Valerie D Callender

Valerie D Callender
Howard University | HU · Department of Dermatology

Doctor of Medicine

About

113
Publications
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3,168
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Publications

Publications (113)
Article
Importance The results of small studies suggest that off-label use of low-dose oral minoxidil (LDOM) may be safe and effective for patients with hair loss, but larger trials and standardized guidelines are lacking. Objective To create an expert consensus statement for LDOM prescribing for patients with hair loss. Evidence Review The current liter...
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Full-text available
Introduction: Topical clindamycin phosphate 1.2%/adapalene 0.15%/benzoyl peroxide 3.1% (CAB) gel is the first fixed-dose, triple-combination formulation approved for the treatment of acne, and is indicated in patients 12 years of age and older. In 3 clinical studies of participants with moderate-to-severe acne, CAB gel demonstrated superior efficac...
Article
Background: Acne vulgaris is a complex, multifactorial, inflammatory skin condition. Although frequently presented at dermatology clinics, the literature on adult acne is scarce, particularly concerning skin barrier function and management. We aimed to provide insights into the role of skin barrier integrity in adult acne patients and the role of...
Article
Background: To understand the prevalence and types of publications addressing darker skin types within the existing evidence base for sunscreen use. Evidence Review: PubMed was searched from 1988, the time point at which the first skin of color (SOC) article was identified, through December 2022 using PubMed's Medical Subject Headings terms and ke...
Article
Background: Topical clindamycin phosphate 1.2%/adapalene 0.15%/benzoyl peroxide 3.1% gel (CAB) is the first fixed-dose triple-combination approved for the treatment of acne. This post hoc analysis investigated the efficacy and safety of CAB in pediatric (<18 years) and adult (greater than or equal to 18 years) participants. Methods: In two multi...
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Full-text available
A three-pronged approach to acne treatment combining an antibiotic, antimicrobial, and retinoid may be more efficacious than single/double treatments while potentially reducing antibiotic resistance. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of the first fixed-dose, triple-combination topical acne product, clindamycin 1.2%/adapalene 0.15%/benzoy...
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Introduction: While acne is common in adolescents, the overall prevalence in adults is increasing, especially among females. In addition, acne in older females is associated with greater negative impacts on quality of life. Clindamycin phosphate 1.2%/adapalene 0.15%/benzoyl peroxide (BPO) 3.1% (CAB) gel—the first fixed-dose, triple-combination topi...
Article
Importance Current measures of alopecia areata (AA) severity, such as the Severity of Alopecia Tool score, do not adequately capture overall disease impact. Objective To explore factors associated with AA severity beyond scalp hair loss, and to support the development of the Alopecia Areata Severity and Morbidity Index (ASAMI). Evidence Review A...
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Background: Topical acne trials often are confounded by high vehicle response rates and differing outcome measures, making it difficult to compare treatments. Number needed to treat (NNT) can be a simple, clinically meaningful way to indirectly compare treatment options without head-to-head data. NNT is the number of patients who need to be treate...
Article
Background: Biologics have shown promising outcomes in psoriasis clinical trials. However, there is a paucity of data exploring the potential differences in outcomes between self-identified racial groups. Objective: To evaluate treatment response to ixekizumab in patients with psoriasis across different self-identified racial subgroups. Methods...
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Background: A three-pronged approach to acne treatment that combines an antibiotic, antimicrobial agent, and retinoid in a single formulation may be more efficacious than single/double treatments while potentially reducing antibiotic resistance. IDP-126 polymeric mesh gel (clindamycin phosphate 1.2%/adapalene 0.15%/benzoyl peroxide [BPO] 3.1%)—the...
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Background: As acne can cause inflammation-associated sequelae (eg, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) in individuals with melanin-rich skin, effective and rapid management must be balanced with minimization of skin irritation. Clindamycin phosphate 1.2%/adapalene 0.15%/benzoyl peroxide 3.1% (IDP-126) polymeric mesh gel is the first fixed-dose, t...
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Introduction: Most people are living into their sixties and beyond. Fundamental changes in chronologically aged skin have significant and widespread dermatological implications. This review discusses aging-associated alterations in epidermal function leading to xerosis and related pruritus and the benefits of maintaining or restoring a healthy ski...
