Follicular scales, scalp and ocular involvement in patients with papulopustular rosacea: prevalence and association with Demodex mite proliferation.

Facial follicular scales, dandruff, scalp itching and ocular alterations are lesser-known signs of rosacea and demodicosis. The aim of this prospective original study was to investigate the presence of these signs and symptoms in patients with almost-clear, mild and moderate papulopustular rosacea (PPR) and to study the differences between Demodex-positive (D+) and Demodex-negative (D-) rosacea. Twenty-seven out of 60 patients (45%) presented follicular scales, 24 (40%) ocular involvement and 22 (36.67%) scalp involvement. Follicular scales were more frequently observed in mild and moderate than in almost-clear rosacea (P<0.001). Itching of the scalp was more frequently reported in patients with moderate rosacea than in those with mild disease (P=0.05). Follicular scales (P=0.002) and scalp itching (P=0.05) were more frequently reported in D+ than in D- patients. Among D+ patients, scalp itching was more frequently reported in mild than in almost clear rosacea (P=0.01) and ocular symptoms associated to scalp itching were more frequently reported in moderate than in almost-clear rosacea (P=0.05). We suggest looking for these signs and symptoms in all patients with PPR, because they can be a sign of a more severe form of rosacea or of demod-icosis.

The impact of occlusive vs non-occlusive application of methyl aminolevulinate on the efficacy and tolerability of daylight photodynamic therapy for actinic keratosis.

BACKGROUND: Conventional photodynamic therapy (c-PDT) is an effective treatment for actinic keratoses (AKs) and nonmelanoma skin cancer which exploits the photosensitizing properties of methyl aminolaevulinate (MAL). Daylight photodynamic therapy (DL-PDT) is an alternative to c-PDT which does not require the application of MAL in occlusion and that is better tolerated by patients. The impact of occlusion on the efficacy of DL-PD has not been investigated by previous studies. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and tolerability of occlusive and non-occlusive DL-PDT. METHODS: We conducted a prospective intraindividual left/right comparison study. AKs of the face or scalp were marked in two symmetrical treatment areas. The two target areas were randomly assigned to DL-PDT with occlusive and non-occlusive application of MAL. The efficacy and cosmetic outcome were determined by a "blinded" investigator. RESULTS: Lesions in occluded areas showed a better response in the clearance rate of the lesions (65.5% vs 35.0 %, p < 0.001 %), and cosmetic outcome (P < 0.001). There was no difference in phototoxicity or pain between occluded and non-occluded areas. CONCLUSION: The occlusive application of MAL improves the efficacy of DL-PDT in clearing AKs and does not increase the incidence of side effects.

Has the Use of the Mask Exacerbated Rosacea During the Pandemic?

INTRODUCTION: During the COVID-19 pandemic, personal protective equipment, particularly face masks, became an essential requirement to engage in various activities. Several articles reported an increase of recurrences of dermatologic facial diseases (ie, acne, rosacea) related to mask use. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the number of recurrences of rosacea related to face mask use. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted on adult patients with a pre-pandemic diagnosis of mild and moderate papulopustular rosacea. All patients had previously achieved either partial or complete remission after a 4-month treatment with topical ivermectin in 2019. We collected data in two different phases characterized by different intensity of mask use during the pandemic and post-pandemic period. We collected data through clinical assessment of the disease, questionnaires on personal habits and standardized skin surface biopsy to study the Demodex mites count. RESULTS: We enrolled a total of 30 patients. In the pandemic period, 5/30 patients had a relapse of mild papulopustular rosacea; the Demodex sample resulted positive in 4/5 relapsed patients. In the post-pandemic period, 4/30 patients reported a relapse of mild rosacea (3 patients) and moderate papulopustular rosacea (1 patient). At the Demodex exam, 1/4 relapsed patients resulted positive. CONCLUSIONS: We did not find a significant increase in relapses of papulopustular rosacea during the pandemic. An appropriate anti-parasitic treatment may reduce the number of recurrences due to mask use.

"De Novo" Psoriasis and Relapse of Psoriasis Induced by Dupilumab: Three New Cases and Review of the Literature.

Atopic dermatitis and psoriasis are traditionally considered diseases that cannot coexist, since they are described as the result of the activation of opposing inflammatory pathways. However, this belief has been debunked, and numerous cases of psoriasis induced by dupilumab, a biologic treatment for atopic dermatitis, have been reported. We report three cases of dupilumab-induced psoriasis and we present a literature review including cases of "de novo" psoriasis and of the relapse of psoriasis that occurred during treatment with dupilumab. In total, 39 publications met the inclusion criteria, including 112 AD patients, 101 of whom developed "de novo" psoriasis, and 11 with a flare of pre-existent psoriasis. In the first group, patients more frequently developed plaque psoriasis on the scalp and extremities, after an average latency period from the initiation of dupilumab of 5 months. In the second group, the incidence of dupilumab-induced relapses of psoriasis was 43%, after an average of 4 months since the first administration. The most common psoriasis type was plaque psoriasis, with the involvement of the scalp and upper extremities. Dupilumab was interrupted in 38% of patients with "de novo" psoriasis and in 50% of relapsed patients, leading, in most cases, to an improvement of psoriasis. In conclusion, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis can definitely co-exist, and biologic drugs used to treat the former can promote the latter. It is thus crucial to perform a careful personal and familiar anamnesis before prescribing any biologic treatment. Moreover, a study of cytokine expression and blood proteomic markers could be considered in these patients.

A novel moisture for xerosis in psoriatic patients: a single center study.

BACKGROUND: Xerosis is an extremely common condition, especially in the elderly population. It is the most common cause of pruritus in the older adult. Since xerosis is generally caused by a lack of epidermal lipids, the use of leave-on skin care products is the mainstay treatment. The aim of this open prospective analytical observational study was to investigate the clinical and self-reported hydrating efficacy of a moisturizer formulation containing a synergy between amino-inositol and urea (INOSIT-U 20) in patients with psoriasis and xerosis. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with psoriasis successfully treated with biologic therapy, and who presented xerosis, were recruited. Each patient was instructed to apply the topical with a frequency of two applications per die on the identified skin area. Corneometry values and a VAS itch questionnaire were measured at baseline (T0) and after 28 days (T4). To evaluate the cosmetic efficacy, the volunteers also completed a self-assessment questionnaire. RESULTS: Comparing Corneometry values at T0 and T4, a statistically significant increase value was observed in the area subjected to topical treatment (P<0.0001). A significant decrease in itch (P=0.001) was also observed. Moreover, the patients' ratings of the cosmetic properties of the moisturizer showed significant confirmation rates. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides preliminary evidence that INOSIT-U20 provides a good hydrating effect on xerosis, further reducing self-reported itch.

Severe Generalized Pustular Psoriasis Successfully Treated with Ixekizumab: A Case Report.

Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a severe and potentially life-threatening type of psoriasis. We present the case of a patient with severe GPP, at first unsuccessfully treated with cyclosporine. We chose to treat the patient with ixekizumab, an anti-IL-17 antibody known for its rapid action in psoriasis vulgaris, that has also been reported as effective in GPP. The patient improved rapidly, with resolution of the active lesions after the first administration. The treatment has been continued for 2 years, with no adverse events and sustained disease control. Ixekizumab could be considered a safe and effective option in patients with GPP.