The Scientific Legacy of Stephen Rothman

November 2014 in “ The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology ”

Walter H. C. Burgdorf, David R. Bickers

epidermis epidermal lipids melanogenesis ultraviolet radiation PABA sunscreens antimicrobial properties skin surface lipids systemic cortisone alopecia areata undecylenic acid antifungal agents cortisone

TLDR Stephen Rothman made important discoveries in dermatology, including the use of PABA in sunscreens, but never profited from his work.

In 2014, the scientific community celebrated the 120th anniversary of Stephen Rothman's birth and the 60th anniversary of his influential work in dermatology. Rothman, born in 1894, made significant contributions to the field, including research on the epidermis, epidermal lipids, melanogenesis, and the effects of ultraviolet radiation on skin. He demonstrated the photoprotective properties of PABA in sunscreens in 1947, studied the antimicrobial properties of skin surface lipids, and found systemic cortisone effective in treating alopecia areata. Despite his groundbreaking work, Rothman never profited from his discoveries, such as PABA sunscreens and undecylenic acid antifungal agents. His legacy is honored by The Society for Investigative Dermatology through The Stephen Rothman Medal and his philosophy on basic research continues to influence the field.

View this study on jidonline.org →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

3 / 3 results

research The Genetic Architecture of Alopecia Areata

23 citations, December 2013 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings”

Genetic discoveries are leading to new treatments for alopecia areata.

research Alopecia Areata: A Tissue-Specific Autoimmune Disease of the Hair Follicle

185 citations, August 2005 in “Autoimmunity Reviews”

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition causing hair loss due to the immune system attacking hair follicles, often influenced by genetics and stress.

research Sebocytes Are the Key Regulators of Androgen Homeostasis in Human Skin

196 citations, May 2001 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology”

Sebocytes play a key role in controlling androgen levels in human skin.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 68 results

community Topical Dutasteride. Does it work?

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 13 upvotes 6 months ago

Topical dutasteride may be effective for hair loss by staying in the scalp and minimizing bloodstream absorption, potentially improving hair results and reducing side effects. The user seeks advice on its effectiveness.

community New and Interesting HairLoss Studies/Papers/Reviews

in Treatment 42 upvotes 4 years ago

Hair loss treatments discussed include Dutasteride with Ketoconazole, tissue engineering strategies, and androgenetic alopecia therapies. Massage doubles follicular retention, improving treatment effectiveness.

community Diffuse hair loss and scalp biopsies

in Research 692 upvotes 4 months ago

Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.

community I started rapidly diffuse thinning at 22. I'm 42 now and have as much hair as I did at 16. AMA

in Treatment 443 upvotes 4 years ago

Hair loss treatments like finasteride, minoxidil, ketoconazole, PRP, and microneedling helped maintain hair for 20 years. Research and try evidence-based treatments for best results.

community PP405: The Ultimate Hair Loss Drug for Complete Hair Growth

in Research/Science 198 upvotes 2 days ago

PP405 is a new hair loss treatment in phase 2 trials that may promote hair growth by increasing lactate production and activating hair follicle stem cells. It could potentially replace hormone-disrupting treatments like Minoxidil and finasteride.

community Clearing the air on how non-surgical treatments really work

18 upvotes 5 years ago

Treatments for hair loss, including finasteride, dutasteride, minoxidil, ketoconazole, microneedling, and low level laser light therapy, which aim to reduce DHT production, increase cell absorption and blood flow, and stimulate epidermal stem cells. It also stresses the importance of patience when using these treatments.

Similar Research

5 / 1000+ results

Surface Lipids as Multifunctional Mediators of Skin Responses to Environmental Stimuli

research Antioxidants in Dermatology

86 citations, June 2017 in “Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia”

Antioxidants can benefit skin health but should be used carefully to avoid negative effects.

research Cosmetic Potential of Southeast Asian Herbs: An Overview

17 citations, February 2015 in “Phytochemistry Reviews”

Southeast Asian herbs show promise for skin and hair care, but more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness in cosmetics.