Category Archives: Transhuman News

Articles

By Mollie Barnes

Published On: Sep 18, 2023

Last Updated On: Sep 18, 2023

Eczema is a complex condition that affects different people in different ways. For some people, moisturizing and/or medications might help clear up eczema symptoms enough to improve their daily quality of life. However, for others, especially for those with severe eczema, it might not be enough.

Oftentimes, people with severe eczema might be told by their doctor that they have tried everything for their eczema and that theres nothing left to try. This instance is often a good time to look to alternative therapies, said Dr. Peter Lio, a dermatologist and clinical assistant professor ofdermatologyandpediatrics at Northwestern University.

I think that incorporating alternative therapies with conventional ones which is, incidentally, how I define integrative dermatology is incredibly important and can make a real difference for many patients, said Dr. Lio, who is also the co-founder and co-director of the Chicago Integrative Eczema Center. In part, I think the willingness to try something different, gentler and out-of-the-box can often inspire hope and confidence. I also truly believe that there are many approaches that are off the beaten path that can make a real impact and are worth consideration.

Alternative treatments are generally considered to be anything outside Western medicine. For example, Traditional Chinese Medicine has been treating eczema for over 4,000 years, said Dr. Olivia Hsu Friedman, a doctor of acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine and herbal medicine at Amethyst Holistic Skin Solutions in Naperville, Illinois.

Alternative treatments could range from anything like herbs or botanicals, to acupuncture, vitamins or sound therapy. It can also be something as simple as changing the type of clothing youre wearing.1

What usually happens is that patients are not aware of alternative therapies because they are typically first diagnosed by their MD dermatologists, who will proceed to treat them with traditional pharmacologic treatments, said Dr. Friedman.

Its usually after a patient has tried several traditional pharmacologic treatments and have not found them to be adequate solutions either because they dont work for them or they experience significant side effects that patients typically start opening their minds to other ways to treat their eczema, she said.

Patients can try alternative therapies at any time during their eczema journey, Dr. Friedman said. The most important thing is to find the solution that works best for that patient while considering the patients skin condition, financial situation, response to that medicine, overall health and emotional/psychological situation.

No matter your age, there are alternative therapies for you to try to treat your eczema.

What works for one person does not work for all, Dr. Friedman said. Other factors to consider beyond timing when determining whether or not to try alternative therapies include:

Generally, this is the worst time to try them, Dr. Lio said. My general approach is to get people better ideally much better, or even clear, using all the best tools in our toolbox. Once they are better, the goal is to try to minimize the use of more powerful therapies, and that is where I think the more alternative treatments can really play an important role.

Absolutely! said Dr. Lio. Just because something is natural (and that is a loaded term since even botanical supplements are generally not seen in nature in a capsule form) does not mean it is safe. There are numerous potential issues even with what appear to be safe and natural treatments, from contact dermatitis to true systemic toxicity and interactions with conventional medications, he said. So, it is important to discuss exactly what is going on so that everyone is on the same page.

Trying alternative therapies can be beneficial for people who are dealing with chronic eczema.

Sometimes, if things are really bad at the start, we need to lean heavily on more powerful conventional medications to get things calmed down, Dr. Lio said. But, over time, I find that I can leverage some of my integrative approaches to decrease and sometimes even stop conventional medications, which is truly exciting!

1. Ma, H, Shi V, Lio, PA. A multidisciplinary toolbox for atopic dermatitis treatments. Practical Dermatology. February 2021: 25-33. https://practicaldermatology.com/articles/2021-feb/a-multidisciplinary-toolbox-for-atopic-dermatitis-treatments Accessed September 1, 2023.

