A case report of refractory advanced-stage mycosis fungoides: successful treatment and improved patient quality of life with mogamulizumab.

Mycosis fungoides (MF), the most common form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, is characterized by patches, plaques, and, in advanced stages, tumors and erythroderma. Early-stage MF may progress to advanced-stage disease in up to one-third of patients, conferring a worse prognosis and typically requiring systemic treatment for extracutaneous involvement. The most frequently reported signs and symptoms are pain, pruritus, scaling, and skin redness, with pruritus, the most bothersome symptom, exerting a profound impact on patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL). These dermatologic signs and symptoms can overlap with those of other benign inflammatory dermatoses, such as eczema and psoriasis, and therefore, diagnostic delay is common in patients with MF. Moreover, identifying patients with features adversely affecting prognosis (e.g. large-cell transformation or folliculotropic variant) is a significant challenge. We report the case of a 75-year-old female patient who was misdiagnosed with eczema and then pityriasis rubra pilaris and consequently did not receive treatment for MF for 4 years. The patient was eventually correctly diagnosed with MF [stage IIIB (T4 N1 M0 B1)] in September 2018. The patient received several systemic treatments; however, she did not respond to or tolerate the treatments. Due to lack of treatment response, in July 2021, she was initiated on mogamulizumab, an anti-CC chemokine receptor 4 antibody with demonstrated effectiveness and licensed approval for adults with MF/Sézary syndrome who have received one or more prior systemic therapies. Treatment rapidly led to a complete response in blood after 1 week and in skin after 4 months. Mogamulizumab was well tolerated by the patient, who also reported a significant improvement in her HRQoL. After 1 year in complete response, mogamulizumab was discontinued. This case highlights the need for accurate and early diagnosis of MF to initiate disease-specific treatment and the importance of considering patient HRQoL when treating this condition.

Evaluation of comfort gloves made of semipermeable and textile materials in patients with hand dermatoses: Results of a controlled multicenter intervention study (ProTection II).

BACKGROUND: Comfort gloves are used in the management of hand dermatoses. OBJECTIVES: To compare the acceptance and tolerability of comfort gloves made of different materials in patients with hand dermatoses and their effects on skin lesions. METHODS: In a prospective multicenter study, 284 patients with hand dermatoses were invited to wear either a cotton glove (COT) or a semipermeable Sympatex glove underneath a cotton glove (SYM/COT) for two subsequent phases of 19 consecutive nights each. A total of 88 controls were asked not to wear any comfort gloves overnight. The severity of skin lesions over time was examined. Questionnaires were used to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and acceptance and tolerability of the gloves. RESULTS: The hand dermatoses improved in all groups. No substantial intergroup differences regarding severity and HRQoL were observed. SYM/COT received better ratings regarding climate conditions and tactility while COT showed superiority in fit, wearing comfort, and practicality. CONCLUSIONS: We confirmed that SYM/COT and COT are well tolerated and accepted suggesting that SYM/COT is a good alternative for COT as comfort gloves in patients with hand dermatoses. Individual requirements, needs, and preferences may direct the material choice.

Efficacy and safety of azathioprine versus mycophenolate mofetil in chronic actinic dermatitis in skin of color: results of a randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic actinic dermatitis (CAD) is an immunologically mediated photodermatosis that has been effectively treated with azathioprine and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in uncontrolled studies. We conducted a prospective randomized controlled trial to compare the efficacy and safety of azathioprine and MMF in CAD treatment, aiming to address existing evidence gaps. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive CAD patients were randomized into two groups: azathioprine (Group A) or MMF (Group B) for 12 weeks. Primary outcomes included Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) at baseline and Week 12. Secondary outcomes included various clinicodemographic factors predictive of treatment response, defined at least a 75% reduction in EASI score (EASI75) by Week 12. RESULTS: The median (IQR) percentage reduction in EASI at 12 weeks was higher in Group B than in Group A [78.3% (75.0-83.30%) vs. 68.3% (31.2-80.10%), P = 0.034]. Baseline DLQI scores indicated a moderate impact on quality of life, with significant reductions by Week 12 in both groups and no intergroup differences at baseline (P = 0.291) or Week 12 (P = 0.599). Overall, 23 patients were classified as non-responders, with more extended illness duration (P = 0.026) and outdoor occupations (P = 0.042) associated with poorer responses. Adverse effects were consistent with known profiles, with one patient discontinuing azathioprine due to hypersensitivity. CONCLUSION: Our study highlights the efficacy and safety of azathioprine and MMF in CAD treatment, with MMF showing superior outcomes. However, further research is warranted to explore emerging therapies and prognostic factors in CAD management.

