Dermatology Commons^™

Skin Rejuvenation With Microbotox: A Review, Ifen Ayu Malinda, Nelva Karmila Jusuf

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Skin aging is characterized by a gradual loss of tissue and organ function. Skin aging can be classified into two types: intrinsic aging, associated with the aging process itself, and extrinsic aging, which is linked to external factors. Microbotox—an intradermal injection of diluted botulinum toxin—has emerged as a promising technique for rejuvenation by improving skin texture, pore size, and sebum control. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the microbotox technique in the context of skin aging, emphasizing its mechanisms, indications, and clinical outcomes.

Discussion: In Asia, intradermal injection of botulinum toxin or microbotox has been widely …

Plane Xanthoma, Connor A. Sheehan, Theresa N. Tran, Jason B. Lee, Jeffrey Y. Liu, Sylvia Hsu

Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

Cross-Sectional Analysis Of Wound-Associated Soluble Factors In Early, Established, And Chronic Wounds Of Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Patients, Vitali Alexeev, Leonie Huitema, Taylor Phillips, Paras Patel, Mauricio Garza, Franziska Ringpfeil, Julio Salas-Alanis, Olga Igoucheva

Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Poorly healing wounds represent the primary health-related burden for hereditary recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) patients. Contribution of wound-associated soluble constituents to wound progression remains not well defined.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct cross-sectional analysis of cytokine, chemokine, and growth factor in exudates from RDEB wounds and define changes associated with wound progression.

METHODS: Concentrations of selected cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors were evaluated by multiplex ELISA in eight blister fluids and 66 exudates from early, established, and chronic RDEB and five chronic venous ulcers (VU). A cross-sectional analysis was performed.

RESULTS: Our data demonstrated that proinflammatory CXCL8 and IL-1β tend …

A Case Of Culture-Proven Cutaneous Atypical Mycobacterial Infection Caused By Mycobacterium Immunogenum, Faraz Yousefian, Aysham Chaudry, Francesca Ceci, Charay Jennings-Dover, Dionne Louis

Dermatology Resident Research

No abstract available

Development And Mechanistic Investigation Of Recombinant Type Iii Humanized Collagen Gel For Mid-Facial Soft Tissue Repair, Qian Wang, Qifei An, Yuanzhou Wang, Jingbo Yang, Xiujuan Zhang, Shibo Jiang, Min Chen, Lu Lu, Yun Zhu

Center for Translational Medicine Faculty Papers

Mid-facial depression is a key sign of facial aging, primarily caused by the loss of collagen leading to depletion of the extracellular matrix (ECM). However, the existing fillers for soft tissue augmentation have shown certain limitations in repairing mid-facial depression. Therefore, we herein report the development of a novel recombinant humanized type III collagen gel (C3Gel) through rational design and modification of a commercially available recombinant type III humanized collagen lyophilized fiber product. Both biological activity and tissue repair mechanisms of C3Gel were systematically evaluated in vitro and in vivo. C3Gel formed a dense fibrous structure around cells, significantly improving …

Quality Of Life And Patient Experience In Black Women With Alopecia, Annyella Douglas, Jayson Suriano, Neda Nikbakht

Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

Enhanced Hair Regrowth With Five Monthly Sessions Of Minoxidil-Dutasteride-Copper Peptides Tattooing For Androgenetic Alopecia Assessed By Artificial Intelligence And Blinded Evaluators., Guilherme Kuceki, Austin J Coppinger, Sara D Ragi, Luke S Johnson, Andy Goren, Luiza L Kalil, Pablo Cirino, Carlos G Wambier

Ambulatory and Primary Care Articles

No abstract provided.

Barriers To Clinical Cosmetic And Laser Dermatology Research In The Academic Setting By Source Of Funding: A Systematic Review, Bianca Y. Kang, Saranya P. Wyles, Yakir Levin, Rawaa Almukhtar, Stephanie R. Jackson Cullison, Jayne S. Joo, Sami K. Saikaly, Shalinie Mahadeo, Michael Ong, Sophia Salingaros, Maria Hordinsky, Sarah A. Ibrahim, Devina Mehta, Shoko Mori, Edit B. Olasz Harken, Diana Bolotin, Kira Minkis, Murad Alam

Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology Faculty Papers

Clinical research is a cornerstone of academic dermatology, including research in cosmetic and laser procedures. However, numerous barriers exist to conducting clinical research in an academic setting as compared to private practice. The objective of this study was to describe the barriers to clinical research in cosmetic and laser dermatology in the academic setting under three common funding scenarios: (1) industry sponsored, (2) unfunded, investigator-initiated, and (3) publicly funded, investigator-initiated. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to identify 17 publications regarding funding of clinical dermatology research. Inductive content analysis was used to extract, categorize, and understand the barriers …

