Bio

Golara Honari, MD, a specialist in eczematous dermatoses including contact dermatitis atopic dermatitis, and occupational dermatoses. A native of Iran, Dr. Honari earned her medical degree from Iran’s University of Medical Sciences in 1999 and completed her residencies in Internal Medicine and Dermatology at the Cleveland Clinic.  While at the Cleveland Clinic, she also completed a Fellowship in Contact Dermatitis and Environmental Dermatology.  Her professional interests include eczematous dermatoses, contact dermatitis, systemic hypersensitive, phototoxicity and photo allergies, and occupational dermatology.  Dr. Honari is currently a member of the Board of Directors at the American Contact Dermatitis Society and serves as a mentor at the International Society of Dermatology in the arena of Contact Dermatitis. Her research is in the fields of contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, and cutaneous and systemic hypersensitivity reactions.

Clinical Focus

  • Eczematous Dermatoses
  • Contact Dermatitis
  • Systemic Hypersensitives
  • Phototoxicity and Photo Allergies
  • Occupational Dermatology
  • Environmental Dermatology
  • Dermatology

Academic Appointments

Administrative Appointments

  • Board of Directors, American Contact Dermatitis Society (2019 - 2022)
  • Chair of Annual Program Committee, American Contact Dermatitis Society (2019 - 2020)
  • Chair of Publication Committee, American Contact Dermatitis Society (2017 - 2019)

Honors & Awards

  • Presidential Citation Award as the Chair of the Annual Meeting, American Contact Dermatitis Society (2021)
  • Outcome Research Award, American Contact Dermatitis Society (2019)
  • Innovation Award, Cleveland Clinic Foundation (2005)

Professional Education

  • Residency: Cleveland Clinic Foundation (2009) OH
  • Residency: Cleveland Clinic Foundation (2004) OH
  • Board Certification: American Board of Dermatology, Dermatology (2009)
  • Board Certification, American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine (2006)
  • Fellowship: Cleveland Clinic Foundation (2005) OH
  • Medical Education: Iran University of Medical Sciences (1999) Iran

Contact

  • Academic
    University - Academic staff Department: Dermatology Position: Clinical Associate Professor
  • Clinical (Primary)  Stanford Dermatology 450 Broadway St Pavilion B 4th Fl MC 5338 Redwood City, CA 94063 (650) 721-3476 (fax)

Additional Clinical Info

Additional Info

  • Mail Code: 5334

Current Research and Scholarly Interests

I'm interested in a better understanding of the clinical and molecular mechanisms of eczematous dermatoses and the effects of environmental and occupational exposures on the skin. Also interested in understanding the burden of eczematous disorders on individual patients and the health care system and means to improve clinical care and access.

Clinical Trials

  • A Safety Study of SEA-BCMA in Patients With Multiple Myeloma Not Recruiting

    This trial will study SEA-BCMA to find out whether it is an effective treatment for multiple myeloma (MM) and what side effects (unwanted effects) may occur. The study will have several parts. In Parts A and B, participants get SEA-BCMA by itself. This part of the study will find out how much SEA-BCMA should be given for treatment and how often. It will also find out how safe the treatment is and how well it works. In Part C of the study, participants will get SEA-BCMA and dexamethasone. In Part D, participants will get SEA-BCMA, dexamethasone, and pomalidomide. Dexamethasone and pomalidomide are both drugs that can be used to treat multiple myeloma. These parts of the study will find out whether these drugs are safe when used together.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Cancer Clinical Trials Office (CCTO), 650-498-7061.

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  • COVID-19 Messaging for Vaccination Not Recruiting

    This study will distribute videos of health professionals encouraging Covid-19 vaccination to a large sample of Facebook users, and will test the most effective ways to maximize diffusion of this vaccine-related content to increase vaccination rates. The study sample will be U.S. states where vaccination rates remained low in fall 2021. The experimental design is an RCT with 4 groups, randomized at the county level: 1) a control group which receives no intervention, 2) a treatment group in which Facebook users receive ads which include videos of health professionals telling them to get vaccinated, 3) a treatment group in which Facebook users receive ads which include videos of health professionals encouraging them to help their friends to get vaccinated, and 4) a treatment group in which Facebook users receive ads which include videos of health professionals encouraging them to get their most influential friends to help their friends get vaccinated. In treatments 3 and 4, participants will have the option to sign up to be a "vaccine ambassador," in which case they will get notifications when the study team posts new vaccine-related content, and will receive reminders about encouraging their friends to be vaccinated. The vaccine ambassadors will also be entered into a lottery to win prizes. The study team is building a website to host the videos of health professionals which answer common questions about Covid-19 vaccination. The investigators will measure engagement with the vaccine-related content as well as assess effects on vaccination rates at the county level.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.

