Category Archives: Psoriasis

Nail problems are common, and they are not usually serious. If a person has multiple sclerosis (MS), nail problems can cause pain or discomfort. While nail issues are not directly related to the disease, determining the cause may help prevent a person with MS from experiencing further discomfort.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) causes the immune system to attack the myelin sheath, the protective covering around nerve cells. It can affect any part of a persons body.

There is no clear link between MS and issues with the nails. If a person notices changes in their nails, it may be due to the nail itself or the skin underneath it. Changes in the nails may be due to environmental factors that affect the wider population in the same way, including trauma or prolonged exposure to dyes, such as nail polish.

Nail issues could also be a marker for an underlying systemic disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), so a person should contact a doctor if they feel concerned.

In this article, we look at the possible causes of various nail changes and how to treat them.

Learn how to identify nail diseases using our illustrated chart here.

MS is an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack healthy cells.

MS can cause weakness and paresthesia. Paresthesia causes unusual sensations that can affect any part of the body, usually on one side or limb. However, it often affects the extremities, such as hands, legs, or feet.

Sometimes, paresthesia can affect the fingers or toes, but having MS does not make this more likely. However, the sensation can make a person feel like there is something wrong with their nails.

It is important to note diminished sensations in the body, particularly in the arms or legs, as they can put a person at risk of an injury they might not notice or be aware has happened.

People with MS can also experience pain more intensely than the general population. Therefore, seemingly insignificant issues, such as hangnails, may cause excessive pain in someone who has MS.

Nail abnormalities can occur for many reasons and are not exclusive to people with MS. Environmental factors, vitamin deficiency, or prescribed medication are usually the cause. Prolonged exposure to water, for example, can soften the nails, making them more susceptible to infections or discoloration.

Learn how MS can affect the body here.

There are many reasons why nails may change color. Some may involve lifestyle choices, such as smoking, staining after wearing dark nail polish, trauma from an injury, or an underlying condition. Discoloration can affect the nail itself or result from changes in the skin underneath the nail.

Yellow, brown, or white nails usually indicate a fungal infection. The nails may also thicken, crack or break more easily.

Some fungal infections heal slowly, sometimes taking up to a year. However, once the infection has cleared, the nail usually grows back. A doctor may prescribe oral antifungals if topical treatments do not work.

Learn about yellow nail syndrome here.

Blue nails occur when there is not enough oxygen in the bloodstream. This may result from cold weather when the body restricts the amount of oxygen to the fingertips. People with Raynauds disease may experience this sensation. Blue nails will typically return to their usual color when the body warms up.

Contact a doctor for further treatment.

Learn more about blue nails here.

Black nails often develop after trauma to the nail. If something hits the nail with force, the nail or the skin underneath it may turn black.

Other causes of black nails include underlying conditions, such as thyroid disease, although this is extremely rare. Contact a doctor to determine the cause.

Learn about black toenails here.

White marks on the nails are known as leukonychia. The markings can present as spots or stripes. There are many causes of white spots on the nails, including trauma, some diseases, or a zinc or iron deficiency.

Treatment depends on the cause. Lifestyle changes or taking supplements may cure this problem, but if it persists, contact a doctor.

Learn more about white spots on the nails here.

Brittle nails are usually the result of too much or too little moisture. Repeated washing and drying of the hands can cause the nails to dry out and become hard and brittle, and applying too much moisturizer, for example, can make the nails too soft, causing them to split.

Rarely, brittle nails may signify a vitamin deficiency, including iron deficiency.

There are few treatments available for brittle nails. However, wearing cotton-lined rubber gloves when washing up or using cleaning products, taking supplements to strengthen the nails, or moisturizing hard, brittle nails may help.

Learn more about brittle nails here.

A person may notice horizontal or vertical nail ridges. Horizontal ridges follow the direction of the nail bed, while vertical ridges run along the length of the finger.

Beaus lines are deep grooves that run horizontally across the width of the nail. These occur when something interrupts or stops the nails from growing.

There are many causes of horizontal nail ridges, including high fever, cold temperatures, or psychological stress.