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Introduction: Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) that results from acne in patients with skin of color may be more distressing than the acne itself, and likely impacts patients with higher skin phototypes more greatly than those with lower skin phototypes. Topical retinoids, a mainstay of acne treatment, can also reduce hyperpigmentation. Fo...
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Full-text available
Introduction: IDP-126 (clindamycin phosphate 1.2%/benzoyl peroxide [BPO] 3.1%/adapalene 0.15%) polymeric mesh gel is the first triple-combination, fixed-dose topical acne treatment in development. IDP-126 demonstrated superior efficacy to vehicle and component dyads, with good safety/tolerability, in a phase 2 and two phase 3 studies of participant...
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Background: Psoriasis affects diverse racial and ethnic groups. In July 2021, the US Food and Drug Administration approved calcipotriene/betamethasone dipropionate (CAL/BDP) 0.005%/0.065% cream to treat plaque psoriasis in adults. The efficacy and safety of CAL/BDP in patients with skin of color (SOC) who have psoriasis is not well characterized....
Article
Identification of specific patterns, shades, and intensity of erythema in the skin has always been critical and fundamental to diagnostic accuracy in dermatology. Erythema is often less noticeable in darker skin types. The interplay of inflammation and variance of skin tone contributes to appreciable differences in the clinical appearance of cutane...
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Background: Racial/ethnic differences in the clinical presentation, sequelae, and desired treatment outcomes for acne have been reported. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) frequently occurs in patients with richly pigmented skin complexions and can frequently be the most bothersome aspect of acne in this population. Methods: The project...
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Background: Females aged ≥25 years may have acne with different etiology, presentation, burden, and treatment response than females 18–24 years. This post hoc analysis investigated efficacy and safety of tazarotene 0.045% lotion in females ≥18 years or ≥25 years of age. Methods: In two phase 3 double-blind studies, participants 9 years of age an...
Article
Background: Research on the role of race and ethnicity in the pathophysiology of atopic dermatitis (AD) is limited. Variations in the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and disease course in skin of color SOC AD patients have been reported. This manuscript seeks to offer insights into distinct features of AD in populations with (SOC) and provide...
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Full-text available
Acne is a common cause for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), particularly in patients with skin of color (SOC), and PIH is often more distressing to patients than the acne itself. Topical retinoids are approved for the treatment of acne and for pigmentation disorders such as melasma or mottled hyperpigmentation associated with photodamage;...
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Background: Acne vulgaris is among the most common dermatologic diagnoses observed, including skin color (SOC) populations. This project sought to help clarify the existing published data and provide consensus statements on acne presentation, prevention, treatment, and maintenance in SOC populations to help improve patient outcomes. Methods: Six...
Article
Background Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) has become one of the most common causes of cicatricial alopecia worldwide, but lacks clear aetiology and robust clinical trial evidence for efficacy and safety of agents currently used for treatment. Objectives To enable data to be collected worldwide on FFA using common criteria and assessment methods....
Article
Funding sources: none. Conflicts of interest: J.S. is a consultant for Lilly, Pfizer, Eirion Therapeutics, Applied Biology, DS Laboratories and Keeps; he holds stock in RepliCel Life Sciences, has been an investigator for RegenLab® USA and is an investigator for Pfizer. V.C., C.Y. and P.J. are investigators for Lilly. V.C. is a consultant for Lilly...
Article
Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) is the most common form of primary scarring alopecia diagnosed in women of African descent. Although the etiology was originally attributed exclusively to hairstyling practices common among women of African descent, more recent research on CCCA supports the concept that there are several contributing...
Article
Importance: A recent expert consensus exercise emphasized the importance of developing a global network of patient registries for alopecia areata to redress the paucity of comparable, real-world data regarding the effectiveness and safety of existing and emerging therapies for alopecia areata. Objective: To generate core domains and domain items...
Article
Importance: A recent expert consensus exercise emphasized the importance of developing a global network of patient registries for alopecia areata to redress the paucity of comparable, real-world data regarding the effectiveness and safety of existing and emerging therapies for alopecia areata. Objective: To generate core domains and domain items fo...
