Real-World clinical, psychosocial and financial burden of atopic dermatitis: results from the Spanish cohort of the MEASURE-AD trial. / Carga clínica, psicosocial y económica de la dermatitis atópica en vida real: resultados de la cohorte española del estudio MEASURE-AD.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most prevalent skin diseases, but there are numerous knowledge gaps surrounding the impact this disease has on quality of life (QoL), mental health, and out-of-pocket expenses involved in the management of AD. The available scientific evidence on the multidimensional burden of AD is usually based on studies with measures reported by patients themselves. METHODS: In this context, the MEASURE-AD trial was developed as a cross-sectional, multicenter, multinational trial using patient- and physician-reported measures to characterize the multidimensional burden of AD in adults with moderate-to-severe AD. RESULTS: This paper presents the results of the Spanish cohort. We found that Spanish adults with moderate-to-severe AD and high EASI score (21.1-72) had a significantly increased disease burden, high severity of symptoms such as itch and sleep disturbances, impaired mental health and QoL, higher use of health care resources, and more out-of-pocket expenses than patients with low EASI scores (0-7 or 7.1-21). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides information to better understand disease burden, and identify aspects to be improved in the management of AD.

Recommendations on the Use of Moisturizing Products Prepared by Spanish Dermatologists Using the Delphi Method. / Recomendaciones sobre el uso de productos hidratantes elaboradas por dermatólogos españoles mediante el método Delphi.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Moisturizing products are widely used in conditions affecting skin hydration. However, the lack of scientific evidence leads to discrepancies and great variability in the recommendations used by different health professionals. The aim of this consensus document is to generate recommendations based on the evidence and experience of dermatologists to unify and facilitate the use of moisturizing products in the routine clinical practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 49-statement questionnaire on moisturizing products was prepared and, then, arranged in 5 blocks: 1) concept; 2) characteristics, 3) frequency and quantity, 4) product use and areas of application, and 5) special populations. Twenty-two expert dermatologists in the management of patients with eczema answered to the survey using a 2-round Delphi methodology (adding an item on the 2nd round). RESULTS: Consensus was reached on 27 statements (54%), most (n=23) via agreement. The highest level of agreement was reached in the blocks on quantity, product use and areas of application (77.8%), followed by the blocks on characteristics (73%) and frequency (62.5%). Regarding the blocks on concept and special populations, the level of consensus on the items proposed was 37.5% and 10%, respectively. Consensus on the use of emollients for xeroderma (71%) was higher vs atopic dermatitis (64%) and inflamed skin (33.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Consensus recommendations can help all prescribers and improve the available evidence regarding their use.

Epidemiological, Clinical, and Allergic Profile of Psoriatic Patients. Evaluation of the Spanish Registry of Contact Dermatitis and Cutaneous Allergy (REIDAC). / Perfil epidemiológico, clínico y alérgico en pacientes con psoriasis. Evaluación del Registro Español de Dermatitis de Contacto (REIDAC).

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis whose clinical and topographic distribution requires differential diagnosis, or the possible association with allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), requiring patch testing (PT) as part of the diagnostic procedure. OBJECTIVES: To describe the epidemiological, clinical, and allergic profile of patients with a primary or secondary diagnosis of psoriasis undergoing PT and compare them with patients with a diagnosis of ACD at the end of the diagnostic process. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with data from REIDAC from 2018 through 2023 of selected patients with a diagnosis of psoriasis and/or ACD. RESULTS: A total of 11 502 patients were included, 513 of whom had been diagnosed with primary or secondary psoriasis, 3640 with ACD, and 108 with both diseases. Men were more predominant in the groups of patients with psoriasis, psoriasis+ACD, and lesions were more predominantly seen in the hands with little association with atopic factors vs the ACD group. The rate of positivity in PT to the 2022 Spanish battery of allergens was lower in the group with psoriasis only in 27% of the patients. The most common allergens found in the psoriasis group were also the most common ones found in the overall ACD population. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, 36.2% of psoriatic patients tested positive in PT to the 2022 Spanish battery of allergens, which proved that this association is not uncommon. Overall, psoriatic patients had a higher mean age, were more predominantly men, and showed more hand involvement.

BIOBADATOP Spanish Atopic Dermatitis Registry: Description and Early Findings. / BIOBADATOP: Registro Español de Dermatitis Atópica. Descripción y primeros resultados.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, remarkable improvements in our understanding of atopic dermatitis (AD) have revolutionized treatment perspectives, but access to reliable data from clinical practice is essential. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The Spanish Atopic Dermatitis Registry, BIOBADATOP, is a prospective, multicenter database that collects information on patients of all ages with AD requiring systemic therapy with conventional or novel drugs. We analyzed the registry to describe patient characteristics, diagnoses, treatments, and adverse events (AEs). RESULTS: We studied data entries for 258 patients who had received 347 systemic treatments for AD. Treatment was discontinued in 29.4% of cases, mostly due to a lack of effectiveness (in 10.7% of cases). A total of 132 AEs were described during follow-up. Eighty-six AEs (65%) were linked to a systemic treatment, most commonly dupilumab (39AEs) and cyclosporine (38AEs). The most common AEs were conjunctivitis (11patients), headache (6), hypertrichosis (5), and nausea (4). There was 1severe AE (acute mastoiditis) associated with cyclosporine. CONCLUSIONS: Initial findings on AEs from the Spanish BIOBADATOP registry are limited by short follow-up times precluding comparisons or calculation of crude and adjusted incidence rates. At the time of our analysis, no severe AEs had been reported for novel systemic therapies. BIOBADATOP will help answer questions on the effectiveness and safety of conventional and novel systemic therapies in AD.