Vertical, or transverse, ridges that run along the length of the nail can develop due to:

Learn more about ridges in nails here.

Nail loss may be the result of trauma, a rash, or certain MS medications.

Lichen planus causes a recurring itchy rash. When it affects the nails, it can damage the nail bed, causing the nail to become yellow, thinner, and ridged. It can lift the nail off the nail bed in some cases, and the nail may fall off.

Prescribed medicines can cause nail damage, and some people have reported nail damage, although scientists have not fully established this link.

If a person notices nail loss, they should contact their doctor.

Learn more about why a toenail might fall off here.

Nail disorders are not specific to MS. However, as this is a systemic disease affecting every part of the body, some people with MS may experience symptoms. Certain medications may also cause nail issues.

External factors, such as exposure to chemicals or household cleaners, can damage the nails, as can fungal or bacterial infections.

In most instances, nail damage will clear as the nail grows out, but it may be a marker of an underlying condition. Anyone who notices any sudden changes in the texture or appearance of the nails that are not the result of an injury should consult a doctor for advice and diagnosis.

See the rest here:
Multiple sclerosis and the nails: Causes and treatment - Medical News Today

vTv Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:VTVT) watched its shares move skyward Friday, after the company announced the results of a multiple ascending dose study evaluating HPP737 in healthy adults.

HPP737 is an orally administered phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4) inhibitor. The 12-subject trial had two dose cohorts, 15mg and 20mg.

Dose escalation up to 20mg/day demonstrated approximate dose-proportional increases in exposure.

The drug candidate maintained a favorable safety and tolerability profile with no dose-limiting safety or tolerability, particularly with no dose-limiting gastrointestinal adverse events.

There were no serious adverse events and no discontinuations due to treatment-emergent adverse events.

vTv is of the opinion that HPP737 can be developed further for anti-inflammatory and anti-psoriatic responses.

The two multiple ascending dose studies will be presented at an upcoming scientific conference focused on dermatology.

Said CEO Steve Holcombe, We are pleased that the study accomplished its objectives by confirming the anticipated favorable safety and tolerability profile of HPP737, particularly the absence of dose limiting gastrointestinal adverse events, at substantially higher concentrations than previously tested.

The Company plans to file an IND application later in 2021 for a 12-week Phase 2 trial of HPP737 in moderate to severe psoriasis. The study is targeted to start in early 2022.

Additionally, Newsoara Biopharma, vTv's partner in Asia, is currently conducting Phase 2 studies in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis in China.

VTVT stock is up 28 cents, or 15.8%, at $2.05 early Friday.

Link:
vTv Therapeutics Hikes on Test Results - Baystreet.ca

Have you ever thought these three health conditions can have something in common? It turns out that they do. Even more. Every health condition shares some similarities with a very different one for one apparent reason: they all come from within. Everything that one human can experience has to do with her psychological and physiological health simultaneously. As the body works as a synchronized mechanism, one issue can bring about different conditions.

Want to learn what these three share?

Well, you know the answer already.

The Driver Inside

These three conditions are all connected to the inner driver the blood. You may call it a transport or driver as blood delivers significant nutrients and oxygen and takes all the unnecessary elements and chemicals from all the cells. Your mind communicates with the body through sending hormones. If the brain is the sender, hormones are the package, and organs are the receiver, then blood is the courier. When something goes wrong with it, conditions ranging from skin issues to sexual disorders can arise.

Psoriasis: Attacking Yourself

Psoriasis is responsible for the uncontrolled growth of skin cells as the body itself attacks them. Blood is involved in this process through its cells called white blood cells (also known as T cells). A typical body would make its immune system produce such cells to attack hazardous elements and chemicals penetrating the body.

When a person has psoriasis, those white cells mistake skin cells for some threat. Subsequently, they attack those cells, and the skin has to replenish the attacked ones quickly. It starts producing new cells, which pile up as they appear on the skins surface. This becomes a vicious cycle, and doctors are still not sure about the exact causes of it. One thing is clear: blood is an accomplice here.