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Traction alopecia (TA) is prevalent in patients of color. Its significance in clinical practice may be underemphasized due to the transient nature of the condition; however, it has the potential to become permanent and cause significant psychosocial distress. Understanding afro-textured hair and cultural practices, as well as early recognition and...
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Background: We previously reported The Alopecia Areata Consensus of Experts (ACE) Study: Results of an International Expert Opinion on Treatments for Alopecia Areata (AA). Objective: To report the results of the ACE international expert opinion on diagnosis and laboratory evaluation for AA. Methods: Fifty hair experts from 5 continents were in...
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Individuals with skin of color make up the majority of the world's population and a rapidly expanding section of the US population. Future dermatologists must be knowledgeable about dermatologic conditions presenting in patients of various ethnic backgrounds. A 10-question survey was emailed to 109 dermatology residency programs to assess if dermat...
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Background A systematic review failed to identify any systemic therapy used in alopecia areata (AA) where use is supported by robust evidence from high quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Objective To produce an international consensus statement on the use and utility of various treatments for AA. Methods Fifty hair experts from 5 contin...
Chapter
Glycolic acid (GA) is the most commonly used hydroxy acid peeling agent. Advantages of GA peels include minimal downtime, minimal risk, and minimal discomfort. They range from very superficial to medium-depth and require neutralization. GA peels are safe and effective in a variety of skin types, with indications such as photoaging, post-inflammator...
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ATX-101, deoxycholic acid injection (DCA), is indicated for cosmetic reduction of moderate to severe submental fat. It works by inducing adipocytolysis and recruitment of neutrophils, macrophages, and fibroblasts, leading to long-lasting fat reduction and mild improvement in skin laxity through neocollagenesis. Procedure-specific side effects, whic...
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BACKGROUND: The patient populations seeking facial aesthetic treatments is expanding in terms of racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity. While treatment of facial aging patterns among white women is well-documented, far less information describes the aesthetic needs of the African American patient. OBJECTIVE: An online study was conducted to surve...
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Full-text available
Background Atopic dermatitis is highly prevalent in black/African American, Asian, and Hispanic patients, making assessment of these populations in clinical trials important. Crisaborole ointment, 2%, is a nonsteroidal phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor for the treatment of mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis. In two pivotal phase III clinical trials in...
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Background: Misperceptions about facial aesthetic treatments in individuals with skin of color (SOC) may influence treatment selection. Objective: We aimed to identify knowledge gaps and myths concerning facial aesthetic treatment in individuals with SOC. Methods: A PubMed search identified articles concerning patients with SOC receiving facial ae...
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Background/objectives: This trial evaluated the effectiveness and safety of Bellafill for full-face acne scar treatment. Patients and methods: In this open-label, nonrandomized, multicenter pilot study investigating the use of polymethylmethacrylate for full-face atrophic acne scar correction, 42 adult subjects with a mean age of 43 years were t...
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Among individuals with skin of color, rosacea has been reported less frequently than in those with white skin, but it is not a rare disease. In fact, rosacea may be underreported and underdiagnosed in populations with skin of color because of the difficulty of discerning erythema and telangiectasia in dark skin, as well as underestimation of the su...
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The U.S. medical environment continues to evolve with issues from Privacy to EMR, Insurance regulations, Physician Access and Healthcare Reform, and MACRA (Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act) on the discussion table. Not since the advent of Medicare and Medicaid in the mid 1960’s, have we seen such widespread changes in the medical health...
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Facial concerns in skin of color (SOC) patients vary and can be a source of emotional and psychological distress. This article discusses 4 common facial concerns in SOC patients: acne, rosacea, facial hyperpigmentation, and cosmetic enhancement. Treatment recommendations are provided as well as management pearls.
Article
Background: Although alopecia areata is a common disorder, it has no FDA approved treatment and evidence-based therapeutic data is lacking. Objective: To develop guidelines for the diagnosis, evaluation, assessment, response criteria and endpoints for alopecia areata. Methods: Literature review and expert opinion of a group of dermatologists s...
