Leaves are falling and nights are getting longer — fall is here. Even if summer felt like it went by in a blink, it’s important not to miss developments in dermatological research that were published in June, July, and August. From the latest in treating molluscum contagiosum in children to using poly-L-lactic acid for décolletage wrinkles, the JDD featured insightful and clinically relevant studies. In case you missed it, here are four of the most popular articles from the summer JDD:
Molluscum Contagiosum in the Pediatric Population: Expert Consensus Guidance on Prevention and Treatment
A panel of dermatologists developed 6 consensus statements that address challenges in treating molluscum contagiosum in children. The statements focus on prevalence, clinical presentation, role of the skin barrier, inflammatory skin reactions, quality of life, and therapeutics. Overall, the panel recommends education about safe and effective treatment options — including FDA-approved medications — as well as shared decision-making since caregivers and patients often want to pursue treatment.
Efficacy and Tolerability of a Topical Pigment-Correcting Serum in Melasma and Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation
This 16-week study of 30 women with mild-to-severe melasma or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) analyzed the efficacy and tolerability of a serum containing lotus sprout extract, tranexamic acid, and niacinamide. Seventy percent of participants had Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI. Overall hyperpigmentation significantly decreased in both the melasma and PIH treatment groups by week 16, as well as skin tone unevenness and tactile roughness. The serum was well tolerated. The authors note that the study shows the benefits of the serum in a patient population where hyperpigmentation is more commonly resistant to treatment.
Generalized Bullous Fixed-Drug Eruption in a 15-Year-Old Child With Becker Muscular Dystrophy and Epilepsy
This case report shares a teenage boy’s experience with recurrent episodes of generalized bullous fixed drug eruption (GBFDE) instigated by ibuprofen. The patient’s complex medical history, which includes Becker muscular dystrophy and epilepsy, made determining the culprit drug challenging. In a patient with multiple potential drug triggers, the authors recommend identifying common drug classes that are associated with GBFDE and monitoring the patient for onset of symptoms after ingestion. Treatment with prednisone led to significant regression of lesions, and the authors state this case study supports the safe and effective use of prednisone in pediatric GBFDE.
Safety and Effectiveness of Two Reconstitution Volumes of Poly-L-Lactic Acid for Correction of Décolletage Wrinkles
In this 9-month, open-label study, women with moderate-to-severe wrinkles on the Galderma Décolletage Scale (GDS) received poly-L-lactic acid (Sculptra) injections at one of two reconstitution volumes: 8 mL or 17 mL. Among both treatment groups, investigator assessments found the majority of subjects (79-94%) showed at least a 1-point GDS improvement at month 9. Additionally, more than 90% of participants reported satisfaction with the appearance of their wrinkles by month 3, and this satisfaction was sustained throughout the course of the study. No serious adverse events were reported. The authors state that both reconstitution volumes proved effective and well tolerated with high participant satisfaction.
