Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma: What ’s New?
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAdvanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), though rare, is fatal with an 89% 5-year mortality rate. The diagnostic criteria for advanced basal cell carcinoma were recently redefined with the introduction of hedgehog inhibitors such as vismodegib. Similarly, the authors suggest redefining the diagnostic criteria of advanced cSCC given the introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors in order to broaden the patient population that can benefit from both new and old treatment options as potential neoadjuvants.Recent FindingsCemiplimab is a programmed death-1 (PD-1) inhibitor recently FDA-approv...
Source: Current Dermatology Reports - June 3, 2019 Category: Dermatology Source Type: research

Polymorphous Light Eruption: a Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo update readers on the current understandings of polymorphous light eruption (PMLE) in regard to epidemiology, clinical findings, pathophysiology, treatment, and prognosis.Recent FindingsPMLE is known to be the most common photodermatosis seen in individuals with light skin types; however, recent evidence shows that it is also commonly observed in individuals with skin of color. Resistance to UV-induced immunosuppression is now known to be an essential part of pathogenesis; this could be secondary to unique cytokine or antimicrobial peptide expressions in these patients. Photohardening, done at t...
Source: Current Dermatology Reports - May 28, 2019 Category: Dermatology Source Type: research

Current Advances in the Prevention, Risk, and Management of Infection in Patients Receiving Biologic Therapy for Dermatologic Disorders
AbstractPurpose of ReviewBiologic agents such as adalimumab, etanercept, golimumab, certolizumab, ustekinumab, brodalumab, secukinumab, ixekizumab, dupilumab, alefacept, rituximab, omalizumab, tildrakizumab, and guselkumab are now indicated in the treatment of dermatologic disorders. This review reports on current prevention, risk, and management of infection in patients receiving biologic therapy for dermatologic disorders.Recent FindingsAlthough risk of infection in patients receiving biologic agents for management of a dermatologic disorder is well-known, it appears to continue to be a low risk. However, optimal prevent...
Source: Current Dermatology Reports - May 23, 2019 Category: Dermatology Source Type: research

Teledermatology in Underserved Populations
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTeledermatology holds promise as a tool to bridge distances and enhance access for populations that are underserved by conventional means of dermatologic care. This review delineates underserved populations and examines recent investigations of teledermatology for these populations. An analysis of the benefits and ongoing challenges for teledermatology for underserved people is presented.Recent FindingsMany studies demonstrate enhancement of access dermatologic service particularly when using store and forward modes. Many countries and states within the USA are beginning to reimburse for teledermat...
Source: Current Dermatology Reports - May 17, 2019 Category: Dermatology Source Type: research

Solar Urticaria
AbstractPurpose of ReviewSolar urticaria (SU) is a rare photodermatosis, characterized by an abrupt onset of urticaria lesions appearing within minutes of light exposure. The disease may have a significant impact on patients ’ quality of life. This review provides an overview of SU, with attention to pathogenesis, workup, differential diagnosis, and treatment. Additionally, we present our stepwise therapeutic approach.Recent FindingsTreatment with omalizumab, a recombinant humanized anti-IgE antibody used as a third line treatment for SU, was shown to be beneficial in 80% of patients with antihistamine refractory disease...
Source: Current Dermatology Reports - May 10, 2019 Category: Dermatology Source Type: research

Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management of Infections in Atopic Dermatitis
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAtopic dermatitis (AD) is a common and chronic inflammatory skin disease. The purpose of this review article is to assess recent changes in the understanding of pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of infections in AD.Recent FindingsRecent epidemiological studies have confirmed that AD is not only associated with cutaneous infections, but also extra-cutaneous systemic infections. Basic studies have provided evidence that allergic inflammation contribute to increased infections in AD. Clinical use of diluted bleach to prevent infections in AD remains controversial. On the other hand, progress ...
Source: Current Dermatology Reports - May 10, 2019 Category: Dermatology Source Type: research

Legal and Regulatory Issues with Teledermatology
This article provides an overview of the legal and regulatory requirements that providers engaging in teledermatology must consider when structuring telemedicine arrangements and developing a telehealth strategy.Recent FindingsThe numerous state and federal legal and regulatory considerations applicable to teledermatology offerings are rapidly changing: new laws and regulations are proposed and adopted every year.SummaryAt the state level, requirements are often state specific and address a wide variety of topics such as establishing the physician-patient relationship, technology-specific requirements, and practice and pre...
Source: Current Dermatology Reports - May 2, 2019 Category: Dermatology Source Type: research

Implementation of Teledermatology: Theory and Practice
AbstractPurpose of ReviewMultiple factors influence the success and failure of teledermatology programs. We evaluate the current teledermatology literature using the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework developed for implementation research. We introduce this framework to encourage a thorough examination of teledermatology ’s implementation including its sustainability. In this way, programs can better realize teledermatology’s promise for enhancing patients’ access to expert dermatologic care in real-world healthcare settings.Recent FindingsWhile teledermatology continue...
Source: Current Dermatology Reports - May 1, 2019 Category: Dermatology Source Type: research

