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Rose L, Mallela T, Waters M, Novice M, Minta A, Akintilo L, Shipp D, Dulmage B. Cosmetic considerations after breast cancer treatment. Arch Dermatol Res 2024; 316:223. [PMID: 38787423 DOI: 10.1007/s00403-024-02898-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Treatments for breast cancer can have an array of adverse effects, including hair loss, scarring, and irritated skin. These physical outcomes can, in turn, lead to body image concerns, anxiety, and depression. Fortunately, there is growing evidence that certain cosmetic therapies can improve patient self-image. Here we review various cosmetic treatment options including hair camouflage, eyebrow and eyelash camouflage, treatments for hirsutism, nipple and areola tattooing, post-mastectomy scar tattooing, treatments for dry skin/xerosis, removal of post-radiation telangiectasias, and lightening of post-radiation hyperpigmentation. For each patient concern, we report potential procedures, clinical evidence of impact on quality of life, special considerations, and safety concerns. This article aims to equip dermatologists with resources so that they may effectively counsel breast cancer survivors who express treatment-related cosmetic concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Rose
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Teja Mallela
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Margo Waters
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Madison Novice
- The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Abena Minta
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Lisa Akintilo
- The Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Desmond Shipp
- Department of Dermatology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 540 Officenter Place, Suite 240, Columbus, OH, 43230, USA
| | - Brittany Dulmage
- Department of Dermatology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 540 Officenter Place, Suite 240, Columbus, OH, 43230, USA.
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Clarke-Jeffers P, Keyte R, Connabeer K. "Hair is your crown and glory" - Black women's experiences of living with alopecia and the role of social support. HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY REPORT 2024; 12:154-165. [PMID: 38628276 PMCID: PMC11016946 DOI: 10.5114/hpr/177730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alopecia is an autoimmune condition that results in hair loss, mainly from the scalp. There are three specific types of autoimmune alopecia: alopecia areata (AA; small patches of hair loss), alopecia totalis (AT; total hair loss from the scalp) and alopecia universalis (AU; total hair loss from the scalp and body). Whilst research has explored the experiences of White women living with alopecia, there is a lack of research exploring the impact of alopecia on women in the Black community. The current study aimed to explore Black women's experience of living with autoimmune types of alopecia with a focus on the cultural importance of hair within the Black community and the impact of social support. PARTICIPANTS AND PROCEDURE Seven Black women (age range: 37-68 years; mean age: 51 years) were recruited purposively through alopecia support group organisations and social media to participate in a semi-structured interview; four participants were diagnosed with AA, two participants were diagnosed with AU, and one participant was diagnosed with AT. One-to-one interviews were conducted online, and interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to guide data collection and analysis. RESULTS Participants discussed the significance of hair specifically within the Black community and the complex relationship between psychological wellbeing, coping and seeking support. CONCLUSIONS This novel area, specific to Black women's psychological experience of alopecia, acknowledges the influence of cultural and ethnic differences. The findings suggest that proactive awareness from health professionals and social support groups are needed due to the nuances of Black women's alopecia experience to provide better support and to enhance the quality of life for Black women to manage their alopecia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rebecca Keyte
- Birmingham City University, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Taye M, Kamili NA, Aguh C, Krueger LD. Considerations and recommendations on camouflage in alopecia in Black women. Int J Womens Dermatol 2023; 9:e111. [PMID: 37799136 PMCID: PMC10550043 DOI: 10.1097/jw9.0000000000000111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Alopecia is among the leading dermatological concerns affecting Black women. For many women, hair is a central component of identity and self-expression, the loss of which can have significant psychosocial effects. Hair camouflage is often utilized to minimize the visibility of hair loss, provide aesthetic benefits, and improve quality of life. The versatility and affordability of hair camouflage allows patients with alopecia to conceal hair loss, increasing self-confidence, and decreasing social stigma. However, hair camouflage practices often involve adhesives, chemicals, and/or high-tension braiding, all of which can exacerbate alopecia. Accordingly, special considerations should be made to protect patients' natural hair from damage while using these styling practices. A better understanding of best practices for some of the most widely used camouflage options-wigs, extensions, topical hair fibers, and micropigmentation-can help clinicians establish rapport with Black women and optimize individually-tailored therapeutic plans during active treatment and end-stage hair loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Taye
