Shape magazine was one of several publications that highlighted studies from the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology this month. The magazine’s article, “Does Using Castor Oil for Hair Growth Actually Work?” linked to “Coconut, Castor, and Argan Oil for Hair in Skin of Color Patients: A Systematic Review,” by researchers from the University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine. The researchers conducted a review of 22 articles and found coconut oil has been clinically shown to treat both brittle hair and hair infestation with limited evidence regarding an impact on hair growth. Castor oil has weaker evidence for improving the hair by increasing hair luster, and has no strong evidence for an impact on hair growth or treatment of infestation. Researchers found no significant evidence that supports argan oil for hair growth, quality or infestation treatment. The authors wrote that it’s important for dermatologists to understand efficacy and side effects of hair oils to make culturally competent patient recommendations as the use of these products has cultural and historical roots in skin of color patients.
Healio published, “Poor Treatment Persistence Reported for New Acne Patients” based on the study, “Adherence and Persistence to Acne Medications: A Population-Based Claims Database Analysis,” which found very few newly diagnosed acne patients continued using their first acne medication for more than a few months. In patients who discontinued their medication, the majority did not restart or switch to another prescription acne medication within a year of diagnosis. Researchers did find patients commonly used combination topical medications since combination products can help mitigate the complexity of treatment. The authors noted that long intervals for follow-up visits after starting patients on a new acne medication may be a factor that limits adherence. In addition to shorter time intervals for follow-up visits, the authors recommended several additional methods to increase adherence, including increasing patient accountability, raising awareness of non-adherence and less frequent dosing.
Everyday Health included a JDD study in its article, “7 Home Remedies for Hidradenitis Suppurativa.” The study, “A Comparison of Alternative Medicine Users and Non-Users in Patients With Hidradenitis Suppurativa,” surveyed 67 patients with HS and found 25 (37.2%) reported alternative medicine use, which included hot baths, laser hair removal, antibiotics, creams, bath salts and soaps, and detox teas. Alternative medicine users tended to be younger (36.7 vs. 40.8 years), have a shorter time since diagnosis (12.6 vs.14.6 years), and reported worse quality of life (14.1 vs. 11.0) than non-users. The authors wrote that alternative medicine is common regardless of HS severity, and that the frequent use of alternative medicine for HS highlights the limitations of existing treatments and need for new and better approaches.
