Editor's Picks January 2021

In January 2021, several studies were highlighted in the field of dermatology and related health issues. One study by Colas et al. involving 92 high-risk MSM (men who have sex with men) participants found that pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) did not increase the risk of acquiring new sexually transmitted infections (STIs), emphasizing the need for regular STI screening and safe sex practices in this population. Another study involving 77 hospitalized male COVID-19 patients suggested that anti-androgen medications, such as 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (5ARis), could reduce the risk of ICU admission, particularly in older individuals with cardiovascular comorbidities. This study also indicated that genetic variations in the androgen receptor gene might predict COVID-19 disease severity. A separate clinical trial with 48 subjects compared two injection techniques of incobotulinumtoxinA for treating crow's feet and found that a 3-point intramuscular injection was more effective and longer-lasting than a 6-point intradermal injection, with less pain and bruising. Lastly, a modified Delphi study on frailty screening in dermatology-oncology practice identified the 'Geriatric-8' (G8) as a potentially suitable tool for assessing frailty in older patients with skin cancer, though further research is needed.