Excerpt from:
When is the Best Time to Try Alternative Treatments for Eczema? - National Eczema Association

Articles

By Anne Marre Bautista, as told to Jennifer Moncayo-Hida

Published On: Sep 18, 2023

Last Updated On: Sep 18, 2023

Toxic self-talk is when your inner voice is excessively negative to yourself. For 35-year-old Anne Marre Bautista, from Los Angeles, her childhood experiences with eczema left her with a harsh inner critic that at one point made it hard for her to even look in the mirror. Here, in her own words, Bautista who has atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, seborrheic dermatitis and hand eczema shared how she worked to overcome her negative self-talk and show herself more love.

I was diagnosed with eczema at 6 months old. My eczema played a large part in the way I talked to myself as a kid. I didnt realize this until I became an adult, but my self-hate actually began at a very young age. I used to be a cheerful and friendly kid. But when my skin acted up when I was 9 years old, everything changed.

The other kids at school started to avoid me. I was frequently bullied at school because of my appearance with eczema. The other kids believed I was contagious. I felt isolated and incredibly alone. It wasnt just that I didnt feel beautiful; I also had the sense that nobody wanted to be my friend.

Due to these daily experiences in school, I gradually started to internalize their judgments and began feeling the same way about myself. Every day, I would come home in tears due to the constant bullying I experienced. And before I knew it, I was dealing with all this self-hate. I used to question my own worth a lot. I couldnt even be kind to myself.

Over the years, when I had to deal with my eczema or when I was in a flare, it really affected how I saw myself. How I felt mentally all depended on how bad my skin was at the moment. When my skin was at its worst, I would avoid the mirror or photography altogether. At one point in my preteens/early teens, between 1015 years old, any mirror reflection or photography would freak me out. I was scared that Id see what everyone else saw, and that wasnt a pleasant thought. Looking at myself or catching a glimpse of my reflection felt like a struggle. I was also experiencing extreme anxiety.

I think it all goes back to the awful stuff I went through at school because of my eczema. Those experiences messed with how I saw myself in mirrors. Feeling good about myself was hard. I sometimes still catch myself having this anxiety with mirrors even now as an adult.

Overcoming my negative self-talk and self-hate because of eczema was quite a journey. As a kid, I didnt really get why it was happening. But as I grew older, I redirected my focus toward my strengths. I concentrated on my studies and ensured that I consistently ranked among the top students. Additionally, I engaged in activities I loved, such as skateboarding, spending time with my dog, playing video games, singing and playing music. Relying more on my strengths significantly improved my self-perception.

I honestly dont think I have completely overcome the negative self-talk or the anxiety that comes with it. It is a process that I consistently have to manage and deal with when it happens. In addition to focusing on my strengths and activities I love, I have to constantly remind myself that there is a community of eczema warriors out there too. Im not alone anymore. I make sure that I have a strong support system whenever Im going through the mental struggle of negative self-talk.

For any of my fellow eczema warriors battling with negative self-talk, remember that eczema can come and go. It will never define you. For me, focusing on activities where I knew I excelled really helped me start to embrace my self-worth. Investing my energy into activities I loved also really helped me develop a deeper appreciation for myself and it helped me cultivate self-love. Hopefully that can help you, too.

Read more:
How Eczema Negatively Impacted the Way She Talked to Herself - National Eczema Association

Over the counter (OTC) moisturizer containing 1% colloidal oatmeal was shown to be effective in improving Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) scores in Black children after 3 weeks of use,1 Kenvue announced. In 49 children ages 2 to 15 years with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis, the mean change from baseline in EASI score at week 3 was 2.4 (1.7) with the 1% oatmeal cream group compared to a change of 2.1 (2.3) for the prescription barrier cream group.1,2

Kenvue reported the findings at the Science of Skincare Summit in Austin, Texas. The company will also be sharing other industry-advancing science, including solutions in cleansing and hydration from Neutrogena.

In The Power of Oat for Sensitive Skin session on September 23 at 2pm CDT, lead author Tonianne Lisante, Kenvue scientific engagement manager, will detail the findings of the peer-reviewed study that was published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment highlighting 1% colloidal oatmeal cream used at least twice daily for treating atopic dermatitis in Black children.

