The Journal of dermatological treatment
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Isotretinoin has been used off-label in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) patients with variable results, making it difficult to predict which patients with HS are likely to benefit. ⋯ Our data suggest that for HS patients, having a history of pilonidal cyst is associated with a beneficial response to isotretinoin.
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Mirtazapine has traditionally been used for the treatment of major depressive disorder, with an added benefit in patients who have comorbid insomnia or anxiety. Recent studies describe its usefulness in treating refractory pruritus of various causes as well. Our goal is to better define the use of mirtazapine in the treatment of refractory pruritus. ⋯ Mirtazapine plays a role in treatment for intra-thecel morphine-induced pruritis yet high-quality trials are needed to confirm its efficacy in other dermatologic conditions.
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Importance: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition presenting with painful nodules and sinus tracts primarily in intertriginous regions. The persistent nature of HS and challenges in symptom management lead many patients to seek non-pharmacologic approaches due to the paucity and limited efficacy of conventional HS therapeutic options. Objective: To evaluate the existing evidence for non-pharmacologic modalities in treatment of HS. ⋯ Conclusions and relevance: HS patients are becoming increasingly interested in the use of non-pharmacologic approaches to augment conventional treatments. Strength of evidence for non-pharmacologic therapies in HS is limited by small study size and lack of randomized controlled trials. Future large-scale investigations should be pursued to better establish efficacy and dosing regimens for the use of non-pharmacologic treatments in HS.
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Itch, skin pain, and sleep disturbance are burdensome symptoms in atopic dermatitis (AD) that negatively influence a patient's quality of life (QoL). ⋯ NCT03334396 (BREEZE-AD1) and NCT03334422 (BREEZE-AD2).
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YouTube is increasingly utilized by patients for health information. We aimed to assess the educational quality of YouTube videos about phototherapy and excimer laser for psoriasis. A cross-sectional analysis of YouTube videos was conducted using the search terms psoriasis phototherapy and psoriasis laser. ⋯ Neither the number of views nor interaction differed significantly among videos of varying educational quality, between videos presenting evidence-based versus non-evidence-based claims about psoriasis, and between videos conveying positive versus negative messages regarding medical consultation. Overall, the majority of YouTube videos about phototherapy and excimer laser advertise devices are of fair-to-low educational quality and are not patient-centric. The addition of more videos that accurately and holistically discuss patient-relevant aspects of these therapies may transform YouTube into a more effective resource for informing patient choices.