Eczema: Itchy and Dry

Broadly speaking, eczema or dermatitis is about skin inflammation. If a person has this condition, her skin starts itching and aching, becomes red and dry. Eczema can showcase itself starting from childhood, but adults are not free from it as well. Doctors are not sure about what causes eczema as well. However, blood has its say in the process too.

For example, there is an eczema type called stasis dermatitis, which usually attacks adults. It develops as a result of poor blood circulation and mainly affects the legs. Blood pressure increases, which makes water build up in the capillaries. This brings out the inflammation mentioned above.

If you think you might have such issues, calling for home blood draw services would help you get safely tested and timely prevent or learn about what goes on in your body.

Erectile Dysfunction: You Want, But You Cant

Erectile dysfunction (ED) also has to do with blood flow and circulation. As the name suggests, this condition affects mens ability to develop and maintain a firm erection. While an average man would experience this from time to time, a person with ED would often face this issue. As a result, his self-esteem and sexual performance would suffer.

One can develop ED when the penile muscles or the penis itself do not get enough blood, or the blood vessels are clogged. While getting erect, the penis needs blood support, which is directed by the brain to flow to this area. If there is a plaque on its way or any other issues hindering its circulation, the penis will not get the necessary foundation to develop an erection.

These three represent just a small number of conditions that you may stumble upon due to bloody issues. Blood is the natural transmitter, so regularly testing it would help you keep your health in check.

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What Do Psoriasis, Eczema, and Erectile Dysfunction Have in Common? - Californianewstimes.com

image:Immunofluorescence labeling of healthy and psoriatic patient skin. Dotted line shows the dermalepidermal junction. HLA-DR: green, GLUT3 (SLC2A3): red, and DAPI: blue. Scale bar = 100 m (low magnification) and 10 m (high magnification). view more

Credit: Please credit image to A*STAR Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN) and Skin Research Institute of Singapore (SRIS).

A team of international scientists and clinical experts have unravelled a new cell type in human skin that contributes to inflammatory skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis (PSO). Their study findings were published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine in September 2021. The team hails from A*STARs Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), in collaboration with the Skin Research Institute of Singapore (SRIS), Singapores National Skin Centre, Department of Dermatology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan, and industry partner Galderma.

Chronic inflammatory skin diseases such as AD and PSO are characterised by the presence of an activated T cell subtypes secreting pro-inflammatory cytokines in the skin. This T cellmediated immune dysregulation is central to the pathogenesis of a wide range of inflammatory skin diseases. Thus, understanding the factors modulating T cell priming and activation in healthy and diseased skin is key to developing effective treatments for these diseases.

Recently, single-cell RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) approach has been used to analyse immune cells in human skin including dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages, which are cell populations controlling T cell activation. To address the role of DCs and macrophages in chronic inflammatory skin diseases, the team used a combination of complex approaches (single-cell flow cytometry and RNA-seq of index-sorted cells from healthy and diseased human skin) to generate an unbiased profile/ landscape of DCs and macrophages, and to describe their distinct molecular signatures and proportions in skin lesions of AD and PSO patients.

This uncovered a significant enrichment in the proportion of CD14+ DC3s in PSO lesional skin, where they were one of the major cell types co-expressing IL1B and IL23A, two cytokines essential for PSO pathogenesis. This finding suggests that targeting CD14+ DC3 might represent a novel therapeutic option in the treatment of PSO, and demonstrates the potential for the single-cell myeloid cell landscape database to provide important insights into skin biology in health and disease.

Dr Florent Ginhoux, Senior Principal Investigator, SIgN and last author of the study said, The findings from this study are significant as it will allow the design of new strategies to target or modulate myeloid cell populations for better health outcomes for patients of atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.

The roles of antigen-presenting cells in the development of inflammatory skin diseases remain unclear. This study clearly revealed the functions of each antigen-presenting cell subset, which is very informative and valuable to understand the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. We expect that this study will lead to the design of new treatment for refractory inflammatory skin diseases. said Prof Kenji Kabashima, Adjunct Principal Investigator from SIgN and SRIS.