[Sustainability in occupational dermatology : Starting points, challenges, and potentials for sustainable care of work-related skin diseases]. / Nachhaltigkeit in der Berufsdermatologie : Ansatzpunkte, Herausforderungen und Potenziale für eine nachhaltige(re) Versorgung beruflich Hauterkrankter.

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in healthcare and has moved into focus at various levels. This article aims to provide an overview of guiding principles, concepts, and target systems of sustainability and to transfer these to occupational dermatology. Current and future starting points are outlined for various levels, e.g., politics, research, industry, and patient care, in order to link sustainability and occupational dermatology in a structured and systematic way and to transform the structures of patient care in occupational dermatology care towards sustainability. Using the specific example of protective gloves, which is a pivotal personal protective measure to prevent work-related hand eczema, starting points, potentials, and challenges are analyzed and specific possibilities and perspectives for more ecologically sustainable action are presented.

The impact of meteorological factors on the incidence of infantile atopic dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: The role of the climate regarding atopic dermatitis (AD) in infants is still unclear. This study aimed to determine the relationship between meteorological conditions and the incidence of early AD. METHODS: The study was conducted using a retrospective design. We analyzed children aged 0-24 months with clinically diagnosed AD (n = 603), including infantile eczema (IE, n = 292), in relation to the mean monthly meteorological data in Minsk. The Mantel-Haenszel method was used to study the association between an AD outcome and meteorological variables, stratifying by potential confounders. Seasons of birth were analyzed in children diagnosed with AD before 6 months of age (n = 567) and at 12 months of age (n = 350) from 2005 to 2019. RESULTS: The incidence rate of IE was negatively associated with air temperature (adjusted incidence rate ratio = 0.75; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.59-0.94), precipitation (0.74; 95% CI 0.58-0.93), and positively associated with atmospheric pressure (1.31; 95% CI 1.04-1.66). The highest incidence rate of IE was during spring, and the lowest was during summer. Incidences of AD were less frequent among infants born in the spring (18.1% vs. 29.4%, P < 0.001) than among older children. The principal component analysis identified three meteorological combinations where the first one (warm, low humidity) was negatively associated with the incidence rate of AD among children aged 0-24 months (0.77; 95% CI 0.65-0.92), and the third one (rainy, low atmospheric pressure) with IE (0.70; 95% CI 0.54-0.90). CONCLUSION: Continental seasonal cold-humid weather may influence early AD incidence. Moreover, short-term meteorological factors may play an important role in the onset of IE.

Linear eczema induced by oral isotretinoin.

Eczema can manifest in a linear arrangement, as can other inflammatory conditions. We report a case of a teenager who, during treatment with oral isotretinoin for acne, developed a generalized eczematous dermatitis together with a superimposed linear eczema on her posterior lower limb. We hypothesize that a postzygotic mutation caused an increased sensitivity to the impact of oral isotretinoin on the epidermal skin barrier structure and lipid composition within a specific skin segment.

Understanding and supporting young people exposed to online misinformation about eczema.

