Top three stories from the week in dermatology

The top stories in dermatology include research highlighting oral treatment in atopic dermatitis and suture spacing outcomes in wound closures.

In the most popular article, researchers report that patients with atopic dermatitis who received baricitinib 4 mg plus a topical corticosteroid achieved a 50% improvement in EASI score at 16 weeks compared with those treated with placebo.

Suture spacing yields similar cosmetic outcomes during linear wound closures

“There appears to be significant variation among surgeons regarding the spacing between sutures,” Lindsay R. Sklar, MD, of the department of dermatology at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, and colleagues wrote. “Some prefer closely spaced sutures, believing they result in better wound edge apposition and eversion and less potential edge misalignment. Others believe closely spaced sutures result in prolonged operative time, additional tissue trauma, and more foreign material within the wound, potentially worsening outcomes.” Read more.

Dermatologists prescribe more oral antibiotics after surgical procedures

The overall frequency of antibiotic prescribing by dermatologists is declining, especially for extended courses, but the researchers said that the increasing use of postoperative antibiotics associated with surgical procedures is concerning because of the risk for antibiotic-resistant infections and antibiotic-associated adverse events. Read more.

Baricitinib may provide oral alternative treatment in atopic dermatitis

Patients with atopic dermatitis who received baricitinib 4 mg plus a topical corticosteroid achieved 50% improvement in the Eczema Area and Severity Index score at week 16 at a significantly higher rate than patients who received placebo plus a topical corticosteroid, according to a study. Read more.