    View full details

2024-25 Courses

All Publications

  • Allergic contact dermatitis associated with scalp applied products: A systematic review of topical allergens and alopecia implication Pham, C., Juhasz, M., Lin, J., Honari, G., Mesinkovska, N. MOSBY-ELSEVIER. 2021: AB49

    View details for Web of Science ID 000683887500191

  • Automated detection of skin reactions in epicutaneous patch testing using machine learning. The British journal of dermatology Chan, W. H., Srivastava, R., Damaraju, N., Do, H., Burnett, G., MacFarlane, J., Xie, S. M., Chen, J. K., Honari, G., Sarin, K. Y. 2021

    Abstract

    Patch testing is the diagnostic gold standard to identify causes of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD); however, the paucity of specialized patch testing clinics along with the need for multiple clinic visits can be burdensome for patients and healthcare systems. Automated classification of allergic reactions from photographs offers the opportunity to reduce patient, physician, and clinic time and improve access to care.

    View details for DOI 10.1111/bjd.20141

    View details for PubMedID 33829497

  • Prevalence of Potentially Allergenic Ingredients in Products Labeled for Eczema Care. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology Schwartz, B. L., Honari, G., Chiou, A. S., Ko, J., Sarin, K. Y., Chen, J. K. 2021

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jaad.2021.05.038

    View details for PubMedID 34058279

  • Bridging to a selective Janus kinase 1 inhibitor in severe atopic dermatitis: An instructive case with upadacitinib. JAAD case reports Nguyen, J., Chen, J. K., Honari, G., Pol-Rodriguez, M., Ko, J. M., Chiou, A. S. 2021; 7: 65–67

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jdcr.2020.10.023

    View details for PubMedID 33354610

  • Photopatch Testing Among Members of the American Contact Dermatitis Society. Dermatitis : contact, atopic, occupational, drug Kim, T., Taylor, J. S., Maibach, H. I., Chen, J. K., Honari, G. 2020

    Abstract

    BACKGROUND: Photopatch testing is an important diagnostic tool in evaluating patients with suspected photoallergic contact dermatitis. Although protocols for photopatch testing have been described, there are no consensus recommendations by the American Contact Dermatitis Society (ACDS).OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to examine the common practices of photopatch testing among ACDS members and to review and compare commonly used photoallergen series.METHODS: We conducted a questionnaire-based survey among ACDS members via e-mail to inquire about their photopatch test methods. We compared the results with the European consensus methodology and reviewed photoallergen series reported by the respondents.RESULTS: Of the 791 members contacted, 112 members (14%) responded to the survey. Among these, 50 respondents (45%) perform photopatch testing, approximately half of whom (48%) determine minimal erythema dose before the test using UVA with or without UVB irradiation. Respondents use a total of 13 photoallergen series, alone or in any combination, as well as customized series.CONCLUSIONS: These results have potential to aid clinicians in identifying photoallergen series best suited for their patients and suggest a need for consensus recommendations by the ACDS.

    View details for DOI 10.1097/DER.0000000000000535

    View details for PubMedID 31905187

  • Dupilumab Treatment of Nummular Dermatitis: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology Choi, S. n., Zhu, G. A., Lewis, M. A., Honari, G. n., Chiou, A. S., Ko, J. n., Chen, J. K. 2020

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jaad.2019.12.054

    View details for PubMedID 31923445

  • Dupilumab for occupational irritant hand dermatitis in a nonatopic individual: A case report. JAAD case reports Zhu, G. A., Honari, G. n., Ko, J. M., Chiou, A. S., Chen, J. K. 2020; 6 (4): 296–98

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jdcr.2020.02.010

    View details for PubMedID 32258302

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC7109358

  • Eczema, Targeted Therapeutics, and Allergy Diagnostics: The Need for Greater Clarity on What We Are Treating. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV Chen, J. K., Honari, G. n., Silverberg, J. I. 2020

    Abstract

    Until recently, step-up therapy in atopic dermatitis (AD) included primarily off-label use of phototherapy, systemic immunosuppressants and/or corticosteroids. These broadly impact the immune system and show efficacy across a gamut of inflammatory skin diseases, albeit with potential serious adverse-events. Recently, dupilumab was approved as the first biologic agent in AD and demonstrated better efficacy and safety than prior off-label therapies.

