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Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common type of skin cancer and often is treated surgically. Not all patients are surgical candidates, and sometimes the cost of Mohs micrographic surgery or wide local excision is a barrier for patients. In this study, we explored the use of intralesional methotrexate (IL-MTX) as a treatment for SCC. Our results demonstrate that treatment with IL-MTX could be an excellent option for patients who cannot be treated surgically. However, more research is needed to characterize which lesions are the best candidates for IL-MTX therapy.

The aim of this prospective, open-label, single-center study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of nonsteroidal tapinarof cream 1% added to ongoing biologic therapy in patients with plaque psoriasis who did not adequately respond to a biologic alone. Males and females aged 18 years and older with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis (≥3% body surface area [BSA] involvement) who had been receiving a biologic for 24 weeks or more applied tapinarof cream 1% once daily for 12 weeks. Patients were followed an additional 4 weeks after treatment discontinuation through week 16 to assess for a remittive (maintenance) effect. The primary end point was the proportion of patients achieving the National Psoriasis Foundation's treat-to-target (TTT) goal of 1% or less BSA involvement at week 12. Of the 30 patients enrolled (mean age, 55.4 years; 66.7% [20/30] male), 20 completed the study. The proportion of patients reaching the TTT goal increased over time to 52.4% (11/21) at week 12 and 40% (8/20) at week 16. Mean percentage of BSA involvement and physician's global assessment (PGA) score, composite PGA multiplied by mean percentage of BSA involvement (PGA×BSA), and psoriasis area severity index (PASI) scores also improved with tapinarof cream added to biologic therapy up to week 12 and were maintained until week 16. Few adverse events (AEs), no serious AEs, and no AE-related discontinuations were reported. In conclusion, adding nonsteroidal tapinarof cream to an ongoing biologic was tolerable in our study population and potentially can help patients achieve the TTT goal, preserving safety and cost associated with their current biologic therapy.

In August 2025, the US Department of Defense (DoD) revised its grooming standards for military personnel across all branches of service. The changes included new policies for managing pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), a chronic inflammatory condition aggravated by shaving that can cause facial irritation and scarring. In this article, we review the revised PFB standards for each branch of the military and examine how recent changes affect policies on shaving waivers, which now will have shorter durations, require more frequent medical evaluations, and add administrative steps that apply to both service members and medical providers. Because PFB affects many individuals in the military, the new DoD-promulgated changes impact clinical management, readiness considerations, and retention policies. Civilian dermatologists, who frequently encounter patients with PFB, should be aware of the military's regulatory updates to ensure appropriate counseling of service members and prospective recruits.

Psoriasis, an immune-mediated chronic papulosquamous skin disease, has a complex pathogenesis involving various inflammatory cells, keratinocytes, and vascular endothelial cells. These cells interact with each other through secondary messengers such as cytokines and growth factors. Syndecans (SDCs) are cell membrane proteoglycans that act as receptors or coreceptors that mediate interactions between the cell and the extracellular environment. These molecules may play a role in cytokine-mediated signaling in psoriasis pathogenesis. This study aimed to evaluate serum SDC1, SDC4, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α, and IL-17A levels in patients with psoriasis. Forty patients with psoriasis and 40 healthy controls were included in the study. Disease severity was assessed using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI). The patients' medical history, comorbidities, and laboratory findings were documented. Serum SDC1, SDC4, TNF-α, and IL-17A levels were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The psoriasis group showed higher serum levels of SDC1 and SDC4 compared with controls. Serum SDC1 was positively correlated with disease severity and C-reactive protein. Serum TNF-α and IL-17A were higher in the psoriasis group than in the controls, and a positive correlation was found between serum IL-17A and SDC4 in the psoriasis group. Elevated serum SDC1 and SDC4 in patients and their correlation with disease severity and other inflammatory markers suggest that these molecules may be involved in psoriasis pathogenesis.

Photodermatoses encompass a group of skin diseases triggered by exposure to UV radiation. Most frequently, these conditions are subcategorized as either photocontact dermatitis (PCD) or photoallergic dermatitis. Although generally non-life threatening, photodermatoses can severely diminish a patient's quality of life and cause considerable distress. Photocontact dermatitis, also known as photoallergy, represents a type of allergic contact dermatitis that develops following exposure to an inciting topical, oral, or environmental allergen with subsequent exposure to sunlight. The distinctive characteristic of PCD is localization to sun-exposed areas of the skin, such as the arms, legs, neck, and face. While uncommon, PCD remains an important consideration in the differential diagnosis in patients presenting with the corresponding clinical manifestations. Collaborative efforts between the patient and physician are vital in identifying potential triggers to prevent future eruptions.

For dermatologists interested in serving military personnel, veterans, and their families, opportunities are available within 2 distinct systems: the Military Health System (MHS), which cares for active-duty service members, retirees, and their families, and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which serves the veteran population. The primary routes to service are detailed, including uniformed pathways such as medical school scholarships and direct commissions for board-certified physicians, as well as civilian federal employment opportunities (eg, General Schedule [GS] and Title 38 positions). This article highlights that, while financial compensation may differ from the private sector, the intangible benefits make military medicine a unique and compelling calling.