Journal Digest: July 30, 2025

International Journal of Cosmetic Science: In-vivo pilot study to assess a new plant-based cosmetic formulation containing Ziziphus joazeiro bark extract and Apium graveolens seed extract for the improvement of dandruff while enhancing scalp microbiome balance and barrier function in subjects with oily to dry sensitive scalps

In a recent open-label study of 40 individuals with mild to moderate dandruff and sensitive oily or dry scalps, researchers found that a novel plant-based shampoo containing Ziziphus joazeiro bark and Apium graveolens seed extracts significantly improved clinical signs, including scaling (−29.23%), redness (−22.8%), and trans-epidermal water loss (−18.60%). Over a 4-week treatment period, the shampoo was well tolerated and did not disrupt scalp microbiome diversity. While fungal species appeared uninvolved in dandruff pathogenesis in this cohort, microbiome analysis revealed a notable increase in the Cutibacterium/Staphylococcus ratio (+19.57%).¹

Australasian Journal of Dermatology: Emerging Terbinafine Resistant Trichophyton Dermatophytosis, Testing Options and Alternative Treatments: A Systematic Review

In a recent systematic review of 47 studies involving 743 global cases of terbinafine-resistant Trichophyton dermatophytosis, researchers identified a rising trend of resistance associated with specific SQLE gene mutations, particularly F397L, L393F, and A448T, which demonstrated strong correlations with clinical treatment failure. Among 149 patients with documented terbinafine exposure and MIC data, 82% showed clinical resistance, often with MIC values far exceeding those of wild-type strains. Due to the lack of standardized MIC breakpoints, the authors proposed a provisional resistance threshold of 1.69 μg/mL. Additionally, 13 documented resistant cases responded successfully to alternative therapies such as itraconazole, griseofulvin, lanoconazole, and fosravuconazole.²

British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology: Mild psoriasis as a suitable model for proof-of-mechanism in a phase 1B setting: Results from a double-blind placebo-controlled trial with guselkumab

A new study aimed to explore patients with mild psoriasis as a viable trial population for early-phase clinical studies, as fewer patients with moderate to severe disease are eligible due to effective biologic treatments. The randomized, double-blind trial involved 20 patients with mild psoriasis and 5 patients with moderate to severe psoriasis, all receiving either guselkumab or placebo over 24 weeks. Results showed significant improvements in severity for the patients with mild disease treated with guselkumab, with responses similar to patients in the moderate to severe cohort.³

JEADV Clinical Practice: An Economic Perspective on Sampling in Dermatology

One study examined the pros and cons of medication sampling practices in dermatology. A PubMed search yielded 55 relevant studies published between 2000 to 2024. The findings revealed no articles discussing solely the benefits of samples in dermatology, 1 focusing only on the drawbacks, and 6 addressing both sides. Advantages of sampling included improved patient adherence, reduced medication costs for low-income or uninsured patients, and enhanced patient education on medication use. However, disadvantages included increased drug costs, potential for influencing physicians to prescribe more expensive medications, and the risk of bypassing pharmacist oversight, leading to potential safety concerns. Further research is needed to fully understand the implications of medication samples in dermatology.⁴

International Journal of Dermatology: Clinicodemographic Features and Usage of Oral Immunosuppressive Agents in Childhood and Adolescent Vitiligo: Retrospective Chart Review From a Tertiary Care Centre in Northern India

A recent study investigated the use of systemic immunosuppressants for pediatric vitiligo. A retrospective chart review of 304 pediatric vitiligo patients at a tertiary care center in Northern India was conducted from 2017 to 2023. The study found that non-segmental vitiligo was the most common subtype. Treatments included topical corticosteroids, tacrolimus, oral mini-pulse corticosteroids, and systemic agents like azathioprine, methotrexate, and tofacitinib. The results showed that oral mini-pulse corticosteroids stabilized disease in 63.6% of cases, though 25.3% experienced relapses post-discontinuation. Azathioprine, methotrexate, and tofacitinib demonstrated varying success in disease control, with tofacitinib achieving the highest success rate at 88.9%. No severe adverse effects were noted.⁵

References

1. Barry P, Teo JN, Guo JJ, Engels P, Droste K, Michaelis AK, Voss W. In-vivo pilot study to assess a new plant-based cosmetic formulation containing Ziziphus joazeiro bark extract and Apium graveolens seed extract for the improvement of dandruff while enhancing scalp microbiome balance and barrier function in subjects with oily to dry sensitive scalps. Int J Cosmet Sci. Published online July 28, 2025. doi:10.1111/ics.70011
2. Jegathees T, Holmes ZP, Martin C, et al. Emerging terbinafine-resistant Trichophyton dermatophytosis, testing options and alternative treatments: a systematic review. Australas J Dermatol. Published online July 24, 2025. doi:10.1111/ajd.14575
3. Rousel J, Bergmans ME, Bruijnincx LJ, et al. Mild psoriasis as a suitable model for proof-of-mechanism in a phase 1B setting: results from a double-blind placebo-controlled trial with guselkumab. Br J Clin Pharmacol. Published online July 28, 2025. doi:10.1002/bcp.70179
4. Oscherwitz M, Carmichael A, Martino A, Lovell K, Feldman SR. An economic perspective on sampling in dermatology. JEADV Clin Pract. Published online July 28, 2025. doi:10.1002/jvc2.70047
5. Kumaran MS, Singh S, Vinay K, et al. Clinicodemographic features and usage of oral immunosuppressive agents in childhood and adolescent vitiligo: retrospective chart review from a tertiary care centre in Northern India. Int J Dermatol. Published online July 26, 2025. doi:10.1111/ijd.17978

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