    View details for DOI 10.1111/jdv.16445

    View details for PubMedID 32277506

  • A PHASE 2, MULTI-Center, PLACEBO-CONTROLLED STUDY OF Single dose Squaric Acid Dibutyl Ester (sadbe) to reduce frequency of outbreaks IN SUBJECTS WITH RECURRENT HERPES LABIALIS. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology Chang, A. L., Honari, G. n., Guan, L. n., Zhao, L. n., Palli, M. A., Horn, T. D., Dudek, A. Z., McTavish, H. n. 2020

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jaad.2020.04.021

    View details for PubMedID 32289388

  • Facial Personal Protective Equipment: Materials, Resterilization Methods, and Management of Occupation-Related Dermatoses. Dermatitis : contact, atopic, occupational, drug Yu, J. n., Goldminz, A. n., Chisolm, S. n., Jacob, S. E., Zippin, J. H., Wu, P. A., Hylwa, S. n., Dunnick, C. A., Chen, J. K., Reeder, M. n., Honari, G. n., Atwater, A. R. 2020

    Abstract

    The coronavirus infectious disease 2019 pandemic has resulted in health care workers donning personal protective equipment (PPE) for extended periods.The aims of the study were to review facial PPE (surgical masks and N95 respirators) ingredients, to identify facial PPE resterilization techniques, and to recommend strategies for prevention and management of facial PPE-related dermatoses.Twenty-one facial PPE (11 N95 respirators, 10 surgical masks) were reviewed. Resterilization techniques were identified. Personal protective equipment-induced occupational dermatoses and management strategies were explored.Polypropylene is the most common chemical identified in facial PPE. Most masks contain aluminum at the nosepiece. Two surgical masks released nickel. Facial PPE dermatoses include irritant contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, acne, and contact urticaria. Strategies for prevention and management of facial PPE occupational dermatoses are discussed.There are increasing reports of occupational dermatoses associated with facial PPE. This review discusses the components of facial PPE, mask resterilization methods, and strategies for prevention and management of facial PPE dermatoses.

    View details for DOI 10.1097/DER.0000000000000699

    View details for PubMedID 33273243

  • Inflammatory alopecia in patients on dupilumab: a retrospective cohort study at an academic institution. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV Zhu, G. A., Kang, K. J., Chen, J. K., Novoa, R. A., Brown, R. A., Chiou, A. S., Ko, J. M., Honari, G. 2019

    Abstract

    Dupilumab targets IL-4Ralpha and is used for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD). Prior reports have described new alopecia areata (AA),1 flaring of prior AA,2 as well as improvement or resolution of AA3 in patients treated with dupilumab. We conducted a retrospective cohort study to describe the natural history of prior or new inflammatory alopecia in patients on dupilumab.

    View details for DOI 10.1111/jdv.16094

    View details for PubMedID 31737955

  • Pathophysiology and management of sensitive skin: position paper from the special interest group on sensitive skin of the International Forum for the Study of Itch (IFSI) JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY AND VENEREOLOGY Misery, L., Weisshaar, E., Brenaut, E., Evers, A. M., Huet, F., Staender, S., Reich, A., Berardesca, E., Serra-Baldrich, E., Wallengren, J., Linder, D., Fluhr, J. W., Szepietowski, J. C., Maibach, H., Honari, G., Le Gall-Ianotto, C., Takamori, K., Richters, R., Int Forum Study Itch ISFI 2019