More information on the study, Single-cell analysis of human skin identifies CD14+ type 3 dendritic cells co-producing IL1B and IL23A in psoriasis can be found from the teams published paper in the Journal of Experimental Medicine: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34279540/

About the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)

The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is Singapore's lead public sector R&D agency. Through open innovation, we collaborate with our partners in both the public and private sectors to benefit the economy and society. As a Science and Technology Organisation, A*STAR bridges the gap between academia and industry. Our research creates economic growth and jobs for Singapore, and enhances lives by improving societal outcomes in healthcare, urban living, and sustainability. A*STAR plays a key role in nurturing scientific talent and leaders for the wider research community and industry. A*STARs R&D activities span biomedical sciences to physical sciences and engineering, with research entities primarily located in Biopolis and Fusionopolis. For ongoing news, visit http://www.a-star.edu.sg.

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Journal of Experimental Medicine

Experimental study

Cells

Single-cell analysis of human skin identifies CD14+ type 3 dendritic cells co-producing IL1B and IL23A in psoriasis

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.

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New cell type in human skin discovered to contribute to inflammatory skin diseases like atopic dermatitis and psoriasis - EurekAlert

Alvotech of Reykjavik said it has received a recommendation for approval of its adalimumab biosimilar (AVT02) from the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency.

The approval concerns a high-concentration, citrate-free 100-mg/mL formulation of adalimumab, referencing Humira. The positive opinion from the CHMP will go to the European Commission, which is the authority that has the power to authorize marketing of the drug in the European Union and EU member states (Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway).

Adalimumab inhibits the activity of tumor necrosis factor, a protein in the body that causes inflammation. The drug is used in the treatment of multiple conditions, including Crohn disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis.

Alvotech noted that Humira has annual sales of about $20 billion. AbbVie, the owner of the Humira franchise, has captured significant market share with its own high-concentration, citrate-free formulation, and Alvotechs product has the potential to take a portion of that business away from the drug company giant.

However, Alvotech would not be the first company to bring a high-concentration biosimilar of adalimumab to market in the European Union. Celltrion Healthcare achieved that milestone in February 2021 when it received European Commission approval to market Yuflyma, a 100-mg formulation.

Both Celltrion and Alvotech hope to gain FDA approval to market their high-concentration adalimumab biosimilars in the United States.

Biosimilar Adalimumab in New Zealand

New Zealands Pharmaceutical Management Agency (Pharmac), the government entity that decides which medicines are subsidized for use in hospitals and community settings, said it is contemplating making the adalimumab biosimilar Amgevita the principal adalimumab product in that country, displacing Humira, in February 2022.

Pharmac said the proposed change would save money. The list price of Amgevita would be lower than the current adalimumab list price, Pharmac said.

Amgevita is available in citrate-free formulation, which reduces pain on injection, and is dispensed in prefilled pens and syringes in doses of 20 mg/0.4 mL and 40 mg/0.8 mL; however, Pharmac said dosing restrictions would be removed for patients using Amgevita.

Higher concentration Humira is available, also in citrate-free formulations, and it was not explained whether the removal of dosing restrictions on Amgevita is intended to compensate for that. A public comment period on the proposal closes on September 22, 2021.

Patients who start on adalimumab treatment would automatically receive Amgevita, and those who are currently treated with Humira would have to switch to Amgevita by September 1, 2022. The Amgevita preference would continue at least through June 2026.

This proposal results from a competitive process for the principal supply of funded adalimumab. It would release significant funds for Pharmac to invest in other medicines for the benefit of New Zealanders, the government organization said.

Theres a (Biosimilar) Pill for That

BioFactura, a Maryland-based biopharmaceutical company, said it will partner with Rani Therapeutics to package its proposed ustekinumab biosimilar (BFI-751) in the form of a robotic pill that is ingested and delivers a drug payload into the small intestine via injection.

The ustekinumab biosimilar candidate would reference Stelara and be used in the treatment of Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis, plaque psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis. Ustekinumab reduces inflammation that causes these conditions.