The traditional patient-clinician relationship is changing as young people and their families often now turn to the internet and social media for health information, treatment advice and support. Much of that content, however, is unregulated, unverified and inaccurate, which leads to the dissemination of health misinformation. Healthcare professionals working with young people with eczema and their families need to understand why young people turn to social media for health information, identify trends in online misinformation about eczema, and provide alternative, trustworthy sources of information. This article discusses particular areas of online misinformation about eczema as well as dermatology content on specific social media platforms. It also reports the views of young people on the youth panel of the charity Eczema Outreach Support about different social media platforms.

The role of nemolizumab in the treatment of atopic dermatitis for the adult population.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) often requires long-term treatment that may be associated with adverse effects. This review aims to characterize nemolizumab as a treatment for AD in adults. A literature search was performed to assess nemolizumab's role in moderate-to-severe AD in adults. Currently, clinical trials are being conducted to evaluate the clinical efficacy, safety profile and optimal dosing of nemolizumab for adults with moderate-to-severe AD. The most common adverse effects include nasopharyngitis, AD exacerbation and increased blood creatinine phosphokinase. Recent data from clinical trials suggest nemolizumab may be an acceptable treatment in adults with moderate-to-severe AD.

Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a long-lasting skin condition that is difficult to treat. Symptoms include itching, redness, dryness and pain. Various eczema treatments are available to help patients based on how severe their symptoms are. Nemolizumab is a treatment that blocks immune system pathways involving itching and inflammation. This review describes nemolizumab as a treatment option for moderate-to-severe eczema in adults. We completed a literature search to understand nemolizumab's role in eczema treatment. Nemolizumab has decreased itchiness in adults with moderate-to-severe eczema in clinical trials. The most common side effects of nemolizumab treatment were the common cold, worsening of eczema and an increased muscle marker (creatinine phosphokinase). Nemolizumab appears to be an effective treatment for moderate-to-severe eczema in adults with bearable side effects.

Quality of Life and Burden of Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis in Adult Patients Within the Asia-Pacific Region: A Cross-sectional Survey.

INTRODUCTION: The burden of atopic dermatitis (AD) is significant, with a substantial impact on quality of life (QoL). This cross-sectional study aimed to ascertain the burden of AD, its impact on QoL, and associated costs. METHODS: Patients with moderate-to-severe AD were enrolled from eight territories, namely Hong Kong, India, Japan, Mainland China, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand. After screening was performed and informed consent was obtained, eligible participants were asked to provide responses on their AD symptoms, severity, treatment, and out-of-pocket costs via an online survey. QoL was assessed using EQ-5D-5L and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), while productivity loss was quantified using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) questionnaire. Data from completed submissions were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study was reviewed by the institutional review board in each territory. RESULTS: Median age of enrolled patients (N = 1103) was 41.0 years (interquartile range, IQR 16.0). The majority of patients reported that their head/neck, trunk, upper limbs, and lower limbs were affected during a flare. Topical (74.2%) and oral steroids (58.7%) were frequently prescribed to manage AD. Common atopic comorbidities were allergic urticaria (64.2%), allergic rhinitis (61.8%), and allergic conjunctivitis (51.5%). Median DLQI score was 13.0 (IQR 11.0), while median EQ-5D-5L (based on China value set) score was 0.8 (IQR 0.4); 87.2% and 77.2% of patients reported pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression on the EQ-5D-5L domains, respectively. Median total annual costs associated with AD were USD 10,128.52 (IQR 12,963.26) per patient, with indirect costs being the largest component. Findings from WPAI indicated that presenteeism is a major contributor to productivity loss. CONCLUSION: This multinational survey study showed that AD is associated with substantial QoL impairment and economic burden among Asian adult patients with moderate-to-severe AD. To alleviate burden of AD, clinicians should be more proactive in managing other concomitant conditions including psychological issues, and advocate for increased reimbursement for AD treatments.