Article
Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) is a common and progressive form of lymphocyte predominant scarring alopecia which impacts negatively on the quality of life of those affected. It is seen more commonly in women of African descent with prevalence ranging from 2.7% to 5.7%. Current postulates include genetic inheritance, with traction...
Article
As increasing numbers of patients of African descent seek treatment for hair and scalp-related diseases, it is imperative that all dermatologists be adequately trained to address the concerns of this patient population. We present must-know information to effectively approach the concerns of patients with seborrheic dermatitis, acquired trichorrhex...
Chapter
Acne vulgaris is the most common dermatologic disorder among patients with skin of color. Rosacea, although less common among ethnic populations, is not rare and often goes unrecognized in skin of color. The pathogenesis of these conditions in ethnic populations is similar to that of Caucasians, although there are unique differences, such as the te...
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Full-text available
Skin of color comprises a diverse and expanding population of individuals. In particular, women of color represent an increasing subset of patients who frequently seek dermatologic care. Acne, melasma, and alopecia are among the most common skin disorders seen in this patient population. Understanding the differences in the basic science of skin an...
Article
Full-text available
The U.S. medical environment continues to evolve with issues from Privacy to EMR, Insurance regulations, Physician Access and Healthcare Reform, and MACRA (Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act) on the discussion table. Not since the advent of Medicare and Medicaid in the mid 1960’s, have we seen such widespread changes in the medical health...
Article
Background: Topical dapsone gel, 5% is approved for treatment of acne vulgaris but has not been studied specifically in women with skin of color (SOC; Fitzpatrick skin types IV, V, or VI). OBJECTIVE: Evaluate safety and efficacy of dapsone gel, 5% applied topically twice daily for 12 weeks in women with SOC. METHODS: Females with SOC aged 18 years...
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Full-text available
Skin of color comprises a diverse and expanding population of individuals. In particular, women of color represent an increasing subset of patients who frequently seek dermatologic care. Acne, melasma, and alopecia are among the most common skin disorders seen in this patient population. Understanding the differences in the basic science of skin an...
Chapter
Pomade acne (aka acne venenata) is considered a clinically distinct entity from the more common acne vulgaris. It is caused by the use of pomades applied to the hair and scalp in individuals of African descent with tight curly hair. Pomades are oil- or ointment-based hair care products used to lubricate the scalp and improve manageability of the ha...
Article
Background: Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) is a progressive primary scarring alopecia that occurs mainly on the vertex of the scalp and expands centrifugally. To date, there is a paucity of published prospective studies reporting successful surgical therapy for CCCA. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of hair transplantation us...
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Objective: Limited data are available on racial differences in clinical characteristics and burden in adult female acne. The objective was to describe racial differences in clinical characteristics, psychosocial impact, perceptions, behaviors, and treatment satisfaction in facial adult female acne. Design: Cross-sectional, web-based survey. Set...
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Full-text available
Acne scarring remains a stubborn clinical problem. Few treatments have been shown to be definitely effective for this problem. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) microspheres in collagen (ArteFill, Suneva Medical Inc, Santa Barbara, CA) have shown long-term benefit for nasolabial fold treatment. A pilot study has shown benefit for PMMA-collagen in atrop...
Article
Although the biochemical composition of hair is similar among racial and ethnic groups, the hair structure between them varies, and individuals with curly hair pose specific challenges and special considerations when a surgical option for alopecia is considered. Hair restoration in this population should therefore be approached with knowledge on th...
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Introduction: Extracts of the tropical fern Polypodium leucotomos appear to possess beneficial properties for the skin attributed to the presence of numerous compounds within the extract that have antioxidant and photoprotective properties. Orally administered Polypodium leucotomos may provide protection against the detrimental photoaging effects...
Article
Three multicenter, randomized, double blind, parallel-group, placebo controlled studies involving 3,855 subjects established the safety and efficacy of an adapalene benzoyl peroxide topical gel in the treatment of acne for all skin types. The data from these 3 studies were pooled and the subgroup of self-identified black subjects was analyzed separ...
Article
Objective: Typically regarded as an adolescent condition, acne among adult females is also prevalent. Limited data are available on the clinical characteristics and burden of adult female acne. The study objective was to describe clinical characteristics and psychosocial impact of acne in adult women. Design: Cross-sectional, web-based survey....
