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and joined the MJH Life Sciences team in February 2023. She attended Kent State University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism with minors in public relations and creative writing. She enjoys making and listening to music, reading, and spending time with her cats, Astrid and Marceline.

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Catch up on dermatology news, highlights, and insights from the past 24 hours.

Daily Derm Times: July 9, 2025

Maddi Hebebrand is an associate editor of 

and joined the MJH Life Sciences team in May 2024. She attended Baldwin Wallace University, studying Media Production and Film, and received her Masters in Digital Media from Ohio University. When she's not writing, Maddi loves to read, attend concerts and spend time with her family. 

Delgocitinib cream offers a safe, effective treatment for chronic hand eczema with minimal systemic absorption, ensuring no significant immunosuppressive effects.

Delgocitinib Cream Shows Minimal Systemic Absorption in CHE

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POLL: Do You Routinely Use Patch Testing When Evaluating Chronic Hand Eczema?

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 and joined the MJH Life Sciences team in October 2024. She attended Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with minors in marketing and writing. When she’s not writing, Marie enjoys going to concerts, reading on the beach, and spending time with friends and family.

Miiskin is transforming dermatologic care through telehealth, enhancing access, efficiency, and patient relationships, according to Ryan Trowbridge, MD, MS, MA, FAAD.

Q&A: Bridging the Gap in Dermatologic Care with a Provider-First Digital Solution 

Dermatology Times connects dermatology professionals with key skin disorder coverage, therapeutic strategies, clinical trial updates, and expert insights.

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Misleading marketing and incomplete scientific data have led to widespread misinformation about botulinum toxin products.

Unmasking Botulinum Toxin Myths

Final Thoughts: The Importance of Comparative Studies in AD

Panelists offer concluding insights and emphasize the critical role of comparative studies in advancing atopic dermatitis treatment strategies.

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Video Series

 has highlighted Alphyn Biologics’ Zabalafin Hydrogel as a leading multitarget therapeutic for atopic dermatitis (AD).

 Although no single product is effective against all typical manifestations of active AD, including pruritus, inflammation, damaged skin barrier, and 

, Zabalafin Hydrogel shows promise as a novel, multitargeted topical for the condition.

"This new paper highlights current dermatologists' thinking that treating the bacterial component of AD is as important as treating the immunoinflammatory component of AD. It also highlights our Zabalafin Hydrogel as a powerful tool to help them directly treat all the problems of AD—importantly, directly treating the key problem of itch,” Neal Koller, CEO of Alphyn, said in a statement.

Zabalafin Hydrogel is an investigational, first-in-class, botanical drug developed from Alphyn’s proprietary Multitarget Therapeutics platform. The formulation integrates multiple naturally derived bioactive compounds that exert anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and antibacterial effects, including anti–methicillin-resistant 

 (MRSA), to simultaneously disrupt the inflammatory cascade, reduce itch, and control bacterial involvement.

The paper presents a practical algorithm for the treatment of all stages of AD, including disease at the bacterial colonization stage, flaring disease, and AD at the infection stage.

 It was developed by an expert team of 9 dermatologists: Lawrence A. Schachner, MD, FAAD, FAAP; Adelaide A. Hebert, MD, FAAD; Robert Sidbury, MD, FAAD, FAAP; Anneke Andriessen, PhD; Vanja Adzovic, PharmD; Mercedes E. Gonzalez, MD, FAAD; Elizabeth Swanson, MD; Shawn G. Kwatra, MD; E. James Song, MD; Dennis West, PhD; and Peter Lio, MD, FAAD.

The investigators conducted a systematic literature review, focusing on the topical treatment of AD and 

–driven exacerbations. The literature search included 82 pieces of research, including studies and trials, clinical guidelines, consensus papers, and reviews published between January 2010 and January 2024. These results were then used to draft a practice-based algorithm based on evidence, experiences, and opinions.

The algorithm is divided into 2 sections: treating active AD flares with noninfected skin and treating secondarily infected AD flares. Assessment tools such as the Investigator Global Assessment, Eczema Area and Severity Index, and SCORing Atopic Dermatitis scales should be used to evaluate AD severity and consider factors like xerosis, erythema, oozing, and lichenification. After a flare, dyschromia may persist, especially in patients with dark skin phototypes, and early treatment may mitigate inflammation and pigmentary sequelae, according to the panel.

