Dr. Maria AnsariMD Dermatology

Research library

The evidence, curated.

Clinical guidelines, landmark studies and reviews behind modern dermatology, organised by topic with a plain-language summary of each.

Acne

  1. Guideline2024

    Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris

    Reynolds RV, et al.. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2024. DOI 10.1016/j.jaad.2023.12.017

    The American Academy of Dermatology's current acne guideline makes 18 evidence-graded recommendations, with strong support for benzoyl peroxide, topical retinoids, topical antibiotics and oral doxycycline. Oral isotretinoin is strongly recommended for severe or scarring acne or acne that has not responded to standard treatment, and systemic antibiotic use should be limited and combined with topical therapy.

  2. Review2018

    Oral isotretinoin for acne

    Costa CS, et al.. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2018. DOI 10.1002/14651858.CD009435.pub2

    This Cochrane review found that the evidence comparing oral isotretinoin with antibiotics plus topical treatment was mostly low quality, and it was unclear whether isotretinoin reduced inflammatory lesion counts more. Isotretinoin may cause more minor side effects, serious adverse events were rare in the trials, and daily treatment may work better than intermittent courses.

  3. Guideline2016

    European evidence-based (S3) guideline for the treatment of acne - update 2016 - short version

    Nast A, et al.. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2016. DOI 10.1111/jdv.13776

    This short version of the European evidence-based (S3) acne guideline gives graded treatment recommendations organised by acne type and severity. It is based on a systematic review of the evidence combined with consensus from a European expert panel.

  4. Consensus2009

    Acne in India: guidelines for management - IAA consensus document

    Kubba R, et al.. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, 2009.

    This consensus document from the Indian Acne Alliance provides guidelines for managing acne in Indian patients. It was developed by a panel of Indian dermatologists to give practical, locally relevant guidance for clinicians.

Eczema

  1. Guideline2024

    Guidelines of care for the management of atopic dermatitis in adults with phototherapy and systemic therapies

    Davis DMR, et al.. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2024. DOI 10.1016/j.jaad.2023.08.102

    The American Academy of Dermatology guideline on phototherapy and systemic treatment for adult atopic dermatitis strongly recommends the biologics dupilumab and tralokinumab and the oral JAK inhibitors abrocitinib, baricitinib and upadacitinib. It conditionally supports phototherapy and older immunosuppressants and recommends against systemic steroids.

  2. Guideline2023

    Guidelines of care for the management of atopic dermatitis in adults with topical therapies

    Sidbury R, et al.. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2023. DOI 10.1016/j.jaad.2022.12.029

    The American Academy of Dermatology guideline on topical treatment of atopic dermatitis in adults strongly recommends moisturisers, topical steroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors and topical PDE-4 and JAK inhibitors. It recommends against routine topical antimicrobials, antiseptics and antihistamines.

  3. Guideline2022

    European guideline (EuroGuiDerm) on atopic eczema: part I - systemic therapy

    Wollenberg A, et al.. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2022. DOI 10.1111/jdv.18345

    Part I of the European EuroGuiDerm guideline on atopic eczema advises on which patients should receive systemic treatment and gives detailed recommendations for each systemic drug. It covers conventional immunosuppressants, biologics and JAK inhibitors.

  4. Review2022

    Strategies for using topical corticosteroids in children and adults with eczema

    Lax SJ, et al.. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2022. DOI 10.1002/14651858.CD013356.pub2

    This Cochrane review found that potent and moderate topical steroids are probably more effective than mild ones for moderate or severe eczema, and that once-daily use of potent steroids works about as well as twice-daily use. Weekend (proactive) use probably helps prevent flares, and skin thinning was uncommon in the trials, increasing with potency.

  5. Consensus2019

    Guidelines on Management of Atopic Dermatitis in India: An Evidence-Based Review and an Expert Consensus

    Rajagopalan M, et al.. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 2019. DOI 10.4103/ijd.IJD_683_18

    This expert consensus gives evidence-based guidance for managing atopic dermatitis in India, with recommendations graded using GRADE. It advises moisturisers as the mainstay at every stage, topical steroids and topical calcineurin inhibitors as first-line treatment, and recommends against empirical food restriction.

