PatientsLikeMe and Online Patient Support Communities in Dermatology.

Online patient-oriented platforms such as PatientsLikeMe (PLM) offer a venue for individuals with various diagnoses to share experiences and build community, though they may not be representative of the larger patient population. This potentially limits generalizability and raises concerns about the spread of misinformation, emphasizing the need for informed use and health care provider engagement.

Examining the Uncertainties Surrounding Exosome Therapy in Androgenetic Alopecia: A Call for Evidence-Based Practice.

Hair loss, a pervasive and often distressing condition, affects a substantial number of individuals globally. Although conventional treatments such as hair transplantation, topicals, oral medications, and injectables exist, they have limitations, including the necessity for repeated treatments, potential adverse effects, and cost barriers. Exosome therapy, an innovative and burgeoning option within regenerative medicine, offers a novel approach to hair loss treatment. Exosomes are small vesicles that are produced from the membranes of late-endosomes and secreted by cells, playing a crucial role in intercellular communication. Research on humans is limited,1-4 and animal studies have shown that exosomes derived from various cell types can stimulate hair growth, resulting in increased research and development of exosome therapy for hair loss.5 Establishing a uniform reporting method for exosome therapy is vital as research in this area continues to expand. A standardized approach to research reporting and results is essential for comprehending the underlying mechanisms, safety, and efficacy of exosome therapy. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the current state of exosome therapy for hair loss, including potential advantages, and limitations, as well as directions for future research. J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(3)    doi:10.36849/JDD.7603.

Clinical dermatologic applications of ginger: a focused review.

Ginger is a traditional herb with medicinal properties. Although most commonly utilized as a spice, it has been used for various medicinal ailments for thousands of years. Over the past century, the anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and antimicrobial properties of ginger have been increasingly studied. Ginger has been demonstrated to be beneficial for many conditions including dermatologic, gastrointestinal, neoplastic, and respiratory diseases. Herein, we examine the existing literature regarding the clinical uses of ginger with a focus on its dermatologic applications.

Medication-induced hair loss: An update.

This article discusses drug-induced hair loss, which can occur with many drugs including cytotoxic agents, biologics, and immunomodulating agents, among others. It outlines the diagnosis and management of drug-induced alopecia, with a focus on recently implicated drugs.

Intradermal Delivery of Alopecia Therapeutics: Current State and Future Prospects.

BACKGROUND: Mesotherapy, a technique of transdermal microinjections of specific preparations, is increasingly used in fields such as dermatology and specifically for alopecia treatment. Its popularity stems from its ability to deliver drugs in a targeted manner while minimizing systemic side effects. OBJECTIVE: To assess and review current knowledge regarding the use of mesotherapy to deliver alopecia medications and highlight future directions for research. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors used research databases including PubMed and Google Scholar to identify current literature on mesotherapy and alopecia. The following search terms were used among other terms: "Mesotherapy" or "Intradermal" AND "Alopecia". RESULTS: Recent studies are promising for the intradermal delivery of dutasteride and minoxidil in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. CONCLUSION: Although limitations exist with dutasteride and minoxidil therapies, further research regarding the preparation, delivery, and maintenance of these drugs is warranted as mesotherapy could establish this technique as a safe, effective, and viable treatment option for androgenetic alopecia.

Alopecia Areata: Burden of Disease, Approach to Treatment, and Current Unmet Needs.

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune hair loss disorder with variations in distribution, duration, and severity. The disease is chronic and often follows an unpredictable course, frequently leading to stress and anxiety for those who suffer from it. Throughout the years more knowledge has been gained regarding pathogenesis, diagnostic tools, impact on quality of life, as well as treatment strategies for alopecia areata. However, challenges in treating and alleviating the burden of disease remain. In this article, we discuss updates regarding the pathogenesis and treatment of alopecia areata and highlight unmet needs of the condition, including a review of limitations of current treatments, accessibility to management strategies, and the need for disease awareness and advocacy.

A Case of Concurrence of Clonorchis Sinensis and Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma-A Diagnostic Dilemma.

Clonorchis Sinensis, a common liver fluke, is known to cause biliary disease and can present with a wide array of symptoms. It's mostly found in Asian countries due to consumption of undercooked or raw fish. Although Cholangiocarcinoma is a known serious complication of this disease, Pancreatic neoplasms are rare and have seldom been reported. Here, we report a case of an 80-year-old man who presents with pancreatic adenocarcinoma associated with Clonorchis Sinensis infection.

Cochrane Skin Group's Global Social Media Reach: Content Analysis of Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Posts.

BACKGROUND: Researchers in all medical specialties increasingly use social media to educate the public, share new publications with peers, and diversify their audiences. OBJECTIVE: Given Cochrane Skin Group's expanded use of social media in the past years, we aimed to characterize Cochrane Skin Group's international social media audience and identify themes that result in increased content engagement. METHODS: Cochrane Skin Group's Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter analytics data were extracted for follower demographics and the most viewed posts within a 3-year span (June 2019 to June 2022). RESULTS: Overall, Cochrane Skin Group had the highest number of followers on Facebook (n=1037). The number of Instagram and Twitter followers reached 214 and 352, respectively. The greatest numbers of Facebook followers were from Brazil, Egypt, and India, with 271, 299, and 463 followers, respectively. Facebook's most viewed post about Cochrane Skin Group's annual meeting received 1041 views. The top post on Instagram, which introduced Cochrane Skin Group's social media editors, received 2522 views. CONCLUSIONS: Each of the social media platforms used by Cochrane Skin Group reached varying audiences all over the world. Across social media platforms, posts regarding Cochrane Skin Group meetings, members, and professional opportunities received the most views. Overall, Cochrane Skin Group's multiplatform social media approach will continue to grow an international audience, connecting people interested in skin disease.