The robotic pill concept, if successful, would substitute for subcutaneous or intravenous administration, BioFactura said. The RaniPill capsule is designed to be a pain-free alternative for delivering large molecule chronic disease treatments that are typically administered via injection, the company said.

Rani Therapeutics will conduct preclinical studies to determine whether pill administration is suitable for ustekinumab administration.

BioFactura Australia, the BioFactura subsidiary charged with development of BFI-751, initiated a phase 1 double-blind trial in April 2021 to compare pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability between the originator and biosimilar candidate agents.

Rani Therapeutics created a simulation video that demonstrates how the robotic pill would travel through the body to deliver a drug agent.

For Related Reading:

The Center for Biosimilars recently interviewed Anil Okay, chief commercial officer for Alvotech, about the company's biosimilar development and marketing plans. Okay explained why the company believes the high concentration formulation, AVT02, will have a marketing advantage.

View post:
Roundup: Adalimumab Biosimilar Advancements and a Biosimilar Pill - The Center for Biosimilars

Ixekizumab (Taltz) is an injectable medication that can treat a few inflammatory conditions, including:

It works by blocking the immune reactions that cause inflammation in your skin or joints.

Taltz is a liquid solution that gets injected under your skin. It comes in a pre-filled syringe or a pre-filled auto-injector.

An auto-injector is a device that you can use to inject a pre-loaded dose of medication under your skin by pressing a button. Auto-injectors are usually spring-loaded syringes.

If youve been prescribed Taltz for psoriasis, your doctor will likely give you your first dose in their office. Adults may then self-administer future doses at home.

Taking Taltz at home is a fairly simple process, but you should be familiar with a few instructions before you can inject the medication on your own. A doctor or nurse should also provide training to you or your caregiver before sending you home with your next doses.

Make sure to confirm with your doctor how often you need to take Taltz. Dosing of Taltz may vary depending on your age and diagnosis.

Adults with psoriasis will most likely have a single injection once every 2 weeks for 12 weeks, followed by an injection every 4 weeks.

Youll need these supplies for your injection:

Taltz should be stored in the refrigerator. It shouldnt be frozen.

If necessary, you can store Taltz at room temperature for up to 5 days in the package it comes in. Once stored at room temperature, dont return Taltz to the refrigerator.

Dont attempt to self-inject until a doctor or nurse shows you how to use the auto-injector or syringe properly.

First, familiarize yourself with the auto-injector or pre-filled syringe, whichever youll be using, and their key components:

After you gather supplies, youll need to examine the auto-injector or syringe to make sure its safe to inject. Follow these steps:

You can inject Taltz anywhere on the front of your thighs or stomach, except your belly button and the area thats 1 inch around it.

Research from 2016 suggests that injecting into the thigh is the easiest and least painful for people with psoriasis.

A caregiver can also inject the medication into the back of your upper arm. Do not try to inject into the back of your arm yourself.

You can rotate the place of each injection to help reduce the chances of soreness and redness at the injection site.

Avoid skin that is red, swollen, bruised, tender, or scarred. Also, avoid parts of your skin affected by psoriasis.

Once youve chosen the injection site and washed your hands, there are a few steps to follow to safely give yourself the injection.

If you prefer, you can watch this video for instructions on how to use the auto-injector or pre-filled syringe. The manufacturers website also has instructional videos on how to inject Taltz.

After receiving an injection of Taltz, you may have some soreness around the injection site. These reactions are common and usually mild. Applying a cold pack to the affected area may help.

Always call your doctor right away if you start having any concerning side effects, such as an allergic reaction. If youre having serious side effects, such as trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number.

Youll need to abide by state or local laws to dispose of a sharps container once its full. For more information, visit the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)s sharp disposal website.

The syringe is for one-time use only. Never reuse a syringe.

Needle-related anxiety may make it difficult to inject Taltz on your own.

If you have a fear of needles, try the following to ease the fear of self-injection:

A caregiver, such as a family member or friend, can also undergo training to provide the injection if youre unable to do it yourself. A caregiver can also offer support while you self-inject Taltz.