  6. Study2016

    Two Phase 3 Trials of Dupilumab versus Placebo in Atopic Dermatitis

    Simpson EL, et al.. New England Journal of Medicine, 2016. DOI 10.1056/NEJMoa1610020

    In two identical phase 3 trials (SOLO 1 and SOLO 2), dupilumab improved the signs and symptoms of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, including itch, anxiety, depression and quality of life, compared with placebo. The authors noted that longer trials were needed to assess long-term effectiveness and safety.

General

  1. StudyBy Dr. Maria2026

    Gardner-Diamond syndrome: Psychogenic purpura with premenstrual flare

    Ansari M, et al.. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, 2026. DOI 10.25259/IJDVL_1209_2024

    This report describes a woman with Gardner-Diamond syndrome, a very rare condition in which painful bruising appears in response to psychological stress, here flaring before menstruation. It highlights the link between hormonal and psychological factors and the need for joint care by dermatologists, psychiatrists and other specialists.

  2. StudyBy Dr. Maria2024

    Genital hygiene practices in women with and without symptoms of vulvo-vaginal dermatoses in a tertiary care centre in coastal Karnataka

    Ansari M, et al.. International Journal of Medical Science and Advanced Clinical Research (IJMACR), 2024.

    This study of women in coastal Karnataka found that most followed basic hygiene habits, but about two thirds had low overall awareness of genital hygiene on a standard questionnaire. Awareness was not significantly linked to symptoms of vulvo-vaginal skin conditions, suggesting other factors also play a role alongside hygiene education.

  3. StudyBy Dr. Maria2024

    A clinico-epidemiological study of cutaneous manifestation in chronic venous insufficiency among security personnel: A cross-sectional study

    Dr. Maria Ansari (co-author). International Journal of Medical Science and Advanced Clinical Research (IJMACR), 2024.

    This study of 78 security personnel found skin changes from chronic venous insufficiency in 43.6%, with swelling and eczema the most common findings. Older age, prolonged standing and smoking were significant risk factors.

  4. Review2015

    Topical antifungals for seborrhoeic dermatitis

    Okokon EO, et al.. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2015. DOI 10.1002/14651858.CD008138.pub3

    This Cochrane review found that topical ketoconazole and ciclopirox work better than placebo for seborrhoeic dermatitis (including dandruff), with ketoconazole performing similarly to topical steroids but with fewer side effects. Few studies looked beyond four weeks, so long-term benefit is less certain.

  5. Review2014

    The global burden of skin disease in 2010: an analysis of the prevalence and impact of skin conditions

    Hay RJ, et al.. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2014. DOI 10.1038/jid.2013.446

    This Global Burden of Disease analysis found that skin conditions were collectively the fourth leading cause of non-fatal disease burden worldwide in 2010. Fungal skin disease, other skin conditions and acne were among the most prevalent, and the authors argue skin disease should be included in global health planning.

Hair

  1. Study2023

    Efficacy and safety of ritlecitinib in adults and adolescents with alopecia areata: a randomised, double-blind, multicentre, phase 2b-3 trial

    King B, et al.. The Lancet, 2023. DOI 10.1016/S0140-6736(23)00222-2

    This phase 2b-3 trial (ALLEGRO) found that oral ritlecitinib, a JAK3/TEC inhibitor, led to more scalp hair regrowth than placebo at 24 weeks in people aged 12 and over with at least 50% scalp hair loss from alopecia areata. It was generally well tolerated, and the authors suggest it may suit patients who are candidates for systemic treatment.

  2. Study2022

    Two Phase 3 Trials of Baricitinib for Alopecia Areata

    King B, et al.. New England Journal of Medicine, 2022. DOI 10.1056/NEJMoa2110343

    In two phase 3 trials (BRAVE-AA1 and BRAVE-AA2) in adults with severe alopecia areata, oral baricitinib, a JAK inhibitor, led to more hair regrowth than placebo at 36 weeks. The authors noted that longer trials are needed to judge long-term benefit and safety.

