Top 5 Articles of the Week: October 12-17

To stay up to date with the latest dermatology news, sign up to receive our eNewsletters.

1. Extended-Release Minoxidil Shows Promise in AGA

At the 2025 EADV Congress, researchers presented promising results for VDPHL01, a new extended-release oral minoxidil formulation designed to improve outcomes in androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Unlike current topical or immediate-release versions, VDPHL01 maintains consistent plasma levels to boost hair growth while reducing cardiovascular risk. In a blinded assessment, 82% of patients achieved at least moderate improvement within 4 months, compared to roughly 20% with standard therapies. Though further trials are needed to confirm long-term safety and efficacy, these findings suggest VDPHL01 could represent a major advance in AGA treatment, offering faster, more visible results than existing minoxidil options.

2. Upadacitinib Shows Promise in Refractory Lichen Amyloidosis

A new case report highlights the potential of upadacitinib (Rinvoq; AbbVie), a selective JAK1 inhibitor, as an effective therapy for treatment-refractory lichen amyloidosis (LA). The patient, who had failed multiple standard therapies and achieved only modest relief with dupilumab (Dupixent), experienced rapid and near-complete remission after starting upadacitinib—reporting significant itch reduction within a month and almost full skin clearance by 6 months. The case underscores the possible superiority of JAK inhibition over IL-4/IL-13 blockade in suppressing IL-31–driven pruritus and suggests that targeting the JAK-STAT pathway may represent a promising new therapeutic approach for this chronic, difficult-to-treat condition.

3. It's Not Genital Warts: A Clinician's Guide to Reassuring Men's Genital Concerns

In a humorous yet insightful commentary, Hershel Dobkin, MD, FAAD reflects on the common anxiety men face when discovering bumps or lesions in the genital area, and the frequent, reassuring outcome that “It’s not genital warts.” Drawing inspiration from House, MD’s famous line “It’s not Lupus,” Dr. Dobkin highlights how dermatologists often serve as both clinicians and comforters, helping patients overcome embarrassment to address skin concerns openly. He explains that many benign conditions, such as pearly penile papules, Tyson’s glands, skin tags, and angiokeratomas of Fordyce, are routinely mistaken for genital warts. The piece underscores the importance of professional evaluation, empathy, and normalization in dermatologic care, reminding patients that for dermatologists, “it’s all skin.”

4. Boxed Warning or Boxed In? Brownstone Explains FDA Risk Labels at PDPA 2025

At the 2025 PDPA Conference, dermatologist Nicholas Brownstone, MD, will deliver a first-of-its-kind session titled “Understanding the Nature and Evidence of Boxed Warnings in Dermatology.” His talk aims to clarify the difference between regulatory caution and actual clinical risk, noting that many boxed warnings in dermatology lack strong evidence to support them. Brownstone will discuss the history of these warnings, the pitfalls of class labeling, and the global inconsistencies in how such cautions are applied. He emphasizes that clinicians should proactively address warnings with patients to reduce unnecessary fear and confusion, especially with newer therapies like JAK inhibitors. Ultimately, Brownstone advocates for greater transparency and evidence-based labeling, encouraging clinicians to interpret and communicate boxed warnings with both scientific rigor and empathy.

5. FDA Alerts Clinicians to Serious Complications with Radiofrequency Microneedling Devices

The US FDA has issued a safety communication warning clinicians and patients of serious complications linked to radiofrequency (RF) microneedling devices, which are increasingly used for skin rejuvenation, acne scarring, and tightening. Reported adverse events include burns, scarring, subcutaneous fat loss, nerve injury, and disfigurement, often associated with improper device use or insufficient operator training. Experts Kachiu Lee, MD, and Zoe Diana Draelos, MD, emphasized that RF microneedling is a medical procedure, not a cosmetic treatment, and should only be performed by trained dermatologists using FDA-cleared devices. The FDA urges clinicians to monitor patients carefully, report complications via MedWatch, and ensure informed patient consent regarding risks such as contour irregularities and pigmentary changes. Ongoing investigations may lead to updated labeling, training requirements, and enhanced post-market safety oversight.