IJWD 2025 Spotlights

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IJWD Spotlights: Explore the Latest Research

curated by the WDS Academic Dermatology Committee

June 2025 - Volume 11 - Issue 2

Prior anogenital herpes and human papillomavirus infections are associated with increased risk of lichen sclerosus in a large retrospective cohort study

Singal, Amit; Curtis, Kaya L.; Lipner, Shari R.

Lichen sclerosus is a rare inflammatory condition that most commonly affects the anogenital area, and its exact cause is not well understood. Singal et al researched potential associations between lichen sclerosus and infections using the TriNetX research database. The authors found that patients with lichen sclerosus had a higher prevalence of infections including HPV, HSV, Lyme, gonorrhea, chlamydia, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. A history of HPV vaccination was associated with a decreased risk of lichen sclerosus. Based on these results, the authors suggest that infections might play a role in triggering or contributing to the development of lichen sclerosus, possibly by setting off an autoimmune response.

March 2025 - Volume 11 - Issue 1

Examining gender trends of conference leadership at the Society of Investigative Dermatology conference, 2018–2023

Manjunath, Jaya BSa,*; Ching, Lauren BSb; Yamamoto, Rebecca K. BS, BAb; Gabra, Jessica BSb; Snee, Isabel BSb; Larson, Allison R. MDc

Manjunath et al sought to understand gender trends in conference leadership at the Society of Investigative Dermatology Annual Meetings from 2018-2013. Leadership in the SID is an important milestone, especially for academic and investigative dermatologists.  Interestingly, they found that from 2018 - 2022 there was relative gender parity among conference leaders, suggesting that SID leadership is representative of their 41% women membership.  In 2023, the Inaugural International Societies of Investigative Dermatology Meeting was held in Tokyo, Japan and at this meeting, there were significantly fewer woman in leadership positions.  This may point to continued gender gaps among similar societies outside of the US.

Management of psoriasis in women18 to 45 years of age in Australia and Japan: insights from patient and dermatologist surveys

Yamaguchi, Yukie MD, PhDa; Spelman, Lynda MBBS, FACDb; Mizutani, Yoko MD, PhDc; Lukowski, Bartosz PhDd; Lanzafame, Alfred PhDe; Smith, Annika MBBS, MPHTMf*

Yamaguchi et al present an international survey-based study exploring the state of psoriasis management for women of child bearing age (WoCBA) in Japan and Australia.  The researchers surveyed both patients (women aged 18 to 45 with psoriasis) and dermatologists and found that overall, both groups felt they lacked the data needed to make an informed decision.  Regarding use of TNF inhibitors, patients in Japan were more likely to stop TNF inhibitors before or at the start of pregnancy due to patient-percieved provider concerns for fetal harm.  Interestingly, when surveying dermatologists, the researchers found similar levels of discomfort with TNF inhibitor treatment in women who are pregnant or planning pregnancy.  Overall, dermatologists in both countries felt they needed more data to guide care of psoriasis in WoCBA.

A novel therapeutic approach for granuloma annulare: roflumilast 0.3% cream

Jenkins, Hannah BSa,*; Silva, Vixey DOb; Yelich, Allyson DOb; Moon, Summer DO, FAADb

This article by Jenkins et al highlights the creativity and resourcefulness of dermatologists who are determined to find safe and effective treatments for their patients with rare or under-recognized dermatologic diseases.  One such disease without any FDA-approved treatments is granuloma annulare.  Jenkins et al describe the successful use of a topical PDE-4 inhibitor, roflumilast 0.3% cream for focal lesions of granuloma annulare in a young female patient with recalcitrant disease.  This may be a great option for your patients too!



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