Top 5 Most-Read Dermatology Content of 2023

The top 5 most-read dermatology content of 2023 included topics in melanoma, acne scarring, hidradenitis suppurativa, chronic kidney disease, hyperhidrosis, and infertility rates.

Here are the top 5 dermatology pieces in 2023.

5. Low Risk of Melanoma-Specific Mortality Seen in Patients With MIS

A retrospective population-based cohort study using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data assessed mortality in patients with melanoma in situ (MIS) after diagnosis. The incidence rate of MIS has increased since 1975, but the research found a low risk of melanoma-specific mortality. Providers are left treating all cases of MIS because they cannot predict certain instances of progression to invasive melanoma. Patients with MIS are concerned about the risk of a second melanoma, but the diagnosis does necessarily carry a poor prognosis. The results pointed to the associated risks patients and clinicians should look to when receiving or giving a diagnosis.

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4. Controlling Mast Cell Activation May Help Prevent Scarring in Severe Acne

Tranilast, a daily medication, can regulate mast cell–derived mediators by preventing or minimizing scarring, according to research. Treatments for acne scarring depend on scar types. Acne scar surgery or resurfacing options like chemical peels, dermabrasion, and microdermabrasion are used to treat depressed acne scars, whereas raised acne scars rely on creams, gels, silicone dressings, laser therapy, and injections or surgery. The study found the dermal levels of neuropeptides from mast cells could stimulate lipogenesis of sebaceous glands, but more research is necessary on how mast cell chemical mediators are involved in acne scarring.

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3. Patients with HS Should Be Screened for CKD

A cross-sectional population-based study of US adults in the National Inpatient Sample database researched the possible link between hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and chronic kidney disease (CKD), given that diabetes, hypertension, and obesity are comorbidities related to HS that are also CKD risk factors. The research evaluated the prevalence of CKD in patients with HS, and found that a greater odds ratio of CKD in these patients than those without HS. However, early intervention with a nephrologist can help to prevent CKD progression and complications among the high-risk group.

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2. Hyperhidrosis Disease Burden Requires Further Understanding

Hyperhidrosis, a chronic skin condition producing an excessive amount of sweat, was examined in a targeted literature review to understand the physical, psychological, and economic burdens that patients endure. Research indicated the burden posed on patients is interrupting their daily functions, but surgery or injections showed patient satisfaction post treatment. With effective treatment methods remaining costly, educational programs should be implemented to heighten awareness of the condition, lead larger studies, and generate more evidence, authors wrote.

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1. Survey Finds Women with HS Possess Higher Infertility Rates

Patients assigned female at birth who have HS have higher infertility rates compared with the general population, according to study results, and fertility treatments did not result in adverse HS symptoms. The online survey aimed to understand the perspectives of women with HS, the impact on reproductive health, fertility treatment results, and the effects of fertility treatment on HS. Some participants revealed their hesitation to pursue fertility treatment due to financial support, insurance coverage, and fear of fertility treatments worsening HS. Moving forward, dermatologists can utilize this research to educate and counsel patients during family planning to hopefully allay concerns regarding the fertility effects of HS treatment.

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