When products are not tested in a diverse population, there is a reluctance to accept them as solutions, Lisante said in a press release. A previously published randomized study, conducted in children with atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease, had already established the safety and efficacy of an OTC 1% colloidal oatmeal cream versus a ceramide-based prescription barrier cream in relieving eczema symptoms in children with mild to moderate eczema. Interestingly, the diverse population included in this study provided a new opportunity to conduct a sub analysis among the group of Black subjects, who we know are more effected by eczema, to help advance community health and solve for public health challenges.1

In the colloidal oatmeal cream group, 100% of patients or participants reported that the cream was appropriate for use on children, and 88% said they would use the cream daily rather than occasionally. Both groups showed improvement in pruritis, skin appearance, dryness/flakiness, and moisturization.2

In her session, Lisante will also review the use of colloidal oatmeal in other products for strengthening the skins moisture barrier, soothing irritated skin, and helping to support the microbiome.

References

Read the original post:
Colloidal Oatmeal Effective in Improving Atopic Dermatitis in Black ... - Dermatology Times

Key Takeaways

In the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), combination treatments have demonstrated varying degrees of efficacy. However, according to a recent review1 of the role of combination therapies in HS, researchers say more evidence is needed stemming from larger, more robust studies of a prospective nature to reaffirm such findings.

The review, published in SKIN: The Journal of Cutaneous Medicine, sought to provide a comprehensive review of combination treatment modalities and their efficacy in patients with HS.

Using electronic databases such as ACP Journal Club, Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews, the Database of Abstracts of Review of Effectiveness, and Ovid Medline, investigators Mostafa et al searched for relevant articles published up until May 2023. Studies were eligible for review if they had been published in English, exclusively involved human subjects, and could be classified as case reports, case studies, clinical trials, or cohort studies wherein 2 or more systemic medical therapeutic options were employed in the course of treatment.

Of the 19 studies eligible for review, 12 studies to date have involved the combined use of oral clindamycin and rifampicin, with a typical 600 mg daily dose per drug. Among 3 studies, complete remission of HS was reported, ranging from 1% to 57% of patients achieving remission. Four studies described relapse after cessation of treatment. Side effects involved diarrhea, gastrointestinal problems, and candida vaginitis.

Two of the 19 studies explored the combination of rifampicin-moxifloxacin-metronidazole and found that of 28 patients with HS, 16 individuals achieved clinical remission. Side effects were similar to that of the clindamycin and rifampicin combination, with some reports of moxifloxacin tendinitis, mucosal candidiasis, and asthenia.

Additional combination treatment modalities included the inclusion of an antibiotic, such as in the cases of minocycline and colchicine, clindamycin and ofloxacin, and triamcinolone and lincomycin, among others. Three studies involved non-antibiotic treatments.

Potential study limitations included the quantity of studies included in the review, variance in study outcomes assessed by researchers, and the retrospective or unblinded nature of the eligible studies.

The current evidence depicts combination therapy as a potentially beneficial treatment modality for HS, wrote Mostafa et al. However, the current literature is composed mostly of observational studies and case reports and thus, further research in the form of randomized controlled trials comparing combination treatment to existing interventions is required.

Reference

See the article here:
Combination Treatments in HS Require Further Review - Dermatology Times

Research has shown that biosimilars are highly similar to their originator product in terms of safety and efficacy. Misconceptions about biosimilars in the dermatology community and concerns around their use in psoriasis were evaluated with a review of the data to clarify their use; the results were presented in 2 posters.

