In Other Journals: Summaries of Dermatological Studies
February 2012
in “
Australasian Journal of Dermatology
”
TLDR Some moles can disappear naturally, maintenance therapy for Stage 1 mycosis fungoides may not be necessary, allergic skin reactions in children are rising, weekly methotrexate for psoriasis is more effective than daily, long-term finasteride use improves hair growth with few side effects, and petrolatum improves UV therapy for psoriasis.
The document summarizes findings from various studies on dermatological topics. One study followed 366 pre-adolescent children over 3 years and found that 28% had at least one nevus (mole) disappear without evidence of an immune response, suggesting non-immunological mechanisms of nevus involution. Another study with 40 patients with Stage 1 mycosis fungoides showed no statistical difference in relapse rates between those who received maintenance PUVA therapy and those who did not, questioning the necessity of maintenance therapy for this condition. A review of pediatric allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) indicated that the prevalence of ACD in children is increasing, with common allergens being nickel, cobalt, thiomersal, and fragrance, and that children with atopic dermatitis are as likely to be sensitized as those without. A randomized controlled trial with 202 patients compared daily versus weekly methotrexate for psoriasis and found that daily administration had fewer side effects but weekly administration had greater clinical efficacy. A long-term study on finasteride for male androgenetic alopecia in 118 men showed ongoing improvement in hair growth over 10 years, with only 6% experiencing side effects. Lastly, a study on narrow-band UVB therapy for psoriasis found that pretreatment with petrolatum led to significantly higher improvement compared to coal tar or no pretreatment, suggesting petrolatum enhances UV penetration in psoriatic plaques.
