The use of the internet by outpatients in dermatology: a multicentric, observational and cross‐sectional study on frequency, motivations and feedback

Abstract

combination topical minoxidil (Tm) and oral finasteride (F; 35.1%). Alternate treatment regimens, mostly combination regimens, included oral spironolactone (S), oral minoxidil (OM) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP).Total months since initial visit, TE, family AGA history in maternal family and normal vitamin D/zinc levels were positively associated with HD over time (all P < 0.05). Older age at initial visit and F-AGA duration prior to initial visit were negatively associated with HD over time (all P < 0.01). Total months since initial visit, age of F-AGA onset, age at initial visit and TE were positively associated with HC over time (all P < 0.01), while family AGA history in paternal family was negatively associated (P < 0.01; Table 2).Our finding regarding potentially different outcomes between patients with AGA history in maternal versus paternal family has not been described previously. Additionally, while earlier intervention is believed beneficial, our analysis provides statistically significant results supporting this, demonstrating disease duration is negatively associated with HD and older age of onset is positively associated with HC. Interestingly, normal Vitamin D and zinc levels at initial visit were significantly associated with thicker HC. Relationships between these nutrients, their supplementation and hair loss are unclear, and more research is necessary. [4][5][6][7] Two relatively newly utilized F-AGA treatments, PRP and OM, had significant positive associations with HD and HC (both P = 0.02; Table 2). When compared to patients <30 years old, patients over age 50 were found to have better HD outcomes with TM and PRP (P < 0.05). Treatment outcomes were also found to differ between age of onset groups (Table 2). Of note, association does not equal causation, and additional studies, especially randomized controlled studies, building on the associations found in our study are needed to establish treatment efficacy.Potential limitations of our study include limited generalizability, as race/ethnicity information was unavailable and patients with hyperandrogenism were excluded. Our results describe trends found in our patient population and offer potential avenues for further research to better characterize relationships between clinical variables/therapies and therapeutic outcomes. Currently, strides towards personalized treatment are being made in basic science and translational research. 8 We hope that together with these developments, our clinical findings may contribute towards optimizing F-AGA treatments.

Digital Media Usage Behavior and Its Impact on the Physician-Patient Relationship: Cross-Sectional Study Among Individuals Affected by Psoriasis in Germany

“…There has been a notable surge in the health-related use of digital media by individuals with dermatological conditions, particularly young and highly educated individuals facing socially burdensome skin conditions [7][8][9]. Digital media involves the transmission of information as digital data, encompassing different types of content such as audio, video, graphics, and text via digital devices such as computers, tablets, and smartphones.…”

Digital Media Usage Behavior and Its Impact on the Physician-Patient Relationship: Cross-Sectional Study Among Individuals Affected by Psoriasis in Germany (Preprint)

“…There has been a notable surge in the health-related use of digital media by individuals with dermatological conditions, particularly young and highly educated individuals facing socially burdensome skin conditions [7][8][9].The internet has been increasingly used for accessing psoriasis-related information [10]. A prior study indicated that the psoriasis-related use of social media and the internet was more prevalent among individuals, who were young, had higher education, had higher impairment in skin disease-specific quality of life and severity, and those experiencing symptoms such as arthritis or involvement of facial or genital areas [11].…”