In the phase 2a trial, Zabalafin Hydrogel showed significant improvements in pruritus, inflammation, and patient-assessed quality of life. Particularly, the therapy has shown effectiveness in treating 

–associated complications of AD, demonstrating good control of 

 and MRSA. This may address an unmet need for a single comprehensive therapy, as Zabalafin Hydrogel demonstrated promising results in modulating the 

–related flares and infections with minimal adverse events. Further research is needed to confirm these findings. The emerging treatment option is currently being evaluated in a 

, with final results expected in the first half of 2026. The US FDA granted clearance for the company’s investigational new drug application in February this year.

"Topicals are the most highly prescribed therapeutic by dermatologists for AD and are an essential tool for treating the disease. They are the most preferred therapeutic by patients, especially children," said study author Peter Lio, MD, FAAD. "That insurers are reimbursing new topical AD drugs highlights their importance, need, and value. This new algorithm is appropriately timed and needed to help focus diagnosis and treatment of AD at each of its disease stages—from onset through the AD bacterial colonization stage to AD infection stage, along with the inflammation and itch that are key parts of the disease. The potential for the new topical drug candidate, Zabalafin Hydrogel, to directly treat each of these AD disease stages is very encouraging."

1. Alphyn's Zabalafin Hydrogel for atopic dermatitis highlighted in leading peer-reviewed journal. News release. PR Newswire. July 1, 2025. Accessed July 2, 2025. 

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alphyns-zabalafin-hydrogel-for-atopic-dermatitis-highlighted-in-leading-peer-reviewed-journal-302494942.html

2. Schachner LA, Hebert AA, Sidbury R, et al. Practical algorithm on topical treatment of flaring atopic dermatitis (AD) with or without secondary infection. 

 2025;24(6):621-630. doi:10.36849/JDD.8967

3. Alphyn secures FDA clearance of investigational new drug application for atopic dermatitis treatment. News release. PR Newswire. February 19, 2025. Accessed July 2, 2025. 

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alphyn-secures-fda-clearance-of-investigational-new-drug-application-for-atopic-dermatitis-treatment-302379675.html

Alphyn Biologics' Zabalafin Hydrogel is emerging as a promising multi-target therapeutic for atopic dermatitis (AD), addressing pruritus, inflammation, and bacterial involvement, including Staphylococcus aureus (SA). Developed from Alphyn’s Multi-Target Therapeutics platform, it integrates bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory, anti-pruritic, and antibacterial properties. A recent paper outlines a practical algorithm for AD treatment, emphasizing the importance of addressing both bacterial and immuno-inflammatory components. Zabalafin Hydrogel has shown significant improvements in clinical trials, with ongoing global Phase 2b trials expected to conclude in 2026.

A new paper highlights Alphyn Biologics' Zabalafin Hydrogel as a promising multitarget therapy for atopic dermatitis, addressing inflammation, itch, and bacterial complications.

New Research Highlights Zabalafin Hydrogel's Novel Multitargeted Approach to AD Treatment

Facial and neck involvement in atopic dermatitis (AD) presents distinct therapeutic challenges due to the area’s thin, sensitive skin and high visibility, which heighten both the risk and impact of treatment-related adverse events. Although topical corticosteroids remain the first-line option for managing flares, their long-term use in these areas is constrained by risks including atrophy, telangiectasia, and periorificial dermatitis—factors that frequently contribute to reduced adherence.

Calcineurin inhibitors, such as tacrolimus, offer a steroid-sparing alternative with a lower risk of skin thinning but are often limited by local irritation, slower onset of action, and regulatory restrictions tied to age and site of use. As a result, there remains an unmet need for effective, well-tolerated topical therapies suitable for chronic use on cosmetically sensitive sites.

To address this, novel topical agents such as delgocitinib ointment—a topical Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor—have emerged as potential therapeutic options. Approved in Japan in 2020, delgocitinib inhibits all 4 JAK family kinases (JAK1, JAK2, JAK3, and TYK2), offering targeted suppression of inflammatory pathways implicated in AD.

A recent 12-week, open-label, multicenter clinical study conducted in Japan evaluated the efficacy, safety, and treatment satisfaction associated with switching from topical steroids or tacrolimus ointment to delgocitinib ointment in adult patients with AD-related facial or neck lesions. The study enrolled 40 patients (38 in the efficacy analysis), all of whom had used topical corticosteroids or tacrolimus ointment for at least 3 months and had either experienced or were concerned about local adverse effects.

The primary end point was change in treatment satisfaction as measured by the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication-9 (TSQM-9), which showed significant improvement across all domains: effectiveness, convenience, and global satisfaction. Notably, mean global satisfaction scores increased from 58.8 at baseline to 73.2 at week 12. Internal consistency reliability of the TSQM-9 subscales also improved over time, suggesting enhanced patient-perceived value of the new treatment.