From M. Chelonae To M. Immunogenum: A Rare Case Of Dual Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infection, Ifeanyi Kingsley Uche, Nathalia Simonetti, Andrea Murina

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Dermatology Residency Education In Treatment Of Testosterone-Induced Acne Vulgaris And Androgenic Alopecia In Transmasculine Individuals: A Cross-Sectional Survey Of Academic Dermatologists, Thinh Q. Nguyen, Bs, Zachary J.K. Neubauer, Bs, Angela Zaldonis, Md, Sherry X. Yang, Md, Faad

Health Equity and Quality Improvement (HEQI) Summit

Background and Objective

• Testosterone-induced acne vulgaris (TiAV) and androgenic alopecia (TiAGA) are common dermatologic effects of gender- affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) in transmasculine or non- binary individuals, with prevalence estimates ranging from 31.1% to 88% for TiAV and up to 63.3% for TiAGA. These conditions can contribute to significant psychological distress and may exacerbate gender dysphoria, underscoring the importance of affirming, evidence-based dermatologic care.
• Despite increasing access to GAHT and the high prevalence of these conditions, there are no standardized guidelines for the management of TiAV and TiAGA, and data on dermatology trainees’ preparedness to care for this population are …

A Systematic Review Of Neutrophilic Alopecias Of The Scalp In The Pediatric Population, Nesreen Shahrour, Layan Shahrour, Rahib K. Islam, Yoseph Dalia

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Neutrophilic alopecias of the scalp - including dissecting cellulitis of the scalp, folliculitis decalvans, and Acne Keloidalis Nuchae - are rare, scarring, inflammatory disorders with overlapping clinical and histopathologic features that present unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in pediatric populations. This systematic review synthesizes findings from 35 eligible studies identified through a search of Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, Excerpta Medica Database, Central Cochrane Medical Database, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Web of Science, focusing on treatment modalities and outcomes in children. Patients with dissecting cellulitis of the scalp often present with erythematous, tender …

A Clinical Review Of Suicide Risks In Dermatology, Rahib K. Islam, Victoria T. Tong, Shari R. Lipner

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Patients with visible skin diseases, including acne, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis, face heightened risks of psychological distress, depression, and suicidal ideation, often exacerbated by social stigma and reduced quality of life. This review explores the intersection between dermatology and suicide, highlighting the psychosocial impact of visible skin conditions and the controversies surrounding treatment-related risks, including isotretinoin and biologic exposure. Current evidence suggests that while isotretinoin has been historically linked to mood changes, robust studies do not support a direct association with suicide. Incorporating mental health screenings into dermatological practice is essential for early identification and management of at-risk patients. By …

The Effective Utilization Of Artificial Intelligence (Ai) In Early Melanoma Detection, Svetlana Filiche

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background:

Melanoma, while comprising only 1% of skin cancer cases, accounts for a high mortality rate due to its ability to metastasize if not detected early. Traditional face-to-face dermatologic evaluations provide limited access to care, resulting in delayed diagnoses.

Significance:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers a novel approach to improve diagnostic accuracy and accessibility by alleviating strain on healthcare resources in medically underserved areas.

Methods:

A literature review was conducted using studies published in the last ten years. Eligible resources included case reports, clinical studies, clinical trials, meta-analyses, reviews, and systematic reviews in English. Studies that were repetitive or inapplicable were …

Analyzing Preventative Skin Care Practices Among Diabetic, Pre-Diabetic And Non-Diabetic Patients, Hetasvi A. Saraiya, Nils Brolis

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background and Hypothesis: Diabetes Mellitus refers to a chronic metabolic syndrome where patients have high blood glucose due to the body’s inability to produce adequate amounts of insulin. This hyperglycemia and other factors make diabetic patients more prone to a number of skin conditions such as dry skin, skin rashes, itchiness and bacterial or fungal infections. There are specific skin practices recommended to reduce the risk of these skin ailments including moisturizing regularly, avoiding hot showers, examining feet regularly for any changes, seeing a physician for major cuts/burns/infections amongst several others. However, there is no available literature that analyzes the …

Photodynamic Therapy Vs. 5-Fluorouracil For Field-Directed Treatment Of Actinic Keratosis: A Comparative Literature Review, Bhumik Patel

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

BACKGROUND: Actinic keratosis (AK) is a common precancerous skin condition arising from chronic UV exposure and often involves field cancerization, where visible lesions coexist with subclinical damage. Effective field-directed treatments are critical for preventing progression to squamous cell carcinoma.

HYPOTHESIS: Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) may offer superior efficacy, cosmetic outcomes, and patient adherence compared to topical 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), despite its higher cost and clinical setting requirement.