  3. Guideline2018

    Evidence-based (S3) guideline for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in women and in men - short version

    Kanti V, et al.. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2018. DOI 10.1111/jdv.14624

    This European evidence-based (S3) guideline assessed the available treatments for androgenetic (pattern) hair loss through a systematic literature review, with recommendations agreed at a consensus conference. It notes the condition is the most common type of hair loss in both men and women and can significantly affect quality of life.

  4. Guideline2012

    British Association of Dermatologists' guidelines for the management of alopecia areata 2012

    Messenger AG, et al.. British Journal of Dermatology, 2012. DOI 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2012.10955.x

    This British Association of Dermatologists guideline reviews the evidence for treatments used in alopecia areata and gives recommendations for its management. It is intended to help clinicians choose and discuss treatment options with patients.

  5. Review2008

    Interventions for alopecia areata

    Delamere FM, et al.. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2008. DOI 10.1002/14651858.CD004413.pub2

    This Cochrane review found that few alopecia areata treatments had been well tested in randomised trials, and there was no convincing evidence of long-term benefit from commonly used topical steroids or minoxidil. Because spontaneous regrowth is common in early disease, not treating or wearing a hairpiece were noted as reasonable choices for some people.

Infections

  1. StudyBy Dr. Maria2024

    A comparative study of 10% potassium hydroxide mount and histopathological examination using periodic acid-Schiff stain of cutaneous dermatophytosis: a retrospective study

    Ashraf A, Girish PN, Prakash SB, Amir N, Ansari M, Shetty AH. International Journal of Medical Science and Advanced Clinical Research (IJMACR), 2024.

    A retrospective comparison of the KOH mount and PAS-stained histopathology for diagnosing cutaneous dermatophytosis. It looks at how the two laboratory methods compare in confirming fungal skin infection.

  2. Study2019

    The current Indian epidemic of superficial dermatophytosis due to Trichophyton mentagrophytes-A molecular study

    Nenoff P, et al.. Mycoses, 2019. DOI 10.1111/myc.12878

    This molecular study of skin scrapings from across India found that Trichophyton mentagrophytes had largely replaced Trichophyton rubrum as the main cause of superficial fungal infection. It identified a distinct Indian genotype and suggests its spread may be linked to widespread misuse of creams combining clobetasol with antifungals and antibiotics.

  3. Consensus2018

    Expert Consensus on The Management of Dermatophytosis in India (ECTODERM India)

    Rajagopalan M, et al.. BMC Dermatology, 2018. DOI 10.1186/s12895-018-0073-1

    The ECTODERM India expert consensus gives practical recommendations for diagnosing and treating tinea of the body, groin and feet, which has become harder to manage in India. It recommends KOH microscopy at the point of care, fungal culture for chronic or recurrent cases, and strongly discourages the use of topical steroids in treating tinea.

  4. Study2018

    High terbinafine resistance in Trichophyton interdigitale isolates in Delhi, India harbouring mutations in the squalene epoxidase gene

    Singh A, et al.. Mycoses, 2018. DOI 10.1111/myc.12772

    This laboratory study of fungal isolates from patients in Delhi found terbinafine resistance in about a third of Trichophyton isolates tested, linked to mutations in the squalene epoxidase gene. The authors warn that this level of resistance is worrying and call for antifungal susceptibility testing to monitor it.

  5. Review2018

    Ivermectin and permethrin for treating scabies

    Rosumeck S, et al.. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2018. DOI 10.1002/14651858.CD012994

    This Cochrane review found that, for the most part, permethrin and ivermectin (oral or topical) worked similarly for treating scabies. Side effects were few and mild, although the certainty of the evidence was mostly low to moderate.

