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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 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
A study published in Dermatology and Therapy (Feb. 2024; 14[1]:469-488) assessed the efficacy and safety of a single autologous micrografting treatment (AMT) using Rigenera technology for the management of striae distensae (SD). Rigenera is a new regenerative technology used for regenerating tissues. In the abstract, the authors note that SD is a common skin concern that primarily affects women and can have a deep psychological impact.
This single-centre study included 10 healthy women between 24 and 65 years of age with visible SD on their glutes and thighs. Each participant acted as their own control. The microneedling plus AMT treatment and the control procedure (no treatment) were performed on the contralateral sides of the glutes and thighs, targeting matched and paired SD. The researchers used a Dermapen for microneedling, and the ATM procedure involved extracting biopsies from the mastoid hair zone.
The participants were evaluated three months post-procedure, and the results showed a significant reduction in skin roughness, skin luminance, and blue-green coloration. The procedure also significantly increased skin hydration, elasticity, density, thickness, and microcirculation.
Additionally, there was a greater improvement observed with the AMT procedure than with microneedling. The researchers concluded the AMT procedure using Rigenera technology is safe and effective in improving the appearance of SD in women.
Bottom line
Stretch marks, or striae distensae, are a common cosmetic concern, especially among women, and can have significant psychological effects. The evaluated AMT procedure using Rigenera technology improved the appearance of stretch marks, offering a safe and effective alternative for people seeking to treat SD. The AMT procedure demonstrated superior efficacy compared to microneedling alone.
Canadian Dermatology Association’s Women in Dermatology Leadership Conference
The Canadian Dermatology Association will host the 4th biennial Women in Dermatology Leadership Conference on the evening of April 5 and all day on April 6, 2024, in Toronto at the Omni King Edward Hotel. The conference focuses on empowering female dermatologists through education, networking, and professional development opportunities. This event promotes female leadership in dermatology, diversity, and a supportive community for women in the profession.
Research published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venerology assessed comorbid conditions and sociodemographic factors associated with lichen planus (LP) in women. The researchers found that preceding diagnoses of hepatitis C, oral candidiasis, periodontitis, and autoimmune diseases such as Sjogren’s syndrome and vitiligo increased the odds of developing LP. At the same time, conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, Graves’ disease, cardiometabolic conditions and psychiatric diseases were associated with reduced odds of LP.
For this study, the authors conducted a case-control analysis using data from Finnish nationwide population-based registries between 1998 and 2016. A total of 14,511 women diagnosed with LP were compared to 43,533 age-matched controls. The study found several risk factors associated with LP, including certain comorbidities and temporal order of comorbid diagnoses. Socioeconomic status and the urbanicity level of the place of residence did not affect the odds of LP.
A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology examined various studies to determine the association between pityriasis rosea (PR) and complications during pregnancy. The researchers found conflicting results regarding PR’s impact on pregnancy complications. They note that while older studies suggest PR may contribute to pregnancy complications such as spontaneous abortions, premature delivery, and stillbirth, newer research does not associate PR with abnormal pregnancy outcomes. According to the authors, this discrepancy highlights the need for further research to fully understand the impact of PR on pregnancy.
Assessment of the cutaneous hormone landscapes and microbiomes in vulvar lichen sclerosus
A study in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology Research explored the hormonal and microbial characteristics of postmenopausal women with vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS). The researchers found an association between cutaneous sex hormone levels and microbiome changes in postmenopausal women with VLS.
For this study, the authors evaluated the levels of hormones such as estrone, progesterone, 11-deoxycortisol, and testosterone in the groin and forehead skin of 18 postmenopausal women, including six with VLS and 12 healthy controls. The results showed that postmenopausal women with VLS had lower groin cutaneous estrone and higher cutaneous progesterone levels. Additionally, levels of 11-deoxycortisol and testosterone were lower in VLS patients compared to controls.
Dermatological manifestations of polycystic ovary syndrome
Research in the Brazilian Journal of Implantology and Health Sciences analyzed recent scientific literature on the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and therapeutic approaches of dermatological manifestations in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The researchers found that dermatological manifestations are highly prevalent in PCOS patients, with hirsutism and acne being the most common.
For this systematic review, originally published in Portuguese, the researchers searched PubMed, Scielo, and Web of Science databases for articles published in the last 10 years. The selected studies revealed a high prevalence of dermatological manifestations in patients with PCOS. Additionally, insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism were found to contribute to dermatological symptoms in PCOS.
VIDEO: Managing psoriasis in infants and young children
Pediatric dermatologist Dr. Kelly M. Cordoro, Division Chief of Pediatric Dermatology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), discusses psoriasis in infants and young children, including treatment options.
A case of idiopathic granulomatous mastitis associated with erythema nodosum
A case report published in the International Journal of Women’s Dermatology described a 22-year-old who presented with recurrent breast abscesses and newly developed painful lesions on her shins. Approximately 10 months prior, she was diagnosed with non-lactational mastitis, and her symptoms resolved with antibiotics but reappeared six months later. An ultrasound revealed evolving fluid collections in her breasts and also developed erythema nodosum on her shins. One week later, she presented with more painful red sores, fever, and joint pain. Further evaluation confirmed idiopathic granulomatous mastitis accompanied by erythema nodosum. Treatment with prednisone resulted in the resolution of her fevers, EN, and significant improvement of her breast lesions.
“Diversity and inclusion in our specialty foster diagnostic and therapeutic advances, build community trust, improve cultural competence, result in better patient outcomes, and ultimately move us toward health equity for all patients. This is borne out by the scientific literature and the vast collective clinical experience of our members.”
— Dr. Victoria Barbosa, a dermatologist, associate professor of dermatology at the University of Chicago, and president-elect of the Skin of Color Society, in an interview with Allure Magazine.
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