Dermatology

Atopic dermatitis is a common skin condition that severely and negatively affects the quality of life of children and their parents. However, children of Black and Hispanic parents tend to experience persistent and poorly controlled symptoms of atopic dermatitis, which can increase the burden on the quality of life of families of color. In addition,...

Barriers to health care for atopic dermatitis (eczema) and asthma may differ among racial/ethnic minority groups. However, research is limited on the perceptions of these groups regarding access to care. Racial/ethnic minority groups may experience a greater treatment burden and more barriers to appropriate care than other groups. Researchers conducted an online survey across the...

Structural racism involves the policies and practices that have been put in place over time through government and institutions. The physical and social environments where people of African, Latinx, and Indigenous heritage live reflect grave inequities that can influence the risk of developing allergic diseases, including asthma and atopic dermatitis. Physiologic stress responses caused by...

While innate differences between racial/ethnic minority groups and white people with atopic dermatitis may explain certain measures of severity and prevalence, factors concerning racism cannot be ignored. For example, atopic dermatitis disparities occur in Black people, despite genetic risk factors being more prevalent in white people. Although genetic risk factors may be researched more heavily...

In this MD Newsline exclusive interview with dermatologist Dr. Victoria Barbosa, we discuss how to provide culturally sensitive care and overcome language barriers. MD Newsline: How have you been able to implement culturally sensitive care in your practice?  Dr. Victoria Barbosa: “For me, the first step in providing culturally sensitive care to patients is approaching...

In this MD Newsline exclusive interview with dermatologist Dr. Victoria Barbosa, we discuss disparities in diagnosing and treating central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. MD Newsline: What disparities in diagnosing and treating CCCA have you observed in your clinical practice? Dr. Victoria Barbosa: “Recent research has shown us that CCCA...

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Rinvoq (upadacitinib) for the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in patients aged 12 years and older, the manufacturer announced Friday. The approval is indicated for patients with atopic dermatitis that did not respond to previous treatment and is not well controlled with other medications or when the use...

In this MD Newsline exclusive interview with dermatologist Dr. Victoria Barbosa, we discuss the latest research on central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. We also discuss how to improve diversity and inclusion in dermatology clinical trials. MD Newsline: Is there any research that excites you or that you think is important for physicians...

In this MD Newsline exclusive interview with dermatologist Dr. Victoria Barbosa, we discuss Dr. Barbosa’s central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) treatment strategy. We also discuss the many rewards of treating CCCA. MD Newsline: What is your treatment strategy for CCCA? Dr. Victoria Barbosa: “I have a two-pronged approach to treating CCCA. First, we have to address the...