Secondary outcomes further supported these findings. Significant reductions were observed in disease severity as measured by the modified Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), EASI scores, and Numerical Rating Scale for pruritus. The Atopic Dermatitis Control Tool scores also improved, indicating better overall disease control.

Importantly, a reduction in local adverse effects previously associated with corticosteroids and tacrolimus ointment was noted. Among patients previously treated with corticosteroids, the proportion experiencing skin atrophy and telangiectasia declined over the course of treatment with delgocitinib. Similarly, irritation and pruritus related to tacrolimus use also improved. These changes were corroborated by patient-reported outcomes indicating better skin feel, firmness, appearance, and reduced dryness.

Only 1 mild adverse event (aggravation of acne vulgaris) was reported, suggesting a favorable safety profile. Delgocitinib’s low systemic absorption, supported by prior pharmacokinetic studies, reinforces its safety when used in localized applications.

The study does have limitations. Its small sample size and short duration limit the generalizability and long-term applicability of the findings. Furthermore, more rigorous analyses are required to explore correlations between clinical severity indices and patient satisfaction scores.

Nevertheless, these findings support delgocitinib ointment as a viable treatment alternative for facial and neck AD, particularly in patients experiencing adverse effects from or nonadherence to corticosteroids or tacrolimus ointment. Its efficacy, improved tolerability, and patient preference profile position it as a promising option for targeted topical therapy. Future research should examine its role in combination with or in conjunction with proactive treatment regimens and assess its effectiveness in broader populations, including those with dupilumab-associated head and neck erythema.

Saeki H, Ohya Y, Furuta J, et al. English version of clinical practice guidelines for the management of atopic dermatitis 2021. 

 2022;49(10):e315-e375. doi:10.1111/1346-8138.16527

Saeki H. Guidelines for the management of atopic dermatitis 2024. 

2024;73(9):1025-1125. doi:10.15036/arerugi.73.1025

Abe M, Igarashi A, Kitajima H, Toyama H, Kabashima K, Saeki H. Treatment satisfaction, efficacy, and safety of delgocitinib ointment for atopic dermatitis-induced rash on the face and neck: efficacy at reducing local side effects of topical steroid and tacrolimus ointment. 

. Published online June 26, 2025. doi:10.1111/1346-8138.17817

Facial and neck involvement in atopic dermatitis (AD) poses therapeutic challenges due to the area's sensitive skin and visibility, complicating treatment adherence. While topical corticosteroids are first-line treatments, their long-term use is limited by adverse effects. Calcineurin inhibitors offer alternatives but have limitations. Delgocitinib ointment, a topical JAK inhibitor, shows promise as a treatment option, improving treatment satisfaction, disease severity, and reducing adverse effects. A recent study in Japan demonstrated its efficacy and safety, though further research is needed to confirm these findings in broader populations.

Delgocitinib ointment shows promise as an effective, well-tolerated treatment for atopic dermatitis on the face and neck, enhancing patient satisfaction and reducing adverse effects.

New Data Support Delgocitinib for Sensitive Skin Areas

This week, Incyte announced the 2024 recipients of 2 flagship initiatives—the Incyte Ingenuity Awards in Vitiligo and the inaugural Vitiligo Innovators Program—both of which aim to recognize and empower individuals and organizations improving the lives of those affected by vitiligo.

Vitiligo, impacting approximately 1% of the global population, often leads to significant psychosocial burdens for patients due to visible changes in skin appearance and the social stigma associated with them.

 With limited FDA-approved treatment options until recent years, patient support, education, and advocacy remain key components of comprehensive care.

"Incyte is deeply committed to standing with the vitiligo community every step of the way—not only by advancing scientific innovation but [also] by elevating the voices, ideas, and experiences of those most impacted by the condition," Matteo Trotta, MBA, executive vice president and general manager of US dermatology at Incyte, said in a news release. "We are proud to support this year's recipients as they drive change, offer support, and create new paths toward understanding, acceptance, and care."

2024 Incyte Ingenuity Awards: Strengthening Access and Advocacy

In its fourth year, the Incyte Ingenuity Awards in Vitiligo continue to support initiatives that aim to address unmet needs in advocacy, education, and access to care. In 2024, Incyte selected 2 award recipients for their impactful and forward-thinking projects.

 was granted up to $100,000 to launch its Legislative and Advocacy Training Weekend, a national initiative designed to equip patients with vitiligo, their families, and allies with the tools to advocate for improved care access and increased public awareness.

