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Limited studies explore the role social determinants of health have on urban-rural health disparities, particularly for Skin of Color. To further evaluate this relationship, a cross-sectional study was conducted on data from five states using the 2018 to 2021 Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance Survey, a national state-run health survey. 

Melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) are common cosmetic dermatologic conditions that predominantly affect patients with skin phototypes III-VI. Comparing treatment coverage for these pigmentary disorders to treatment coverage for acne vulgaris may demonstrate disparities in insurance coverage for diseases that primarily affect patients of color.

Limited studies explore the role social determinants of health have on urban-rural health disparities, particularly for Skin of Color. To further evaluate this relationship, a cross-sectional study was conducted on data from five states using the 2018 to 2021 Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance Survey, a national state-run health survey. Prevalence of skin cancer history and urban/rural status were evaluated across these social determinants of health: sex, age, race, insurance status, number of personal healthcare providers, and household income. Overall, rural counterparts were significantly more likely to have a positive skin cancer history across most social determinants of health. 

When patients self-detect suspicious skin lesions, they often reference online photos prior to seeking medical evaluation. Online images must be available in the full spectrum of skin tones to provide accurate visualizations of disease, especially given the increased morbidity and mortality from skin cancer in patients with darker skin tones. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the representation of skin tones in photos of skin cancer on patient-facing websites. Six federally-based and organization websites were evaluated, and of the 372 total representations identified only 49 depicted darker skin tones (13.2%). This highlights the need to improve skin tone representation on patient-facing online resources.

Skin self-examinations play a vital role in skin cancer detection and are often aided by online resources. Available reference photos must display the full spectrum of skin tones so patients may visualize how skin lesions can appear. This study investigated the portrayal of skin tones in skin cancer-related Google Images, discovering a significant underrepresentation of darker skin tones.

Wound repair of the pretibial and forearm regions presents a challenge during dermatologic surgery as these areas are under significant tension and exhibit increased skin fragility. Various methodologies have been proposed for the closure and repair of such wounds, however, the use of the bilayered suture technique may be simpler and more effective than other techniques such as the pinch stitch, pully stitch, slip-knot stitch, pulley set-back dermal suture, horizontal mattress suture, pully stitch, and tandem pulley stitch.

Though it is widely acknowledged that cancer treatments cause hair loss on the scalp, there are limited data on how they affect eyebrow and eyelash hairs. Patients with eyebrow and eyelash loss, or madarosis, seek various treatment options ranging from camouflage techniques with makeup, permanent tattoos, and prescription medications.

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use has become a field of growing interest in dermatology. However, the prevalence of CAM use is difficult to quantify as it varies based on many factors. Given the exploratory nature of the topic, a scoping review was conducted to identify studies that quantify biologically based CAM use in skin cancer patients. A comprehensive search of Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science databases from inception to August 28th, 2023, was performed

Functional and cosmetic outcomes following Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) are poorly studied in individuals with skin of color (SOC). Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) may be long-lasting and highly distressing. SOC individuals are particularly susceptible to PIH following procedures. 

Interleukin (IL)-4-targeted therapies have revolutionized management of inflammatory dermatoses. Dupilumab, an IL-4 receptor alpha inhibitor, is approved for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis, and eosinophilic esophagitis¹ with ongoing studies including in urticaria, prurigo nodularis, and alopecia.² Interleukins are critical mediators of immunosurveillance, and a theoretical increased risk of malignancy exists for any interleukin inhibitor until real-world long-term safety data are explored.

In this review article, we sought to elucidate how the social determinants of health, including socioeconomic status, education, neighborhood or physical environment, access to healthcare, and race/ethnicity, affect the likelihood of receiving immunotherapy, a novel and expensive treatment for melanoma.

Melanoma constitutes 3% of all skin cancers, but accounts for 65% of skin cancer deaths. The incidence of melanoma is increasing, with approximately 100,000 new diagnoses annually, of which more than two-thirds are thin melanomas categorized as American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) tumor stage T1 having a Breslow depth 1 millimeter (mm) or less.

With immunotherapy historically focused on cutaneous melanoma, there has been a new wave of systemic medications available for treating non-melanoma skin cancers including basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC).

Background: In the Nordic European countries in 2020, cancer diagnoses accounted for 175,925 patients. About 50% of cancer patients receive radiation therapy (RT), which may lead to radiation dermatitis (RD).

Background: In 2023, nearly 2 million patients will be diagnosed with cancer in the United States and at least 40% will be eligible for treatment with an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI).

Background: To investigate the effectiveness, safety, patient satisfaction, and cosmetic outcome of Methyl Aminolevulinate-Photodynamic Therapy (MAL-PDT) following curettage in order to make recommendations for its use in dermatology practices.

