by Allison Sit
Three studies from the May issue of the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology are already making news. Healio wrote about a skincare regimen that can address adverse outcomes from energy-based device treatment. The study, “A Practical Algorithm for Integrating Skincare to Improve Patient Outcomes and Satisfaction With Energy-Based Dermatologic Procedures,” by Ted Lain, MD, FAAD, and colleagues, used a modified Delphi method to reach a consensus on an algorithm for integrated skin care based on evidence, clinical experience and opinions. The algorithm includes a pretreatment (2-4 weeks before the procedure), day-of treatment, after care (0-7 days) and follow-up care (1-4 weeks or ongoing). The algorithm involves sun protection measures, including the application of sunscreen, as well as a skincare cleansing and moisturizing routine based on the patient’s facial skin condition. The authors wrote that integrating skincare or topical treatments may improve patient satisfaction as well as treatment outcomes. In addition, the authors wrote that the use of topical antioxidants and products to address free radicals may offer a safe alternative to topical hydroquinone.
Healio also wrote about a May JDD study on barriers to immunotherapy for melanoma. The study, “Understanding the Association Between Social Determinants of Health and Receipt of Immunotherapy for Melanoma,” was conducted by Fabiola Ramirez, MSN, and colleagues from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and the University of Texas Southwest Medical Center. The researchers conducted a PubMed search for studies about health disparities in melanoma, including studies about the use of immunotherapy for melanoma across several social determinants of health. Researchers found an association between insurance status, education level, socioeconomic status, and proximity to a cancer research center with a lower likelihood of receiving immunotherapy. Researchers wrote that the study findings can help drive public health policy to address inequities in the treatment of melanoma and other cancers.
Finally, Dermatology News covered a May JDD study on the underrepresentation of darker skin tones on patient education websites about skin cancer. The study, “Skin Tone Representation on Patient-Facing Skin Cancer Education Websites,” was conducted by Alana Sadur, BS, and colleagues from the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. Researchers evaluated six federally-based and organization websites, including CDC.gov, NIH.gov, skincancer.org, americancancerfund.org, mayoclinic.org, and cancer.org. Of 372 depictions of skin cancer, only 49 (13%) showed skin cancer in darker skin tones. In addition, darker skin tones were infrequently depicted in non-disease representations, including stock photos and front page website images. None of the websites surveyed showed a medical provider with a darker skin tone. Researchers wrote that the underrepresentation is concerning given disparities of morbidity and mortality in patients with darker skin tones who are diagnosed with skin cancer. Researchers noted that the lack of representation could impact patients’ ability to identify a suspicious lesion and seek treatment.
