencing long-term hospitalizations for dermatologic conditions.
For this retrospective cohort study, the researchers analyzed data on 356,356 single births between 1991 and 2021. They then compared children born to mothers with pruritus gravidarum to those born to mothers without this condition. Of the participants, 849 women were diagnosed with pruritus gravidarum during pregnancy. Hospitalization rates for dermatologic issues were higher for children of women with pruritus gravidarum.
VIDEO: How to treat hormonal acne with spironolactone
Dr. John Barbieri, a Boston-based dermatologist and acne expert, discusses the role of hormones in acne, how spironolactone can treat acne, and the appropriate use of spironolactone, including the best dose and common side effects.
A case of reticular erythematous mucinosis in an African woman with HIV infection
A case study published in Case Reports in Dermatology described a 30-year-old woman diagnosed with HIV who presented with irregular red patches with unclear edges on her chest, right shoulder, neck, and upper back. She had attempted various treatments over two years, but the lesions persisted and worsened. A physical exam revealed bluish hands and feet, a faint net-like pattern on her thighs, and small red spots on her fingertips that resembled vasculitis.
After a complete evaluation, including a biopsy and direct immunofluorescence (DIF), the patient was diagnosed with reticular erythematous mucinosis (REM). Her physicians prescribed hydroxychloroquine twice daily for two weeks, eventually changing to hydroxychloroquine in combination with topical tacrolimus and steroids once daily. The patient’s lesions resolved within three months of initiating the treatment and remained in remission in follow-ups over six years.
“I believe in making your skin work for you, so I only use products that are backed by science, with clinical studies to show positive changes under the microscope over time. Any moisturizer can make your skin look better temporarily by adding hydration and reflecting light, but I only use products that will create lasting benefits for my skin, via collagen and elastin synthesis and extracellular matrix maintenance. Acids are great to start with as they provide almost instant gratification with exfoliation. Every so often, I will also often swap or supplement with other actives from different brands to help amplify my routine.”
— Dr. Jessie Cheung, a dermatologist with practices in Chicago and New York City, in an interview with Real Simple magazine.
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