Studies presented at dermatology meeting highlight recent advances in diagnosis and management

The annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology was held from March 8 to 12 in San Diego and attracted participants from around the world, including clinicians, academicians, allied health professionals, and others interested in dermatology. The conference highlighted recent advances in the diagnosis and management of dermatological conditions.

During one presentation, Rebecca Hartman, M.D., of Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, noted that veterans and active-duty service members have an elevated risk for melanoma development and mortality.

According to Hartman, there are several notable exposures associated with military service itself, including exposures to ultraviolet radiation, ionizing radiation, and chemicals such as herbicides. In addition, members of the Air Force have an even greater risk for developing melanoma. This is attributable to long-term exposure to radiation due to flying at high altitudes.

"Dermatologists and health care providers caring for veterans should be aware that they face increased risk of melanoma development and advanced melanoma development and consider asking them about melanoma risk factors and skin cancer history and advising on sun protection," Hartman said.

"Although the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force does not currently have guidance regarding skin cancer screening due to insufficient evidence, because the veteran population is at particularly high risk, dermatologists and other health care providers may wish to consider performing full body skin examinations in this population given their risk factors for melanoma and advanced melanoma development."

During another presentation, John Zampella, M.D., of the New York University School of Medicine in New York City, talked about new treatments for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning (LGBTQ+) individuals, including medications for the prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), as well as treatments for acne and hair growth/removal.

Zampella discussed a new medication that prevents HIV transmission for up to two months. In addition, he noted that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has provided updated guidelines on the use of doxycycline, which can be used to prevent bacterial STIs, including syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.

Doxycycline can also be taken after potential STI exposure. In addition, Zampella discussed how fungal infections, including ringworm, are spreading more commonly among LGBTQ+ individuals, a situation that calls for increased awareness among patients and physicians. Furthermore, acne is very common among some LGBTQ+ individuals due to the use of hormone replacement therapy, and hair removal or hair growth issues are commonly seen among transgender and gender-diverse patients.

"LGBTQ+ individuals are at higher risk for STIs than the general public, and it's important for patients to know there are new treatments available that can improve their health and quality of life," Zampella said in a statement. "Dermatologists are the experts in the diagnosis and treatment of many sexually transmitted infections like syphilis, HPV (human papillomavirus), and herpes that often have skin-related symptoms."

Brandon Adler, M.D., of the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, discussed how foods, medications, and skin care products can cause skin reactions, including itching, redness, blistering, or burning.

Adler discussed how even the handling of fruits and vegetables can lead to skin reactions as well as sun sensitivity. In addition, both topical and oral medications can cause skin reactions, including photosensitivity. Adler noted that sun sensitivity not only affects older patients with lighter skin types, but younger patients with darker skin tones are also at risk. Adler noted that individuals should use sun protection when exposed to the sun, including a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen of 30 SPF or higher, and they should wear sun-protective coverings, including hats and sunglasses.

"While we will often prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to treat photocontact dermatitis, the primary treatment is identifying and avoiding the irritant or allergen," Adler said in a statement. "In many cases these are reversible reactions, so if the patient stops using the substance causing the reaction, then they will stop having symptoms and won't need ongoing treatment."

AAD: Continuous improvements seen through 68 weeks for deuruxolitinib in alopecia

For adults with alopecia areata, continuous improvements are seen through 68 weeks with deuruxolitinib, according to a study presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology, held from March 8 to 12 in San Diego.

AAD: Lebrikizumab shows efficacy in skin-of-color patients with atopic dermatitis

Lebrikizumab demonstrates improvement in skin clearance and itch relief in patients with skin of color and moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, according to a study presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology, held from March 8 to 12 in San Diego.

AAD: Hair regrowth continues to improve at 76 weeks with baricitinib for severe alopecia

Continuous treatment with baricitinib in patients with severe alopecia areata demonstrates improvement in hair regrowth outcomes through 76 weeks of follow-up, according to a study presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology, held from March 8 to 12 in San Diego.

AAD: Adult acne clinic visits increase with exposure to wildfire-related air pollution

Short-term exposure to wildfire-related air pollution is associated with an increase in clinic visits for acne vulgaris among adults, according to a study presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology, held from March 8 to 12 in San Diego.

AAD: Bimekizumab response durable at four years for moderate-to-severe psoriasis

(HealthDay) -- Patients with psoriasis treated with bimekizumab rapidly achieve high levels of clinical and health-related quality-of-life responses that are durable at four years, according to research presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology, held from March 8 to 12 in San Diego.

AAD: Concerns noted relating to use of AI dermatology apps

There are notable concerns relating to the use of currently available artificial intelligence dermatology mobile applications (apps), according to a study published online March 7 in JAMA Dermatology to coincide with the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology, held from March 8 to 12 in San Diego.

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