Cannabinoids for the Treatment of Dermatologic Conditions

In recent years, cannabinoid (CB) products have gained popularity among the public. The anti-inflammatory properties of CBs have piqued the interest of researchers and clinicians because they represent promising avenues for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory skin disorders that may be refractory to conventional therapy. The objective of this study was to review the existing literature regarding CBs for dermatologic conditions. A primary literature search was conducted in October 2020, using the PubMed and Embase databases, for all articles published from 1965 to October 2020. Review articles, studies using animal models, and nondermatologic and pharmacologic studies were excluded. From 248 nonduplicated studies, 26 articles were included. There were 13 articles on systemic CBs and 14 reports on topical CBs. Selective CB receptor type 2 agonists were found to be effective in treating diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis and dermatomyositis. Dronabinol showed efficacy for trichotillomania. Sublingual cannabidiol and Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol were successful in treating the pain associated with epidermolysis bullosa. Available evidence suggests that CBs may be effective for the treatment of various inflammatory skin disorders. Although promising, additional research is necessary to evaluate efficacy and to determine dosing, safety, and long-term treatment guidelines

Tolerability profile of topical cannabidiol and palmitoylethanolamide: a compilation of single-centre randomized evaluator-blinded clinical and in vitro studies in normal skin.

BACKGROUND: An increasing number of studies have investigated the adverse effect profile of oral cannabinoids; however, few studies have provided sufficient data on the tolerability of topical cannabinoids in human participants. AIM: To assess the tolerability profile of several commercial topical formulations containing cannabidiol (CBD) and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) on the skin of healthy human participants. METHODS: Three human clinical trials and one in vitro study were conducted. The potential for skin irritation, sensitization and phototoxicity of several products, were assessed via patch testing on healthy human skin. The products assessed included two formulations containing CBD and PEA, one containing hemp seed oil and four concentrations of CBD alone. Ocular toxicity was tested using a traditional hen\u27s egg chorioallantoic membrane model with three CBD, PEA and hemp seed oil formulations. RESULTS: There was no irritation or sensitization of the products evident via patch testing on healthy participants. Additionally, mild phototoxicity of a hemp seed oil product was found at the 48-h time point compared with the negative control. The in vitro experiment demonstrated comparable effects of cannabinoid products with historically nonirritating products. CONCLUSION: These specific formulations of CBD- and PEA-containing products are nonirritating and nonsensitizing in healthy adults, and further encourage similar research assessing their long-term safety and efficacy in human participants with dermatological diseases. There are some limitations to the study: (i) external validity may be limited as formulations from a single manufacturer were used for this study, while vast heterogeneity exists across unregulated, commercial CBD products on the market; and (ii) products were assessed only on normal, nondiseased human skin, and therefore extrapolation to those with dermatological diseases cannot be assumed

An assessment of social media usage by dermatology residency programs

Despite the increasing popularity of social media, the activity of dermatology residency programs on top social media platforms has never been investigated to our knowledge. We investigated a total of 126 dermatology residency programs to assess their presence and popularity on social media. Searches were conducted to identify dermatology residency departments' accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The number of Facebook likes, Twitter followers, and Instagram followers were recorded. Of the 126 dermatology residency programs, 29 (23%) were active on Facebook, 14 (11%) on Twitter, and 9 (7%) on Instagram. There was a wide range in the number of Facebook likes, Twitter followers, and Instagram followers. The top ten dermatology residency programs with the highest Facebook likes, Twitter followers, and Instagram followers were charted. Our results demonstrate the sparse usage of social media by dermatology residency programs. Although social media continues to increase in prevalence, dermatology residency programs are underutilizing these valuable resources

Dermatology on YouTube - an update and analysis of new trends

Because YouTube is one of the most popular search engines, it is an instrumental tool to stay up to date on the most relevant dermatology trends and content in order to better direct patients and improve health outcomes. Twelve select terms (i.e. Dermatology, Sun protection, Skin cancer awareness, Skin cancer, Skin condition, Sun safety, Tanning, Melanoma, Basal cell carcinoma, Squamous cell carcinoma, Skin cancer treatment, Skin cancer prevention) were searched on YouTube. Overall, the results included 240 videos with over 160 million views. Educational content was most prevalent at 35% of the total search results. Of the total videos, 42% were uploaded by or featured a medical health professional (MD, DO, PhD, RN, ND), with 28% involving a board-certified dermatologist. Trends in content type have changed: educational and personal videos have increased, while advocacy and advertising have decreased. Most search terms are moving in a positive, informative direction, specifically the term "tanning." Other search terms such as "skin condition" and "skin cancer treatment" should be more closely monitored for misleading and perhaps harmful information. Therefore, dermatologists and other medical personnel should keep pace with relevant and popular dermatology content on YouTube in order to understand, advise, market, educate, and address patients' questions and concerns

