Ilya Petrou, M.D.

A recent study showed that curettage and cryotherapy, and electrodesiccation and curettage are two techniques that have comparable cure rates. The study’s findings highlight the efficacy and reliability of these treatment approaches for minimally invasive cutaneous carcinomas.

There is a dire need to improve the clinical tools dermatologists use to assess the severity of acne scars. This 3D imaging technique may help, according to a recent study presented at the 2020 virtual American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) meeting.

The implementation of artificial intelligence technology in the long-term management and follow-up of acne patients may help to improve patient treatment outcomes.

A topical minocycline foam application appears effective and was well-tolerated by patients with moderate-to-severe papulopustular rosacea.

A recent study aimed to elucidate the association between variations in the skin’s microbiome and the development of rosacea symptoms.

While recognizing that a patient’s mental health generally improves with isotretinoin use due to improvement in acne symptoms, clinicians may consider screening for insomnia during the course of treatment, as it may be an indicator for vulnerability to side effects, researchers say.

Many current acne clinical trials do not consider those patients already on hormone therapy, which researchers say may affect therapeutic outcomes. Authors of a recent study encourage this reporting in future studies to help clinicians better assess how the data might represent a practice population.

A novel filler injection technique may address the different facial areas and compartments as well as respect the line of ligaments for optimal lifting and volumizing effects requiring less filler product.

Treatment for Merkel cell carcinoma has evolved due to the high aggressiveness and metastatic rate of the tumors. Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy may change prognosis and quality of life.

The biology of nonmelanoma skin cancers and their strong immunogenicity makes these tumors good candidates for novel and emerging immunotherapeutic agents.

A recent study examined the patient-reported side effects and tolerability concerns associated with azelaic acid foam and metronidazole cream and gel preparations.

Secukinumab may be safe and effective in patients with moderate-to-severe papulopustular rosacea, a recent study indicates. However, larger, randomized, controlled trials need to confirm benefits.

A recent Cochrane review compared the benefits of several topical acne treatments. Researchers found mixed quality of evidence for PGA outcomes. In the absence of high-quality evidence, management decisions should be guided by clinical experiences and patient preferences.

Autologous platelet-rich plasma therapy is gaining in popularity and finding its niche alone and in combination with other skin rejuvenation procedures.

In cancer immunotherapy, nanoparticles can be directed to different cells and tissues related to the immune response. This technology is currently being investigated to enhance drug delivery in skin cancer therapy with the hope of promoting more robust antitumor effects and improved clinical outcomes.

A recent study shows no increased risk of incidence of malignancies in patients using topical tacrolimus. A black box warning on the therapy has made it challenging for physicians to prescribe, and researchers hope this evidence will lead to the FDA reconsidering that warning.

Recent data sheds light on the pathogenesis of rosacea and outlines treatment options to better manage patients.

Study demonstrates CaHA and HIFU monotherapies are safe and effective treatments for acne scarring; however, further investigations need to address the study’s limitations and explore combination approaches.

Researchers investigated the long-term efficacy of low-dose vismodegib in locally advanced basal cell carcinoma patients who achieved complete remission.

For nonaggressive basal cell carcinomas, laser therapy could be a practical treatment and management solution, according to the authors of a recent review.

Dermatologists investigate better ways to treat radiodermatitis as it becomes increasingly common in breast cancer patients. 

Comparative diagnosis of actinic keratosis (AK) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in situ is needed for accuracy in treatment plan.

Melanoma located on the head and neck are associated with a potentially worse prognosis relative to alternate anatomical sites and peripherally located melanoma compared to those centrally located. 

The realization of the critical importance of the IL-17 and 23 pathways have led to the development of numerous therapies that target parts of the immune system.

Combined imaging modalities may help guide choice of treatment and prevent biopsy, according to one expert.

Patients that schedule regular mammograms could easily be encouraged to screen for melanoma via self-skin examination when given instructions at their breast cancer screenings, according to a recent study. This type of intervention program could be an effective strategy to increase skin cancer awareness.

Obesity appears to be an important independent risk factor for children with psoriasis who go on to develop cormorbidities, such as hypertension and diabetes, a study shows.

Clinicians now have a better understanding of rosacea from its potential pathogeneses to the systemic diseases associated with the condition. Learn more

Many physicians miss diagnosing hidradenitis suppurativa upon first presentation. Recognizing key traits may help physicians diagnose and begin treatment of the disease earlier.