Dana Saade

Prof. Dana Saade

Dermatology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Beyrouth, Lebanon

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

10Years (2017-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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DSDana Saade
Dana Saade
MMMayra B.C. Maymone
Mayra B.C. Maymone
HGHenriette De La Garza
Henriette De La Garza
ESEric A. Secemsky
Eric A. Secemsky
KKKevin F. Kennedy
Kevin F. Kennedy
Neelam A. VashiNeelam A. Vashi
Neelam A. Vashi
The desire for an even skin tone pervades all cultures and regions of the world. Uniform skin color is considered a sign of beauty and youth. Pigmentation abnormalities can arise idiopathically with genetic predetermination, with injury and environmental exposures, and with advancing age, and can, therefore, be distressing to patients, leading them to seek a variety of treatments with professional assistance. In this short report, we describe the trends in the use of prescription lightening creams, particularly in patients with darker skin types residing in the US. Amongst 404 participants, skin hyperpigmentation had a moderate effect on patients’ quality of life, and the most common diagnosis associated with the use of a prescription product was melasma (60.8%). The most common agent prescribed was hydroquinone (62.9%), followed by triple combination cream (31.4%). It is the dermatologist’s duty to gauge the effect of the pigmentation disease on patients’ life in order to counsel, tailor, and decide on the most appropriate treatment option.

29 August 2024 in JMIR Formative Research
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
FHFiras Haddad
Firas Haddad
WSWilliam Abou Shahla
William Abou Shahla
DSDana Saade
Dana Saade
Background: Social media platforms like TikTok are a very popular source of information, especially for skin diseases. Topical steroid withdrawal (TSW) is a condition that is yet to be fully defined and understood. This did not stop the hashtag #topicalsteroidwithdrawal from amassing more than 600 million views on TikTok. It is of utmost importance to assess the quality and content of TikTok videos on TSW to prevent the spread of misinformation. Objective: This study aims to assess the quality and content of the top 100 videos dedicated to the topic of TSW on TikTok. Methods: This observational study assesses the content and quality of the top 100 videos about TSW on TikTok. A total of 3 independent scoring systems: DISCERN, Journal of the American Medical Association, and Global Quality Scale were used to assess the video quality. The content of the videos was coded by 2 reviewers and analyzed for recurrent themes and topics. Results: This study found that only 10.0% (n=10) of the videos clearly defined what TSW is. Videos were predominantly posted by White, middle-aged, and female creators. Neither cause nor mechanism of the disease were described in the videos. The symptoms suggested itching, peeling, and dryness which resembled the symptoms of atopic dermatitis. The videos fail to mention important information regarding the use of steroids such as the reason it was initially prescribed, the name of the drug, concentration, mechanism of usage, and method of discontinuation. Management techniques varied from hydration methods approved for treatment of atopic dermatitis to treatment options without scientific evidence. Overall, the videos had immense reach with over 200 million views, 45 million likes, 90,000 comments, and 100,000 shares. Video quality was poor with an average DISCERN score of 1.63 (SD 0.56)/5. Video length, total view count, and views/day were all associated with increased quality, indicating that patients were interacting more with higher quality videos. However, videos were created exclusively by personal accounts, highlighting the absence of dermatologists on the platform to discuss this topic. Conclusions: The videos posted on TikTok are of low quality and lack pertinent information. The content is varied and not consistent. Health care professionals, including dermatologists and residents in the field, need to be more active on the topic, to spread proper information and prevent an increase in steroid phobia. Health care professionals are encouraged to ride the wave and produce high-quality videos discussing what is known about TSW to avoid the spread of misinformation.

1 December 2017 in JAMA Dermatology
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MMMayra B. C. Maymone
Mayra B. C. Maymone
HNHind H. Neamah
Hind H. Neamah
ESEric A. Secemsky
Eric A. Secemsky
RKRoopal V. Kundu
Roopal V. Kundu
DSDana Saade
Dana Saade
Neelam A. VashiNeelam A. Vashi
Neelam A. Vashi
This study used People magazine to compare standards of beauty in 1990 with present-day standards.

