by Allison Sit
A Journal of Drugs in Dermatology study on the availability of oral minoxidil made news in several media outlets, including NBC News, HealthDay, Practical Dermatology and Dermatology News. The study aimed to determine if an article in The New York Times about the off-label use of low-dose oral minoxidil for the management of androgenetic alopecia is impacting access to the drug. The study, “The Potential Impact of Off-Label Medication Use on Patient Access: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Minoxidil Availability,” was conducted by a research team out of the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. Researchers surveyed pharmacies in the greater Washington, D.C. metro area and found shortages in 30-day supplies of the drug. When stratified by location, only 15% to 23% of pharmacies confirmed the 30-day availability of minoxidil 2.5 mg and 10 mg. The authors wrote that the study underscores the need for a consensus on how to address supply issues in order to prevent interruptions to patient care.
POPSUGAR mentioned a JDD study about malassezin – a natural indole compound produced by the fungus Malassezia furfur – in its article about fading hyperpigmentation and dark spots. The study, “Histopathological Changes Induced by Malassezin: A Novel Natural Microbiome Indole for Treatment of Facial Hyperpigmentation,” by Pearl S. Grimes, MD, and colleagues, was a proof-of-concept study. Seven subjects with facial hyperpigmentation caused by melasma or photodamage applied topical malassezin twice a day for 14 weeks followed by an additional eight weeks of observation. Skin biopsies were taken from hyperpigmented areas and adjacent uninvolved skin at baseline and biopsies of hyperpigmented areas were repeated at 8, 14 and 22 weeks. Researchers found decreased epidermal melanin in involved skin in all subjects treated with malassezin at eight and 14 weeks, and at the 22 week mark, biopsies showed no significant difference in epidermal melanin levels compared to baseline hyperpigmented skin. The researchers wrote that malassezin potentially represents a simple, effective and well-tolerated treatment for facial hyperpigmentation, though more extensive research is needed.
HealthCentral included a JDD study in its article about caring for eczema in darker skin tones. The study, “Racial/Ethnic Variations in Skin Barrier: Implications for Skin Care Recommendations in Skin of Color,” by Andrew F. Alexis, MD, MPH, and colleagues sought to determine if there are racial or ethnic differences in the stratum corneum barrier structure and healthy skin barrier function as well as if there is a need for specific cleansers and moisturizers. Researchers found the literature does suggest racial/ethnic variations in ceramide content, stratum corneum structure and filaggrin mutations. Furthermore, studies have shown a greater burden of pruritus and atopic dermatitis among Black populations. However, ethnic categories based on race and ethnicity are often not well defined and inconsistent across different studies. Some studies comparing ethnic groups’ skin barrier properties had methodological flaws, were small, and demonstrated conflicting results. In addition, data on barrier properties in Hispanic/LatinX and South Asian populations are lacking. The authors wrote that robust comparative studies are needed for better understanding.
