Top 5 Articles of the Week: February 16-21

To stay up-to-date with the latest dermatology news, sign up to receive our eNewsletters.

1. Expanding NP and PA Opportunities in Dermatology Practice

At the inaugural Horizons in Advanced Practice meeting, Douglas DiRuggiero, DMSc, MHS, PA-C, discussed how NPs and PAs can advance their professional growth by seizing opportunities to share their clinical experiences.

“Include us in ad boards. Include us in publishing. Include us in poster creation. We want to be able to do all the things that our MD counterparts are doing. We’re not trying to be them, but we want to rub shoulders with them. We want to have the same chances to grow professionally that they have,” DiRuggiero said in an interview with Dermatology Times at the Horizons in Advanced Practice meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada.

2. Dermatology Conferences and Meetings Calendar: 2025

Dermatology Times has asked our readers to share with us what conferences and meetings they are looking forward to or planning to attend in 2025. Using these responses, we have compiled a list of dermatological meetings taking place this year.

3. New Study Examines Connection Between Formulation and Benzene Levels in BPO Products

A recent research letter in JAMA Dermatology examined the link between benzoyl peroxide (BPO) formulations and benzene levels, following Valisure's findings of elevated benzene in BPO products exposed to high temperatures. While experts emphasize that appropriately stored products pose minimal risk, the study highlights formulation factors—such as high-temperature processing and antioxidant presence—that influence benzene formation. Researchers suggest stricter temperature controls and ingredient selection to minimize benzene levels in BPO products, ensuring consumer safety while maintaining BPO’s role as a key acne treatment.

4. Aesthetic Treatments: More Than Just Enhancements, A Path to Empowerment

A global study by Merz Aesthetics found that aesthetic treatments do more than enhance appearance—they boost self-confidence and social well-being. Surveying 15,000 consumers across 15 countries, researchers discovered that 72% of respondents felt more confident, and 74% linked self-confidence to their overall well-being. The study also highlighted generational differences, with older adults seeking treatments for aging concerns, while younger generations are more influenced by social media. Experts emphasize that aesthetic procedures can help individuals align their external appearance with their internal self-perception, reinforcing the emotional and psychological benefits of these treatments.

5. New Data on Bimekizumab’s Long-term HS Efficacy

Long-term data from the BE HEARD trials show that bimekizumab (Bimzelx; UCB) effectively manages moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) over 2 years. More than 85% of patients who responded at 1 year maintained their improvement at 2 years, with significant reductions in disease severity and draining tunnels. Unlike some TNF inhibitors, bimekizumab's effectiveness remained steady, even improving over time. The study highlights the drug’s potential to provide sustained relief and improve quality of life, reinforcing its role as a promising long-term treatment option for patients with HS.