• Mckenzie Stryhn posted an update 7 hours, 59 minutes ago

    8%). Adding Cal/BD foam to the initial biologic ($3,780 per additional patient cleared) was a less costly approach compared to the lowest cost dose escalation (guselkumab; $73,370 per additional patient cleared) or switching the initial failed biologic to the lowest cost alternative biologic (infliximab; $88,250 per additional patient cleared). There were no treatment-related or serious AEs when adding Cal/BD foam. Adding a topical agent may be an efficacious, low cost, and safe approach to achieve complete clearing in psoriasis patients who previously failed to clear on their biologic. J Drugs Dermatol. 2020;19(2)188-194. doi10.36849/JDD.2020.3989.Melasma is a commonly acquired condition that mostly affects women with Fitzpatrick skin types III-VI with prominent brown pigmentation with or without an underlying erythema. Despite multiple treatment options, melasma can be challenging given its chronic and relapsing nature. The objective of this article is to review the quality of life impact of melasma and offer suggestions for enhancing the melasma specific quality of life scale. J Drugs Dermatol. 2020;19(2)184-187. doi10.36849/JDD.2020.4663.BACKGROUND Phototherapy is a safe and effective modality for the treatment of mild to moderate psoriasis. OBJECTIVES To compare the efficacy and safety of the 650-microsecond, 1064-nm pulsed YAG laser with the excimer laser for the treatment of mild to moderate psoriasis vulgaris of the arms and legs. METHODS Eligible subjects (n=15) aged 54.3 ± 11.7 years enrolled in a randomized, investigator-blinded study. find more Psoriatic plaques on one side of the body were treated with the 650-microsecond laser and plaques on the other side were treated with the 308-nm excimer laser. Subjects made up to 15 visits, twice weekly, or fewer if full clearance was achieved. Efficacy and tolerance were evaluated by the mPASI scores and local skin reactions, respectively. RESULTS Both devices showed efficacy in treating psoriatic plaques. Differences between the two devices were not significant for redness, thickness, scaliness, mPASI scores for arms and legs, and overall mPASI scores for the treated psoriatic plaques on each side of the body. The investigator-assessed scores for erosion/ulceration, vesicles, erythema, scaling, edema, and atrophy were low and identical for both sides of the body. CONCLUSION The efficacy and tolerance of the 650-microsecond laser is equivalent to that of the excimer laser for the treatment of mild to moderate psoriasis vulgaris of the arms and legs. J Drugs Dermatol. 2020;19(2)176-183. doi10.36849/JDD.2020.4769.Jet Volumetric Remodeling (JVR) utilizes the principle of superficial soft tissue delivery of fluids, such as hyaluronic acid (HA) and other therapeutic materials. Dermal delivery of HA activates fibroblasts increasing collagen and elastin synthesis with a long-lasting dermal remodeling and thickening effect. JVR-injected HA causes immediate and diffuse skin hydration resulting in an aesthetically pleasing aspect. JVR technology is able to target different layers during the same treatment with only minor side effects. The article reviews JVR delivery of hyaluronan in comparison to current skin remodeling treatment modalities. J Drugs Dermatol. 2020;19(2)170-175. doi10.36849/JDD.2020.3641.BACKGROUND Low-dose superficial radiation therapy (SRT) effectively treats nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) without requiring invasive excision. SRT is especially safe and effective among the elderly who comprise most patients with basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas (BCCs and SCCs). OBJECTIVE To demonstrate the long-term safety and efficacy of SRT for treating NMSC with a new generation device. METHODS A retrospective chart review was performed at four clinical study sites. The study population included male and female patients (N=516) treated with SRT for NMSC (N=776) including BCCs (n=448) and SCCs (n=328) prior to January 2015 with long-term follow-up records. RESULTS The overall mean (SD) total treatment dosage was 4652.33 (366.34) cGy (range, 3636.6 to 5455 cGy) administered over a mean of 12.3 (1.85) sessions. The overall Kaplan-Meier survival probability estimate (95% CI) was 0.989 (0.980, 0.998) at 24 months, 0.989 (0.969, 1.000) at 60 months, and 0.989 (0.942, 1.000) at 85 months. There were six recurrences of BCCs (n=4) and SCCs (n=2). The most common adverse event was hypopigmentation. LIMITATIONS Retrospective study design and some incomplete data. CONCLUSION It is estimated that 98.9% of nonmelanoma skin cancers will not recur after 85 months following superficial radiation therapy. J Drugs Dermatol. 2020;19(2)163-168. doi10.36849/JDD.2020.4647.Ingenol mebutate (IM) is a novel drug that was developed for the treatment of actinic keratosis (AK). The drug works by a dual mechanism of action — a rapid induction of cell death by necrosis along with a delayed neutrophil-mediated cellular cytotoxicity response.¹ Currently, IM is available as a 0.015% or 0.05% topical gel and has only been FDA-approved for the treatment of actinic keratosis. However, IM has also been extensively used off-label, and found to be efficacious in the treatment of multiple other skin disorders. In this review, we discuss the current literature that provides evidence for the successful use of ingenol mebutate as treatment for dermatologic disorders beyond actinic keratosis. J Drugs Dermatol. 2020;19(2)156-161. doi10.36849/JDD.2020.4731.INTRODUCTION Allergic conditions frequently require treatment with antihistamines. First-generation antihistamines can potentially interfere with restful sleep, cause “morning after” effects, impair learning and memory, and reduce work efficiency. Second-generation antihistamines, such as bilastine, have been demonstrated to decrease allergy symptoms effectively without causing night-time sleep disturbances and related adverse events. METHOD A real-world case project was developed to help optimize patient care by recognizing the role bilastine can play for allergic conditions where antihistamine treatment is needed. The presented real-world patient cases conducted by the panel members are supported with evidence from the literature, where available. Any discussion concerning off-label use should be considered an expert opinion only. RESULTS The real-world cases presented here used bilastine in conditions such as perennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis, chronic urticaria, as well as urticarial vasculitis and pruritus associated with inflammatory skin conditions.