Making news this month in Women’s Health is the development of an at-home corticosteroid injection for acne flares. ClearPen contains triamcinolone acetonide and, if FDA-approved, would be the first and only at-home prescription-strength corticosteroid acne injection. The product’s developer, Indomo, says it will begin clinical trials soon, so the injections, which would require a prescription, are far from available. Dermatologists who were asked about the concept of at-home injections for acne flares were mixed: Dr. Joshua Zeichner says the product could be effective if the dose is low and controlled, while Dr. Ife J. Rodney is concerned that user error could lead to damaged skin and worsened acne.
Women’s Health also reported on a new study that shows the sugar substitute Stevia may aid in hair regrowth. The study, which was published in the journal Advanced Healthcare Materials, analyzed the effectiveness of microneedling patches with stevioside, which is derived from the stevia plant, when used for the application of minoxidil in genetically modified mice. Researchers found stevioside led to more hair regrowth in the mice compared with other treatments studied. According to the article, stevioside helps minoxidil better dissolve in water, and the researchers believe this quality helps minoxidil penetrate the skin and move into hair follicles, resulting in more hair regrowth. Dr. Rodney, who was also quoted in this article, says more trials are needed to determine the safety and effectiveness of this treatment, especially in humans.
Vogue reported on celebrities who are microdosing Accutane for clear, glowing skin. Dermatologist Dr. Aaron Farberg says the approach reduces the dose of isotretinoin while extending the treatment duration from 6 months to 18 to 24 months. The goal is to get the benefits of Accutane while reducing side effects. Dermatologist Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali says the approach is an alternative to more aggressive acne treatments, yet he doesn’t recommend it as a long-term treatment plan. Dr. Farberg says one of the biggest barriers to this approach is insurance coverage as most insurance plans only cover the standard six-month duration of Accutane.
Be aware of what your patients are reading about skin, hair, and nail trends. Check out this list of dermatology news coverage in the consumer media:
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- CNET: Is slugging safe?
- Cosmopolitan: Tretinoin 101
- Elle: Plane skincare routine
- Everyday Health: Estrogen cream for wrinkles
- Glamour: Hormonal acne
- Good Housekeeping: Rosacea triggers
- HealthCentral: Tips for speaking up at the dermatologist
- InStyle: Hair growth
- Men’s Health: Tattoo aftercare
- NewBeauty: Neurotoxin injections for smoother skin texture
- The New York Times: What hair reveals about health
- Parade: Are gel manicures safe?
- Real Simple: Signs you’re not washing your hair enough
- Real Simple: Skincare products that are a waste of money
- SheFinds: Worst skincare habits
- TODAY: Personal item not to share
- USA Today: What is eczema?
- Women’s Health: How to use exfoliating acids on the face
- Women’s Health: Sebaceous filaments vs. blackheads
- Women’s Health: Skincare ingredients not to combine
Did you enjoy this Patient Buzz listing? You can find more here.