Over time, and with more practice, youll likely gain confidence in yourself and self-injection will get easier.

Though Taltz isnt expected to interact with other drugs or supplements, be sure to tell your doctor or pharmacist about any medications, herbs, or vitamins youre currently taking.

Some of these products may interfere with Taltz, or its possible that Taltz will interfere with some of these products.

You should avoid receiving live vaccines while youre taking Taltz. This is because Taltz can weaken your immune system and leave you susceptible to infections.

Inactivated vaccines are safe to take while also taking Taltz, but they may not be as effective. This includes the COVID-19 vaccines. Still, talk with your doctor to find out what the best course of action is for you.

Call your doctor if you have more questions about how to use the Taltz auto-injector. The manufacturer of Taltz also has injection resources available under a program known as Taltz Together.

To access training options or over-the-phone training, call 844-TALTZ-NOW (844-825-8966) during business hours (8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Friday) to reach a registered nurse.

If youve been prescribed Taltz, a doctor or nurse can provide training on how to give yourself injections at home. Two devices are available for injecting Taltz: an auto-injector or a pre-filled syringe.

Make sure to discuss these options with your doctor. Most people prefer to use the auto-injector since it allows you to inject Taltz with the push of a button, without having to see the needle.

Before taking Taltz, make sure to read and understand how to store the medication and inspect the product. You may also want to familiarize yourself with the syringe or auto-injector and its components.

If you experience any serious side effects after taking Taltz, call your doctor right away.

View post:
How to Take Taltz for Psoriasis: Self-Injection Steps and More - Healthline

DetailsCategory: Small MoleculesPublished on Wednesday, 15 September 2021 15:44Hits: 277

CAMBRIDGE, MA, USA I September 14, 2021 I Nimbus Therapeutics, a biotechnology company designing breakthrough medicines through structure-based drug discovery and development, today announced dosing of patients in the Phase 2b study of the companys oral allosteric TYK2 inhibitor. The study will assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of the investigational therapy in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.

Nimbus is proud to be embarking on this next phase of clinical study of our TYK2 program, bringing us another step closer to delivering a powerful new treatment option to patients with moderate to severe psoriasis, said Jeb Keiper, M.S., MBA, Chief Executive Officer of Nimbus. Allosteric TYK2 inhibitors have immense promise as a new class of medicines that can selectively inhibit TYK2 and therefore offer the potential for treating psoriasis and other autoimmune and inflammatory conditions with greater efficacy and fewer safety concerns than previous generations of medications.

TYK2 inhibition is a promising treatment approach for a wide range of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases thanks to the proteins central role in both the innate and adaptive immune responses. Nimbus allosteric TYK2 inhibitor has demonstrated highly selective inhibition of TYK2 with little evidence of off-target effects, and in Phase 1 studies, demonstrated safety and tolerability with efficacy signals consistent with what is expected of an allosteric TYK2 inhibitor.

The Phase 2b trial (NCT# 04999839) is a randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled study that will evaluate four dosages of the investigational therapy taken orally once per day. It is planned to enroll approximately 250 subjects. Its primary endpoint will be the proportion of patients achieving PASI-75, meaning a 75% improvement in skin lesions as measured by the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index, at 12 weeks. Additional trial details can be found by visiting ClinicalTrials.gov.

We are grateful to partner with the leading investigators and medical centers participating in this trial, said Bhaskar Srivastava, M.D., Ph.D., Vice President of Early Clinical Development at Nimbus. What Nimbus and our partners do every day helps create new options and hope for patients.

Nimbus plans to initiate multiple other Phase 2 studies in various autoimmune and inflammatory diseases in 2021 and 2022 to elucidate the full range of potential patient benefit from its oral allosteric TYK2 inhibitor.