  6. Review2017

    The Great Indian Epidemic of Superficial Dermatophytosis: An Appraisal

    Verma S, Madhu R. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 2017. DOI 10.4103/ijd.IJD_206_17

    This appraisal discusses the large rise in superficial fungal skin infections (dermatophytosis or tinea) seen across India and the clinical challenges it presents. It reviews possible contributing factors and the difficulties clinicians face in treating these infections.

Pigmentation

  1. Consensus2026

    Delphi consensus on melasma management by international experts and pigmentary disorders society

    Sarkar R, et al.. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2026. DOI 10.1111/jdv.70066

    An international panel working with the Pigmentary Disorders Society used a Delphi process to agree recommendations on diagnosing and managing melasma. The recommendations combine published evidence with expert opinion, and the panel highlights long-term maintenance as a key area for future research.

  2. Consensus2023

    Prescribing practices of tranexamic acid for melasma: Delphi consensus from the Pigmentary Disorders Society

    Sarkar R, et al.. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, 2023. DOI 10.25259/IJDVL_1157_2022

    This Delphi consensus from the Pigmentary Disorders Society gives practical guidance on prescribing tranexamic acid for melasma in India, including screening before treatment and monitoring for clotting risk. It concludes that oral tranexamic acid is a valuable option but that repeated courses may be needed and patients at higher risk of thrombosis need careful watching.

  3. Study2018

    Randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study of oral tranexamic acid in the treatment of moderate-to-severe melasma

    Del Rosario E, et al.. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2018. DOI 10.1016/j.jaad.2017.09.053

    In this randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial, oral tranexamic acid with sunscreen reduced melasma severity scores by 49% at three months, compared with 18% for placebo with sunscreen. Some of the benefit faded after treatment stopped, and no serious side effects were seen, although the study was small and mostly involved Hispanic women.

  4. Review2014

    Melasma update

    Sarkar R, et al.. Indian Dermatology Online Journal, 2014. DOI 10.4103/2229-5178.142484

    This review by Indian dermatologists summarises the causes of melasma, including genetics, ultraviolet light, hormones and certain drugs, and the treatment options available. It notes that hydroquinone remains the reference treatment while describing newer topical agents and procedures and their evidence.

  5. Review2010

    Interventions for melasma

    Rajaratnam R, et al.. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2010. DOI 10.1002/14651858.CD003583.pub2

    This Cochrane review found that most trials of melasma treatments were of poor quality and that available treatments were inadequate. Triple combination cream (hydroquinone, tretinoin and a topical steroid) performed better than its individual components in the trials reviewed, and longer, better-designed studies were called for.

Procedures & Lasers

  1. Review2016

    Interventions for acne scars

    Abdel Hay R, et al.. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2016. DOI 10.1002/14651858.CD011946.pub2

    This Cochrane review found little high-quality evidence for any acne scar treatment because most trials were small, poorly designed and used different outcome measures. There was moderate-quality evidence that injectable fillers may help atrophic acne scars, but no intervention could be supported as a first-line option.

  2. Guideline2008

    Standard guidelines of care for chemical peels

    Khunger N, IADVL Task Force. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, 2008.

    These IADVL standard guidelines cover the indications, contraindications, technique and aftercare for chemical peels. They state that superficial peels are considered safe in Indian skin, medium-depth peels need great caution in darker skin, deep peels are not recommended for Indian skin, and skin should be primed before peeling.

Psoriasis

  1. Review2023

    Systemic pharmacological treatments for chronic plaque psoriasis: a network meta-analysis

    Sbidian E, et al.. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2023. DOI 10.1002/14651858.CD011535.pub6

    This Cochrane network meta-analysis compared systemic treatments for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis and found that several biologics (infliximab, bimekizumab, ixekizumab and risankizumab) were the most effective at achieving near-complete clearance in the short term. The evidence covers only the first 8 to 24 weeks of treatment, and no clear difference in serious adverse events versus placebo was found.

  2. Guideline2021

    Joint AAD-NPF Guidelines of care for the management and treatment of psoriasis with topical therapy and alternative medicine modalities for psoriasis severity measures

    Elmets CA, et al.. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2021. DOI 10.1016/j.jaad.2020.07.087

    This joint AAD and National Psoriasis Foundation guideline reviews topical treatments and alternative medicine approaches for psoriasis, with recommendations on their benefits and risks. It also describes the main methods used to assess psoriasis severity in adults.