Dermoscopy in Patch Testing: How Can It Help? / Uso del dermatoscopio en la lectura de pruebas epicutáneas: ¿qué puede aportar?

Interpreting patch test reactions is not easy. It requires experience and is characterized by high intraobserver and interobserver variability. It can sometimes be truly difficult to discern between a weak allergic reaction and an irritant reaction. A number of recent studies have investigated the dermoscopic features of patch test reactions. Homogeneous erythema is the main feature observed in patients with a positive allergic reaction, although dotted vessels, vesicles, crusts and yellow-orange areas may also provide clues. These features are somewhat similar to those observed in inflammatory conditions, such as eczema. In patients with an irritant reaction, the most common dermoscopic findings are the pore reaction pattern and perifollicular erythema. Dermoscopy could be useful for establishing a diagnosis in the case of doubtful patch test reactions.

Patch Testing During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Recommendations of the AEDV's Spanish Contact Dermatitis and Skin Allergy Research Group (GEIDAC). / Recomendaciones del Grupo Español de Investigación en Dermatitis de Contacto y Alergia Cutánea (GEIDAC) de la AEDV en relación con la realización de pruebas epicutáneas durante la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).

As the COVID-19 pandemic gradually comes under control, the members of the Spanish Contact Dermatitis and Skin Allergy Research Group (GEIDAC) have drawn up a proposed list of the requirements, limitations, and conditioning factors affecting the resumption of work in contact dermatitis units. The assumption is that the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus2 is still circulating and that occasional or seasonal outbreaks will occur. They recommend that the first step should be to assess how many patch tests each clinic can handle and review the waiting list to prioritize cases according to disease severity and urgency. Digital technologies can, where possible, be used to send and receive the documentation necessary for the patch test (information, instructions, informed consent, etc.). If the necessary infrastructure is available, patients can be offered the option of a remote initial consultation. Likewise, in selected cases, the patch test results can be read in a virtual visit using photographs taken by the patient or a video visit can be scheduled to allow the physician to evaluate the site of application remotely. These measures will reduce the number of face-to-face visits required, but will not affect the time spent on each case, which must be scheduled in the normal manner. All of these recommendations are suggestions and should be adapted to the needs and possibilities of each health centre.

Quality Indicators in Care of Patients With Atopic Dermatitis: Consensus Document of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. / Indicadores de calidad en la atención dermatológica a pacientes con dermatitis atópica. Documento de consenso de la Academia Española de Dermatología y Venereología.

No information is currently available on whether the available clinical practice guidelines on the management of atopic dermatitis are known or being applied in Spain. The aim of this study was to improve the care of patients with atopic dermatitis by developing a set of quality indicators based on existing clinical practice guidelines. Relevant clinical practice guidelines identified through a literature search were submitted to a panel of 11 specialists, who selected the highest quality guidelines using the AGREE (Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation) II instrument. The panel then defined a subset of the recommendations supported by a high level of evidence and proposed a health care quality indicator for each one together with a standard for measuring degree of adherence. Consensus was achieved on 21 of the 150 proposed indicators using the modified Delphi method. The aim of implementing the indicators that achieved consensus in this study is to standardize the actions of health professionals providing care for patients with atopic dermatitis and ultimately to improve the quality of the care delivered.

Is p-Phenylenediamine Still a Prevalent Contact Allergen in Spain? / ¿Sigue siendo la parafenilendiamina un alérgeno de contacto prevalente en España?

OBJECTIVES: To analyze trends in the prevalence of contact sensitization to p-phenylenediamine between 2004 and 2014, taking into consideration that the concentration of this product in cosmetics was regulated in 2009. To explore risk factors for contact allergy to p-phenylenediamine. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective observational study of patients suspected of having contact dermatitis from allergy to p-phenylenediamine during the years between 2004 and 2015 in 8 tertiary level hospitals. The patients underwent patch testing (TRUE-test) with the standard series of the Spanish Research Group on Contact Dermatitis and Skin Allergies. This series included p-phenylenediamine 1%. We followed international recommendations for the statistical analysis of data related to contact allergies. RESULTS: Three hundred eighty-six out of 9341 patients (4.1%) had positive reactions to p-phenylenediamine. The prevalence tended to decrease in the early years (2004-2007) and then leveled off at around 4%. Risk factors for developing contact dermatitis from p-phenylenediamine were sex, age over 40 years, multiple sensitivities, and profession, notably workers in hair salons and those who handle rubber and plastics. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of p-phenylenediamine allergy remains high among patients with contact eczema. Risk factors for p-phenylenediamine contact allergy are consistent with previous reports.

