Patient-Forward Rundown
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Keep up with the latest headlines in dermatology from the past week, including a successful year for the Skin of Color Society, a rise in skin clinic visits attributed to carbon monoxide levels, and more.
In 2023, the Skin of Color Society (SOCS) reported strides in diversifying dermatology through initiatives such as the "Meeting the Challenge Summit" and "My Best Winter Skin Day" campaign. Collaborating with the Dermatology Foundation, SOCS introduced the Sanofi-Regeneron Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Mid-Career Award, providing a one-million-dollar grant for research addressing healthcare disparities. The organization also conducted its first Scientific Session at the World Congress of Dermatology, released an educational video series, and held the 19th Annual SOCS Scientific Symposium.
A study published in Dermatology and Therapy revealed a correlation between increased carbon monoxide (CO) levels during the Canadian wildfires of 2023 and a rise in atopic dermatitis (AD), dermatitis, and eczema-related clinic visits in a Boston hospital system. Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital analyzed CO levels in the Boston region following the wildfires and examined patient records from the Mass General Brigham hospital system. The study observed a notable increase and atypical summer peak in CO levels in 2023, correlating with a spike in dermatological clinic visits compared to the previous four years.
Top headlines from this week to share with your patient:
A significant surge in scabies cases in the UK, attributed to a doubling of infection rates in a year, is causing public health concerns. The outbreak is linked to the Canadian wildfires of 2023, with carbon monoxide levels correlated to an increase in scabies-related clinic visits. Medication shortages and fears of the parasite developing resistance to existing drugs compound the issue. Experts emphasize the need for coordinated efforts to improve air quality and ensure an adequate supply of effective treatments. The surge in scabies cases is putting additional strain on health care systems already dealing with medication shortages and challenges in social care.
Children born with aplasia cutis congenita often exhibit additional health issues, such as kidney or heart problems, depending on mutations in the KCTD1 or KCTD15 genes. Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital investigated these mutations by modeling them in cells and mice. They discovered that the defects lead to the impairment of cells in the midline cranial sutures, which normally express growth factors for skin formation over the skull. The study, published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation, revealed that ACC-related mutations result in a lack of function of the KCTD1 and KCTD15 proteins.
Have you seen any dermatology headlines this week that we may have missed? Share with us by emailing our team at DTEditor@mmhgroup.com.