METHODS: This literature review analyzed peer-reviewed studies from 2015–2025 comparing PDT and 5-FU for field-directed AK treatment. Outcomes assessed included lesion clearance, recurrence, tolerability, adherence, cost, and patient satisfaction.

RESULTS: PDT demonstrated high clearance rates …

Drug-Induced Hyperpigmentation Due To Levofloxacin, Miriam Motlak, Steven Manders

Cooper Rowan Medical Journal

Drug-induced hyperpigmentation is responsible for up to 20% of acquired hyperpigmentation cases, especially among the elderly population. The pathogenesis varies depending on the medication involved and may include melanin accumulation, drug deposition, production of special pigments, and iron deposition. We report the case of an elderly, immunocompromised patient with a history significant for leukemia presenting with black-blue hyperpigmentation of the upper and lower extremities, associated with iron deposition following levofloxacin exposure.

Case Report: Cold Urticaria Diagnosed In The Emergency Department, Philip Carhart, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Cold urticaria can be primary (idiopathic) or can be due to underlying hematologic or infectious diseases. Here we present the case of a young female patient with no past medical history who was diagnosed with cold urticaria in the emergency department setting, using a cold stimulation test. Most cases are idiopathic. The reaction can be triggered in individual cases by exposure to cold objects or to generalized cold ambient temperatures, as was the case in the patient presented here. The physical response is most commonly pruritic wheals (urticaria). However, more severe symptoms may occur up to angioedema with hoarseness and …

Case Report: Heating Pad Usage Leading To Rhabdomyolysis And Acute Kidney Injury, Meghna Kurup, Swet Patel, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

We report the case of a 26-year-old male with a significant psychiatric and substance use history who came to the emergency department (ED) with deep partial second degree burns to his back subsequent to using a heating pad for unknown periods of time prior to presentation. Rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury that occurred in this patient due to his burns. It is important to understand that although beneficial, if heating pads are misused or overused, they can cause injury.

Phenotypic Spectrum Of Gna11 R183c Mosaicism., Donglin Zhang, Luis Fernando Sánchez-Espino, Marta Ivars, Elena Pope, Amy J. Nopper, Lisa M. Arkin, Megha M. Tollefson, Cinzia E. Lavarino, Maya Muldowney, Nagore Gené Olaciregui, Sonia Paco, Beth A. Drolet, Eulàlia Baselga

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

BACKGROUND: Many vascular anomalies harbor postzygotic somatic variants in GNAQ and GNA11; however, the phenotype of specific G-protein variants has not been well described. We report the clinical characteristics of 17 patients with a GNA11 R183C variant.

METHODS: This case series is derived from a multinational cohort of vascular anomaly patients whose pathogenic mutations were identified using high-depth next generation sequencing. Data include vascular anomaly features, imaging reports, and extracutaneous manifestations of the GNA11 R183C variant.

RESULTS: We identified 17 subjects (median age 18 years [range 6-67]) with somatic GNA11 R183C variant. All patients had vascular lesions of the skin …

Frozen Section Mohs: A Hybrid Technique And One Plastic Surgeon's Experience With 1714 Consecutive Skin Cancer Removals, Michael L. Chang, Steven L. Chang, Fady Gerges, Matthew M. Delancy, Amanda C. Yang, Lawrence D. Chang

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

While US nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) mortality rate has decreased in the past decade, its incidence is rising. Traditional surgical treatments include wide local excision, intraoperative frozen section analysis (IFSA), and Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS). IFSA and MMS are techniques that provide intraoperative analysis allowing the surgeon to confirm margins clear of malignancy and minimize tissue damage, especially in cosmetically sensitive subunits. MMS, with cure rates up to 99%-100%, is considered the gold standard but is limited geographically and financially because of specialized training. We report a hybrid surgical technique that effectively excises cutaneous malignancy but can be utilized by …

Analyzing Social Media Trends In Cosmeceuticals: Insights From Google Trends And Tiktok Analytics, E. Correia, Jenna Mandel, Stephanie R. Jackson Cullison

Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVE: Social media usage has surged, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. Dermatology invokes intense interest on social media, and cosmeceuticals are among the most trending topics, offering a unique space for dermatologists to share their expertise. By using tools like Google Trends and TikTok viewership, we aim to capture cosmeceutical trends to guide dermatologists' educational efforts.

