Margit L.W. Juhász

Topical Janus kinase inhibitors: A review of applications in dermatology

Background: Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors have attracted attention for their role in treating inflammatory disorders. This new class of biologics has the potential to significantly affect the field of dermatology, especially with the development of topical formulations. Objective: To summarize published evidence on the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of topical JAK inhibitors in the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions. Methods: This is a review of articles available in PubMed and the Cochrane Library up until November 2017. Results: Fifty‐five potential articles were identified; 11 articles were included for review, comprising an aggregate of 924 patients. In randomized clinical trials, topical JAK inhibitors demonstrate modest improvements in psoriasis and atopic dermatitis disease scores, patient‐reported outcomes, and quality of life. Results for vitiligo are conflicting, with improvements seen only in facial vitiligo. Conclusive efficacy data for alopecia areata is lacking. Limitations: It was not possible to perform a meta‐analysis due to the lack of standardization and low number of randomized clinical trials. Conclusion: Topical JAK inhibitors provide an attractive treatment option for patients with psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, alopecia areata, and vitiligo. Although early phase clinical studies of this novel drug class are promising, large phase 3 and 4 studies are needed to further define the role of topical JAK inhibitors in dermatology.

Pathogenesis and treatment options for chemotherapy-induced alopecia: a systematic review

Chemotherapy‐induced alopecia (CIA) is one of the most troubling long‐lasting side effects of cancer treatment. An estimated 65% of patients undergoing classic chemotherapy will experience hair loss, which is an extremely upsetting adverse event for many. CIA has been traditionally considered to be a diffuse, nonscarring alopecia; however, there are increasing reports of permanent hair loss post chemotherapy. Despite its large impact on patients, there are few proven treatments for CIA. Recent advancements in understanding the pathogenesis of hair loss are promising novel preventative and therapeutic strategies. Currently, scalp cooling during chemotherapy is the most effective preventive intervention with response rates ranging from 50 to 80%. To avoid patient morbidity, clinicians should be aware of the pathogenesis of CIA, characteristic patterns of hair loss associated with specific drug regimens, preventive measures that may be taken, and therapeutic options post chemotherapy. The following represents an updated systematic review of CIA, including characteristic clinical patterns, pathophysiology of the disease, therapeutic approaches, as well as a cost‐effective analysis to assess the significance of this toxicity.

Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Alopecia: A Comprehensive Review

The treatment of alopecia is limited by a lack of therapies that induce and sustain disease remission. Given the negative psychosocial impact of hair loss, patients that do not see significant hair restoration with conventional therapies often turn to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Although there are a variety of CAM treatment options on the market for alopecia, only a few are backed by multiple randomized controlled trials. Further, these modalities are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and there is a lack of standardization of bioactive in gredients in over-the-counter vitamins, herbs, and supplements. In this article, we provide a comprehensive review of the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of CAM, including natural products and mind and body practices, in the treatment of hair loss. Overall, there is a need for additional studies investigating CAM for alopecia with more robust clinical design and standardized, quantitative outcomes.

Alopecia and Associated Toxic Agents: A Systematic Review

Importance/Objective: There are a number of toxic agents that can cause alopecia. In this review we summarize the known substances that cause alopecia as one of the clinical signs of overdose or toxicity. Evidence Review: A search was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane for studies describing hair loss of any type as a result of exposure to or ingestion of a toxic agent. The search yielded 856 articles, with 47 studies included in this review. Findings: Agents with the strongest evidence of association to alopecia include thallium, mercury, selenium, and colchicine. Agents with described incidents include boric acid, arsenic, vitamin A, botulinum toxin, Podostroma cornu-damae, and the synthetic opioid MT-45. Conclusions and Relevance: Numerous toxic agents have been implicated in alopecia, and the strength of evidence behind each agent varies. Toxic levels of thallium and colchicine have long been established to cause alopecia, as compared to agents such as botulinum toxin A and synthetic recreational drugs which have less literature describing their links to alopecia and will need further investigation to characterize their relationships to hair loss. Knowledge of typical presentations of hair loss will aid in the development of a differential diagnosis for patients presenting with alopecia.

Does Complement Have a Role in the Pathogenesis of Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disorder in which immune attack of the anagen follicle causes hair loss in approximately 2% of the population. Although the pathogenesis of AA has not been fully determined, most likely it is mediated by a variety of factors including cellular/humoral immunity and genetic predisposition. Researchers have been interested in the possible role of the complement pathway in AA since the 1970s. Given recent evidence suggesting that complement plays a role in many immunologic and inflammatory dermatologic diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus, bullous diseases, angioedema, lipodystrophy, and skin infections, it is likely that complement also contributes to AA pathogenesis. Although early serum studies and immunohistochemical staining have been unimpressive, recent genetics studies may provide evidence that complement does indeed contribute to AA. By determining if complement plays a role in AA, options for novel targeted treatments will become available for those patients with refractory disease.

Recall erythema phenomenon following Er:YAG laser treatment: two case studies and literature review

ABSTRACT Recall erythema is a phenomenon occurring when an area of epidermis treated with laser is later exposed to a trigger, most often sunlight or hot water, causing erythema in the zone of laser treatment after post-treatment erythema has already resolved. Radiation recall dermatitis is a more specific subtype of recall erythema in which an area treated with radiation is subjected to another exposure causing erythema in the area of previous radiation. Cases of recall dermatitis after laser treatment are extremely rare and have only been reported with diode neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet lasers. We report two cases of recall dermatitis following erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet resurfacing laser triggered by exposure to either hot water or direct sunlight, and in one case, radioablation of the thyroid gland. We will also provide a brief literature review of recall dermatitis in the setting of laser surgery.

The use of natural ingredients in innovative Korean cosmeceuticals

The cosmeceutical industry is an ever‐growing and in demand market, especially in Asia. Korea has been on the forefront of creating the newest generation and most innovative cosmeceuticals products including ingredients such as snail secretions, starfish powder, botanical extracts, green tea, and red ginseng. Given their increasing prevalence in the cosmeceutical industry, scientists have been conducting investigations into these extracts and their properties.

The role of systemic treatments for skin lightening

Pigmentation of the skin occurs as a result of increased melanin production or deposition due to various reasons including age, hormonal imbalances, endocrine disease, inflammation, and/or exposure to damaging radiation, resulting in dermatologic conditions such as lentigines, melasma, or postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. Although numerous topical therapies exist for skin lightening, they are limited by efficacy and pigmentation recurrence after treatment cessation. New research into systemic therapies for hyperpigmentation has been promising.

Energy-Based Devices in Male Skin Rejuvenation

Men seek cosmetic procedures for vastly different reasons than women. Men often seek discrete cosmetic services with little downtime. Male skin structure generally differs from female skin structure. Dermatologists should consider subtle differences in the psyche of the male cosmetic patient.

A review of available laser and intense light source home devices: A dermatologist's perspective

Home optical devices are becoming an increasingly popular treatment modality sought out by patients for dermatologic pathologies such as acne, hair removal and anti‐aging, as these devices are a low‐cost and convenient therapy choice.