Article
Although the use of the hyaluronic acid with cohesive polydensified matrix hyaluronic acid has been well explored in subjects with lighter skin (i.e., Fitzpatrick skin types I, II, and III), further exploration in subjects with Fitzpatrick skin types IV, V, and IV is warranted. The primary purpose of the study was to assess the safety of a cohesive...
Article
Not so long ago, there was a limited number of skin-lightening agents, with hydroquinone (HQ) being the most efficacious. Currently, there are a plethora of agents, some as effective as HQ; some are available over-the-counter (OTC) and others are physician dispensed. The purpose of this article is to provide physicians with an overview of available...
Article
Human hair has been classified into 3 major groups, as determined by ethnic origin. In these populations, significant structural and biochemical variations of the hair follicle and shaft are seen, as well as unique hair grooming practices. These structural variations of the hair are closely linked to the common disorders of the hair and scalp, such...
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Full-text available
Background: Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia is the most common form of cicatricial alopecia in African American women. Treatment options are limited and mostly aimed at halting further hair loss but rarely result in hair regrowth. Therefore, it is important to recognize early clinical signs, perform a confirmatory biopsy, and begin treatm...
Article
Background: A paucity of research exists on the safety and efficacy of aesthetic medicine products in patients with skin of color (SOC). Objective: To compare the effectiveness and tolerability of abobotulinumtoxinA (BoNTA-ABO) for glabellar lines in a subpopulation of patients with SOC with that in white patients. Materials and methods: This...
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Full-text available
Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of a topical gel containing clindamycin 1.2% and tretinoin 0.025% for the treatment of acne and acne-induced postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) in darker skinned patients. Design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Setting: Two United States clinical sites. Participants: Thi...
Article
Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia is a scarring alopecia that is predominantly seen in African American women, but occurs less frequently in men. The authors present three cases of African American men with biopsy-proven central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia and detail the clinical presentation, histological findings, and treatment regime...
Article
Acne in skin of color is an increasing problem, presenting unique challenges. Although combination therapy is now standard of care in acne, concerns exist with the increased potential irritation and dryness in skin of color. Although individual medications can be titrated or applied at different times of the day to minimize irritation, this is not...
Article
Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) is an inflammatory form of hair loss seen more commonly in women of African descent. It has been referred to as “hot comb alopecia, ”¹ chemically induced scarring alopecia,² and follicular degeneration syndrome,³ but the term CCCA was later coined by the North American Hair Research Society (NAHRS).⁴...
Article
Dark-skinned patients manifest the signs of skin aging differently than their fair-skinned counterparts in that the former exhibit more intrinsic facial aging, whereas the later shows more photodamage. Nevertheless, common cosmetic procedures can be used in skin of color to treat the signs of aging. To provide updated clinical information on the us...
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The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.
Article
Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a reactive hypermelanosis and sequela of a variety of inflammatory skin conditions. PIH can have a negative impact on a patient's quality of life, particularly for darker-skinned patients. Studies show that dyschromias, including PIH, are one of the most common presenting complaints of darker-skinned raci...
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Full-text available
Although central scalp hair loss is a common problem in African American women, data on etiology or incidence are limited. We sought to determine the frequency of various patterns and degree of central scalp hair loss in African American women and to correlate this with information on hair care practices, family history of hair loss, and medical hi...
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Full-text available
The overall goal of acne management for all patients is to select treatments that effectively address as many pathogenic factors as possible while minimizing side effects. Acne therapy in darker skin patients presents unique challenges due to differences in the risk of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, which may develop in response to acne itself...
Article
The overall goal of acne management for all patients is to select treatments that effectively address as many pathogenic factors as possible while minimizing side effects. Acne therapy in darker skin patients presents unique challenges due to differences in the risk of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, which may develop in response to acne itself...
Article
Full-text available
Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation is a common sequelae of inflammatory dermatoses that tends to affect darker skinned patients with greater frequency and severity. Epidemiological studies show that dyschromias, including postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, are among the most common reasons darker racial/ethnic groups seek the care of a dermatologi...