  3. Review2021

    Psoriasis

    Griffiths CEM, et al.. The Lancet, 2021. DOI 10.1016/S0140-6736(20)32549-6

    This Lancet seminar describes psoriasis as a common, lifelong inflammatory skin disease linked with psoriatic arthritis, depression and cardiometabolic conditions. It explains that biologics targeting IL-17, IL-23 and TNF have transformed care for severe disease, and that management should be early, personalised and include attention to related health problems.

  4. Guideline2020

    EuroGuiDerm Guideline on the systemic treatment of Psoriasis vulgaris - Part 1: treatment and monitoring recommendations

    Nast A, et al.. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2020. DOI 10.1111/jdv.16915

    The EuroGuiDerm guideline gives evidence- and consensus-based recommendations for systemic treatment of psoriasis vulgaris, covering both conventional drugs such as methotrexate and ciclosporin and the newer biologics. It also sets out treatment goals and how each drug should be monitored.

  5. Guideline2019

    Joint AAD-NPF guidelines of care for the management and treatment of psoriasis with biologics

    Menter A, et al.. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2019. DOI 10.1016/j.jaad.2018.11.057

    This joint American Academy of Dermatology and National Psoriasis Foundation guideline gives evidence-based recommendations on using biologic medicines for moderate-to-severe psoriasis. It covers the available biologic drug classes, how to choose and monitor them, and the dermatologist's role in explaining benefits and risks.

Rosacea

  1. Consensus2020

    Recommendations for rosacea diagnosis, classification and management: update from the global ROSacea COnsensus 2019 panel

    Schaller M, et al.. British Journal of Dermatology, 2020. DOI 10.1111/bjd.18420

    The global ROSacea COnsensus (ROSCO) panel updated its recommendations for diagnosing and managing rosacea using a phenotype approach, in which each feature such as redness, bumps or flushing is treated individually. It provides clinical tools to support this approach in everyday practice.

  2. Review2015

    Interventions for rosacea

    van Zuuren EJ, et al.. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2015. DOI 10.1002/14651858.CD003262.pub5

    This Cochrane review found high-quality evidence that topical azelaic acid, topical ivermectin, brimonidine, doxycycline and isotretinoin are effective for rosacea. Evidence for topical metronidazole and oral tetracycline was moderate, and evidence for lasers and intense pulsed light was low quality.

Skin of Colour

  1. Review2013

    Dermatologic conditions in skin of color: part I. Special considerations for common skin disorders

    Kundu RV, Patterson S. American Family Physician, 2013.

    This review for primary care explains how common skin conditions such as acne, eczema and skin cancer can look different and need adapted treatment in skin of colour. It notes that acne often leaves dark marks and keloids, and that gentler retinoid use can help prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

  2. Review2010

    Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation: a review of the epidemiology, clinical features, and treatment options in skin of color

    Davis EC, Callender VD. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2010.

    This review explains that post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is more common and more severe in darker skin and is one of the most frequent reasons people with skin of colour see a dermatologist. It describes topical lightening agents as the mainstay for epidermal pigmentation, with peels or lasers for resistant cases, and stresses avoiding irritation that can worsen pigmentation.

  3. Review2002

    Skin of color: biology, structure, function, and implications for dermatologic disease

    Taylor SC. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2002. DOI 10.1067/mjd.2002.120790

    This review describes differences in skin structure and function in people with skin of colour, including those of Indian and South Asian ancestry. It covers lower skin cancer rates, different patterns of photoageing and greater tendency to pigmentation disorders, and notes that cultural practices also influence skin disease.

Sun & Photoprotection

  1. StudyBy Dr. Maria2024

    A questionnaire based assessment of awareness and knowledge about sunscreens among medical interns in a tertiary care institute: A cross-sectional study

    Dr. Maria Ansari (co-author). International Journal of Medical Science and Advanced Clinical Research (IJMACR), 2024.