- Department of Dermatology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Nourine Ahmed Kamili
- Department of Dermatology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Crystal Aguh
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Loren D. Krueger
- Department of Dermatology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
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Chan J, Coias JL, Wyles SP. Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia and the impact of wig prosthesis on patient quality of life: a case report with medical insurance appeal letter. Int J Womens Dermatol 2023; 9:e102. [PMID: 37576592 PMCID: PMC10414690 DOI: 10.1097/jw9.0000000000000102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Janelle Chan
- College of Human Ecology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | | | - Saranya P. Wyles
- Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
- Center for Regenerative Biotherapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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Motofei IG, Rowland DL, Tampa M, Sarbu MI, Mitran MI, Mitran CI, Stoian AP, Diaconu CC, Paunica S, Georgescu SR. Finasteride and androgenic alopecia; from therapeutic options to medical implications. J DERMATOL TREAT 2019; 31:415-421. [DOI: 10.1080/09546634.2019.1595507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ion G. Motofei
- Department of Dermatology, Carol Davila University, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Surgery, St. Pantelimon Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - David L. Rowland
- Department of Psychology, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN, USA
| | - Mircea Tampa
- Department of Dermatology, Carol Davila University, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | | | | | - Anca Pantea Stoian
- Faculty of General Medicine, Carol Davila University, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Camelia C. Diaconu
- Faculty of General Medicine, Carol Davila University, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Stana Paunica
- Dan Theodorescu Hospital, Carol Davila University, Bucharest, Romania
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Motofei IG, Rowland DL, Baconi DL, Tampa M, Sârbu MI, Păunică S, Constantin VD, Bălălău C, Păunică I, Georgescu SR. Androgenetic alopecia; drug safety and therapeutic strategies. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2018; 17:407-412. [PMID: 29363345 DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2018.1430765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a benign condition with variable psychosocial impact, with some individuals adapting well while others needing therapeutic support. Although 5α-reductase inhibitors like finasteride and dutasteride have proven effective in ameliorating AGA, their use/selection is currently a subject of debate. AREAS COVERED Treatment of AGA with 5α-reductase inhibitors lead to variable adverse effects and relatively unstable results (therapeutic efficacy ending with treatment cessation), so the choice of optimal therapy is not straightforward. This paper presents a general perspective regarding AGA based on studies listed in PubMed, to better understand/appreciate the opportunity for long term use of medication for a biological condition having non-life threatening implications. Studies focussed on adverse effects suggest that finasteride should be used with caution in AGA, due to considerable and persistent side effects induced in some men. In contrast, efficacy data indicate that dutasteride (a stronger inhibitor) presents superior therapeutic results compared to finasteride. EXPERT OPINION This paper argues that finasteride should be preferred to dutasteride in the treatment of AGA. Thus, finasteride preserves important physiological roles of dihydrotestosterone (unrelated to AGA) and, in addition, its adverse effects seem to be (at least in part) predictable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ion G Motofei
- a Faculty of General Medicine , Carol Davila University, St. Pantelimon Hospital , Bucharest , Romania
| | - David L Rowland
- b Department of Psychology , Valparaiso University , Valparaiso , IN , USA
| | - Daniela L Baconi
- c Department of Toxicology , Carol Davila University , Bucharest , Romania
| | - Mircea Tampa
- d Department of Dermatology , Carol Davila University , Bucharest , Romania
| | | | - Stana Păunică
- e Dan Teodorescu Hospital , Carol Davila University , Bucharest , Romania
| | - Vlad D Constantin
- a Faculty of General Medicine , Carol Davila University, St. Pantelimon Hospital , Bucharest , Romania
| | - Cristian Bălălău
- a Faculty of General Medicine , Carol Davila University, St. Pantelimon Hospital , Bucharest , Romania
| | - Ioana Păunică
- a Faculty of General Medicine , Carol Davila University, St. Pantelimon Hospital , Bucharest , Romania
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