By Allison Sit
Practical Dermatology published an article, “Survey: Consumers Interested in Medical Cannabis Products for Inflammatory Skin Disorders,” about the January JDD study, “Consumer Perspectives on and Utilization of Medical Cannabis to Treat Dermatologic Conditions.” Researchers from the George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences and the University of Maryland sought to determine usage patterns and beliefs regarding the use of medical cannabis products to treat dermatologic conditions. A survey of more than 500 adult patients showed 18% of respondents used an over-the-counter (OTC) cannabis product without dermatologist recommendation to treat a skin condition. Most of the medical cannabis products used were OTC as only 8% used products that required a Department of Health-approved card. The survey also found 89% of respondents supported the use of medical cannabis for dermatologic use, and only 12% of respondents were not comfortable seeing a dermatologist who recommended medical cannabis products.
Healio’s article, “S. aureus-based Product Improves Outcomes in Pediatric, Adult Atopic Dermatitis,” is based on the 2021 JDD study, “Topical S. aureus – Targeting Endolysin Significantly Improves Symptoms and QoL in Individuals With Atopic Dermatitis,”by Magali Moreau, PhD, and colleagues. The authors analyzed the efficacy and tolerance of a cream containing Staphylococcus aureus-targeting technology (endolysin). The open-label, two-week study in children and adults with mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis found that disease severity was reduced by 43% in 7 days and 68% in 14 days. All children in the study and 95% of adults in the study reported a higher quality of life on day 14. The authors believe a cream with this technology may be beneficial to prevent and reduce flares.
Dermatology Times wrote about a 2021 JDD study in its article, “Apremilast Use During COVID-19.” The study, “Assessing the Risk of Apremilast Use for Psoriasis During the COVID-19 Pandemic,” by Donovan G. Kearns and colleagues, used clinical trial data to approximate the medication’s potential risk based on its infection rate when compared to placebo. The study found no apparent risk of infection compared to placebo based on data from the first 16 weeks of trials. The authors believe the study suggests apremilast may be safe to continue during the COVID-19 pandemic, although further research is recommended.
