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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 dermatologists who treat 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
In dermatology, professionals constantly seek growth opportunities, community-building, and empowerment. Conferences and other events provide valuable platforms for networking, learning, and advancing their careers within the industry.
The fourth biennial Women in Dermatology Leadership Conference, organized by the Canadian Dermatology Association, was held at the Omni King Edward Hotel in downtown Toronto on April 5 and 6, 2024. The meeting featured dermatologist presentations on themes ranging from how artificial intelligence will impact their practices to the importance of using inclusive language and building a strong social media presence.
The plenary session began with a welcoming message from Drs. Régine Mydlarski and Ashley Sutherland, the co-chairs of the conference. Then, Drs. Juthika Thakur of Toronto and Shereene Idriss of New York City offered insights into using artificial intelligence (AI) to alleviate the administrative workload, draft compelling communication pieces, and build a social media community.
Dr. Thakur described how AI language models can generate chart summaries and assist in research or note-taking. She also explained how an AI image analysis model can assist in lesion classification, malignancy detection, and treatment response monitoring. Dr. Idriss, who has built an online community of more than three million followers across different platforms, discussed the importance of regularly and actively engaging with the public to build a real online community.
This newsletter will provide in-depth summaries of Dr. Thakur’s session and other presentation highlights in the coming editions.
From the literature on women in dermatology,
Facial adult female acne in China
A study published in Skin Research and Technology evaluated the acne characteristics of Chinese adult women using an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm. The researchers found that in this cohort, acne severity decreases after age 25, reaches a low between 40 and 44, and gradually increases. They also found that factors such as skin type, sensitivity, makeup use, diet, urbanization, weather, altitude, and radiation impact acne severity. Furthermore, the severity of blackheads, pores, dark circles, and skin roughness was associated with acne severity. For this study, the authors evaluated acne severity by analyzing patients’ selfies using a smartphone application powered by AI. Furthermore, they gathered participant information such as age, gender, skin sensitivity, and dietary habits.
Skin disorders in women with Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphisms
Research published in Current Medical Research and Opinion assessed the link between skin disorders and Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene variations. The researchers found a significant association between MTHFR gene variations and skin disorders. Specifically, psoriasis and acrochordons are common among women with MTHFR deficiency.
For this retrospective cohort study, the authors analyzed study cases from a pre-conceptional care program in which patients with poor obstetric history were evaluated for systemic disorders, including skin diseases. The final review included 472 women, and the researchers evaluated the impact of MTHFR polymorphisms on skin disorders. The results showed that MTHFR gene variations may contribute to skin disorders and poor obstetric history. These findings underscore the complex relationship between genetic factors and dermatologic health.
A study of the clinical patterns of hair loss in female patients
A study published in Clinical Dermatology Review evaluated the clinical patterns of hair loss in women. The researchers found that telogen effluvium was the most common cause of hair loss among women between 20 and 40 years old, with most of them experiencing hair loss over six weeks to six months without any comorbidities. The study included 120 female participants in a hospital-based descriptive study, where researchers gathered detailed medical histories, performed physical examinations, assessed the scalp and skin, and conducted clinical tests. Blood and urine tests, ultrasounds, X-rays and skin biopsies were performed when necessary. The results showed that most participants presented with diffuse hair loss, while few presented with scarring hair loss. Additionally, while most cases were not associated with concurrent illnesses, Covid-19 history was common among those with associated diseases.
Enhancing quality of life and sexual functioning in female androgenetic alopecia
Research in Healthcare examined the impact of stem cell treatment on quality of life (QoL) and sexual functioning in women with androgenetic alopecia (AGA). The researchers found that stem cell treatments, specifically autologous cellular micrografts, improve sexual dysfunction and QoL in women with AGA. The World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version and Female Sexual Function Index questionnaires were used before and six months after the treatment. The results showed a decrease in AGA severity after treatment. Additionally, sexual dysfunction improved significantly post-treatment for arousal and satisfaction. QoL scores improved regarding mental health and environment but not in physical health and social relationships.
VIDEO: Don’t miss these 15 signs of atopic dermatitis
Houston-based dermatologist Dr. Andrea Suarez, known as “Dr. Dray,” discusses signs of atopic dermatitis.
A case of recurrent bullous erythema multiforme due to oral contraceptive therapy
A case report in the International Journal of Women’s Dermatology described a 22-year-old woman who presented with severe sores on her lips, cheeks, and the roof and floor of her mouth. She also had raised pink bumps and blisters on her palms, hands, back, chest, and limbs. Additionally, she presented with vaginal redness and irritation, and conjunctivitis. A biopsy suggested lichenoid dermatitis. The patient was treated with methylprednisolone and azithromycin, which led to gradual improvement, but symptoms recurred after four months. Despite multiple treatments, including prednisone, empiric valacyclovir, dapsone, azithromycin, cyclosporine, methotrexate, and adalimumab, the patient continued to flare monthly. Eventually, she independently discontinued oral contraceptives, which resulted in symptom resolution. The patient remained symptom-free 20 months later.
“Leadership is an ongoing journey of growth and development, not just a destination. This journey involves embracing change, demonstrating resilience, empowering others, and navigating challenges, all while striving for work-life balance.”
— Dr. Regine Mydlarski, dermatologist, associate professor at the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary, and co-chair of the Canadian Dermatology Association’s 4th biennial Women in Dermatology Leadership Conference
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