Derm In The News: July 14-20

The Daily, Case Western Reserve University: Dermatology's Rosanne Paul examines racial disparities in treating hidradenitis suppurativa and other skin care conditions

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) can be challenging for Black patients, with delayed diagnoses and more severe symptoms. Rosanne Paul, DO, an assistant professor of dermatology at Case Western Reserve University, highlighted racial disparities in treating skin conditions like HS, noting that Black patients often face greater delays in diagnosis and accessing specialist care. Paul noted that patients should be educated on triggers like shaving and tight fabrics that can worsen HS, proper wound care is crucial for managing symptoms and preventing complications, and advising patients to change clothes immediately after exercise can help manage flare-ups.

Stanford University: Talking about the need for Stanford Medicine’s new Skin of Color program

Leandra Barnes, MD, during a dermatology elective, encountered HS in a patient, a condition familiar to her from family and friends but previously undiagnosed. Recognizing the disparities in dermatological care, especially for conditions like HS that affect Black women disproportionately, Barnes was inspired to pursue dermatology. She is now launching Stanford Medicine's first Skin of Color program to address these gaps. The program aims to provide culturally sensitive care, advance research on underrepresented conditions, offer specialized training, and engage in community outreach.

East Idaho News: Frontier Credit Union partnering with dermatologist to offer free skin cancer screenings

Dustin Portela’s Mobile Skin Cancer Screening Bus offered free skin cancer screenings this week in partnership Frontier Credit Union in Shelley, Idaho. Portela, a southeast Idaho native and founder of Treasure Valley Dermatology, specializes in skin cancer surgery and prevention. Steven Foster, Chief of Marketing at Frontier Credit Union, emphasized that the event aligns with their mission to support the community. The free screenings are open to all on a first-come, first-serve basis with no prior registration required.

EIN News: Waccamaw Dermatology and Alliance for Multispecialty Research Announce Partnership to Expand Access to Clinical Trials

Waccamaw Dermatology, a leading dermatology practice in the Carolinas, has partnered with the Alliance for Multispecialty Research to offer patients access to clinical trials and new dermatological treatments. Initially available at Waccamaw Dermatology’s South Strand location in Myrtle Beach, this partnership will expand to other locations. This collaboration will integrate medical research into their practice, addressing the rising skin cancer rates and limited dermatologic care in South Carolina. Patients will have the opportunity to participate in trials for conditions like skin cancer, psoriasis, acne, and more, at no cost, often with compensation for time and travel.

Axios: CBD may help protect skin from sun damage

A new study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology suggests that cannabidiol (CBD), an active ingredient in marijuana, may help protect skin from sun damage. Researchers found that CBD cream reduced cellular and DNA damage linked to ultraviolet A-induced skin cancer. Participants applied CBD cream or a non-CBD cream twice daily for 14 days before UV exposure. The study, conducted by George Washington University and the Center for Clinical and Cosmetic Research, noted less damage in those using CBD cream. However, with only 20 participants, the researchers caution against replacing traditional sun protection with CBD products.

WHIO-TV: Dozens of children get skin infections after playing in bounce house at Ohio church

Several parents in Clermont County, Ohio, report their children developed skin infections after playing in a bounce house at a local church. Doctors and pharmacists noted similar cases, suspecting the bounce house as the common source. It remains unclear if the infections were due to inadequate cleaning or a contagious child.

Have you seen any dermatology headlines this week that we may have missed? Share with us by emailing our team at DTEditor@mmhgroup.com.