Dr. Sonal Choudhary, a Dermatopathologist and Dermatologist, and Director of the Integrative Dermatology and Skincare Clinic at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, and Noel Prevost, MPAS, PA-C, a Dermatology Physician Assistant at UPMC Falk Dermatology-Oakland, discuss how dairy and sugar can contribute to acne flares.

Key Takeaways:

Skim milk and Greek yogurt may contain high levels of insulin-like growth factor, which can stimulate oil production

Sugars can also aggravate acneAcne may improve even without systemic or topical therapy when patients cut out or limit dairy products in their diet

People with polycystic ovary syndrome may be more sensitive to dairy and sugar – possibly due to high levels of insulin-like growth factor.

Taking a dietary history may help identify factors that are contributing to acne flares

Sonal Choudhary, MD, a Dermatopathologist, Dermatologist, and Director of the Integrative Dermatology and Skincare Clinic and Physician Assistant Noel Prevost discuss the role that diet may play in athletes with acne, including an evidence-based discussion on protein powders. They also discuss the use of anabolic steroids and their effects on athlete’s skin.

Key Takeaways:

• Worsening of acne lesions may occur in athletes who consume whey protein powder.

• Plant or paleo-based protein powders may be a skin-friendly option for some athletes with acne.

• Patients can consider sweetening plant-based protein powders with stevia or monk fruit.

• Anabolic steroids can increase risk for acne, including acne fulminans.

• It’s important to discuss anabolic steroid use with athletes who are experiencing acne.

In the fourth and final installment of this four-part episode, Dr. Sonal Choudhary, a Dermatopathologist, Dermatologist, and Director of the Integrative Dermatology and Skincare Clinic at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and Jazmyn Phillips, a Dermatology Physician Assistant at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, review some of the nutritional supplements that have shown to be beneficial for people with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), including vitamin D and zinc. They also discuss the role that stress and trauma play.

Key Takeaways:

Always check Vitamin D levels in HS patients and supplement accordingly.

There is some evidence supporting adjunct supplementation of zinc in HSVitamin B12 and turmeric may also confer potential benefits for individuals with HS.

Studies have shown that individuals with HS are more likely to report experiencing a higher number of traumatic events throughout their lives, including childhood traumas. Consider trauma-informed therapies in such patients.

Sonal Choudhary, MD, a Dermatopathologist, Dermatologist, and Director of the Integrative Dermatology and Skincare Clinic at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and Jazmyn Phillips, PA-C, a Dermatology Physician Assistant at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, discuss some of the co-morbidities that travel with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) such as inflammatory bowel disease, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome. They also weigh in on the role that certain diets can play in managing HS symptoms and keeping flares at bay. Key Takeaways:

• A yeast-free diet, specifically avoiding brewer's yeast, may be a helpful dietary approach for managing HS

• High glycemic index foods, saturated fats, and dairy can trigger HS flares in some people

• Mediterranean diets, which are rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, seafood, beans, and nuts, may be beneficial for people with HS

• GLP-1 agonists may reduce certain inflammatory markers in the HS pathway, but more research is needed before any blanket recommendations can be made

The hosts review the pros and cons of available medical and surgical treatments for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes painful bumps and lesions, often in areas such as the armpits and groin. They also offer a peek into the HS pipeline. Spoiler alert: It’s booming. Key Takeaways:

• Doxycycline and other systemic antibiotics can still play a role in treating HS.

• Hormonal and metabolic modulators, including spironolactone, metformin, and finasteride, can be safe and efficacious for HS.

• There are now three biologics approved for treating HS: adalimumab, secukinumab (Cosentyx, Novartis), and bimekizumab (Bimzelx, UCB).

• Surgical excision of the affected site is often a viable option.

• Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors are being studied in HS. Stay tuned.

In Part 1 of this special four-part episode of The Blend, Sonal Choudhary, MD, a Dermatopathologist, Dermatologist, and Director of the Integrative Dermatology and Skincare Clinic at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and Jazmyn Phillips, a Dermatology Physician Assistant at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, provide an overview of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a chronic inflammatory skin condition, causing painful bumps and lesions, often in skin folds like the armpits and groin. They also discuss the toll that HS can take on a patient’s quality of life and mental health, and some of the condition’s causative factors.

The JDNPPA News and Views Podcast, Episode 1: Diagnosing and Treating Genital Psoriasis: Implementing New Guidance. In this episode of the JDNPPA News and Views Podcast, Melodie Young, MSN, ANP-c, a Nurse Practitioner at Mindful Dermatology in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX, and the Immediate Past President of the Society of Dermatology Nurse Practitioners, discusses the impetus for new consensus statements on genital psoriasis, provides guidance on the diagnosis and treatment of this type of psoriasis, information on how it impacts quality of life and interpersonal relationships, and offers actionable tips on how to have conversations with patients.

In Part 4 of this special episode of The Blend, Sonal Choudhary, MD, a Dermatopathologist, Dermatologist, and Director of the Integrative Dermatology and Skincare Clinic at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, and Natalie Gardinier, MPAS, PA-C, a Dermatology Physician Assistant at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Dermatology in Pittsburgh, PA, discuss the link between acne and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and the role that nutrition can play in managing acne.