Hair serum reduces hair loss and boosts quality of life in women with telogen effluvium
Today’s report also covers research into vulvar & vaginal malignant melanomas and immune checkpoint inhibitors, scleromyxedema and breast-implant associated lymphoma, and more (1,480 words, 7 minutes)
Good morning, and welcome to the final issue for 2024 for the Women in Dermatology e-newsletter from Chronicle Companies. We’re happy 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
From everyone at Chronicle Companies, we wish you and your families an enjoyable holiday break, and a fantastic 2025. This newsletter will return on Jan. 9th.
Chronic telogen effluvium (CTE) is often characterized by excessive shedding and thinning of hair, which can significantly affect both physical appearance and emotional well-being. A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (Nov. 2024; 23(S5):12-21) evaluated the effectiveness and dermatologic tolerance of a hair serum containing three plant-derived active ingredients (Silybum marianum extract, Manganese PCA, and Lespedeza capitata extract) in treating CTE in women. The researchers found the hair serum was well tolerated and effective in reducing hair loss.
For this 16-week, open-label, two-arm, controlled, parallel-group study, the investigators allocated 64 women with CTE to either a treatment or a control group. Subjects in the treatment group were instructed to apply the serum to the scalp every day after shampooing, except after the last shampoo before a study visit. In contrast, participants in the control group used only a neutral shampoo. The authors evaluated the tolerance and efficacy of the serum at baseline and weeks four, eight, 12, and 16.
Photo by Joel Muniz
The results showed the serum was well tolerated, with most subjects reporting good dermatologic tolerance by week 16. The results also showed that the serum was effective in reducing hair loss. Furthermore, the treatment group showed significant improvements compared to the control group, with greater reductions in hair shedding, as assessed by hair pull tests at weeks eight and 16, and lower hair shedding observed during 60-second hair count tests. Additionally, more women in the treatment group reported decreased hair loss over the study period.
Participants in the treatment group also perceived improvements in hair volume, density, strength, and thickness. Additionally, they experienced reductions in depression, annoyance, and embarrassment related to their hair loss. These results suggest that the serum has a significant anti-hair loss effect and positively impacts the quality of life in women with CTE.
The Takeaway: The study found that a hair serum containing Silybum marianum extract, Manganese PCA, and Lespedeza capitata extract is well tolerated and effectively reduces hair loss in women with CTE. Participants in the treatment group experienced significantly less hair shedding than the control group and reported improvements in hair appearance and quality of life.
Assessing gender diversity in the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Fellowship leadership
Research in Dermatologic Surgery examined gender diversity within the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Cosmetic Dermatologic Surgery Fellowship Programs from 2013 to 2022. The researchers found that while the number of women in fellowship positions increased during this period, most of the fellowship directors were men, and gender disparities persisted.
For this study, the authors reviewed fellowship directors and fellows using online professional websites and biographies to determine gender. They found that most fellows were women, with an average yearly increase of +1.67 for men and +0.67 for women. However, most fellowship directors were men, with an annual rise of +1.56 for men and +0.44 for women. The study concluded that although there has been progress in gender representation, leadership positions remain male-dominated, and further research is needed to understand the underlying causes of this disparity and identify strategies for improvement.
Clinical features of vulvar and vaginal malignant melanomas and the effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors
A study in Melanoma Research examined the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in treating vulvar and vaginal melanomas (VVMs). The researchers found that ICIs significantly improved progression-free survival and overall survival in patients with VVMs compared to non-ICI treatments.
For this retrospective cohort study, the authors analyzed the clinical data of 28 patients diagnosed with vulvar melanoma (VuM) or vaginal melanoma (VaM) between Mar. 2005 and Dec. 2023. Most presented with stage II or III disease. ICIs were used in about 43% of VuM and 57% of VaM cases. The study found that overall survival for VuM and VaM patients was similar, with no significant difference between the two groups. Furthermore, in terms of efficacy, ICIs were associated with significantly longer progression-free survival and overall survival compared to non-ICI systemic therapies. The authors concluded that ICIs offer a promising treatment for advanced VVMs.
Scleromyxedema and breast-implant-associated lymphoma
A case study in Cureus described a 64-year-old woman with breast implants who presented with progressive skin lesions on her hands, elbows, and neck. The lesions, along with pain and swelling, were initially thought to be breast-implant-associated anaplastic large-cell lymphoma. However, biopsies revealed spindle cell proliferation with mucin deposition, leading to a diagnosis of scleromyxedema.
An extensive workup by rheumatology found negative rheumatoid factor, cryoglobulins, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide, serum protein electrophoresis, urine protein electrophoresis, and HIV testing. The patient was treated with corticosteroids, resulting in symptomatic relief at a follow-up visit a few months later. The authors highlight the rare association between lymphoma and scleromyxedema, emphasizing the need for close multidisciplinary follow-up.
The effect of corticosteroid phobia on treatment adherence and outcome in women with lichen sclerosus
A study published in the Journal of Lower Genital Tract Disease examined topical corticosteroid phobia among women with vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) and its effects on treatment adherence and outcomes. The researchers found that topical corticosteroid phobia was low among women with VLS and did not affect treatment adherence or outcomes. Furthermore, topical corticosteroid phobia did not affect the effectiveness of corticosteroid therapy, as treatment adherence remained high, and symptoms improved significantly regardless of topical corticosteroid phobia levels.
For this observational, prospective study, 50 adult patients with VLS underwent a 12-week corticosteroid treatment regimen between June 2022 and Sept. 2023. The participants completed the TOPICOP questionnaire to assess concerns about corticosteroid use, and baseline and 12-week assessments were conducted to evaluate VLS symptoms. Treatment adherence was monitored through diary entries. The results showed low median topical corticosteroid phobia scores, and 82.2% of participants adhered to the prescribed 12-week corticosteroid regimen. Treatment significantly improved VLS symptoms, and topical corticosteroid phobia levels did not influence adherence or therapeutic effectiveness.
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A case of chronic leg ulcerations and subcutaneous panniculitis due to dermal herpes zoster
A case study in the Journal of Cutaneous Pathology described a woman with systemic lupus on immunosuppressive therapy who presented with persistent lower extremity ulceration. Examination revealed diffuse dermal and endothelial infection with secondary panniculitis but no epidermal involvement. After further examination, the patient’s condition was diagnosed as atypical herpes zoster. The ulceration resolved after several weeks of valacyclovir treatment. The authors emphasize the importance of recognizing unusual herpes zoster presentations in immunocompromised patients to ensure accurate diagnosis and timely treatment.
“Everyone has their own individual skin/skin type. As a dermatologist it requires a lot of experience, knowledge and tact to create the right individual program for a patient. It takes time to get the right results.”
— Dr. Radmila Lukian, a Dubai-based dermatologist replying to a comment on her Instagram post as reported by E! News.
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