Prevalence of Atopic Dermatitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) negatively affects quality of life and places a substantial financial burden on health care systems due to treatment costs and increased demand for services. Objective: To estimate the worldwide prevalence of AD, the proportion of severe cases worldwide and explore sources of heterogeneity. Methods: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Global Index Medicus from January 2012 up until August 30, 2022. We included primary prevalence studies published from 2012 onward. Study selection was conducted by two reviewers independently. One reviewer performed data extraction and assessed risk of bias using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Prevalence Studies, with independent checking by a second reviewer. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted to pool results; subgroup analyses were conducted to evaluate potential modifiers. Certainty of evidence was rated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. Main outcomes were point prevalence and proportion of severe cases. Results: We identified 12,774 unique references and assessed 1029 full texts, ultimately resulting in the inclusion of 310 studies with 25.5 million individuals. Point prevalence was 11.1% (95% CI 9.4-13.1; 123 studies; 12,776,910 individuals; moderate certainty of evidence) in children and adolescents, and 6.3% (95% CI 5.0-7.8; 59 studies; 12,794,260 individuals; moderate certainty of evidence) in adults. Relatively similar results were observed for studies with low risk of bias. Proportion of severe cases varied from 1.9 to 7.2% in children and adolescents and 2.8% to 15.6% in adults. Conclusions: These findings may underpin effective health care policies, research initiatives, and clinical decision-making.

Prevalence, severity, and risk factors of eczema among young children and adolescents in Saudi Arabia: A national cross-sectional study, 2019.

Background: Eczema is a common inflammatory skin disease with a significant global health burden. Eczema has a significant impact on quality of life. Objective: We aimed to estimate the prevalence, severity, and risk factors associated with eczema among schoolchildren in Saudi Arabia. Methods: The standardized Global Asthma Network questionnaires and methodology were used to conduct a nationwide cross-sectional study across 20 regions in Saudi Arabia between March and April 2019. Data were collected from 137 primary schools and 140 intermediate schools by using a multistage stratified cluster sampling method. Results: The study included 3614 young children aged 6 to 7 years and 4068 adolescents aged 13 to 14 years. Current eczema was prevalent among 4.5% of the children and 5.1% of the adolescents. Severe eczema was reported in 0.8% and 0.9% of the young children and adolescents, respectively. Several factors showed significant association with eczema. Among the children, eczema was linked positively to having a history of chest infections and wheezing in early life, as well as to ever attending day care and current exposure to cats. Among the adolescents, the main potential risk factors included paracetamol use in the previous year, adherence to a lifestyle of vigorous physical activity, and current exposure to cats. Conversely, high consumption of nuts was found to be negatively associated with eczema. Conclusion: The prevalence of eczema in schoolchildren in Saudi Arabia is lower than the global average but within the average range for the Eastern Mediterranean region. Further studies in Saudi Arabia should be conducted to identify variation among different regions.

Effects of pregnancy and lactation prebiotics supplementation on infant allergic disease: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Ingestion of prebiotics during pregnancy and lactation may have immunomodulatory benefits for the developing fetal and infant immune system and provide a potential dietary strategy to reduce the risk of allergic diseases. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this trial was to determine whether maternal supplementation with dietary prebiotics reduces the risk of allergic outcomes in infants with hereditary risk. METHODS: We undertook a double-blind, randomized controlled trial in which pregnant women were allocated to consume prebiotics (14.2g daily of galacto-oligosaccharides and fructo-oligosaccharides in ratio 9:1) or placebo (8.7g daily maltodextrin) powder from <21 weeks gestation until 6-months postnatal during lactation. Eligible women had infants with a first-degree relative with a history of medically diagnosed allergic disease. The primary outcome was infant medically diagnosed eczema by 1-year of age, and secondary outcomes included allergen sensitization, food allergy, and recurrent wheeze by 1-year of age. RESULTS: 652 women were randomized between June 2016 and November 2021 (n=329 prebiotics, n=323 placebo). There was no significant difference between groups in the percentage of infants with medically diagnosed eczema by 1-year of age (prebiotics 31.5% (103/327 infants) compared to placebo 32.6% (105/322 infants); adjusted relative risk 0.98 (95% CI 0.77, 1.23; p=0.84). Secondary outcomes and safety measures also did not significantly differ between groups. CONCLUSION: We found little evidence that maternal prebiotics supplementation during pregnancy and lactation reduces the risk of infant medically diagnosed eczema by 1-year of age in infants who are at hereditary risk of allergic disease.