    This survey of 110 medical interns found that 24% did not use sunscreen and only about a fifth of users reapplied it during the day. Around 91% scored low or moderate on sunscreen knowledge, pointing to a need for better sun protection education.

  2. Consensus2021

    Photoprotection according to skin phototype and dermatoses: practical recommendations from an expert panel

    Passeron T, et al.. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2021. DOI 10.1111/jdv.17242

    This international expert panel gives practical sunscreen recommendations tailored to skin phototype and skin condition. It notes that darker skin is more prone to pigmentation caused by visible light and UVA, so protection against these wavelengths matters for pigmentary disorders such as melasma.

  3. Study2013

    Sunscreen and prevention of skin aging: a randomized trial

    Hughes MC, et al.. Annals of Internal Medicine, 2013. DOI 10.7326/0003-4819-158-11-201306040-00002

    In this randomised trial in Australia, adults who applied broad-spectrum sunscreen daily showed less skin ageing over four and a half years than those who used it at their own discretion. Beta-carotene supplements had no overall effect on skin ageing.

  4. Study2010

    Impact of long-wavelength UVA and visible light on melanocompetent skin

    Mahmoud BH, et al.. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2010. DOI 10.1038/jid.2010.95

    This study found that visible light, as well as long-wave UVA, caused pigmentation in skin types IV to VI, and the darkening from visible light was deeper and lasted longer. No pigmentation occurred in fair skin (type II), which has implications for sun protection and pigment disorders in darker skin.

Topical Steroids

  1. Review2016

    Topical Steroid Damaged/Dependent Face (TSDF): An Entity of Cutaneous Pharmacodependence

    Lahiri K, Coondoo A. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 2016. DOI 10.4103/0019-5154.182417

    This article describes topical steroid damaged or dependent face (TSDF), a pattern of facial skin damage caused by unsupervised, prolonged use of steroid creams of any strength. It explains that the condition seriously affects quality of life and that management is difficult, needing both skin care and psychological support.

  2. Review2015

    A systematic review of topical corticosteroid withdrawal ("steroid addiction") in patients with atopic dermatitis and other dermatoses

    Hajar T, et al.. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2015. DOI 10.1016/j.jaad.2014.11.024

    This systematic review concluded that topical corticosteroid withdrawal, sometimes called steroid addiction, is likely a distinct adverse effect of steroid cream misuse. It was reported mostly on the face and genital area of women after long-term inappropriate use of potent steroids, with burning, stinging and redness the most common features.

  3. Review2014

    Side-effects of topical steroids: A long overdue revisit

    Coondoo A, et al.. Indian Dermatology Online Journal, 2014. DOI 10.4103/2229-5178.142483

    This review from Indian dermatologists describes the local, systemic and psychological side effects of topical steroids, noting that misuse and abuse are rising. Side effects are more common with stronger steroids and on the face and genitals, and the article outlines measures to prevent harm, including in children.

  4. Review2014

    Sales, status, prescriptions and regulatory problems with topical steroids in India

    Verma SB. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, 2014. DOI 10.4103/0378-6323.132246

    This article examines how topical steroids are sold, prescribed and regulated in India. It discusses the regulatory problems that allow these medicines to be widely available and misused.

  5. Study2011

    Topical corticosteroid abuse on the face: a prospective, multicenter study of dermatology outpatients

    Saraswat A, et al.. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, 2011. DOI 10.4103/0378-6323.77455

    This multicentre study of Indian dermatology outpatients with facial skin problems found that misuse of topical steroids on the face was common and mostly unjustified. Use as a fairness cream was the most common reason for applying them.

Urticaria

  1. Guideline2022

    The international EAACI/GA²LEN/EuroGuiDerm/APAAACI guideline for the definition, classification, diagnosis, and management of urticaria

    Zuberbier T, et al.. Allergy, 2022. DOI 10.1111/all.15090

    This international guideline on urticaria (hives), developed with GRADE methods by delegates from 31 countries, covers how urticaria is defined, classified, diagnosed and treated. It sets out evidence-based and expert-guided approaches for each subtype, including chronic spontaneous and inducible urticaria.