“This opportunity allows our community to learn how to advocate for themselves and others on a broader scale,” Valarie Molyneaux, president and CEO of VITFriends, said in the release. “It’s about turning lived experience into action that can change laws, minds, and lives.”

The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine’s Dr Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery 

received up to $35,000 for its study titled "Barriers and Facilitators to Psychosocial Support as an Integral Aspect of Vitiligo Patient Comprehensive Care." The project aims to identify gaps in psychosocial resources available to patients with vitiligo in Florida, with the goal of integrating mental health into dermatologic care.

“Our work focuses on the whole person, not just the condition,” Hannah Metheny, MD/MPH student, and dermatologist Tali Czarnowicki, MD, said in the release. “By understanding what stands in the way of psychosocial care, we hope to open doors for more compassionate, comprehensive treatment.”

Vitiligo Innovators Program: Elevating Leadership and Compassion

Launched in 2024, the Vitiligo Innovators Program recognizes individual contributors in clinical care, research, and grassroots advocacy who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the vitiligo community.

, of Henry Ford Health, received the Healthcare Innovator recognition for his long-standing patient-centered approach and consistent support for vitiligo advocacy organizations.

“This recognition is not mine alone—it belongs to every person with vitiligo who has shared their story and inspired this work,” Huggins said in the release.

, of UMass Chan Medical School, was named Rising Innovator for her emerging research and commitment to developing more precise and inclusive care.

“We’re learning more every day about this complex disease, and I’m honored to be part of a future where care is more precise, more inclusive, and more hopeful,” she said in the release.

, already recognized through VITFriends, also received the Community Innovator award for her decades-long work in education, community-building, and legislative advocacy.

“Living with vitiligo has shaped my purpose,” Molyneaux said. “This award fuels our mission to create a world where people with vitiligo are seen, heard, and celebrated.”

Looking Ahead: Supporting a More Inclusive Future

Applications for the 2025 Incyte Ingenuity Awards in Vitiligo and the Vitiligo Innovators Program are now open through October 31, 2025. The programs invite submissions from individuals and organizations who are driving innovative, equitable, and compassionate change in the vitiligo space. Entries are reviewed by a judging panel that comprises clinicians, advocates, and community leaders, including Erika Page (Living Dappled); Melissa Hughley (patient advocate); Richard Huggins, MD, FAAD (Henry Ford Health); Heli Patel, MD (Thomas Jefferson University); and Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD, FAAD (University of Miami; founder of DermFriends).

For more information or to submit applications, visit: 

Incyte celebrates the recipients of the 2024 Incyte Ingenuity Awards in Vitiligo and the Vitiligo Innovators Program. News release. Incyte. June 28, 2025. Accessed June 30, 2025. https://cdn.incyte.com/Assets/Incyte_2025IIA-VIP_CompanyStatement_Final_28June2025.pdf 

Salama AH, Alnemr L, Khan AR, Alfakeer H, Aleem Z, Ali-Alkhateeb M. Unveiling the unseen struggles: a comprehensive review of vitiligo's psychological, social, and quality of life impacts. 

. 2023;15(9):e45030. doi:10.7759/cureus.45030

Incyte has announced the 2024 recipients of its Incyte Ingenuity Awards in Vitiligo and the Vitiligo Innovators Program, both aimed at supporting initiatives that improve the lives of those affected by vitiligo. The awards recognize efforts in advocacy, education, and access to care, with recipients including VITFriends Vitiligo Support Group and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. The Vitiligo Innovators Program honors individual contributors in clinical care and research, highlighting their commitment to the vitiligo community. Applications for the 2025 awards are now open.

Incyte announces the 2024 Ingenuity Awards in Vitiligo recipients, empowering vitiligo advocates and enhancing patient care through innovative initiatives.

Incyte Awards Spotlight Vitiligo Advocacy and Innovation

We would like to acknowledge and address a serious oversight related to the below article 

“Laser Advancements Transform Skin Rejuvenation.”

 After publication, it was brought to our attention that the article contains language and structure that closely mirror a previously published, peer-reviewed article in the 

Advancements in Laser Technologies for Skin Rejuvenation: A Comprehensive Review

 by Diala Haykal, MD; Hugues Cartier, MD; David Goldberg, MD; and Michael Gold, MD.

While the intent of the article was to summarize current advancements in laser technologies for a clinical audience, proper attribution to the original authors and publication was regrettably omitted. We recognize and respect the original work and contributions and sincerely apologize for this oversight.

The editorial team has taken steps to review our processes to ensure this does not happen again. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of content integrity and transparency.

-------------------------------------------------------------

Laser technologies have significantly transformed dermatology, particularly in skin rejuvenation.

