Vol. 13, No. 1 • January 2020
Dear Colleagues:
Welcome to the January 2020 issue of The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology (JCAD). We begin the issue with a review titled, “Rethinking the Journal Impact Factor and Publishing in the Digital Age,” in which Nestor et al define the Journal Impact Factor (JIF) and deconstruct its validity as a modern measure of a journal’s quality. The authors also discuss the current models of academic publication, including their advantages and shortcomings, and discuss a variety of open-access publication models, including those that charge fees to authors. Additionally, the authors review existing alternative methods for measuring journal impact and propose the adoption of a superior publishing model.
Next, in a review article by Ahluwalia et al titled, “Incorporating Aesthetic Devices into a Dermatologic Practice,” the authors review the benefits and drawbacks of purchasing or leasing energy-based devices, highlighting key factors to consider when incorporating these devices into a practice, such as cost, training, and level of use.
After this, in an original research article by Borges et al titled, “Fractional Laser Resurfacing Treats Photoaging by Promoting Neocollegenesis and Cutaneous Edema,” the investigators compared the effects of nonablative and ablative Erbium fractional laser resurfacing on dermal content and arrangement of Collagen Types I and III and fibroblast activation. Ten female patients (50–63 years of age) with Fitzpatrick Skin Types I to IV and clinical signs of photoaging underwent two types of Erbium fractional laser resurfacing (nonablative, 1540nm; ablative, 2940nm) on opposite sides of the face. Both laser treatments induced reorganization of Collagen Types I and III and demonstrated signs of fibroblast activation. However, morphometric analysis of Picrosirius staining revealed that, after both treatments, there was a lower density of collagen fibers, which is characteristic of edema.
Following this, in an original research article by Hopkins et al titled, “Influence of Social Media on Cosmetic Procedure Interest,” the authors used the Google Trends (GT) tool to explore online interest trends in cosmetic procedures and compare how these trends differed by procedure type and relation to medical specialty. The authors collected GT search term data and compared this with annual Instagram and Facebook user counts. Linear regression evaluated search trends over time, and Pearson correlations were used to compare terms. The authors concluded that online interest in noninvasive cosmetic procedures is increasing, potentially driven, in part, by social media. In addition, the authors measured increasing interest in finding dermatologists who perform cosmetic procedures, which they explain creates a need for dermatologists to respond to these shifts in market trends.
Next, we present three case reports. In the first one, by Lira-Valero et al, the authors describe a case of Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) with isolated cutaneous involvement that presented in an adult male patient and was refractory to polychemotherapy. While the patient was lost to follow-up before the resolution of the condition, the authors review and discuss the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment course for the disease. In the next case report, by Park et al, the authors describe the case of a 42-year-old Caucasian male patient with an acral myxoinflammatory fibroblastic sarcoma treated with Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) without recurrence. And finally, in the case report by Hirt et al, the authors describe the case of a 10-year-old female patient who presented with morphea on her left chin and upper lip extending to the inner oral mucosa as well as a unilateral nevoid telangiectasia on her left cheek as an early presentation of localized scleroderma. According to the authors, this case is significant as it demonstrates a striking clinical presentation of morphea and an interesting early presentation of morphea as a unilateral nevoid telangiectasia that improved after treatment with oral methotrexate and prednisone.
Next, in an original research article by Garcia et al titled, “Video Education to Promote Skin Cancer Awareness and Identification in Spanish-speaking Patients,” the authors evaluated the effectiveness of utilizing a Spanish-language educational video to teach 37 primary Spanish speaking participants how to recognize benign and malignant lesions and to increase their awareness about skin cancer. Two examples each of six common skin lesions were presented as high-quality images to the participants before and after watching the two-minute educational video. A pre- and postvideo survey was used to assess competency. The ability of the participants to identify nonmelanoma skin cancers improved from 74 percent to 98 percent and from 35 percent to 99 percent for squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma, respectively, after watching the video. Initially, only 30 percent of participants could identify melanoma prior to viewing the video. After viewing, 97 percent of participants could identify this malignancy.
Finally, in a review from Wang et al, the authors summarize and evaluate the current prominent literature on platelet-rich plasma (PRP), collagen peptides, and stem cells for cutaneous rejuvenation. According to the authors’ review, PRP demonstrated the strongest evidence for its use and can be recommended to patients, especially when combined with other treatment modalities, including microneedling or laser therapy. In addition, the authors found evidence for some possible benefit of collagen peptide supplementation, deeming them appropriate for physician recommendation to interested patients. Regarding stem cells, the authors warn clinicians to remain cautious before recommending such therapies or procedures, as much remains unknown and there exist risks that might outweigh potential benefits.
Finally, don’t miss our Online-only Exclusive this month—a new guideline from the Aesthetic Complications Expert (ACE) Group that reviews management of a vascular occlusion associated with cosmetic injections. The ACE Group provides guidance on minimizing the risk of vascular occlusion, recognizing the signs that the complication has occurred, treating a vascular occlusion, and more. Online-only Exclusives articles via the journal’s website at: jcadonline.com/online-only-exclusives/ or via the digital edition at: jcad.mydigitalpublication.com/view/matrix-medical/journal-of-clinical-and-aesthetic-dermatology.
We hope you enjoy this issue of JCAD. As always, we welcome your feedback and submissions.
With regards,
James Q. Del Rosso, DO, FAOCD—Editor-in-Chief, Clinical Dermatology
Wm. Philip Werschler, MD, FAAD, FAACS—Editor-in-Chief, Aesthetic Dermatology
Seemal R. Desai, MD, FAAD— Associate Editor