Phototherapy for vitiligo: Quality and readability of online health information.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Vitiligo is a depigmenting disorder that affects up to 2% of the population. Due to the relatively high prevalence of this disease and its psychological impact on patients, decisions concerning treatment can be difficult. As patients increasingly seek health information online, the caliber of online health information (OHI) becomes crucial in patients' decisions regarding their care. We aimed to assess the quality and readability of OHI regarding phototherapy in the management of vitiligo. METHODS: Similar to previously published studies assessing OHI, we used 5 medical search terms as a proxy for online searches made by patients. Results for each search term were assessed using an enhanced DISCERN analysis, Health On the Net code of conduct (HONcode) accreditation guidelines, and several readability indices. The DISCERN analysis is a validated questionnaire used to assess the quality of OHI, while HONcode accreditation is a marker of site reliability. RESULTS: Of the 500 websites evaluated, 174 were HONcode-accredited (35%). Mean DISCERN scores for all websites were 58.9% and 51.7% for website reliability and treatment sections, respectively. Additionally, 0/130 websites analyzed for readability scored at the NIH-recommended sixth-grade reading level. CONCLUSION: These analyses shed light on the shortcomings of OHI regarding phototherapy treatment for vitiligo, which could exacerbate disparities for patients who are already at higher risk of worse health outcomes.

Pyoderma gangrenosum and impact on quality of life: A narrative review.

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is an autoinflammatory disorder typically characterized by progressive ulcers with dense neutrophilic infiltrates in the absence of infectious causes. The chronic nature of this disease significantly impacts the patients' quality of life (QoL). Yet there is currently a dearth of information in the literature regarding standardised treatment guidelines and the impact of PG on patients' QoL. We conducted a literature search on PubMed using the terms "pyoderma gangrenosum" AND "quality of life." We identified nine relevant articles that provide insight into which domains are affected and what treatment can improve QoL. The most common domains involved are physical, emotional, and psychological. Patients tend to feel depressed/anxious, isolated, and embarrassed secondary to PG manifestations. Comorbidities such as Crohn's disease, monoclonal gammopathy of dermatologic significance, and ulcerative colitis can worsen the impact on these patients' QoL. Pain is also a significant contributor to decreasing patients' QoL. Treatments such as topical steroids, adalimumab, and canakinumab may help improve QoL scores. We believe this information can help clinicians guide the care of patients with PG and highlight the need for more studies and clinical trials focusing on PG treatments' impact on QoL.

Diffuse Cutaneous Eruption.

A man presented with a pruritic cutaneous eruption that began on his scalp and face and over 2 months spread across most of his body. Physical examination revealed confluent salmon-colored plaques with areas of unaffected skin; waxy, exfoliative scale on the volar aspect of the hands and feet; and ectropion. He had no history of psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, or other skin disorder, and no recent viral or bacterial infection. What is the diagnosis and what would you do next?

A narrative review of studies assessing the quality of life in patients with generalized pustular psoriasis.

Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a clinical entity distinct from psoriasis, associated with a poor clinical prognosis, often resulting in severe systemic complications and mortality. The relapsing nature of the disease with recurrent or intermittent flares imposes a significant burden on patients' quality of life (QoL). Although inadequately studied, QoL data in GPP patients has been a recent point of investigation. We conducted a literature search on PubMed/MEDLINE using the following search terms: 'generalized pustular psoriasis' OR 'pustular psoriasis' AND 'quality of life'. We identified 12 relevant articles that provide insight into the large impact of GPP on the QoL of patients, the burden of the disease and the treatment, and the success of new treatment options in making a clinically important difference to QoL. This review illustrates a need for routine assessment of the QoL in interventional clinical trials for GPP and during physician encounters. This information can help guide clinicians on how to tailor the treatment approach from the patient's perspective or illustrate whether new therapies offer meaningful benefits to patient care as we enter an era of exciting new treatments for this challenging condition.

Assessment of Clinical Response to Anifrolumab in Patients With Refractory Discoid Lupus Erythematosus.

This case series examines the efficacy of anifrolumab as a therapeutic option for patients with lupus erythematosus.