Dermatology News
Obesity in Early Adulthood as a Risk Factor for Psoriatic Arthritis
This article studied whether obesity increases the risk of psoriatic arthritis (PsA), given that obesity is a risk factor for psoriasis and is associated with more severe disease. Overall it was found that BMI at age 18 years was predictive of PsA (odds ratio [OR], 1.06) (P < .01) over and above control variables. Other variables that were predictors of PsA included younger age at psoriasis onset, female sex, higher worst-ever BSA involvement with psoriasis , Koebner phenomenon , and nail involvement. This study suggests that obesity at age 18 years increases the risk of developing PsA. Adiposity is associated with higher levels of inflammatory cytokines known to be associated with psoriasis. This inflammatory milieu could increase the risk of PsA in predisposed subjects. Prevention and early treatment of obesity may decrease the risk of PsA.
Clinical course of guttate psoriasis generally good
Study results indicate that guttate psoriasis tends to have a better prognosis than other types of psoriasis, but researchers warn that progression of the guttate form of psoriasis into the chronic plaque form is not uncommon. Moon-Bum Kim, from Pusan National University in Busan, Korea, and colleagues followed the clinical course of guttate psoriasis in 26 patients and found that 22 (61.1%) experienced complete involution of their psoriasis with long remission of at least 1 year, whereas the remaining 14 (38.9%) patients showed incomplete involution and progressed into chronic psoriasis within an average of 6 years.
Very Few Sunscreens Appear To Be Any Good - Hats, Shirts And Shade Still Best
A new report which stated that exaggerated claims made by many sunscreens, as well as possible links between added vitamin A and accelerated growth of skin tumors and lesions, concluded that just 8 out of 500 sunscreen products were any good. The study, carried out by the Sunscreen Guide by Environmental Working Group (EWG) gave low marks to most current sunscreen products.
Industry's uninspiring performance and the federal Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) failure to issue regulations for sunscreens, lead EWG to caution consumers not to rely on any sunscreen for primary protection from the sun's potentially harmful ultraviolet rays. Hats, clothing and shade are still the most reliable sun protectors available.
Etanercept Injection No Help in the Treatment of Hidradenitis Suppurativa
An article in this months Archives of Dermatology evaluated the effects of etanercept treatment on the cutaneous manifestations of hidradenitis suppurative (HS). Etanercept, 50 mg, or placebo was administered subcutaneously (SC) twice weekly for 12 weeks. After 12 weeks, all patients received open-label etanercept, 50 mg, SC twice weekly for 12 more weeks. After evaluation it was found that Etanercept, 50 mg, SC administered twice weekly did not have significant efficacy in the improvement of HS. In light of our negative results, as well as those of previous studies, we suggest that future studies focus on other agents for the treatment of HS.
Estimated equivalency of vitamin D production from natural sun exposure versus oral vitamin D supplementation
A study out of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology sought to provide estimates of the equivalency of vitamin D production from natural sun exposure versus oral supplementation.
Using the FastRT simulation tool, they determined sun exposure times needed to achieve serum vitamin D3 concentrations equivalent to 400 or 1000 IU vitamin D for individuals of various Fitzpatrick skin types living in Miami, FL, and Boston, MA, during the months of January, April, July, and October.
Peak ultraviolet B irradiation for vitamin D synthesis occurs around 12 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST). In Boston, MA, from April to October at 12 pm EST an individual with type III skin, with 25.5% of the body surface area exposed, would need to spend 3 to 8 minutes in the sun to synthesize 400 IU of vitamin D. It is difficult to synthesize vitamin D during the winter in Boston, MA. For all study months in Miami, FL, an individual with type III skin would need to spend 3 to 6 minutes at 12 pm EST to synthesize 400 IU. Vitamin D synthesis occurs faster in individuals with lighter Fitzpatrick skin types. The duration to attain 1000 IU of vitamin D is longer in all scenarios.
Psoriasis and alcohol: is cutaneous ethanol one of the missing links?
Many exogenous factors including excessive alcohol consumption have been associated with psoriasis, but the underlying mechanisms still remain elusive. Drinking worsens therapeutic compliance, and decreases the efficacy and increases the toxicity of systemic antipsoriatic treatments. Excess alcohol intake results in compromised immunity and increased risk of infections, but alcohol can induce proinflammatory cytokine production in various cell types and can increase mitogen-derived lymphocyte proliferation and lymphocyte activation. An article in the British Journal of Dermatology takes an in depth look.
Acne Drug May Help in the Fight Against AIDS
A cheap acne drug that's been used for decades appears to target infected immune-system cells in which HIV lies dormant before coming back to life and spreading infection, researchers have found. The authors of a new study say the antibiotic drug, minocycline, sold under names such as Minocin, could add to the HIV-fighting powers of existing AIDS drug regimens.
