Statin drugs, used to combat high cholesterol, are a commonly used drug in the United States. As the use of statins continues to rise, so too does the incidence of melanoma and keratinocyte carcinomas (KCs), which include squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Some studies have noted that certain cellular mechanisms that …
While systemic corticosteroids (SCS) are frequently used to treat atopic dermatitis (AD), there are few studies that have examined the safety and efficacy of this practice. A recent review studied the available evidence to summarize the available evidence for using SCSs in AD. Currently, AAD guidelines for treating AD recommend systemic therapy for persistent, moderate-to-severe …
Notalgia paresthetica (NP) is a chronic itchy back syndrome that is underdiagnosed and poorly understood by many clinicians due to a lack of research of this condition. A recent review sought to update clinicians with information on the pathogenesis, clinical features, biopsy features, risk factors, and management options. NP can be tricky to diagnose because …
Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (IGH) is a pigmentary disorder characterized by small discrete white macules. The lesions have reduced amounts of melanin and few melanocytes. The pathogenesis of IGH remains unknown, but some studies have suggested the UV light can affect its progression. Melanin synthesis happens within melanocytes, and skin pigmentation is due to combination of …
Rosacea has been found to be significantly associated as comorbid with cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and psychiatric diseases. This is thought to be because rosacea is generally linked to abnormalities of cutaneous vasculature and dysregulation of the inflammatory response, and therefore shares similarities with systemic diseases of the same nature. A recent review looked at available data …
Stress has been implicated as a complicating factor in many diseases, but what effects do stress levels have on people with skin disease? A recent study looked at anxiety sensitivity concerns as they affect people with skin disease. Anxiety sensitivity (AS) concerns include flushing and sweating. The authors examined the effects of these reactions on …