  2. Consensus2018

    Consensus Statement for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Urticaria: A 2017 Update

    Godse K, et al.. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 2018. DOI 10.4103/ijd.IJD_308_17

    This consensus statement from the Skin Allergy Research Society of India updates guidance on diagnosing and managing urticaria in the Indian context. It recommends second-generation non-sedating antihistamines as first-line treatment, with dose increases and further options chosen by severity, associated conditions, cost and access.

  3. Study2013

    Omalizumab for the treatment of chronic idiopathic or spontaneous urticaria

    Maurer M, et al.. New England Journal of Medicine, 2013. DOI 10.1056/NEJMoa1215372

    This randomised trial found that omalizumab reduced the itch and hives of chronic idiopathic (spontaneous) urticaria in people who remained symptomatic despite approved doses of H1-antihistamines. The trial was funded by the drug's manufacturers and supports omalizumab as an add-on option when antihistamines alone are not enough.

Vitiligo

  1. StudyBy Dr. Maria2024

    Assessment of clinical, psychological and vitamin D levels on patients with stable vitiligo before and after narrowband - UVB Phototherapy

    Dr. Maria Ansari (co-author). International Journal of Medical Science and Advanced Clinical Research (IJMACR), 2024.

    In this study of 45 patients with stable vitiligo treated with narrowband UVB phototherapy, most had low vitamin D at the start, and none were deficient after 12 weeks. Vitiligo extent scores and quality-of-life impact scores both improved modestly over the treatment period, although the sample was small.

  2. Consensus2023

    Worldwide expert recommendations for the diagnosis and management of vitiligo: Position statement from the International Vitiligo Task Force Part 1: towards a new management algorithm

    van Geel N, et al.. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2023. DOI 10.1111/jdv.19451

    The International Vitiligo Task Force proposes worldwide treatment algorithms for vitiligo, based on disease type, activity and extent. It notes that new targeted treatments are emerging and stresses shared decision-making and reliable ways of measuring results.

  3. Study2022

    Two Phase 3, Randomized, Controlled Trials of Ruxolitinib Cream for Vitiligo

    Rosmarin D, et al.. New England Journal of Medicine, 2022. DOI 10.1056/NEJMoa2118828

    In two phase 3 trials (TRuE-V1 and TRuE-V2), ruxolitinib cream, a topical JAK inhibitor, produced more repigmentation of vitiligo patches than a vehicle cream over 52 weeks. Application-site acne and itching were the main side effects, and the authors called for larger and longer studies.

  4. Guideline2022

    British Association of Dermatologists guidelines for the management of people with vitiligo 2021

    Eleftheriadou V, et al.. British Journal of Dermatology, 2022. DOI 10.1111/bjd.20596

    This British Association of Dermatologists guideline reviews the evidence for treatments for vitiligo and gives graded recommendations for clinical practice. It is intended to help clinicians and people with vitiligo choose among the available treatment options.

  5. Review2015

    Interventions for vitiligo

    Whitton ME, et al.. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2015. DOI 10.1002/14651858.CD003263.pub5

    This Cochrane review found some evidence from individual studies supporting existing vitiligo treatments, but different study designs and outcome measures limited firm conclusions. It highlighted the need for studies on how long repigmentation lasts and on quality of life.

  6. Guideline2013

    Guidelines for the management of vitiligo: the European Dermatology Forum consensus

    Taieb A, et al.. British Journal of Dermatology, 2013. DOI 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2012.11197.x

    Developed by the Vitiligo European Task Force, this guideline summarises evidence-based and expert-based recommendations for treating segmental and non-segmental vitiligo. It was intended to provide a common European approach where previously only national guidelines existed.

Summaries are simplified for general readers and are not medical advice. Always read the original source and talk to your dermatologist about how it applies to you.