The rst poster reviewed the biosimilar approval process to clarify dermatologists misconceptions about biosimilars. Dermatologists have approached biosimilar medicines with caution, the researchers wrote.1

A recent Cardinal Health report corroborated the sentiment that dermatologists are hesitant to switch to biosimilars. According to the report, only 31% of dermatologists considered themselves very familiar with biosimilars compared with 81% of gastroenterologists, 76% of rheumatologists, and 33% of ophthalmologists.2

The authors of the first poster presented at the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) meeting used a PubMed search to identify studies on the molecular design, preclinical and clinical testing requirements, and approval processes of biosimilars. They described how the complexity of biologics means that even batches of innovator biologics can vary during preclinical testing. Biosimilars undergo strict preclinical testing and must demonstrate near similarity to the current originator product in quality factors such as receptor binding and pharmacokinetics, the researchers wrote.1

Although clinical testing is less stringent for a biosimilar compared with the originator product, the purpose of the clinical testing is to conrm the safety and efficacy of the biosimilar. Then, the use of extrapolation allows for biosimilars to be approved for all indications of the originator product without further testing. As a result, the emphasis of biosimilar product testing is on preclinical rather than clinical testing, the authors noted.1

Physicians who recognize that biologics are too complex to duplicate and who desire indication-specic clinical data on biosimilars might be satised knowing biosimilars provide more evidence of similarity than we have for different batches of the innovator product, they concluded. Regulations that are more stringent for biosimilars than for different batches of innovator products may not be logical.1

In the second poster, researchers addressed concerns about the use of biosimilars approved to treat psoriasis using extrapolated evidence from other diseases. They compared efficacy/effectiveness, safety, and drug survival of biosimilars to treat plaque psoriasis with originator products using data from 13 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 3 cohort studies. Of the RCTs, 10 were for adalimumab, 2 were for etanercept, and 1 was for iniximab. Of the cohort studies, 1 was for adalimumab, 1 was for etanercept, and 1 was for both etanercept and iniximab.3

Eleven trials compared biosimilars with the originator in patients who had never been on the originator product (initiators); 9 trials analyzed switching from the originator product to the biosimilar (switchers). The initiator trials all had similar rates of 75% improvement in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index and similar adverse events by week 16. The switched trials also had similar outcomes by week 52.3

One of the cohort studies reported more adverse events among the group of adalimumab patients switching from the originator to the biosimilar, although the other 2 cohort studies showed no signicant differences in safety and effectiveness. The majority of available evidence suggests similarities between biosimilars and originators, the researchers concluded. Future pharmacovigilance studies are needed to evaluate the long-term, real-world use of biosimilars for psoriasis treatment.3

References

Original post:
Addressing Misconceptions, Concerns Around Biosimilar Use - Dermatology Times

Key Takeaways

Access to medical care has been a persistent challenge for individuals within the Native and Indigenous communities, and this issue persists when it pertains to dermatological healthcare for this patient demographic. Despite increasing evidence of health status inequities affecting Indigenous populations, health services often fail to address health and social inequities as routine aspects of health care delivery, according to authors of a 2016 ethnographic study.1

Globally health and well-being of the Indigenous community falls significantly behind that of the general population, with life expectancy projected to be dramatically shorter than average.1 These challenges are compounded by discriminatory and stigmatizing experiences faced by Native and Indigenous individuals worldwide.

Research confirms that Indigenous peoples experience individual and systemic discrimination when seeking health care, despite efforts within the health care sector to promote cultural sensitivity and cultural safety, according to Browne et al.1 Health services, however, are not typically designed to take into account the experiences of Indigenous peoples. For example, despite extensive evidence linking trauma and violence to multiple health problems, including chronic pain, depression, anxiety and substance use, these dynamics are rarely considered in the design and delivery of health care for Indigenous peoples.

