Patient perspectives on topical minoxidil for hair loss: a survey-based study from the University of Michigan Alopecia Clinic.

Topical minoxidil is a widely used therapy for alopecia. Its availability over the counter in the United States makes it easily accessible. Various factors impact whether an individual decides to pursue treatment and/or continue long-term use. Our study aimed to investigate patient awareness, opinions, and hesitations regarding topical minoxidil use for hair loss treatment. The study also aimed to identify information sources influencing these viewpoints. A survey was administered to new patients seeking evaluation for alopecia aged 18 and above at the University of Michigan Alopecia Clinic. Data collection occurred between August 2022 and August 2023. Demographics, patient-reported hair loss diagnosis, history of minoxidil use, opinions on minoxidil, influential information sources, and concerns about minoxidil were collected. A total of 47 surveys were completed, primarily by females (78.7%) ages 18-40 years (44.7%). Respondents were aware of minoxidil (97.9%), with 63.8% reporting they had heard of minoxidil, but had not used it. Medical professionals were the most influential information source (34%), followed by close contacts (17%), internet searches (10.6%), and television (10.6%). Overall, positive opinions on minoxidil were expressed by 51.1%, negative opinions by 31.9%, and neutral opinions by 17%. Most common concerns included the need for continuous use (46.8%), required regular application (31.9%), skepticism about hair regrowth (29.8%), and expense (25.5%). Addressing personalized concerns and tailoring communication based on hair loss type and information sources may lead to more informed decisions and improved adherence. Gauging the opinions of this population provides valuable insights, aiding dermatologists in patient education and counseling strategies.

Efficacy of an Introductory Nail Disorder Learning Module to Supplement the Medical School Curriculum: Experience from One United States Medical School.

Introduction: Dermatologic and systemic conditions affecting nails are common, but nail pathology education in medical school curricula is limited. We created and evaluated the efficacy of a case-based module on nail pathologies in a medical student cohort from one well-respected US medical school. Methods: We developed a module consisting of five cases: melanonychia, onychomycosis, nail psoriasis, Beau's lines/onychomadesis, and apparent leukonychia. Participants completed a pre-module questionnaire prior to completing the module and another questionnaire directly following completion. Results: Sixty-two clinical medical students completed the pre-module questionnaire, the module, and the post-module questionnaire. 59.68% of participants reported they had evaluated 1-5 patients with nail findings. However, 43.55% of study participants denied receiving any lectures on nail pathologies in their medical education. On average, the module took 13.73 min to complete. Student-reported confidence in both identifying and treating common nail disorders significantly increased from to pre- to post-module responses for both identification (p < 0.001) and treatment (p < 0.001) of common nail pathologies. Discussion/Conclusion: Nail findings are prevalent in all medical specialties, and improved medical student education on nail pathologies is necessary. Our introductory, case-based module on pathologies is an effective way to improve student confidence in identifying and treating nail disorders.

Onychomycosis on YouTube: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.

Background: While the Internet remains a popular source of health information, YouTube may contain bias and incomplete information regarding common dermatological conditions. Objective: Our objective was to quantify onychomycosis treatment recommendations on YouTube. Methods: We searched YouTube for "nail fungus," "toenail fungus," "onychomycosis treatment," "onychomycosis," and "nail fungus treatment" in separate searches. The top 30 videos meeting inclusion criteria in each search were viewed for video demographics and treatment recommendations. Results: Analysis was performed on 102 videos. The majority of videos (81.3%) were intended for patient education. Analyzing videos by speaker, 50.0% featured a podiatrist, 13.7% a nondermatologist physician or other medical professional, 10.8% a patient or blogger, 6.9% a dermatologist, and 2.0% a nail technician. Videos recommended FDA-approved therapies, as well as OTC products. The most recommended medical therapies included oral terbinafine and laser therapy, mentioned in 29 and 28 videos, respectively. Various natural remedies were recommended, with tea tree oil being endorsed in 23 videos. Conclusion: YouTube offers patient education on a range of treatment options for onychomycosis. We caution patients against starting treatments based on social media recommendations and encourage dermatologists to utilize social media to educate the public on common dermatological conditions.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Onychomycosis: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence.

Introduction: Onychomycosis is notoriously difficult to treat. While oral antifungals are the most efficacious treatment for onychomycosis, they are contraindicated in certain patient populations, and patients may desire lower risk and accessible alternatives to systemic agents. In this study, we examine the clinical evidence supporting the use of complementary and alternative therapies in the treatment of onychomycosis. Methods: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched for clinical trials, observational studies, and case reports/case series, examining the efficacy of a complementary or alternative therapy for the treatment of onychomycosis. Results: We identified 17 articles studying a complementary and alternative therapy for onychomycosis, including tea tree oil (n = 5), Ageratina pichinchensis (n = 3), Arthrospira maxima (n = 2), natural coniferous resin lacquer (n = 2), Vicks VapoRub® (n = 2), propolis extract (n = 2), and ozonized sunflower oil (n = 1). Conclusion: Given the rise of antifungal resistance, complementary and alternative therapies should continue to be studied as adjunctive or alternative therapy for onychomycosis. While preliminary evidence exists for several complementary and alternative therapies in the treatment of onychomycosis, large-scale, randomized, placebo-controlled trials are needed prior to endorsing their use to patients.

Hair and Nail Conditions: Nail Conditions.

A thorough understanding of nail anatomy can help physicians identify the causes of nail conditions. Observation of changes to the nail can help establish a diagnosis. Patient evaluation should include a physical examination, dermoscopy, and, in some cases, nail biopsy. Onychomycosis is the most common nail condition worldwide, and should be distinguished from other nail conditions with similar manifestations. Empiric onychomycosis treatment without confirmatory tests has been proposed, but studies have shown the cost-effectiveness of testing to prevent inappropriate therapy. Systemic drugs for management include terbinafine and itraconazole. Longitudinal melanonychia is a brown band through the length of the nail. Nail melanoma should be suspected if the band is dark brown-black, is located on a single digit, and occupies 40% or more of the nail plate width. Biopsy with local anesthesia should be performed in patients with suspected nail melanoma or other neoplastic nail conditions. Identification of warning signs of nail melanoma can result in earlier diagnosis and limit potential morbidity and mortality. Nail psoriasis often is overlooked but can affect up to 50% of patients with psoriasis. Nail lichen planus can cause permanent scarring with loss of normal nail anatomy. Other common nail conditions include acute and chronic paronychia, onychocryptosis, onycholysis, Pseudomonas infection (ie, green nails), onychogryphosis, subungual hematoma, and onychomadesis.