Rare dermatologic conditions don’t often receive attention in the consumer media. However, Allure and Slate recently addressed uncommon and distressing diagnoses through the lens of writers’ personal experiences. In the Allure article, “I Thought I Had Eczema. Turns Out, It Was a Rare Blood Cancer,” 42-year-old writer Jamie Stone details her journey with mycosis fungoides (MF). From her initial visit for a suspected basal cell carcinoma to her MF diagnosis several months later, Stone shares the challenges dermatologists and dermatopathologists face when differentiating MF from more common skin conditions like eczema. Through interviews with her treating physicians, Stone communicates key patient takeaways, including the importance of bringing a persistent, returning, or unresolved rash to a dermatologist’s attention.
Slate outlines 25-year-old Jaqueline LeKachman’s experience with fibrosing alopecia in a pattern distribution (FAPD) in the article, “I’m 25, and I Have a Cosmetic Problem That No One Wants—and That’s Maddening to Fix.” FAPD, which is only recently considered a unique form of scarring alopecia, typically affects perimenopausal and menopausal women – not LeKachman’s age group. Her hair started thinning while she was in high school, yet it took until an irregular blood test and a scalp biopsy in her mid 20s until she received a diagnosis of FAPD. Treatment involves a “kitchen sink” of therapies, according to dermatologist Dr. Alessandra Haskin, who is quoted in the article, and LeKachman’s experience is no different. From topical serums to prescription shampoo to red-light therapy, LeKachman’s tried it all. The article also shares the emotional effects of hair loss, and quotes licensed clinical social worker Allison Mann, herself an alopecia patient.
These personal stories not only educate consumers. They provide dermatology clinicians with an inside look into the lived experiences of their patients, from concern to confusion to quality of life effects. Understanding what it means to be a patient with a dermatologic condition can help a clinician provide more understanding, compassionate care.
Review these links and know what other skin, hair, and nail articles are making news:
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- Allure: Fast, effective skincare routine
- BuzzFeed: Natural deodorant allergy
- Eating Well: Everyday habits that impact eczema
- Eating Well: Sneaky signs of psoriasis
- Everyday Health: Daily habits to manage AD
- Everyday Health: Energy-boosting tips for AD
- Everyday Health: How much hair is okay to lose in the shower
- Everyday Health: Safe house cleaning with AD
- Good Housekeeping: Laser vs. IPL vs. BBL
- Good Housekeeping: Sun protection supplements
- Health: Are loofahs bad for the skin?
- HealthDay: Black children have low dermatology usage
- Men’s Health: How to apply eye cream
- NBC News: Tretinoin skincare guide
- The New York Times: Gen Z and tanning
- NewBeauty: Smoking and the skin
- Prevention: Itchy skin causes
- Real Simple: How often to wash a bath towel
- Real Simple: Lip peptides
- Real Simple: Overhyped skincare ingredients
- SheFinds: Eating habits for better skin
- SheFinds: How to reverse sun spots
- Verywell Health: How to get vitamin D safely
- Woman’s World: Skin secrets for women over 50
- Women’s Health: How often to apply body lotion
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