About Nimbus Therapeutics

Nimbus Therapeutics designs breakthrough medicines. Utilizing its powerful structure-based drug discovery engine, Nimbus designs potent and selective small molecule compounds targeting proteins that are known to be fundamental drivers of pathology in highly prevalent human diseases and which have proven difficult for other drug makers to tackle. Nimbus is headquartered in Cambridge, Mass. http://www.nimbustx.com

SOURCE: Nimbus Therapeutics

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Nimbus Therapeutics Announces First Patient Dosed in Phase 2b Study of Oral Allosteric TYK2 Inhibitor in Patients with Moderate to Severe Psoriasis |...

Investigators in Brazil concluded that the severity of COVID-19 did not differ among patients with atopic dermatitis, chronic urticaria , psoriasis, and vitiligo. However, but acute COVID-19 and its treatments was linked to changes in the course of skin diseases.

In a letter to the editor, Helio Miot, MD, PhD, a Professor of Dermatology at Unesp Botucatu, Sao Paulo state, Brazil, and fellow investigators noted that among COVID-19 complications, the inflammation caused by it could influence the skin microenvironment.

Limited information was available on the influence of COVID-19 and its treatments on patients with cutaneous diseases, though it was hypothesized that dermatolicial conditions could be affected by the virus.

Miot and colleagues conducted an electronic survey to evaluate acute COVID-19 symptoms, treatment, and changes as they related to the psoriasis, vitiligo, atopic dermatitis, and chronic urticaria.

Miot and investigators analyzed 6614 confirmed COVID-19 cases between May and June 2021.

Of the total number of cases, 843 reported 1 of the 4 active skin diseases.

Via 88,648 SMS messages and online support groups, investigators contacted these participants to engage in an online questionnaire regarding COVID-19 and the featured skin diseases.

Associations among dermatological treatments for the featured diseases and COVID-19 severity, symptomatic period, and clinical course were studied.

Overall, hospitalization due to COVID-19 did not differ between respondents with (9%) and without (11%) skin diseases, though a lower rate of hospitalization was noted for respondents with vitiligo who used oral antioxidants.

However, Miot and colleagues reported that some symptoms related to the virus were associated with various skin diseases.

High fever was associated with an exacerbation of chronic urticaria, and severe dyspnea was associated with the worsening of arthralgia in psoriasis and atopic dermatitis lesions.

Additionally, the use of antimalarials for COVID-19 was shown in the exacerbation of vitiligo, and hydroxychloroquine was associated with clinical worsening.

Oral corticosteroids also lead to greater clinical impairment in respondents with vitiligo and chronic urticaria, as did antihistamines for those with atopic dermatitis.

Antihistamines were also associated with longer symptomatic periods in cases of acute COVID-19, however methotrexate and biologics had no detectable effect on the virus.

Several other important developments were recorded during the study.

Miot and investigators believed the use of oral glucocorticoids, which were used in cases of unstable vitiligo and chronic urticaria, indicated increased exacerbation caused by viral infection.

They added that the clinical worsening of chronic urticaria by COVID-19 was the possible influence of TGF - secretion. The event led to fatigue, fever, cough, and pneumonia, and was associated with high fever as well.

The acute-phase protein EL-6 was also linked to COVID-19 symptoms.

The severity of COVID-19 does not differ among patients with AD, CU, psoriasis, and vitiligo, but acute COVID-19 and its treatments can affect the course of skin diseases, the team wrote.

The letter, COVID-19 and skin diseases: results from a survey of 843 patients with atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, vitiligo, and chronic urticaria, was published online in the Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.

Continue reading here:
COVID-19 Linked to Exacerbations in Skin Diseases - MD Magazine

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes an overgrowth of skin cells. In the years after psoriasis appears, a number of people may develop joint problems, too. This is called psoriatic arthritis, and its a type of arthritis that falls into the same family as spondyloarthritis.

Psoriatic arthritis can cause joint pain, inflammation, and swelling, much like other types of arthritis like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Having psoriatic arthritis might also put you at risk of developing other autoimmune conditions.

Theres a wide range of estimates when it comes to how many people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis, with about a third of all people with psoriasis reported joint problems.

