Dermatology

Ruxolitinib cream improved clinical signs but not itch in women with lichen sclerosus

In a phase 2 randomized trial of 61 adult women with anogenital lichen sclerosus, twice-daily 1.5% ruxolitinib cream for 12 weeks reduced the Clinical Lichen Sclerosus Score more than vehicle (-5.79 vs -3.03; P=0.019). The trial did not meet its primary itch endpoint; Itch NRS4 responses were similar between groups (35.7% vs 40.0%; P=0.737). Application-site reactions were infrequent and no serious adverse events were reported, but treatment duration was short. 1

Consensus core outcome set proposed for melasma trials

A consensus process produced a seven-domain core outcome set for melasma trials, including pigmentation intensity, color, area, overall severity, patient satisfaction, quality of life, and treatment-related adverse events. The set aims to standardize outcome reporting to improve trial comparability and data pooling. Delphi participation had very few Hispanic individuals, limiting representativeness for a commonly affected group. 2

Racial differences in pediatric skin disease frequency and specialty use across children's hospitals

Across 536,776 children in PEDSnet, Black children had higher recorded frequencies of atopic dermatitis, acne, and hidradenitis suppurativa than White children. Despite higher disease frequencies, Black children had a lower proportion of dermatology use for all five conditions studied. These EHR-derived patterns raise concern for possible gaps in specialty access, but cannot determine appropriateness of care without further study. 3