In Canada in particular, it is estimated that the one-year prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) in children living on a First Nations reserve could reach upwards of 16.5%. Most cases are classified as moderate to severe in nature.2

Additionally, research suggests that other common cutaneous conditions among members of the Indigenous communities include impetigo, skin infections, diabetic skin complications and ulcers, infestations, pediculosis capitis, psoriasis, and scabies, all of which are seen in significantly high rates, with some patients experiencing more than one condition at once.2

Environmental factors such as clean water concerns, access to and cost of skin care regimens and products, crowded living conditions, and poverty are contributors to exacerbation of skin conditions, such as AD.2

Furthermore, skin cancer prevention efforts among Native and Indigenous individuals are lacking, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).3

A 2022 study4 published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that among the more than 9 million American Indians and Alaska Natives (AIAN) living in the United States, research and prevention efforts related to skin cancer in this population are scarce. To date, this is the largest study to explore skin cancer education, prevention, and research efforts in this patient population.3

When you look at the lack of sun protection and use of tanning beds, its not surprising to see that American Indians/Alaskan Natives are reporting more severe sun damage to their skin, such as sunburns, when spending over an hour in the sun as compared to non-white respondents, said Vinod E. Nambudiri, MD, MBA, FAAD, in a press release from the AAD.3Nambudiri is a co-author of the study.

While some people may be most concerned about the freckles, age spots and wrinkles that develop on their skin from UV exposure, its the increasing risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, which is the most alarming, Nambudiri said.

According to an examination of data from the 2020 US Census, a total of 56 dermatologists and 3 dermatology physician assistants are located within the 100 most populous AIAN homelands. For a population that experiences increased acne scarring and mortality associated with melanoma,5 these numbers are alarming.

With decreased accessibility to dermatologic care and other factors such as cultural differences, disproportionate poverty, transportation, and inadequate health literacy, researchers say there are several factors contributing to poor skin health outcomes in this patient population.5

Another study6 found that access to dermatologic care and telehealth programs was hindered by rural living. The study found that on average, the nearest dermatology clinic from rural communities lived in predominantly by American Indian individuals was 68 miles. Of all tribal facilities and rural Indian Health Services in the continental US (n = 303), only 9% had access to a teledermatology program.6

References

View original post here:
Native American and Indigenous Communities Face Dermatologic ... - Dermatology Times

In 35 pediatric patients with recalcitrant warts, 68.6% experienced complete resolution after an average of 3 microwave treatment sessions.1 Patients who responded to microwave treatment required an average of 3 sessions (range: 2-8) for complete resolution. The average age of the warts was 29 months (6 to 84 months) and most patients (94%) had failed alternative treatments.

Researchers reviewed the case notes of patients treated at a tertiary dermatology unit where hypothermia was induced using Swift through repeated applications that lasted 1 to 2 seconds. Energy was supplied at a frequency of 8 GHz and an average power of 7W. Each wart was treated with microwave therapy an average of 4 times at each visit.

Following the initial treatment, follow-up sessions were scheduled approximately every 4 weeks for assessment and to determine if additional treatments were needed. Eight of the 35 patients did not tolerate microwave treatment due to pain and discontinued treatments.

Plantar warts are generally more resistant to therapy than common warts. In the study cohort, 20 patients presented with plantar warts and clearance was achieved in 14 (70%) of those cases. This compares favourably to traditional treatments such as salicylic acid (31%) and cryotherapy (34%)and is consistent with previous rates of clearance using microwave therapy in adults.

Treatment with cantharadin 1%, podophyllin 20%, and salicylic acid 30% solution showed an 86.5% clearance rate for all warts in children but adverse events such as blistering occurred in 41.2% of patients. Microwave treatments did not cause ulceration or blistering but did cause short-term pain during treatment that resulted in some patients discontinuing treatments.

Microwave treatment of warts has advantages, including no pre-treatment preparation and no special dressings or precautions following treatment. Each application takes approximately 2 seconds and most patients required only 4 sessions. No scarring or pigmentary changes were reported.

Limitations of the study included the retrospective study design and an absence of head-to-head comparisons. Authors determined that microwave treatment is asuccessful optionfor clearing recalcitrant warts in children.

Reference

Read the original:
Microwave Therapy Successful for Treating Warts in Children - Dermatology Times