 Over recent decades, lasers have evolved from basic tools into sophisticated devices that offer precise, targeted treatments with minimal invasiveness and faster recovery times. This progress has expanded the range of conditions treatable by lasers and improved their customization and safety.

 There are various types of lasers, including ablative lasers that remove outer skin layers and non-ablative fractional lasers that stimulate collagen production without damaging the skin’s surface. Fractional lasers, in particular, enhance results with minimal downtime by targeting microscopic skin areas. Understanding how different wavelengths interact with skin, the process of selective photothermolysis, and the body’s healing response is crucial for optimizing laser treatments. These advancements have made skin rejuvenation more effective and accessible.

A recent review discussed the mechanisms, advantages, and personalized applications of laser technologies for diverse skin conditions, with the goal of providing insights into the scientific advancements that have improved the safety and efficacy of these treatments.

This review analyzed articles from the past 20 years on laser skin resurfacing, using keywords like “skin rejuvenation” and “laser technology” to search databases such as PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, and Google Scholar. It includes a wide range of research, from peer-reviewed studies and clinical trials to meta-analyses, covering various laser technologies: ablative, non-ablative, fractional, hybrid, and picosecond. The review systematically examines the evolution, mechanisms, benefits, and potential adverse events of these technologies.

Out of the 329 articles screened, researchers included 92 that met the criteria based on relevance, study design, and recent advancements in laser technology for skin rejuvenation.The data gathered was categorized into the following sections:

The review stated that fractional lasers have significantly advanced skin rejuvenation by delivering targeted energy in a pixeled pattern, which speeds up healing and reduces complications compared to traditional ablative lasers. These lasers create microthermal damage that stimulates collagen production, effectively treating various skin issues such as wrinkles, acne scars, and sun damage. Recent innovations have improved customization and precision, enhancing treatment outcomes and patient experience. Fractional lasers are praised for their minimal downtime and effectiveness in skin remodeling.

CO2 and Er:YAG lasers are well-established in skin resurfacing, according to the review, known for their effectiveness in treating photoaging, scars, and wrinkles. CO2 lasers target water molecules in the skin for deep tissue ablation and collagen remodeling, while Er:YAG lasers offer a more superficial approach with reduced recovery time. Both technologies show superior efficacy compared to other treatments and are often used in combination with other modalities to enhance results.

Non-ablative lasers (NAFL), such as Nd:YAG and pulsed-dye lasers, provide skin rejuvenation with minimal downtime by targeting deeper skin layers to stimulate collagen without damaging the surface. The review stated these lasers are effective for improving skin texture, reducing wrinkles, and treating vascular lesions, offering a gentler alternative to ablative lasers.

Hybrid fractional lasers combine ablative and non-ablative technologies in a single treatment, allowing for comprehensive skin rejuvenation with reduced downtime. Researchers found this approach addresses a range of skin concerns and is noted for its effectiveness and patient satisfaction, providing noticeable improvements with minimal discomfort.

Picosecond lasers, known for their ultra-short pulse duration, are effective for treating pigmented lesions, photodamage, and scars with minimal thermal damage. Their ability to induce precise tissue disruption through lLaser-induced optical breakdown makes them versatile and effective for various skin conditions.

Laser Technologies in Ethnic Skin Rejuvenation

Advancements in laser technologies have improved safety and effectiveness for darker skin tones by minimizing risks like hyperpigmentation. Technologies such as Nd:YAG and picosecond lasers are particularly suitable for ethnic skin, offering effective treatment with reduced side effects. Researchers noted pre- and post-treatment care is crucial for optimal results.

The review found ablative lasers have improved in safety and effectiveness, with advancements reducing adverse events and recovery times. They stated proper patient selection, calibration, and post-treatment care are essential to minimize complications. Fractional and hybrid lasers further enhance safety and efficacy, though ongoing research is needed, particularly for darker skin tones.

Laser technologies have revolutionized dermatology, particularly in skin rejuvenation, by evolving into precise, minimally invasive tools with faster recovery times. Various laser types, including ablative, non-ablative, fractional, hybrid, and picosecond, offer tailored treatments for diverse skin conditions. Fractional lasers, in particular, enhance results with minimal downtime. Advances have improved safety and efficacy, especially for ethnic skin, by minimizing risks like hyperpigmentation. Despite progress, ongoing research is needed to address limitations such as short-term focus and underrepresentation of darker skin tones in studies.

A review found repeated laser treatments show cumulative benefits, including improved collagen density and skin elasticity over time.

Andy Curry, PhD

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