Photosensitization with 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) combined with photodynamic therapy (PDT) is approved in the United States for the treatment of actinic keratosis (AK) and is used off-label for other indications including acne treatment and photo rejuvenation. 

Background: Monoclonal antibodies encompass an increasingly important treatment for a variety of dermatologic conditions including hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). The high failure rate and cost of anti-tumor necrosis alpha (TNF-α) agents and emergence of biologic treatments critically warrant treatment strategies that identify treatment failures early and optimize therapy. This review’s primary objective is to understand the current literature on biologic therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) used in chronic inflammatory diseases and apply this knowledge to future dermatologic studies and treatment.

Understanding the metastatic potential of a skin cancer is essential to effective management. Gene expression profiling (GEP) is an innovative technology that has allowed for a better understanding of tumor biology in various skin cancers. Current methods focus on identifying and quantifying ribonucleic acid (RNA) transcripts in tissue samples. Using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, specific RNA transcripts are reverted into deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) for quantification…

Background: The standard of care when treating melanoma in situ (MMIS) is an excision with at least 5 mm surgical margins.1 Some studies have suggested up to 9 mm margins to maximize local recurrence-free survival.2 This retrospective review aims to assess the efficacy of imiquimod as a topical treatment for persistently positive MMIS at the margins of prior excisions or where surgery is not an option.

Background: The population of the United States is becoming increasingly diverse, yet dermatology, especially Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS), lags behind.

Shah M, Wald J, Hanke CW. Eruptive Squamous cell carcinomas following treatment with fludarabine and discussion of treatment. J Drugs Dermatol. 2023;22(5):509-510.

Background: Intralesional 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is a promising, yet sparsely studied alternative to surgical treatment for nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC).1 Previous studies of intralesional 5-FU have reported concentrations ranging from 30 to 50 mg/mL. To the best of our knowledge, this case series represents the first reported use of intralesional 5-FU 10.0 mg/mL and 16.7 mg/mL for NMSC.

It Take A Village: Supportive Oncodermatology Perspectives from Oncology Nurse Leaders

The management of any cancer can require a multidisciplinary approach. One of which, until recently, often left the skin side effects on the side walk. Supportive Oncodermatology is positioned to change all that, but to do so requires a team based approach for success. In Part 3 of this supportive oncodermatology mini-series supported by La Roche-Posay, podcast host Dr. Adam Friedman is joined by Dr. Margaret Barton-Burke, PhD, RN, FAAN, Director of Nursing Research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, and Angela Adames, BSN, RN, OCN, a clinical nurse IV and office practice nurse in the department of radiation oncology at MSKCC, to see this specialty through a different lens. Collaboration is the name of the game and there is plenty of opportunity to do so – tune in to hear how and join the fight against oncologic therapy side effects.

Saving Skin, Hair & Nails with Supportive Oncodermatology: A Call to Action for All Those Involved

Heal the Burn: Radical Updates for the Management of Radiation Dermatitis

United States Cutaneous Oncodermatology Management (USCOM) III: A Multidisciplinary-Guided Algorithm for the Prevention and Management of Cutaneous Immunotherapy-Related Adverse Events in Cancer Patients

In 2023, nearly 2 million patients will be diagnosed with cancer in the United States and at least 40% will be eligible for treatment with an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI). Cutaneous immune-related adverse events (cirAEs) from ICIs are common and include pruritus as well as maculopapular, eczematous, bullous, lichenoid, and psoriasiform reactions. All clinicians interfacing with cancer patients must expedite proper evaluation and diagnosis, treatment, and/or consultation that supports the need for evidence-directed guidelines.

Nordic European Cutaneous Oncodermatology Management (NECOM) 3: A Practical Algorithm for Acute Radiation Dermatitis Management for Cancer Patients Receiving Radiation Therapy

In the Nordic European countries in 2020, cancer diagnoses accounted for 175,925 patients. About 50% of cancer patients receive radiation therapy (RT), which may lead to radiation dermatitis (RD). Notably, patients with breast, head, neck, and anal cancers may be prone to developing RD. However, few algorithms exist for the prevention and treatment of RD.

US Cutaneous Oncodermatology Management (USCOM): A Practical Algorithm

An increasing number of patients survive or are living with cancer. Anticancer treatments frequently have cutaneous adverse events (cAEs) that may severely impact patients’ quality of life and interrupt anticancer treatment. The US Cutaneous Oncodermatology Management (USCOM) project aims to improve cancer patients’ and survivors’ quality of life by offering tools for preventing and managing cAEs.