This week, there were several major studies and breakthroughs covered by HCPLive in the field of dermatology, including new research into atopic dermatitis treatment options, cutaneous lupus erythematosus, and a recent recall due to benzene exposure.

The following list comprises this week’s top stories in dermatology, with further information on the stories available on the HCPLive news page.

Highlights from This Week

1. Atopic Dermatitis Severity Found to be Positively Correlated with Food Allergy Prevalence

In this HCPLive article, a new study indicated that food allergies (FA) and food sensitivities (FS) were associated with severity of atopic dermatitis (AD) in patients.

The analysis was conducted to determine the bidirectional associations and the prevalence of FA, FS, and challenge-proven food allergy, along with the effects of AD on FA due to commonly-observed co-occurrence.

“Prevalences of FS and FA numerically increased with AD severity. FS, FA and CPFA are common comorbidities of AD and are closely related. Physicians should be attentive to this relationship to optimize management and treatment strategies in patients.”

The study was authored by J. P. Thyssen, MD, PhD, of the Department of Dermatology at Copenhagen University Hospital in Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg.

2. Topical JAK Inhibitors Found to Be Effective, Safe in Atopic Dermatitis Treatment

This story covered the use of topical JAK inhibitors (JAKi) on AD treatment for pediatric and adult patients, which a recent systematic-review indicated was both safe and efficacious.

The analysis was conducted to further assess data indicating that topical JAK inhibitors can diminish cytokine creation and lead to inflammation in the form of AD.

“Oral and topical JAKi are promising therapeutic modalities in the treatment of moderate-to-severe AD. Since the number of JAKi and their indications are rapidly expanding, this systematic review focuses on the efficacy and safety of topical JAKi in the treatment of AD.”

The analysis was authored by Sara Sadeghi, MD, of the Division of Dermatology in the Department of Pediatrics at Alberta Children's Hospital.

3. Hair & Scalp Sunscreen Voluntarily Recalled Nationwide Due to Benzene Exposure Risk

This article covered an FDA announcement regarding a nationwide voluntary recall made by Edgewell Personal Care Company, in which the company expanded its recall of 3 Banana Boat Hair & Scalp Sunscreen Spray SPF 30 batches due to benzene.

Traces of benzene were detected in a review of the sunscreen spray, although the company added that there were not any adverse events related to the recall reported by customers thus far.

“Edgewell has notified its retailers to remove any remaining recalled product from shelves. Banana Boat will also offer reimbursement for consumers who have purchased a product marked with one of the lot codes in the table above.”

This recall announcement was released by US Food and Drug Administration officials.

4. Sustained Improvement in Erythrodermic Atopic Dermatitis Observed in Patients Given Dupilumab

This story covered an analysis of 6 research trials in which it was found that erythrodermic AD patients had rapid and sustained symptom improvement following dupilumab treatment with concomitant topical corticosteroids (TCS).

This often-severe AD subtype is an inflammatory skin disorder associated with diffuse erythema affecting more than 90% of body surface area as well as pruritus and scaling.

“In this post hoc analysis, dupilumab as monotherapy and with concomitant TCS resulted in rapid and sustained improvements in AD signs, symptoms, and health-related quality of life in patients with erythrodermic AD.”

The analysis was authored by Amy S. Paller, MD, of Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, Illinois.

5. Topical Niacinamide Effective as Adjuvant Therapy for Discoid Lupus Erythematosus

In this article covered on HCPLive, the study’s results indicated that topical niacinamide (Nicotinamide) showed strong results for discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) as an adjuvant treatment.

The investigators saw DLE treatment as necessary to further research, given that it is the most common form of cutaneous lupus erythematosus, a disorder of the skin’s connective tissue.

“Nicotinamide, also called niacinamide, is a water-soluble form of vitamin B3 (niacin). Its multiple effects let us think that nicotinamide could be a therapy for lupus-associated skin lesions.”

The study included here was authored by Ahmed H. Nouh, MD, of the Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology at Al-Azhar University in Cairo.