Dermatology on YouTube - an update and analysis of new trends

Because YouTube is one of the most popular search engines, it is an instrumental tool to stay up to date on the most relevant dermatology trends and content in order to better direct patients and improve health outcomes. Twelve select terms (i.e. Dermatology, Sun protection, Skin cancer awareness, Skin cancer, Skin condition, Sun safety, Tanning, Melanoma, Basal cell carcinoma, Squamous cell carcinoma, Skin cancer treatment, Skin cancer prevention) were searched on YouTube. Overall, the results included 240 videos with over 160 million views. Educational content was most prevalent at 35% of the total search results. Of the total videos, 42% were uploaded by or featured a medical health professional (MD, DO, PhD, RN, ND), with 28% involving a board-certified dermatologist. Trends in content type have changed: educational and personal videos have increased, while advocacy and advertising have decreased. Most search terms are moving in a positive, informative direction, specifically the term "tanning." Other search terms such as "skin condition" and "skin cancer treatment" should be more closely monitored for misleading and perhaps harmful information. Therefore, dermatologists and other medical personnel should keep pace with relevant and popular dermatology content on YouTube in order to understand, advise, market, educate, and address patients' questions and concerns

Teledermatology application use in the COVID-19 era

Owing to the COVID-19 outbreak, the use of telemedicine applications has increased throughout the United States. Using an algorithm to analyze mobile application rankings, we were able to examine how applications with telemedicine services have increased in prevalence and rank pre- and post- COVID-19. Telemedicine apps saw an increase of 210.92 ranked positions on average. Within US telehealth, skin conditions have become the fifth most common diagnosis. Widespread use of teledermatology has been well-accepted. Dermatologists and patients report high satisfaction using teledermatology during COVID-19 and intend to continue using these services in the future. COVID-19 has assisted in reducing physician concerns previously preventing some dermatologists from utilizing teledermatology in their services. Additionally, the geographical and socioeconomic barriers preventing some patients from receiving dermatologic care have been minimized through the use of teledermatology. Addressing these obstacles for dermatologic care improves healthcare equity

Teledermatology application use in the COVID-19 era

Owing to the COVID-19 outbreak, the use of telemedicine applications has increased throughout the United States. Using an algorithm to analyze mobile application rankings, we were able to examine how applications with telemedicine services have increased in prevalence and rank pre- and post- COVID-19. Telemedicine apps saw an increase of 210.92 ranked positions on average. Within US telehealth, skin conditions have become the fifth most common diagnosis. Widespread use of teledermatology has been well-accepted. Dermatologists and patients report high satisfaction using teledermatology during COVID-19 and intend to continue using these services in the future. COVID-19 has assisted in reducing physician concerns previously preventing some dermatologists from utilizing teledermatology in their services. Additionally, the geographical and socioeconomic barriers preventing some patients from receiving dermatologic care have been minimized through the use of teledermatology. Addressing these obstacles for dermatologic care improves healthcare equity

Gamification and Game-Based Strategies for Dermatology Education: Narrative Review

BackgroundGame-based approaches, or gamification, are popular learning strategies in medical education for health care providers and patients alike. Gamification has taken the form of serious educational games and simulations to enable learners to rehearse skills and knowledge in a safe environment. Dermatology learners in particular may benefit from gamification methods, given the visual and procedural nature of the field. ObjectiveThis narrative review surveys current applications of gamification within general medical training, in the education of dermatology students, and in dermatology patient outreach. MethodsA literature search was performed using PubMed, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate to access and review relevant medical education- and dermatology-related gamification studies published in peer-reviewed journals. Two independent researchers with education and experience in dermatology screened publications to select studies featuring a diversity of gamification approaches and study subjects for in-depth examination. ResultsA total of 6 general medical education–related and 7 dermatology-specific gamification studies were selected. Gamification generally increased motivation and engagement, improved reinforcement of learning objectives, and contributed to more enjoyable and positive educational experiences compared to traditional modes of instruction. Enhancing examination scores, building confidence, and developing stronger team dynamics were additional benefits for medical trainees. Despite the abundance of gamification studies in general medical education, comparatively few instances were specific to dermatology learning, although large organizations such as the American Academy of Dermatology have begun to implement these strategies nationally. Gamification may also a provide promising alternative means of diversifying patient education and outreach methods, especially for self-identification of malignant melanoma. ConclusionsSerious games and simulations in general medical education have successfully increased learner motivation, enjoyment, and performance. In limited preliminary studies, gamified approaches to dermatology-specific medical education enhanced diagnostic accuracy and interest in the field. Game-based interventions in patient-focused educational pilot studies surrounding melanoma detection demonstrated similar efficacy and knowledge benefits. However, small study participant numbers and large variability in outcome measures may indicate decreased generalizability of findings regarding the current impact of gamification approaches, and further investigation in this area is warranted. Additionally, some relevant studies may have been omitted by the simplified literature search strategy of this narrative review. This could be expanded upon in a secondary systematic review of gamified educational platforms