Prevalence and clinical impact of topical corticosteroid phobia among patients with chronic hand eczema - findings from the Danish Skin Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Topical corticosteroid phobia is associated with poor treatment adherence and is common among patients with skin disease. Knowledge about corticosteroid phobia and treatment adherence among patients with chronic hand eczema (CHE) is limited. OBJECTIVES: Investigate patient-reported outcomes regarding topical corticosteroids (TCS), and their impact on treatment adherence in CHE patients. METHODS: CHE patients from the Danish Skin Cohort answered a questionnaire including the Topical Corticosteroid Phobia (TOPICOP) scale and Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS-5). Response rate was 69.2%. RESULTS: Of 927 with CHE, 75.5% totally or almost agreed that TCS damage the skin, 48.9% totally or almost agreed that TCS would affect their future health and 36.3% reported some degree of fear of TCS even though they were unaware of any TCS-associated risks. Most patients (77.9%) always or often stop treatment as soon as possible while 54.8% always or often wait as long as possible before starting treatment. Overall, 38.8% reported that they had taken less medicine than prescribed and 54.0% had stopped treatment throughout a period. Treatment adherence decreased with increasing corticosteroid phobia (p=0.004). LIMITATIONS: TOPICOP has not been validated in CHE patients. CONCLUSIONS: Corticosteroid phobia is common among CHE patients and negatively associated with treatment adherence.

Examining the Efficacy of Five Lactobacillus Species in Treating and Preventing Atopic Dermatitis: A Systemic Literature Review.

Probiotics have garnered increasing attention, particularly within the realm of atopic dermatitis (AD). Although classified as dietary supplements by the Food and Drug Administration, probiotics are being explored for their potential to modify immune system responses and aid in disease recovery. This review aims to provide a current understanding of probiotics, specifically various lactobacilli strains, as a therapeutic option in preventing and treating AD. The concept of the gut-skin axis has gained substantial recognition, emphasizing the complex relationship between the gut microbiome and skin health. Dysfunctional gut barriers and metabolites produced by gut microorganisms can exert profound influences on skin conditions, including AD. Lactobacilli species are particularly noteworthy for their resilience and stability within the gastrointestinal tract, making these bacteria ideal candidates for probiotic supplementation. Various lactobacilli strains (Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus reuteri, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus) were included in this study due to their current uses in mitigating AD symptomatology. This systemic review article aims to shed light on the potential of probiotics as a therapeutic approach for AD, highlighting their stellar safety profile and promising therapeutic efficacy. Given the compelling preliminary findings and the constraints associated with conventional treatments, probiotics, particularly lactobacilli strains, emerge as a considerable alternative or adjuvant option for individuals grappling with AD. Further exploration is imperative to establish probiotics as a promising therapeutic option, providing renewed hope for those seeking effective strategies for managing AD.

Update on the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, recurrent, and multifactorial skin-mucosal manifestation resulting from the interaction between elements mainly associated with the skin barrier deficit, the homeostasis of the immune response, neurological aspects, and patterns of reactivity to environmental antigens, which are established in genetically predisposed individuals. In addition to the skin, atopic diathesis involves other organs such as the airways (upper and lower), eyes, digestive tract, and neuropsychiatric aspects, which inflict additional morbidity on the dermatological patient. The different phenotypes of the disease fundamentally depend on the participation of each of these factors, in different life circumstances, such as age groups, occupational exposure patterns, physical activity, pollution, genetic load, and climatic factors. A better understanding of the complexity of its pathogenesis allows not only the understanding of therapeutic targets but also how to identify preponderant elements that mediate disease activity in each circumstance, for selecting the best treatment strategies and mitigation of triggering factors. This narrative review presents an update on the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis, especially aimed at understanding the clinical manifestations, the main disease phenotypes and the context of available therapeutic strategies.

