JDD Buzz Series | Patient Perspectives on Scalp Biopsies for CCCA
Scalp biopsies are an important tool in diagnosing central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA), especially in atypical presentations where making an accurate diagnosis through other means is challenging. Even though a biopsy-confirmed diagnosis could lead to hair-saving treatment, hair loss patients sometimes balk at the recommendation to biopsy. The authors of a brief communication published …
Scalp biopsies are an important tool in diagnosing central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA), especially in atypical presentations where making an accurate diagnosis through other means is challenging. Even though a biopsy-confirmed diagnosis could lead to hair-saving treatment, hair loss patients sometimes balk at the recommendation to biopsy. The authors of a brief communication published … Continue reading "JDD Buzz Series | Patient Perspectives on Scalp Biopsies for CCCA"
An otherwise healthy 50-year-old male presents with the pictured neoplasm on his trunk. Biopsy reveals melanoma, 2.3mm, ulcerated. Wide local excision and sentinel lymph node biopsy is performed, which is negative. What is the best next step?
A. Observation with skin checks q3 months and symptom-guided imaging
B. Adjuvant pembrolizumab
C. Adjuvant dabrafenib + trametinib
D. Adjuv … 
Dr. Cheri Frey recently delivered an insightful lecture on the evolving landscapes of cosmeceuticals and regenerative medicine. Her presentation addressed the complexities of a crowded market, emerging trends like “prejuvenation,” and the unique biological considerations for treating aging in patients with skin of color.
Navigating the Cosmeceutical Landscape
Dr. Frey acknowledged that t … 
Spicule skin care is touted as “liquid microneedling,” according to a review by NBC News. In the article, dermatologist Dr. Marie Jhin explains that spicules come from marine sponges and have needle-like features, which can help stimulate ingredient penetration. Dermatologist Dr. Eleonora Fedonenko considers spicules similar to exfoliants with the added benefit of creating micro-injuries to th … 
Microtoxin or microbotox is a novel approach in aesthetics where microdosed botulinum toxin is placed into the dermis. Unlike traditional neuromodulators that target skeletal muscle, microtoxin acts within the dermis, impacting sebaceous and eccrine glands, arrector pili contraction, fibroblast signaling, and neurovascular pathways. The result is enhanced skin quality without impaired facial muscl …