Discovering Dermatology Times: February 2023

The February issue of Dermatology Times® includes a collection of thought-provoking articles and topics ranging from umcombable hair syndrome to addressing racial disparities in dermatology. Highlights from the issue are listed below.

Uncombable Hair Syndrome: How to Identify and Help Children With this Rare Disorder

UHS, also known as spun-glass hair, unmanageable hair syndrome, pili trianguli et canaliculi, or cheveux incoiffables, is an extremely rare condition in children. It is a disorder of the hair shaft in the scalp. The hair sticks straight out and cannot be flattened by combing, according to the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center. The most common hair colors with the disorder are straw-colored or silver-blond, and the condition usually emerges during childhood between aged 3 and 12 years. Symptoms include coarse hair, trichodysplasia, white hair, woolly hair, patchy alopecia, and abnormal hair morphology. Dermatologists may diagnose UHS with an electron microscope examination of the hair.

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An Overview of Documented Flares in Patients With GPP

Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a rare systemic disease that includes systemic symptoms of fever, chills, and fatigue, and is an overall challenging disease to identify and manage. To take a closer look at the management and treatment of flares in patients with GPP, Aaron Farberg, MD, board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon in private practice in Dallas, Texas, and affiliated with Baylor Scott & White Health, and Jeffrey Crowley, MD, dermatologist at Bakersfield Dermatology & Skin Cancer Medical Group in Bakersfield, California, reviewed the article, “Understanding Flares in Patients with Generalized Pustular Psoriasis Documented in US Electronic Health Records,” in Between the Lines, a Dermatology Times® series.

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Pemphigus: Updated Review and Emerging Therapies

Pemphigus is defined as a group of autoimmune, blistering disorders caused by circulating autoantibodies that bind to desmogleins (Dsg), which are proteins that are vital to epidermal intercellular adhesion. Binding of these autoantibodies to their targets causes acantholysis (or loss of keratinocyte to keratinocyte adhesion), which ultimately results in the formation of intraepithelial blisters in skin and mucous membranes.1 Unfortunately, pemphigus disorders can potentially be life-threatening and have a devastating impact on quality of life.

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The Role We Play in Addressing Racial Disparity in Dermatology

February is Black History Month. As we look back on the trailblazers who have advocated for equity in all industries, it’s important to continuously look forward at our role in serving all patients and colleagues—especially those who are underrepresented. A 2022 study shows significant racial and ethnic disparities in dermatologic care. Researchers found an underrepresentation of minorities in the workforce, insufficient research and photos of all skin colors, lack of education on conditions affecting people of color, and inconsistent humility in dermatologic care. There are steps we can all take to accomplish equity in health care in day-to-day practices.

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See the full February 2023 issue of Dermatology Times® here and stay up-to-date with daily news by subscribing to our eNewsletter.