METHODS: A Google Trends search from January 2004 to December 2023 was performed on retinol, bakuchiol, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, azelaic acid, hydroquinone, niacinamide, vitamin C serum, and hyaluronic acid. Trend lines were created for each term, and yearly percent differences in relative search …

Use Of Upadacitinib For Recalcitrant Oral Erosive Lichen Planus, Connor A. Sheehan, Nicholas D. Brownstone, Jason B. Lee, Sylvia Hsu

Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

Connecting Disciplines: Dermatologists Discuss Skin Cancer Screening In Physical Therapy, Michael T. Robinson, Lindsay Gietzen

Pacific Journal of Health

Background: This study aims to explore dermatologists’ perspectives on the integration of skin cancer screening within physical therapy practice. The hypothesis is that insights from dermatologists can enhance the efficacy and accuracy of skin cancer screening by physical therapists (PTs), thereby improving early detection rates and patient outcomes. Methods: A total of five dermatologists participated in this study, each with between 5 and 18 years of experience and a diverse range of expert opinions and insights. This qualitative study utilized semi-structured interviews with participating dermatologists. The interview questions focused on their knowledge of skin cancer screening, perceptions of its implementation …

Facial Follicular Porokeratosis Simulating Discoid Lupus Erythematosus In An African American Woman, Pritika Singh, Layna Mager, Jeffrey Y. Liu, Jason B. Lee, Sylvia Hsu

Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

Condensed Low-Dose Total Skin Electron Beam Therapy For Mycosis Fungoides: An Institutional Retrospective Review And Subgroup Analysis Of Patients With Large Cell Transformation, Louis Cappelli, Megan Cappelli, Nilanjan Haldar, Tiara Paul, Jenna Mandel, Tingting Zhan, Neda Nikbakht, Wenyin Shi

Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology Faculty Papers

Low-dose total skin electron beam therapy (TSEBT) is an effective treatment option for mycosis fungoides (MF) with proven palliative effects and reduced toxicity. Presented is an institutional analysis of survival/response rate and quality of life for MF patients with subgroup analysis of those possessing pathologic large cell transformation (LCT). This is a single institutional retrospective review of patients with mycosis fungicides treated from 2014 to 2023 with low-dose TSEBT. All patients received 12 Gy in 6 fractions every other day with the modified Stanford technique, with boosts to shadowed sites between treatments, completed in 2 weeks. Outcomes evaluated included clinical …

Under The Surface: A Rare Case Of Morphea In The Rio Grande Valley, Miguel A. Lopez, Jared Hensley, Maria Villegas

Research Symposium

Localized scleroderma, also referred to as “morphea,” is a rare autoimmune disorder that occurs in an estimated one out of 10,000 patients per year. Research on the demographics of morphea has shown an increased prevalence in female patients. Its presentation may consist of skin lesions confined to the epidermis and dermis that appear erythematous and bruise-like, with signs of central skin tightening or sclerosis; deeper lesions may be identified as edematous, erythematous plaques in the absence of well-defined borders. A subtype named “En coup de sabre,” exists among the classification of “linear morphea” and presents with a linear induration either …

Regional Disparities In Melanoma Mortality: A Study Of The Lower Rio Grande Valley In South Texas, Jared Hensley, Smaran Marupudi, Neharika Penmetcha, Blake C. Martin, Natasha Quailes, Elias Arellano Villanueva, Maria Villegas

Research Symposium

Background: Melanoma, a serious skin cancer with substantial morbidity, is influenced by demographic, geographic, and healthcare access factors. South Texas' Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) region—including Starr, Willacy, Cameron, and Hidalgo counties—has a predominantly Hispanic population facing unique barriers to timely diagnosis and treatment. This study investigates the primary causes of death among melanoma patients in the LRGV compared to other Texas regions, aiming to uncover regional disparities that could guide public health interventions.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis using data from the Texas Cancer Registry (1995-2019). Patients were grouped into two cohorts: Group 1 (LRGV counties) and …

Leveraging Ai In Teledermatology: A Literature Review On Advancing Health Equity For Underserved Populations, Jared Hensley, Smaran Marupudi, Blake Martin, Neharika Penmetcha, Maria Villegas

Research Symposium

Background: Health disparities in dermatological care tend to disproportionately affect underserved populations, particularly those in rural and resource-limited settings. Teledermatology, augmented by artificial intelligence (AI), presents an opportunity to address these inequities by providing underserved populations with improved diagnostic capabilities. Despite its promise, AI models in teledermatology can often exhibit biases, such as reduced diagnostic efficacy for Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI, due to their training on non-representative datasets. This literature review explores AI's role in teledermatology and potential strategies to enhance its utility for underserved populations.

Methods: A comprehensive review of peer-reviewed literature was conducted to evaluate the integration of …

Periumbilical Perforating Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum, Ana L. Duarte-Summers, Anna Chen, Morgan E. Sussman-Mccrea, Shayan Waseh, Jason B. Lee, Sylvia Hsu

Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

Going Green In Dermatology, Rahib K. Islam, Victoria T. Tong, Shari R. Lipner

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.