15 November 2024 in Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
MHMariana El Hawa
Mariana El Hawa
WSWilliam Abou Shahla
William Abou Shahla
CFCallie Fares
Callie Fares
DSDana Saade
Dana Saade
Background: The demand for aesthetic procedures aimed at restoring and preserving a youthful appearance is growing. While numerous non‐surgical facial rejuvenation techniques are available, there is a need for a comprehensive review of clinic‐based procedures targeting non‐facial body parts. Aims: This review aims to describe and evaluate clinic‐based techniques for rejuvenating the neck, chest, and hands, focusing on various types of fillers and other non‐invasive procedures. Methods: In this first part of this review, we conducted an extensive literature review on PubMed, reporting the effectiveness of different fillers, detailing their preparation, required volume per area, injection methods, durability, and any associated side effects. We also discuss the use of mesotherapy, microneedling, chemical peeling, and Profhilo in these specific body areas. Conclusion: The review synthesizes the latest data on the effectiveness and safety of these procedures, highlighting the advancements in filler technology and the growing popularity of non‐invasive techniques for body rejuvenation. This article serves as a valuable resource for practitioners and patients interested in non‐surgical body rejuvenation, providing insights into the best practices.

15 November 2024 in Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
CFCallie Fares
Callie Fares
WSWilliam Abou Shahla
William Abou Shahla
MHMariana El Hawa
Mariana El Hawa
DSDana Saade
Dana Saade
Background: Interest in aesthetic procedures that help maintain a youthful look is on the rise. While many nonsurgical techniques focus on facial rejuvenation, there is a need for a detailed review of treatments, specifically for nonfacial areas. Aim: This review explores various clinic‐based methods for revitalizing the neck, chest, and hands, with a particular emphasis on different laser treatments. Methods: For this second part of the review, we conducted a comprehensive search on PubMed to evaluate the effectiveness of various laser treatments. The review covers treatment parameters such as wavelength, fluence, and pulse, along with outcomes, follow‐up care, and potential side effects. A discussion on the role of sclerotherapy in treating these areas was also included. Conclusions: This article compiles recent findings on the safety and effectiveness of these treatments, showcasing progress in laser technologies and the growing trend of noninvasive body rejuvenation. It offers practical insights for both practitioners and patients looking for reliable options in nonsurgical body treatments.

1 January 2025 in International Journal of Telemedicine and Applications
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
SSSerena Saade
Serena Saade
DKDana Maria Khoury
Dana Maria Khoury
WSWilliam Abou Shahla
William Abou Shahla
CSCarla Stephan
Carla Stephan
NCNicole Charbel
Nicole Charbel
DSDana Saade
Dana Saade
Teledermatology is increasingly recognized as a valuable tool for expanding access to dermatologic care, particularly in underserved and remote settings. This randomized prospective cohort study, the first of its kind in the region, examined the diagnostic and treatment concordance of teledermatologists compared to in‐clinic dermatologists, with a focus on the impact of image acquisition methods. A total of 360 adult patients presenting for dermatologic evaluation at the American University of Beirut Medical Center were enrolled. Each patient contributed three sets of skin lesion photographs: unassisted patient‐taken, assisted patient‐taken after brief standardized training, and resident‐taken under clinical conditions. Using a store‐and‐forward model, teledermatologists reviewed one randomized image set per patient. Their diagnoses and treatment decisions were compared to in‐person assessments, which served as the reference standard. Diagnostic concordance improved with image quality: 79% for unassisted patient images, 84% for assisted images, and 87% for resident‐taken images. Treatment concordance similarly increased from 38% to 44% to 45%, while the need to request additional history declined from 64% to 47%. Acne showed the highest diagnostic match across all image types. These findings support the clinical validity of store‐and‐forward teledermatology and highlight the value of patient education in improving image quality and diagnostic outcomes. As the first regional study to systematically evaluate real‐world image acquisition methods, it offers a practical roadmap for integrating teledermatology into routine dermatologic care.