Dermatology Weekly

Patients, medical students, residents, and even attendings often seek reliable information about nail biopsy procedures on the Internet. Dr. Vincent DeLeo talks with Dr. Shari Lipner about the quality and credibility of nail biopsy videos on YouTube. “There is a need for reliable information for dermatologists and students and residents to learn more about this, and I do think we have the resources to put together a good instructional video,” Dr. Lipner says.

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We also bring you the latest in dermatology news and research:

1. COVID-19: What Now?

2. Presymptomatic or asymptomatic? ID experts on shifting terminology

3. Cardiology groups push back on hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin for COVID-19

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Key takeaways from this episode:

• Not all nail biopsy videos on YouTube are produced by reliable sources.
• In a recent analysis, the top 10 most relevant nail biopsy videos on YouTube were associated with a number of shortcomings.
• Medical students, residents, and dermatologists are advised to seek other more reliable opportunities to learn about nail biopsy procedures: “Probably the best would be to learn in person how to do a biopsy from a nail specialist or a Mohs surgeon,” Dr. Lipner suggests. She also recommends didactic sessions in which physicians can practice biopsy procedures on cadaver nails.
• The American Academy of Dermatology offers a hands-on nail surgery course at its annual meetings, where dermatologists can work on cadaver nails under the direction of at least 10 nail specialists.
• The most reliable resource for patients on nail biopsies is education from a board-certified dermatologist. There is a need for more patient education materials that explain the procedure in detail.

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Hosts: Nick Andrews, Vincent A. DeLeo, MD (Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles)

Guest: Shari R. Lipner, MD, PhD (Weill Cornell Medicine, New York)

Disclosures: Dr. DeLeo is a consultant for Estée Lauder. Dr. Lipner reports no conflict of interest.

Show notes by: Alicia Sonners, Melissa Sears

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