    Abstract

    The special interest group on sensitive skin of the International Forum for the Study of Itch previously defined sensitive skin as a syndrome defined by the occurrence of unpleasant sensations (stinging, burning, pain, pruritus and tingling sensations) in response to stimuli that normally should not provoke such sensations. This additional paper focuses on the pathophysiology and the management of sensitive skin. Sensitive skin is not an immunological disorder but is related to alterations of the skin nervous system. Skin barrier abnormalities are frequently associated, but there is no cause and direct relationship. Further studies are needed to better understand the pathophysiology of sensitive skin - as well as the inducing factors. Avoidance of possible triggering factors and the use of well-tolerated cosmetics, especially those containing inhibitors of unpleasant sensations, might be suggested for patients with sensitive skin. The role of psychosocial factors, such as stress or negative expectations, might be relevant for subgroups of patients. To date, there is no clinical trial supporting the use of topical or systemic drugs in sensitive skin. The published data are not sufficient to reach a consensus on sensitive skin management. In general, patients with sensitive skin require a personalized approach, taking into account various biomedical, neural and psychosocial factors affecting sensitive skin.

    View details for DOI 10.1111/jdv.16000

    View details for Web of Science ID 000492848800001

    View details for PubMedID 31660659

  • Assessment of the Development of New Regional Dermatoses in Patients Treated for Atopic Dermatitis With Dupilumab JAMA DERMATOLOGY Zhu, G., Chen, J. K., Chiou, A., Ko, J., Honari, G. 2019; 155 (7): 850–52

    View details for DOI 10.1001/jamadermatol.2019.0109

    View details for Web of Science ID 000482127300017

  • Repeat patch testing in a patient with allergic contact dermatitis improved on dupilumab. JAAD case reports Zhu, G. A., Chen, J. K., Chiou, A., Ko, J., Honari, G. 2019; 5 (4): 336–38

    View details for PubMedID 30989102

  • Assessment of the Development of New Regional Dermatoses in Patients Treated for Atopic Dermatitis With Dupilumab. JAMA dermatology Zhu, G. A., Chen, J. K., Chiou, A. n., Ko, J. n., Honari, G. n. 2019

    View details for PubMedID 31042259

  • Patch testing for nonimmediate cutaneous adverse drug reactions JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY Zinn, Z., Gayam, S., Chelliah, M. P., Honari, G., Teng, J. 2018; 78 (2): 421–23

    View details for PubMedID 29332717

  • Defining Gaps in Dermatitis Care DERMATITIS Nedorost, S., Atwater, A., Ardern-Jones, M., Elias, P., Mukherjee, P., Honari, G., Ertel, M., Hammond, M., Machler, B., Scheman, A., Mulligan, K., Montanez-Wiskovich, M., Jacob, S., Brod, B. 2017; 28 (6): 372–74

    View details for DOI 10.1097/DER.0000000000000325

    View details for Web of Science ID 000415753100012

    View details for PubMedID 29135684

  • Patch Testing for Evaluation of Hypersensitivity to Implanted Metal Devices: A Perspective From the American Contact Dermatitis Society DERMATITIS Schalock, P. C., Crawford, G., Nedorost, S., Scheinman, P. L., Atwater, A. R., Mowad, C., Brod, B., Ehrlich, A., Watsky, K. L., Sasseville, D., Silvestri, D., Worobec, S. M., Elliott, J. F., Honari, G., Powell, D. L., Taylor, J., DeKoven, J. 2016; 27 (5): 241-247

    Abstract

    The American Contact Dermatitis Society recognizes the interest in the evaluation and management of metal hypersensitivity reactions. Given the paucity of robust evidence with which to guide our practices, we provide reasonable evidence and expert opinion-based guidelines for clinicians with regard to metal hypersensitivity reaction testing and patient management. Routine preoperative evaluation in individuals with no history of adverse cutaneous reactions to metals or history of previous implant-related adverse events is not necessary. Patients with a clear self-reported history of metal reactions should be evaluated by patch testing before device implant. Patch testing is only 1 element in the assessment of causation in those with postimplantation morbidity. Metal exposure from the implanted device can cause sensitization, but a positive metal test does not prove symptom causality. The decision to replace an implanted device must include an assessment of all clinical factors and a thorough risk-benefit analysis by the treating physician(s) and patient.

    View details for DOI 10.1097/DER.0000000000000210

    View details for Web of Science ID 000384577700002

    View details for PubMedID 27649347