Foot Eczema in a Skin Allergy Unit: Retrospective Study of 13 Years. / Eczema en los pies en una consulta de alergia cutánea: estudio retrospectivo de 13 años.

INTRODUCTION: Foot eczema is a common complaint encountered by skin allergists. OBJECTIVE: To study a series of patients with foot eczema who underwent patch testing and describe their demographic profile, diagnoses, and the main allergens involved. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional observational study of all patients tested with the standard Spanish patch test series at a dermatology department over a period of 13 years (2004-2016). We studied patch test results and definitive diagnoses by comparing different subgroups of patients with foot eczema. RESULTS: Of the 3,265 patients included in the study, 308 (9.4%) had foot eczema, 176 (57.9%) had foot eczema only and 132 (42.1%) had concomitant foot and hand eczema. Positive patch test results were more common in patients with foot eczema only (positivity rate of 61.5% vs. 53.4% for foot and hand eczema). In the subgroup of patients with concomitant foot and hand involvement, patients aged under 18 years had a lower rate of positive results (51.3% vs. 64.6% for patients >18 years). Potassium dichromate was the most common allergen with current relevance in all subgroups. The main diagnosis in patients with foot involvement only was allergic contact dermatitis (49.1%). In the subgroup of patients with concomitant hand and foot eczema, the main diagnoses were psoriasis in adults (33.6%) and atopic dermatitis in patients aged under 18 years (60.0%). CONCLUSION: Patch tests are a very useful diagnostic tool for patients with foot eczema with or without concomitant hand involvement.

Diagnostic Approach for Suspected Allergic Cutaneous Reaction to a Permanent Tattoo.

The last few decades have seen a notable increase in the number of people who have a tattoo. This practice is not free from complications. Most adverse effects appear early and are temporary, although they can occasionally develop later and be permanent and serious. Recent research has generated new knowledge on the composition of inks, their degradation over time, the immune activity that is stimulated, and the various clinical disorders that can arise. This information enables better approaches to diagnosis and management when complications arise. Diagnosing allergic reactions to permanent tattoo ink can be very challenging. This review aims to identify clinical and histological clues to help practitioners differentiate allergic reactions from other complications. We discuss the yield and appropriateness of skin tests and biopsies and propose an algorithm to guide the diagnostic process.

Changing perspectives in atopic dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a multifaceted disease that involves a complex interplay between the skin and the immune system. The course of the disease depends strongly on the genetic background of the patient and on yet poorly-defined environmental factors. Changes in lifestyle could be behind the dramatic rise in the prevalence of AD across continents; including hygienic conditions, food, social habits, skin microbiome or exposure to a number of allergens. Although AD typically develops in childhood and disappears after a few years, in a relatively large number of patients it continues into adulthood. Adult AD can also appear de novo but it is often underdiagnosed and its treatment can be challenging. New, highly effective drugs are being developed to manage moderate and severe forms of the disease in adults. In this review, we highlight the most recent developments in diagnostic tools, current insights into the mechanistic basis of this disease, and therapeutic innovations.

Management of Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria in Routine Clinical Practice Following the EAACI/GA(2)LEN/EDF/WAO Guidelines. / Manejo de la urticaria crónica espontánea en la práctica clínica diaria siguiendo las indicaciones de la guía EAACI/GA(2)LEN/EDF/WAO.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic spontaneous urticaria is a prevalent and difficult-to-treat condition that has a very negative impact on patient quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients presenting with chronic spontaneous urticaria and the response to treatment administered according to the EAACI/GA(2)LEN/EDF/WAO consensus guideline. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Descriptive cross-sectional study of all the patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria who consulted a skin allergy unit in the dermatology department of a tertiary hospital in Spain between July 2011 and July 2015. RESULTS: The study included 100 patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria; inducible urticaria was present in 43% of cases, and angioedema in 40%. On diagnosis, 53% of patients were taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. All patients were treated with second generation H1-antihistamines, but the standard dose was sufficient in only 18% of cases. Higher doses (up to 4 times the standard dose) achieved control of the urticaria in 74% of the patients studied. Higher doses of second generation H1-antihistamines were required to control the condition in patients with angioedema, and the presence of angioedema was associated with a lack of response to treatment with these drugs (OR, 6.1%; P<.001). One in 4 patients failed to respond to second generation H1-antihistamines and required treatment with omalizumab or ciclosporin to control their condition. CONCLUSIONS: Doses of H1-antihistamines higher than the standard dose are required in most cases to achieve control of chronic spontaneous urticaria. Angioedema is associated with failure to respond to treatment with antihistamines. In refractory cases, control of the condition can be achieved with omalizumab or ciclosporin. Patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria do not generally avoid the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents.