Daily Archives: September 23, 2023

Articles

By Anne Marre Bautista, as told to Jennifer Moncayo-Hida

Published On: Sep 18, 2023

Last Updated On: Sep 18, 2023

Toxic self-talk is when your inner voice is excessively negative to yourself. For 35-year-old Anne Marre Bautista, from Los Angeles, her childhood experiences with eczema left her with a harsh inner critic that at one point made it hard for her to even look in the mirror. Here, in her own words, Bautista who has atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, seborrheic dermatitis and hand eczema shared how she worked to overcome her negative self-talk and show herself more love.

I was diagnosed with eczema at 6 months old. My eczema played a large part in the way I talked to myself as a kid. I didnt realize this until I became an adult, but my self-hate actually began at a very young age. I used to be a cheerful and friendly kid. But when my skin acted up when I was 9 years old, everything changed.

The other kids at school started to avoid me. I was frequently bullied at school because of my appearance with eczema. The other kids believed I was contagious. I felt isolated and incredibly alone. It wasnt just that I didnt feel beautiful; I also had the sense that nobody wanted to be my friend.

Due to these daily experiences in school, I gradually started to internalize their judgments and began feeling the same way about myself. Every day, I would come home in tears due to the constant bullying I experienced. And before I knew it, I was dealing with all this self-hate. I used to question my own worth a lot. I couldnt even be kind to myself.

Over the years, when I had to deal with my eczema or when I was in a flare, it really affected how I saw myself. How I felt mentally all depended on how bad my skin was at the moment. When my skin was at its worst, I would avoid the mirror or photography altogether. At one point in my preteens/early teens, between 1015 years old, any mirror reflection or photography would freak me out. I was scared that Id see what everyone else saw, and that wasnt a pleasant thought. Looking at myself or catching a glimpse of my reflection felt like a struggle. I was also experiencing extreme anxiety.

I think it all goes back to the awful stuff I went through at school because of my eczema. Those experiences messed with how I saw myself in mirrors. Feeling good about myself was hard. I sometimes still catch myself having this anxiety with mirrors even now as an adult.

Overcoming my negative self-talk and self-hate because of eczema was quite a journey. As a kid, I didnt really get why it was happening. But as I grew older, I redirected my focus toward my strengths. I concentrated on my studies and ensured that I consistently ranked among the top students. Additionally, I engaged in activities I loved, such as skateboarding, spending time with my dog, playing video games, singing and playing music. Relying more on my strengths significantly improved my self-perception.

I honestly dont think I have completely overcome the negative self-talk or the anxiety that comes with it. It is a process that I consistently have to manage and deal with when it happens. In addition to focusing on my strengths and activities I love, I have to constantly remind myself that there is a community of eczema warriors out there too. Im not alone anymore. I make sure that I have a strong support system whenever Im going through the mental struggle of negative self-talk.

For any of my fellow eczema warriors battling with negative self-talk, remember that eczema can come and go. It will never define you. For me, focusing on activities where I knew I excelled really helped me start to embrace my self-worth. Investing my energy into activities I loved also really helped me develop a deeper appreciation for myself and it helped me cultivate self-love. Hopefully that can help you, too.

Read more:
How Eczema Negatively Impacted the Way She Talked to Herself - National Eczema Association

Over the counter (OTC) moisturizer containing 1% colloidal oatmeal was shown to be effective in improving Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) scores in Black children after 3 weeks of use,1 Kenvue announced. In 49 children ages 2 to 15 years with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis, the mean change from baseline in EASI score at week 3 was 2.4 (1.7) with the 1% oatmeal cream group compared to a change of 2.1 (2.3) for the prescription barrier cream group.1,2

Kenvue reported the findings at the Science of Skincare Summit in Austin, Texas. The company will also be sharing other industry-advancing science, including solutions in cleansing and hydration from Neutrogena.

In The Power of Oat for Sensitive Skin session on September 23 at 2pm CDT, lead author Tonianne Lisante, Kenvue scientific engagement manager, will detail the findings of the peer-reviewed study that was published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment highlighting 1% colloidal oatmeal cream used at least twice daily for treating atopic dermatitis in Black children.

When products are not tested in a diverse population, there is a reluctance to accept them as solutions, Lisante said in a press release. A previously published randomized study, conducted in children with atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease, had already established the safety and efficacy of an OTC 1% colloidal oatmeal cream versus a ceramide-based prescription barrier cream in relieving eczema symptoms in children with mild to moderate eczema. Interestingly, the diverse population included in this study provided a new opportunity to conduct a sub analysis among the group of Black subjects, who we know are more effected by eczema, to help advance community health and solve for public health challenges.1

In the colloidal oatmeal cream group, 100% of patients or participants reported that the cream was appropriate for use on children, and 88% said they would use the cream daily rather than occasionally. Both groups showed improvement in pruritis, skin appearance, dryness/flakiness, and moisturization.2

In her session, Lisante will also review the use of colloidal oatmeal in other products for strengthening the skins moisture barrier, soothing irritated skin, and helping to support the microbiome.

References

Read the original post:
Colloidal Oatmeal Effective in Improving Atopic Dermatitis in Black ... - Dermatology Times

Key Takeaways

In the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), combination treatments have demonstrated varying degrees of efficacy. However, according to a recent review1 of the role of combination therapies in HS, researchers say more evidence is needed stemming from larger, more robust studies of a prospective nature to reaffirm such findings.

The review, published in SKIN: The Journal of Cutaneous Medicine, sought to provide a comprehensive review of combination treatment modalities and their efficacy in patients with HS.

Using electronic databases such as ACP Journal Club, Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews, the Database of Abstracts of Review of Effectiveness, and Ovid Medline, investigators Mostafa et al searched for relevant articles published up until May 2023. Studies were eligible for review if they had been published in English, exclusively involved human subjects, and could be classified as case reports, case studies, clinical trials, or cohort studies wherein 2 or more systemic medical therapeutic options were employed in the course of treatment.

Of the 19 studies eligible for review, 12 studies to date have involved the combined use of oral clindamycin and rifampicin, with a typical 600 mg daily dose per drug. Among 3 studies, complete remission of HS was reported, ranging from 1% to 57% of patients achieving remission. Four studies described relapse after cessation of treatment. Side effects involved diarrhea, gastrointestinal problems, and candida vaginitis.

Two of the 19 studies explored the combination of rifampicin-moxifloxacin-metronidazole and found that of 28 patients with HS, 16 individuals achieved clinical remission. Side effects were similar to that of the clindamycin and rifampicin combination, with some reports of moxifloxacin tendinitis, mucosal candidiasis, and asthenia.

Additional combination treatment modalities included the inclusion of an antibiotic, such as in the cases of minocycline and colchicine, clindamycin and ofloxacin, and triamcinolone and lincomycin, among others. Three studies involved non-antibiotic treatments.

Potential study limitations included the quantity of studies included in the review, variance in study outcomes assessed by researchers, and the retrospective or unblinded nature of the eligible studies.

The current evidence depicts combination therapy as a potentially beneficial treatment modality for HS, wrote Mostafa et al. However, the current literature is composed mostly of observational studies and case reports and thus, further research in the form of randomized controlled trials comparing combination treatment to existing interventions is required.

Reference

See the article here:
Combination Treatments in HS Require Further Review - Dermatology Times

Research has shown that biosimilars are highly similar to their originator product in terms of safety and efficacy. Misconceptions about biosimilars in the dermatology community and concerns around their use in psoriasis were evaluated with a review of the data to clarify their use; the results were presented in 2 posters.

The rst poster reviewed the biosimilar approval process to clarify dermatologists misconceptions about biosimilars. Dermatologists have approached biosimilar medicines with caution, the researchers wrote.1

A recent Cardinal Health report corroborated the sentiment that dermatologists are hesitant to switch to biosimilars. According to the report, only 31% of dermatologists considered themselves very familiar with biosimilars compared with 81% of gastroenterologists, 76% of rheumatologists, and 33% of ophthalmologists.2

The authors of the first poster presented at the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) meeting used a PubMed search to identify studies on the molecular design, preclinical and clinical testing requirements, and approval processes of biosimilars. They described how the complexity of biologics means that even batches of innovator biologics can vary during preclinical testing. Biosimilars undergo strict preclinical testing and must demonstrate near similarity to the current originator product in quality factors such as receptor binding and pharmacokinetics, the researchers wrote.1

Although clinical testing is less stringent for a biosimilar compared with the originator product, the purpose of the clinical testing is to conrm the safety and efficacy of the biosimilar. Then, the use of extrapolation allows for biosimilars to be approved for all indications of the originator product without further testing. As a result, the emphasis of biosimilar product testing is on preclinical rather than clinical testing, the authors noted.1

Physicians who recognize that biologics are too complex to duplicate and who desire indication-specic clinical data on biosimilars might be satised knowing biosimilars provide more evidence of similarity than we have for different batches of the innovator product, they concluded. Regulations that are more stringent for biosimilars than for different batches of innovator products may not be logical.1

In the second poster, researchers addressed concerns about the use of biosimilars approved to treat psoriasis using extrapolated evidence from other diseases. They compared efficacy/effectiveness, safety, and drug survival of biosimilars to treat plaque psoriasis with originator products using data from 13 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 3 cohort studies. Of the RCTs, 10 were for adalimumab, 2 were for etanercept, and 1 was for iniximab. Of the cohort studies, 1 was for adalimumab, 1 was for etanercept, and 1 was for both etanercept and iniximab.3

Eleven trials compared biosimilars with the originator in patients who had never been on the originator product (initiators); 9 trials analyzed switching from the originator product to the biosimilar (switchers). The initiator trials all had similar rates of 75% improvement in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index and similar adverse events by week 16. The switched trials also had similar outcomes by week 52.3

One of the cohort studies reported more adverse events among the group of adalimumab patients switching from the originator to the biosimilar, although the other 2 cohort studies showed no signicant differences in safety and effectiveness. The majority of available evidence suggests similarities between biosimilars and originators, the researchers concluded. Future pharmacovigilance studies are needed to evaluate the long-term, real-world use of biosimilars for psoriasis treatment.3

References

Original post:
Addressing Misconceptions, Concerns Around Biosimilar Use - Dermatology Times

Key Takeaways

Access to medical care has been a persistent challenge for individuals within the Native and Indigenous communities, and this issue persists when it pertains to dermatological healthcare for this patient demographic. Despite increasing evidence of health status inequities affecting Indigenous populations, health services often fail to address health and social inequities as routine aspects of health care delivery, according to authors of a 2016 ethnographic study.1

Globally health and well-being of the Indigenous community falls significantly behind that of the general population, with life expectancy projected to be dramatically shorter than average.1 These challenges are compounded by discriminatory and stigmatizing experiences faced by Native and Indigenous individuals worldwide.

Research confirms that Indigenous peoples experience individual and systemic discrimination when seeking health care, despite efforts within the health care sector to promote cultural sensitivity and cultural safety, according to Browne et al.1 Health services, however, are not typically designed to take into account the experiences of Indigenous peoples. For example, despite extensive evidence linking trauma and violence to multiple health problems, including chronic pain, depression, anxiety and substance use, these dynamics are rarely considered in the design and delivery of health care for Indigenous peoples.

In Canada in particular, it is estimated that the one-year prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) in children living on a First Nations reserve could reach upwards of 16.5%. Most cases are classified as moderate to severe in nature.2

Additionally, research suggests that other common cutaneous conditions among members of the Indigenous communities include impetigo, skin infections, diabetic skin complications and ulcers, infestations, pediculosis capitis, psoriasis, and scabies, all of which are seen in significantly high rates, with some patients experiencing more than one condition at once.2

Environmental factors such as clean water concerns, access to and cost of skin care regimens and products, crowded living conditions, and poverty are contributors to exacerbation of skin conditions, such as AD.2

Furthermore, skin cancer prevention efforts among Native and Indigenous individuals are lacking, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).3

A 2022 study4 published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that among the more than 9 million American Indians and Alaska Natives (AIAN) living in the United States, research and prevention efforts related to skin cancer in this population are scarce. To date, this is the largest study to explore skin cancer education, prevention, and research efforts in this patient population.3

When you look at the lack of sun protection and use of tanning beds, its not surprising to see that American Indians/Alaskan Natives are reporting more severe sun damage to their skin, such as sunburns, when spending over an hour in the sun as compared to non-white respondents, said Vinod E. Nambudiri, MD, MBA, FAAD, in a press release from the AAD.3Nambudiri is a co-author of the study.

While some people may be most concerned about the freckles, age spots and wrinkles that develop on their skin from UV exposure, its the increasing risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, which is the most alarming, Nambudiri said.

According to an examination of data from the 2020 US Census, a total of 56 dermatologists and 3 dermatology physician assistants are located within the 100 most populous AIAN homelands. For a population that experiences increased acne scarring and mortality associated with melanoma,5 these numbers are alarming.

With decreased accessibility to dermatologic care and other factors such as cultural differences, disproportionate poverty, transportation, and inadequate health literacy, researchers say there are several factors contributing to poor skin health outcomes in this patient population.5

Another study6 found that access to dermatologic care and telehealth programs was hindered by rural living. The study found that on average, the nearest dermatology clinic from rural communities lived in predominantly by American Indian individuals was 68 miles. Of all tribal facilities and rural Indian Health Services in the continental US (n = 303), only 9% had access to a teledermatology program.6

References

View original post here:
Native American and Indigenous Communities Face Dermatologic ... - Dermatology Times

In 35 pediatric patients with recalcitrant warts, 68.6% experienced complete resolution after an average of 3 microwave treatment sessions.1 Patients who responded to microwave treatment required an average of 3 sessions (range: 2-8) for complete resolution. The average age of the warts was 29 months (6 to 84 months) and most patients (94%) had failed alternative treatments.

Researchers reviewed the case notes of patients treated at a tertiary dermatology unit where hypothermia was induced using Swift through repeated applications that lasted 1 to 2 seconds. Energy was supplied at a frequency of 8 GHz and an average power of 7W. Each wart was treated with microwave therapy an average of 4 times at each visit.

Following the initial treatment, follow-up sessions were scheduled approximately every 4 weeks for assessment and to determine if additional treatments were needed. Eight of the 35 patients did not tolerate microwave treatment due to pain and discontinued treatments.

Plantar warts are generally more resistant to therapy than common warts. In the study cohort, 20 patients presented with plantar warts and clearance was achieved in 14 (70%) of those cases. This compares favourably to traditional treatments such as salicylic acid (31%) and cryotherapy (34%)and is consistent with previous rates of clearance using microwave therapy in adults.

Treatment with cantharadin 1%, podophyllin 20%, and salicylic acid 30% solution showed an 86.5% clearance rate for all warts in children but adverse events such as blistering occurred in 41.2% of patients. Microwave treatments did not cause ulceration or blistering but did cause short-term pain during treatment that resulted in some patients discontinuing treatments.

Microwave treatment of warts has advantages, including no pre-treatment preparation and no special dressings or precautions following treatment. Each application takes approximately 2 seconds and most patients required only 4 sessions. No scarring or pigmentary changes were reported.

Limitations of the study included the retrospective study design and an absence of head-to-head comparisons. Authors determined that microwave treatment is asuccessful optionfor clearing recalcitrant warts in children.

Reference

Read the original:
Microwave Therapy Successful for Treating Warts in Children - Dermatology Times

Our Top Picks

If you're looking for relief from skin irritations and fungal infections, antifungal body wash can be incredibly beneficial. After researching and testing various products, we've found the best antifungal body washes on the market. It's important to choose a product that is effective in treating fungal infections and gentle on the skin. The scent is also a factor to consider, as many antifungal body washes have a medicinal smell. Our top-ranked products offer a range of benefits, from effectiveness to gentle formulas to pleasant scents. If you suffer from skin irritations or fungal infections, our recommendations are a great place to start your search.

The Antifungal Antibacterial Soap & Body Wash is a natural solution for a variety of fungal and bacterial skin conditions. Made with tea tree oil, it effectively treats jock itch, athlete's foot, nail fungus, ringworm, and even eczema and back acne. The 8-ounce bottle is the perfect size for daily use, and the natural ingredients make it safe for all skin types. Say goodbye to uncomfortable and embarrassing skin conditions with this powerful body wash.

Rated 9.8 based on 10

JPOST

Pros

Natural ingredients, Effective against multiple conditions, Can be used on body and feet

Cons

Strong tea tree scent

The Antifungal Body Wash & Soap is a versatile solution for a range of skin issues. Made with tea tree oil and other natural ingredients, it effectively combats fungal infections, bacteria, and body odor. This body wash can be used for tinea versicolor, back acne, folliculitis, jock itch, ringworm, and athlete's foot. It's gentle enough for daily use and comes in a convenient pump bottle. Customers rave about its effectiveness and pleasant scent, making it a must-have for anyone dealing with these skin concerns.

Rated 9.4 based on 10

JPOST

Pros

Effective against various conditions, Contains tea tree oil, Gentle on skin

Jivi Antifungal Body Wash is a powerful solution for treating various fungal infections such as athlete's foot, toenail fungus, ringworm, jock itch, and more. Made with tea tree oil and other natural ingredients, this body wash effectively eliminates fungal growth while nourishing and moisturizing the skin. Its 12 fl oz size makes it ideal for daily use, and its green packaging is eco-friendly. With Jivi Antifungal Body Wash, you can say goodbye to pesky fungal infections and hello to healthy, glowing skin.

Rated 9.2 based on 10

JPOST

Pros

Treats various fungal infections, Contains natural tea tree oil, Gentle on skin

Cons

Scent might not be preferred

The Signature Black Bottle Body Wash is a clinically proven antifungal soap that effectively treats common skin conditions such as jock itch, athlete's foot, and ringworm. Infused with tea tree oil, this body wash is gentle on the skin while still being tough on fungus. The 9 oz. bottle is the perfect size for everyday use and the rich lather leaves skin feeling clean and refreshed. Say goodbye to stubborn skin conditions with the Signature Black Bottle Body Wash.

Rated 8.8 based on 10

JPOST

Pros

Clinically effective ingredients, Tea tree oil for skin, Effective against various infections

Cons

Strong medicinal scent

Truremedy Naturals Remedy Soap Tea Tree Oil Antibacterial Body Soap is a powerful antifungal body wash that helps with a variety of skin issues such as body odor, athlete's foot, jock itch, ringworm, yeast infections, and other skin irritations. Made with all-natural ingredients including tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, and peppermint oil, this body wash is gentle on the skin while still providing effective relief. The 12 oz bottle is the perfect size for daily use and the convenient pump makes it easy to dispense. Say goodbye to uncomfortable skin issues with Truremedy Naturals Remedy Soap.

Rated 8.5 based on 10

JPOST

Pros

Antibacterial and antifungal, Helps with various skin issues, Contains tea tree oil

LOVE, LORI Tea Tree Body Wash is a must-have for anyone looking to improve their skin health. This 12oz bottle of antibacterial body wash is not only effective against jock itch and athlete's foot, but also helps treat acne and eczema. The tea tree oil in this antifungal soap and shower gel provides a refreshing and invigorating scent while also providing powerful cleansing properties. This product is perfect for anyone who wants to feel clean and refreshed after a shower, while also improving their overall skin health.

Rated 8.4 based on 10

JPOST

Pros

Antibacterial and antifungal properties, Helps with jock itch and athletes foot, Can improve acne and eczema

Cons

May not work for everyone

The New York Biology Tea Tree Body Wash is a must-have for anyone looking for a moisturizing and soothing body wash. Perfect for both men and women, this body wash helps with a variety of skin concerns, including itchy skin, jock itch, athletes foot, nail fungus, eczema, body odor, and ringworm. With its natural ingredients and 16 fl oz size, it is a great value for anyone looking for a high-quality body wash.

Rated 8 based on 10

JPOST

Pros

Soothes itchy skin, Helps with multiple conditions, Moisturizes body

Cons

Strong tea tree scent

The DERMOIA Eczema Body Wash for Adults is an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin. With its hypoallergenic and fragrance-free formula, this tea tree body wash is gentle yet effective in treating eczema and jock itch. The 1.00 pound pack of 1 is perfect for daily use and is suitable for both men and women. Its antifungal properties make it a go-to product for those with skin conditions, and its natural ingredients ensure it's safe for prolonged use. Overall, the DERMOIA Eczema Body Wash for Adults is a great investment for anyone looking for a reliable and effective body wash.

Rated 7.7 based on 10

JPOST

Pros

Antifungal properties, Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, Suitable for sensitive skin

Cons

May not work for everyone

If you're looking for an effective solution to treat toenail fungus, look no further than the Toenail Fungus Treatment - Body and Foot Antifungal Wash. This potent formula is designed to eliminate fungus and odors, while also treating conditions like athlete's foot, ringworm, and jock itch. Made with natural and safe ingredients, this antifungal wash is easy to use and can help restore the health and appearance of your feet and nails. So why suffer with unsightly and uncomfortable fungal infections when you can use this powerful treatment to get relief? Try it today and see the results for yourself!

Rated 7.5 based on 10

JPOST

Pros

Effective against various fungi, Soothes and moisturizes skin, Eliminates foot odor

Cons

May require consistent use

Q: What is an antifungal body wash?

A: An antifungal body wash is a type of soap that is formulated to specifically target and eliminate fungal infections on the skin. It contains active ingredients like tea tree oil, ketoconazole, and selenium sulfide that work to kill fungus and prevent it from spreading.

Q: Who should use antifungal body wash?

A: Antifungal body wash is recommended for anyone who is experiencing a fungal infection on their skin. This can include athletes who are prone to fungal infections from sweating, people who have compromised immune systems, and individuals who have been diagnosed with a fungal skin condition like ringworm or jock itch.

Q: How do I use antifungal body wash?

A: To use antifungal body wash, wet your skin and apply a small amount of the soap to a washcloth or loofah. Gently lather the soap onto your skin, paying special attention to areas that are prone to fungal infections like your feet, groin, and armpits. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat your skin dry. Use the body wash daily until your fungal infection has cleared up, and then continue to use it as a preventative measure.

After conducting thorough research and analysis of various antifungal body wash products, it is clear that this category offers a range of options for individuals looking to combat fungal infections and skin irritations. Many of the reviewed products contain tea tree oil, which is known for its antifungal and antibacterial properties. While some products are specifically targeted towards certain conditions such as athlete's foot or jock itch, others offer moisturizing and gentle cleansing for dry and sensitive skin. Overall, we encourage readers to consider incorporating antifungal body wash into their hygiene routine and to choose a product that fits their individual needs.

Read more here:
9 Best Antifungal Body Washes Review - The Jerusalem Post

The largest study to date on the relationship between severe psoriasis and coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) found patients with severe psoriasis had increased risk for heart disease. The cross-sectional cohort study is published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology.1

Psoriasis skin, eczema, rash and other skin diseases. A woman hides her face, she is ashamed of her autoimmune genetic disease. Imperfect beauty. | Image credit: stockmaster - stock.adobe.com

Patients with a reduced CFR [coronary flow reserve] underwent angio-CT to exclude a stenosis of the coronary arteries, and no patients showed coronary artery disease, said Lead investigator Stefano Piaserico, MD, PhD, Dermatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, in a statement.2 Therefore, all patients with an impaired CFR in our cohort were affected by coronary microvascular dysfunction.

Although previous studies have shown patients with severe psoriasis have increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, little research has been conducted on the specific mechanisms that cause this increased risk, especially for coronary microvascular dysfunction.

In the current study, the researchers aimed to assess the prevalence of reduced coronary flow reserve (CFR) using transthoracic echocardiography among patients with severe psoriasis without clinical cardiovascular disease (CVC), and its association with psoriasis and patient characteristics.

CFR pertains to the capacity of the coronary circulation to dilate and increase flow following an increased myocardial metabolic demand. Healthy CRF levels range from 3 to 6. In this study, the researchers conducted a univariate analysis of variables in patients with normal (n = 307) and reduced CRF (n =141) of 2.5 or lower.

A total of 503 patients were enrolled in the study and 55 were excluded due to technical difficulties, leaving 448 patients with complete data on CFR and disease characteristics. This cohort of patients had a mean (SD) age of 45 ( 13) years and was mainly composed of male patients (69%). Additionally, mean BMI was 29 6.4 kg/m2, 24% had hypertension, 37% had hyperlipidemia, 11% had diabetes mellitus, and 57.8% were current or former smokers.

Of these patients, 141 (31.5%) showed CMD, or CFR of 2.5 or less. None of these patients had coronary stenoses at the time of the MSCT scan. Furthermore, psoriasis activity was greater in patients with CMD who were older and had slightly higher BMI compared with patients without CMD.

Psoriasis severity (odds ratio [OR], 1.06; 95% CI, 1.03-1.09; P < .001) and the duration of the disease (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.02-1.07; P < .001) were both independently associated with lower CRF, as was the presence of psoriatic arthritis (OR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.14-3.30; P = .015).

Furthermore, conventional cardiovascular risk factors, such as tobacco use, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes mellitus, were not independently associated with reduced CFR in patients with severe psoriasis.

The researchers acknowledged some limitations to the study, including that only a small portion of the studys patients were being treated for psoriasis, some patients were treated for cardiovascular risk factors at the time of the study, and the assessment of CMD did not use other techniques besides transthoracic Doppler echocardiography.

Despite these limitations, the researchers believe the study highlights the potential mechanisms that increase the risk of cardiovascular complications among patients with severe psoriasis.

"We should diagnose and actively search for microvascular dysfunction in patients with psoriasis, as this population is at particularly high risk, said Piaserico in a statement.2 We might hypothesize that an early and effective treatment of psoriasis would restore the dysfunction and eventually prevent the future risk of myocardial infarction and heart failure associated with it.

References

1. Piaserico S, Papadavid E, Cecere A, et al. Coronary microvascular dysfunction in asymptomatic patients with severe psoriasis. Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 2023;20(9). doi:10.1016/j.jid.2023.02.037

2. New evidence confirms patients with severe psoriasis are at a higher risk for heart disease. EurekAlert! September 20, 2023. Accessed September 19, 2023. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1001707

Read more from the original source:
Patients With Severe Psoriasis Have Higher Risk of Heart Disease ... - AJMC.com Managed Markets Network