For nearly 70 percent of these people, psoriasis develops before usually by about a decade psoriatic arthritis. For the others, no one is really sure what causes the condition, but there are several risk factors and triggers that could contribute.

Read on to learn more about risk factors and triggers for psoriatic arthritis.

There are a number of risk factors that can increase your chances of developing psoriatic arthritis.

The main precursor to psoriatic arthritis is a history of psoriasis, and these two conditions share many risk factors. Its also important to note that psoriatic arthritis is more common in people who have severe cases of psoriasis or develop psoriasis plaques in particular areas like:

Other risk factors that can increase your risk of developing psoriatic arthritis include:

Like many chronic conditions, psoriatic arthritis can have periods of remission and flare-ups. Knowing what can trigger a flare-up for you can be helpful in keeping the condition under control.

While studies debate the connection between psoriatic arthritis and stress, smoking, or alcohol use, these have all been linked to flare-ups of the condition. Skin injuries may lead to new psoriasis plaques, but injuries to joints or other body parts may result in arthritis pain later, too.

Finally, anything that increases inflammation in the body can cause flare-ups of a host of autoimmune-related conditions, including psoriatic arthritis. Examples include:

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Psoriatic Arthritis Causes and Risk Factors - Healthline

More than half the population (54%)* suffers from dry, psoriasis, rosacea and eczema-prone skin at some time during the year.

Two generations ago, only 3% of babies born in Northern Ireland developed eczema. Today, around 25% develop this dry skin condition within the first six months of life and one in five adults have it for the rest of their lives.

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis - the most common form - presents as dry, red, itchy patches of skin which can crack, blister and ooze liquid. It most commonly shows up on elbows, knees, scalp and face, but can occur anywhere on the body.

No one knows exactly what causes it, but medical experts point to what is literally being pumped into the world around us. Genetics, the environment, immune system activation and stress all play a part in pre-disposing someone towards developing eczema.

Skincare expert Joanna Gardiner, CEO of Gardiner Family Apothecary, creators of Elave Sensitive Skincare, has offered advice on caring for eczema-prone skin in the run-up to National Eczema Week (13-19 Sept).

Eczema is easily diagnosed by your health visitor, pharmacist or GP. Although it is not contagious and children often outgrow it, eczema is a lifelong condition and there is no cure. However, flare-ups can be managed and many people have long periods of remission.

Most cases of eczema and other dry skin conditions can be treated with mild, topical creams you can buy over the counter. In more severe cases, your GP will prescribe steroids, but normally they will try milder solutions first. Light therapy and biologic medication can also be prescribed.

The skin is the bodys largest organ and as it does not mature until the age of two, it is vital to take proper care of it from the beginning. For the first six weeks of life, we would advise using only tepid water on babys skin, giving them a top-to-toe wash two or three times a week while keeping the nappy area scrupulously clean.

When ready, use only the purest, cleanest, most gentle formulations on young skin.

Attacks of eczema can be triggered by a whole range of factors, including certain foods, scents, soap, detergents, dust, animal dander, scratchy fabrics and changes in temperature. The itchiness tends to get worse at night, when the body can become overheated, or when skin is sweaty, as in after playing sports.

It is vital to establish a daily head-to-toe skincare regime which uses the same range of formulations, so you know exactly what you are putting on your body. To avoid triggers which can cause flare-ups, keep an eye on what you are putting in your body as well. Common food triggers are dairy, pulses, citrus, gluten and spices.

Keep your home particularly bedrooms on the cool side and do not use scented candles, room sprays or perfumes. Use an eczema-safe detergent for your laundry and opt for layers of natural fabrics, like cotton, silk and linen, rather than synthetic fabrics or scratchy wool. Even tags and seams can trigger an attack.

Try to minimise extreme temperature changes, such as going from a centrally-heated home into cold winter air, and vacuum daily to control dust and animal dander. Avoid stress, as this can also trigger flare-ups.

Clinifast garments, vests, leggings, socks and mittens made from supersoft, stretchy fabric, are available for children and adults and combined with wet or dry wrapping can help make things more comfortable, day or night.

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