The Women in Dermatology e-newsletter is supported by an unrestricted grant from Galderma Canada
Good morning and welcome to the Women in Dermatology e-newsletter from Chronicle Companies. We are pleased to have you join us. Every two weeks, this bulletin will provide you with updates 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
Avocados are a rich source of carotenoids, monounsaturated fatty acids and phenolic compounds. Some clinical studies have demonstrated that the consumption of carotenoids can improve skin aging. However, no studies have investigated whether the consumption of avocado specifically can reduce skin aging.
A recent pilot study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (Jan. 2022)assessed whether consuming eight weeks of daily avocado could reduce skin aging in healthy, overweight women. The authors state that while obesity has been studied thoroughly, little attention has been paid to this condition’s effect on skin characteristics. Previous research suggests that the presence of adipocytes in subcutaneous fat is associated with a decrease in skin elasticity. The size of adipocytes correlates inversely with dermal elastic fibre abundance. For this reason, the authors of the new study selected women with increased waist circumference as subjects.
For this trial, 39 adult women with Fitzpatrick skin types II-IV were randomly assigned to eat one avocado daily or continue their regular diet for eight weeks. Cutometer measurements taken on the forehead and under the eyes measured the elasticity, firmness, pigmentation, sebum, and skin moisture. Additionally, minimal erythema dose (MED) was determined by a standardized protocol on the patients’ inner arms.
The researchers found the “avocado group” had enhanced elasticity and firmness at the forehead compared to baseline after eight weeks. They also found that when comparing the avocado group to the control, the avocado group had a significant increase in forehead skin firmness from baseline to week eight. Although increases in melanin and erythema were observed in both groups over time, they found no difference in moisture, pigmentation, sebum, or UVB resistance between the avocado and control groups.
Bottom line
The authors conclude that daily consumption of avocado may lead to enhanced elasticity and firmness of facial skin in healthy women. The study’s findings show that eating avocado can effectively improve firmness and elasticity and reduce the appearance of stretch marks on the forehead skin and under the eye. Further studies of other skin locations are required to establish the connection between avocado consumption and skin aging.
Cetaphil, a leader in sensitive skincare, is hosting the first Sensitive Skin Awareness Month, a digitally focused global awareness campaign designed to arm consumers with science-backed guidance on identifying and caring for sensitive skin of all kinds. Throughout March, board-certified dermatologists and skin specialists will share advice, tips, and product recommendations to help those living with sensitive skin. With four specific weekly themes, these experts will guide consumers on learning more about their skin needs and how to choose the best personal treatment for them.
Sensitive skin can often be caused by genetics, the environment, or skincare products, and it can manifest in several ways. Users need to choose products that help defend against the five signs of skin sensitivity: dryness, itchiness, roughness, tightness, and weakened skin barrier. With 70% of women around the globe self-diagnosing as having sensitive skin, this initiative aims to provide first-hand access to experts and science-driven recommendations to help hydrate and protect sensitive skin and reduce symptoms.
From the literature on women in dermatology
Prevalence of female pattern hair loss in postmenopausal women
A study published in the Journal of The North American Menopause Society aimed to identify the prevalence of female pattern hair loss (FPHL), hair characteristics, and associated factors in healthy postmenopausal women. The researchers found that the prevalence of FPHL is high in this group, which raises the need for hair loss awareness in menopause clinics. According to the study’s authors, early detection and access to proper treatment of FPHL could increase the quality of life in these women.
For this study, 200 postmenopausal women between 50 and 65 were recruited. Each participant was evaluated for FPHL using standardized global photography and trichoscopy to measure hair density and diameter. Three dermatologists assessed all of the photographs for confirmation of FPHL. Time since menopause, levels of scalp sebum, serum testosterone, estradiol, thyroid-stimulating hormone, hemoglobin and family history of hair loss were also evaluated.