Risk, Prevention, Diagnosis, and Management of Post-Operative Cutaneous Infection
AbstractPurpose of ReviewDermatologic surgery procedures have low but non-negligible infection rates. This review summarizes current understanding of the risk of post-operative wound infections after cutaneous surgery, the diagnosis and management of post-operative infections, and appropriate use of antibiotic prophylaxis in dermatologic surgery.Recent FindingsAside from specific situations associated with risk for infective endocarditis, prosthetic joint infections, and high-risk cutaneous surgeries, routine prophylactic, or post-operative antibiotic use is no longer the standard of care. Preliminary data suggests that po...
Source: Current Dermatology Reports - April 23, 2019 Category: Dermatology Source Type: research

Photocutaneous Porphyrias
AbstractPurpose of ReviewPorphyrias are a group of eight uncommon-to-rare inherited or acquired metabolic disorders, each caused by enzyme dysfunction at various steps in the heme biosynthetic pathway. Photocutaneous porphyrias are a subset characterized by acute skin pain and/or chronic skin lesions as major features of disease signs and symptoms. Clinical and laboratory features, epidemiology, genetics, pathologic mechanisms, and current and future therapies of the photocutaneous porphyrias are discussed, with emphasis on information reflected in recent literature.Recent FindingsClinical and laboratory investigations of ...
Source: Current Dermatology Reports - April 15, 2019 Category: Dermatology Source Type: research

Actinic Prurigo and Hydroa Vacciniforme
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo summarize current knowledge pertaining to two photodermatoses, actinic prurigo (AP) and hydroa vacciniforme (HV), both of which routinely have onset in childhood.Recent FindingsAP is an immune-mediated photodermatosis associated with human leukocyte antigen DR4 that commonly features cheilitis and conjunctivitis. It mostly affects American Indian/Latin American Mestizos and rarely white and Asian patients, who manifest different disease phenotypes. The diagnosis is clinical, but follicular cheilitis is a characteristic mucosal biopsy finding, and phototesting may be helpful. Hallmarks of treatme...
Source: Current Dermatology Reports - April 15, 2019 Category: Dermatology Source Type: research

Biosimilars for Psoriasis —Experience from Europe
The objectives of this review are to describe the use of biosimilars in selected European countries, using “real-life” information from members of the International Psoriasis Council (IPC) who are key opinion leaders in dermatology. The use of biosimilars for patients with psoriasis is continuously discussed and reviewed by the IPC, through in-person meetings by members of the Biosimilar Working Grou p (BSWG).Recent FindingsIn preparation for this paper, we surveyed the use of biosimilars for patients with psoriasis through European BSWG members, who were asked to describe the situation in their countries. The survey c...
Source: Current Dermatology Reports - February 7, 2019 Category: Dermatology Source Type: research

Nanotechnology for Psoriasis Therapy
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo summarize the use of nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems for psoriasis therapies, focusing on recent studies of treatment efficacy in humans and murine models.Recent FindingsBoth topical and oral psoriasis medications, in addition to alternative psoriasis therapies and siRNAs targeting genes involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, have been incorporated into nanocarriers. Numerous studies demonstrate that nanocarriers can enhance the efficacy and reduce side effects of their included drugs through increased skin retention, sustained release, and decreased systemic absorption. However, ...
Source: Current Dermatology Reports - January 30, 2019 Category: Dermatology Source Type: research

Update on Risankizumab for Psoriasis
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review highlights the latest data on risankizumab, including efficacy and safety data from recent clinical trials.Recent FindingsIn multiple phase 3 clinical trials, risankizumab was shown to be safe and efficacious. Risankizumab demonstrated superior efficacy to leading active comparators for the induction and maintenance of clear skin and was shown to have a safety profile similar to other biologic therapies currently on the market.SummaryTargeted biologic medications for plaque psoriasis have provided insight into the complex immune pathways that are now understood to lead to the developmen...
Source: Current Dermatology Reports - January 18, 2019 Category: Dermatology Source Type: research

Tildrakizumab for Moderate-to-Severe Chronic Plaque Psoriasis: a Review of the Literature
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo highlight the most recent findings regarding the efficacy and safety of tildrakizumab in the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis.Recent FindingsRecent clinical trials have shown tildrakizumab to be more efficacious than placebo or etanercept. There are no head-to-head trials directly comparing tildrakizumab to any IL-23 p19, IL-17, or IL-17R inhibitor. Common adverse effects included headache, upper respiratory infection, nasopharyngitis, and cough.SummarySince tildrakizumab is a new biologic, there is currently a paucity of available evidence evaluating tildrakizumab in a comparative manor wi...
Source: Current Dermatology Reports - January 16, 2019 Category: Dermatology Source Type: research