Dermatology Month in Review: March 2025

In the latest iteration of the Month in Review series, the HCPLive editorial team highlights a variety of notable stories in dermatology covered in the month of March 2025. In this series, highlights from the prior month provide an overall list of significant news in a medical subfield.

While this Month in Review covers a plethora of news in dermatology, it does not include the set of developments covered during the 2025 American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). For these stories, check out the latest conference coverage page. The following are a set of March 2025 stories covered following the AAD meeting:

Alopecia Areata News:

Baricitinib Safe in Real-Life Clinical Settings Among Patients with Alopecia Areata

In 1 story covered in March, investigators determined that baricitinib treatment of alopecia areata would maintain a favorable safety profile among patients in real-life clinical settings. These data were shown to align with prior clinical trial findings and to support the medication’s utilization in routine clinical practice settings.

Isotta Giunipero di Corteranzo, from the section of dermatology at the University of Turin Department of Medical Sciences in Italy, led a team of investigators in this analysis of baricitinib’s real-life safety profile over 48 weeks. They evaluated 87 adults who lived with severe alopecia areata, with those participating being treated at either a 2 mg dose or 4 mg dose.

Severity of Transient Shedding with Minoxidil for Alopecia Linked to Treatment Efficacy

Another study’s results showed that topical minoxidil temporarily increases shedding of hair among those with angrogenetic alopecia, and the results highlighted that there was a longer shedding duration for those in the 2% minoxidil group versus the 5% group. There were 49 participants in this analysis, with the findings highlighting the value of patient confidence and adherence to medication.

“In this study, by regularly counting the amount of shedding hairs before and after treatment, we validated the authenticity of increased shedding after minoxidil use,” the investigators wrote. “We also explored the extent and duration of temporary hair shedding, helping patients overcome shedding phase anxiety and improving treatment adherence.”

Psoriasis News:

Adalimumab Biosimilars Comparable to Originator for Treatment of Psoriasis

In another study evaluating 11,400 subjects, results indicate the adalimumab originator Humira’s efficacy in those with psoriasis is comparable to that of Amjevita and Imraldi, the drug’s biosimilars. This was shown to be true among new starters and those who shifted to biosimilars from Humira. In fact, there were no significant differences identified in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores between Humira and its biosimilars.

Duc Binh Phan, MSc, from the Dermatology Centre at the University of Manchester Biomedical Research Centre in the United Kingdom, led a team of investigators in this analysis, with the participation of over 160 dermatology centers with varying sizes taking place around the UK as well as Ireland.

Patients with Psoriasis at Increased Risk for Conjunctivitis, Other Ocular Conditions

Patients who live with psoriasis were shown in another March study to be at a greater risk for developing ocular conditions such as conjunctival hyperemia, conjunctivitis, dry eye, and meibomian gland dysfunction. Further research may be necessary to improve the understanding of the associated mechanisms and to provide more data to promote optimal management strategies.

“In conclusion, this systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrate the prevalence of 25 ocular diseases in psoriatic patients,” the investigative team wrote. “Also, it shows that psoriasis patients have an increased relative likelihood of developing conjunctival hyperemia, conjunctivitis, dry eye, and meibomian gland dysfunction.”

Other News:

The Medical Sisterhood: Empower Hour at AAD 2025

Another notable HCPLive post in March was the new episode of The Medical Sisterhood, recorded live at the 2025 AAD Annual Meeting, featuring host Mona Shahriari, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale University School of Medicine and the associate director of clinical trials at Central Connecticut Dermatology Research. Shahriari spoke alongside guests Latanya Benjamin, MD, and Lindsay Ackerman, MD.

Shahriari, Ackerman, and Benjamin conducted a discussion regarding subjects such as mentorship, leadership, and the evolving role of women in the field of dermatology. The 3 speakers’ episode highlights the overcoming of different hurdles as well as ways to foster a culture of empowerment for the next generation of female dermatologists.

Skin of Color Savvy: News Update—Debunking Myths and Highlighting the SOCS Symposium

The latest News Update episode of Skin of Color Savvy: The Art and Science of Treating Patients of Color was released in March. The show is produced by HCPLive in collaboration with the Skin of Color Society, and this episode featured Mojgan Hosseinipour, DO, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical research investigator, who highlighted misconceptions in skin health, key dermatological concerns among patients with skin of color, and the importance of diversity in clinical research.

In addition, Hosseinipour spoke on some of the most notable developments at the recent Skin of Color Society Scientific Symposium. For more information about SOCS’s mentorship programs and initiatives highlighted in the episode, visit the Skin of Color Society website here.