Effects of the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown on skin hygiene and cosmetic practice
A recent study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology assessed the skincare routine, hygiene and cosmetic practices of 300 female social media users during the Covid-19 pandemic. The researchers found that after awareness was raised regarding the virus’s transmission methods, there was a modest rise in handwashing and hand sanitizing among women. Additionally, hair removal, waxing and visits to beauty salons decreased. They also found a decrease in the use of make-up and cosmetics. Even though most participants reported the pandemic practices were more convenient. They had improved their skin appearance, more than half stated that they desired to return to their pre-pandemic habits.
For this cross-sectional study, the participants filled out a questionnaire that included questions regarding hygiene practices such as hand washing, hand sanitizers, bathing, hair washing, and cosmetics use before and during the pandemic.
Hybrid cooperative complexes of hyaluronic acid for vulvar lichen sclerosus
A recent study conducted by the San Gallicano Dermatological Institute in Rome evaluated the efficacy of injecting Hybrid Cooperative Complexes of Hyaluronic Acid (HCC) to treat vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS). The researchers found the results of this preliminary study to be promising. According to the abstract, HCC injections in patients with VLS are safe and tolerable. Additionally, all patients had a significant reduction in most symptoms, which improved sexual function and patient Quality of Life.
For this study, 20 female adult patients diagnosed with VLS were enrolled. The patients then underwent three HCC infiltrations every month. Itching, burning sensation, pain and dyspareunia were evaluated at baseline, at one month and six months after treatment. The effectiveness of the treatment on patients’ quality of life and sexual function was assessed using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI).
Covid-19 and gender differences in research submission rates
A recent study published in the Annals of Family Medicine explored how the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted the submission rates to the journal by gender. The researchers found that women submitted fewer research manuscripts during the pandemic than men, despite an overall increase in the volume of submissions.
The authors evaluated manuscript submissions from Jan. 1, 2015, to Jul. 15, 2020. According to the abstract, while the overall volume of submissions increased during Covid-19 compared to pre-pandemic months, this increase was not evenly distributed among men and women. The study reported a 122% increase in submissions from men and a 101% increase from women, which is a significant difference.
The researchers also note that 58.5% of manuscripts were authored by men in the early months of the pandemic while 41.5% were written by women, highlighting a troubling gap in submission rate. They concluded that this gap in women’s submission rates suggests they may be at greater risk of falling behind male colleagues during and beyond the Covid-19 pandemic.The findings also represent just one of many gender disparities that have worsened during the pandemic.
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Eczema herpeticum after a septic shock in early pregnancy
A report published in BMC Infectious Diseases presented the case of a 30-year-old pregnant woman who was admitted to the hospital for hyperemesis gravidarum at 14 weeks of pregnancy. She had a history of atopic dermatitis and eczema herpeticum (EH). Her condition worsened, and the patient experienced fever, tachycardia, tachypnea and vital shock. A blood exam showed increased white blood cell count, neutrophil percentage, and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level. Her serum procalcitonin level was extremely high, and an arterial blood gas analysis showed hyperlactatemia. After receiving treatment for her severe infection, the patient’s vital signs returned to average parameter values within three days.
However, rash-like eruptions on her face and neck suddenly emerged on day three. The blisters spread within several hours. Because of her previous medical history of severe EH and atopic dermatitis, her physicians diagnosed her with EH recurrence and consulted dermatology experts. The patient was administered oral acyclovir as a systemic antiviral treatment. Her skin condition improved after three days of acyclovir. The blisters and eruptions turned scaly, and her skin pain decreased. She was discharged from the hospital without neurological complications. The authors conclude that obstetricians should be aware of immunosuppression-related dermatological diseases, including EH, when a pregnant woman with a history of skin conditions, mainly atopic dermatitis or sepsis, presents with symptoms of potentially fatal immunosuppressive effects.
“I’m a dermatologist, but a lot of patients bring in social issues with them. Many of them are going through hard times like a divorce or job change. And we’ve got a lot of moms who are exhausted from the pandemic who come in here. Since the pandemic, we have felt that the emotional support we give to people is just as important as what we do for their faces or bodies.”
— Dr. Sarah Boyce Sawyer, an Alabama-based dermatologist and Founder of Dermatology & Laser of Alabama
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