Electronic Nicotine Dispensing Systems Compared to Traditional Cigarettes in Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Patient and Dermatologist Perceptions.

Background: Smoking cigarettes can have deleterious effects on hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) disease severity, but little is known about the relationship between vaping electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and HS severity. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the rate of ENDS use in those with HS and the perceptions of HS participants and dermatologists on the relationship between vaping and HS. Methods: Two separate cross-sectional, anonymous, multiple-choice questionnaires were administered. One questionnaire was distributed to those with HS recruited via online HS-related forums. Inclusion criteria were diagnosis of HS, age 18 and over, and residence in USA. The other questionnaire was distributed to currently practicing, board-certified dermatologists recruited via an email listserv. Results: Overall, 302 participants with HS completed the questionnaire. Fifty-six participants (18.5%) smoke cigarettes and 41 participants (13.6%) vape ENDS. One-third of ENDS users (14/41) switched from cigarettes to ENDS after learning of their HS diagnosis, of which 78.6% (11/14) believed that the switch decreased the severity and/or frequency of their HS flares. Fifty dermatologists completed the questionnaire, of whom over half (54%, 27/50) were unsure about the relationship between vaping and HS severity. Conclusions: As cigarette smoking and HS are closely linked, the use of ENDS in HS warrants further study.

Barriers to Dermatologic Care and Use of Internet Sources in Hidradenitis Suppurativa.

Poondru S, Scott K, Riley JM. Barriers to dermatologic care and use of internet sources in hidradenitis suppurativa. J Drugs Dermatol. 2023;22(7):710-711. doi:10.36849/JDD.7355.

The need for greater skin of color training: perspectives from communities of color.

More than half of the population will belong to a minority group by the year 2044. Further research needs to be done into the perceptions of those with skin of color regarding their dermatologic care. This study assessed the perceptions and preferences of communities of color regarding the care of their skin and hair. An anonymous, cross-sectional, multiple-choice, online survey was administered from August through October 2021. Participants were recruited using ResearchMatch, a national volunteer health registry supported by the US National Institutes of Health. Eligibility criteria included being 18 years or older, identifying with at least one racial/ethnic group within skin of color, and living in the United States. A total of 547 participants completed the survey, 463 women (84.6%) and 84 men (15.4%) with a mean (standard deviation) age of 44.1 (15.4) years. 301 self-identified as Black (55.0%), 84 Latinx (15.4%), 90 Asian (16.5%), and 72 Multiracial (13.2%). Participants did not feel like dermatologists are trained to treat skin of color (69.5%, n = 380) or ethnic hair (75.1%, n = 411). Participants believed that all dermatologists should have training in skin of color (92.3%, n = 505) and would be more likely to see a dermatologist if they had skin of color training (80.1%, n = 438) as they felt dermatologists who have skin of color training are better equipped to treat their conditions (67.1%, n = 367). Participants were more comfortable receiving treatment at clinics that specialize in skin of color (75.1%, n = 411), but overwhelmingly had never heard of skin of color clinics (94.1%, n = 515). Participants were willing to contribute non-identifiable photos (96.3%, n = 527) and stories about skin and hair diseases (94.1%, n = 515) to create skin of color resources to train dermatologists. Overall, perceptions of communities of color on dermatologic care need to be improved. Greater skin of color training including all races/ethnicities and skin tones is imperative, and greater visibility and resources should also be put into skin of color clinics and formal skin of color research.

Patient perspectives of wound care management in hidradenitis suppurativa.

Wound care management and costs in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) are unmet needs. This study explored patient perspectives of at-home management of acute flares of HS and chronic daily wounds, their satisfaction with current wound care methods, and the financial burden of wound care supplies. An anonymous, multiple choice, cross-sectional questionnaire was distributed among online HS-related forums between August and October 2022. Participants 18 years or older with a diagnosis of HS who live in the United States were included. In total, 302 participants completed the questionnaire: 168 White (55.6%), 76 Black (25.2%), 33 Hispanic (10.9%), 7 Asian (2.3%), 12 multiracial (4.0%), and 6 other (2.0%). Dressings commonly reported included gauze, panty liners or menstrual pads, tissues or toilet paper, antiseptic dressing, abdominal pads, and adhesive bandages. Commonly reported topical remedies for acute flares of HS included warm compresses, Epsom salt baths, Vicks VapoRub, tea tree oil, witch hazel, and bleach baths. One-third of participants (n = 102) reported dissatisfaction with current wound care methods, and 48.8% (n = 103) believed that their dermatologist does not meet their wound care needs. Nearly half (n = 135) reported being unable to afford the type and quantity of dressings and wound care supplies they would ideally want. Black participants were more likely than White participants to report being unable to afford their dressings and find the cost as very burdensome. Overall, dermatologists must improve patient education of wound care methods in HS and address the financial burden of wound care supplies by exploring insurance-funded options.