Search

Access to over-the-counter (OTC) skincare products is critical for managing a wide range of dermatologic conditions, yet recent trends in urban retail stores may jeopardize this accessibility and exacerbate healthcare disparities. However, the emerging trend of securing skincare products behind security glass in urban retail environments poses significant risks to healthcare equity and accessibility. Herein, we aim to quantify the prevalence of skincare products behind security glass in pharmacies within a 25-mile radius of Times Square, New York City. An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted, selecting 50 pharmacies from a total of 389 identified in the target radius. Digital photographs of skincare product aisles were taken, and the percentage of products secured behind glass was calculated for various categories and brands. The study found significant disparities in the availability of skincare products, with significantly higher percentages of products behind security glass in pharmacies located in urban areas compared to suburban regions. Among the four brands analyzed, Olay, L’Oréal, La Roche-Posay, and Vichy, there was no significant difference in the proportion of products behind security glass. Barriers to accessing skincare products, such as physical restrictions, time constraints, stigma, and privacy issues, may hinder individuals from obtaining necessary treatments, leading to potential delays in care and poorer health outcomes. Our study underscores the urgent need for dermatologists and healthcare policymakers to advocate for alternative security measures that do not compromise product accessibility. Facilitating easier access to OTC skincare products could dramatically improve treatment adherence and patient outcomes, particularly in urban settings where disparities are most pronounced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the use of network pharmacology as a platform for drug discovery for hypertrophic scars. Hypertrophic scars are a type of abnormal wound healing that can cause disfigurement and impair functionality. Current treatment options are often ineffective, so novel approaches are needed. The study utilized network pharmacology to identify scar-associated genes and signaling pathways, and identified crizotinib as a promising treatment. The study also highlights the potential of computational modeling and experimental validation to identify new drugs and repurpose existing drugs. However, the study focused exclusively on hypertrophic scars and not keloids, which are often more severe and treatment resistant. Further research and clinical trials are needed to establish the safety and efficacy of new treatments for scars. [Extracted from the article]

Melasma, a symmetric pigmentary disorder, is more prevalent in women and individuals with darker skin tones. Despite its global prevalence, there is a notable gap in the understanding of gender, racial, and Fitzpatrick skin type (FST) representation in melasma clinical trials. We conducted a comprehensive search of the United States (US) National Library of Medicine clinical trials database (ClinicalTrials.gov) on March 2nd, 2024, to identify melasma clinical trials. The aim of this study was to assess the demographic representation of participants enrolled in melasma clinical trials. Out of 56 trials identified, 19 met the inclusion criteria, comprising 614 patients. Our analysis revealed a predominant representation of female patients (96.58%) and a diverse representation of racial and ethnic groups, with a majority of Hispanic or Latino patients (43.10%), followed by Asian (23.71%), White (15.52%), and Black or African American patients (14.66%). Fitzpatrick skin types III and IV were most common among trial participants, totaling over 75% of trial participants. The identified gender, racial, and FST representation suggest a deliberate effort towards more inclusive research practices in dermatology. This trend towards inclusivity sets a valuable precedent for improving representation in research for other dermatological conditions that disproportionately impact skin of color patients. J Drugs Dermatol. 2025;24(1):19-22. doi:10.36849/JDD.8379.

Background: Laser test spots are a preliminary assessment performed on a small area of the skin to evaluate patients' reaction to laser therapy. Despite their recognized importance, there is a gap in knowledge among dermatologists regarding laser test spot practices., Objective: The authors aim to explore dermatologists' test spot practices., Methods: A survey was performed among Association of Academic Cosmetic Dermatology members., Results: Laser test spot practices varied widely between dermatologists, with 3.0% "always," 22.7% "frequently," 54.5% "occasionally," 16.7% "rarely," and 3.0% "never" performing test spots. Most dermatologists (59.4%) wait more than 2 weeks before evaluating a test spot. Furthermore, 68.3% of the respondents use the same laser settings for the test spot as they would for the actual treatment. Regarding location, 60.9% of dermatologists perform laser test spots in the same area intended for treatment, while 39.1% choose another inconspicuous area., Conclusion: Establishing definitive protocols for laser test spots may reduce variability in practice and enhance the overall safety and efficacy of laser treatments., (Copyright © 2024 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc. Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)