Environmental Influences on Atopic Eczema.

The health outcomes of an individual are shaped by a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental influences. While some diseases stem solely from environmental factors, others like atopic eczema, also known as neurodermatitis or atopic dermatitis, are multifaceted, with environmental variables playing a significant role in its initiation and severity. Atopic eczema is a prevalent chronic condition observed globally, particularly in Western industrialized nations where its prevalence is estimated to range from 2.5% to 3.5% in adults and 10% to 15% among children. The increasing incidence of atopic eczema in industrialized countries over recent decades suggests that this trend may be due to environmental changes rather than genetic predispositions. Therefore, by thoroughly examining environmental factors and their role in atopic dermatitis, one may be able to gain a better understanding of its disease pattern and develop possible preventative measures. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of how the surrounding environment contributes to the pathogenesis of atopic eczema.

Case report: Psoriasiform eczema with immune-mediated comorbidities treated with upadacitinib.

Immune-mediated comorbidities in patients with psoriasiform eczema are common. It can be challenging to manage multiple immune-mediated diseases, especially considering that biologic treatments are prone to causing paradoxical effects. The aim of this retrospective observational case series was to describe the course of both psoriasiform eczema and immune-mediated comorbidities in five patients treated with upadacitinib for psoriasiform dermatitis. Five patients, all male, were included. All the patients suffered from psoriasiform eczema. Moreover, two of the patients suffered from alopecia areata, two from vitiligo, one from ulcerative colitis and one from hidradenitis suppurativa. In all cases, the treatment with upadacitinib was rapidly effective on the eczema. The effectiveness on alopecia areata was good in both cases, while the results on vitiligo were only partial. The only case of ulcerative colitis achieved complete remission, while the case of hidradenitis suppurativa experience partial improvement. In conclusion, upadacitinib was effective in treating not only psoriasiform eczema, but also several immune mediated comorbidities. Additional studies are necessary to determine the efficacy of upadacitinib in alopecia areata, vitiligo and hidradenitis suppurativa.

Efficacy and Safety of Upadacitinib in Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis: A Meta-Analysis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin disorder. Topical corticosteroids are the cornerstone of therapy in mild AD, whereas the JAK inhibitor upadacitinib is approved in the United States, Europe, and other countries for treating moderate-severe AD in adults and children over 12 years old whose disease is not adequately controlled with other systemic drugs, including biologics. The objective of this meta-analysis was to assess the overall efficacy and safety of upadacitinib in moderate to severe AD. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy and safety of upadacitinib in moderate to severe AD were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled analysis revealed a significant proportion of patients achieving Eczema Area and Severity Index-75 (EASI 75) (R.R. = 3.86; 95% CI = 3.12 to 4.78, p < 0.00001), EASI 100 (R.R. = 13.09; 95% CI = 7.40 to 23.17, p < 0.00001), Worst Pruritus Numerical Rating Score (WP-NRS) response (R.R. = 4.44; 95% CI = 3.72 to 5.29, p< 0.00001), and validated Investigator's Global Assessment (v-IGA) (RR = 5.96; 95% CI = 4.79 to 7.41, p < 0. 00001) in the upadacitinib arm compared to the placebo arm. Moreover, the pooled analysis also suggested that treatment-emergent adverse events (TAEs) were relatively higher with upadacitinib than with placebo, but were mild and easily manageable (R.R. = 1.15; 95% CI = 1.09 to 1.23, p<0.00001). This meta-analysis showed that upadacitinib had a significant beneficial effect and tolerable adverse effect profile in patients with moderate and severe AD. Dose regimens of 15 mg and 30 mg seemed to have similar benefits. However, further trials are needed to assess long-term efficacy and safety profile.