Journal Digest: April 23

Journal of General and Family Medicine: Epidermolysis bullosa for primary care providers: A practical review

A recent review emphasized the role of pediatricians and primary care providers in managing patients with epidermolysis bullosa (EB). As patients often attend multidisciplinary clinics intermittently, primary care providers frequently serve as the first point of contact for acute and routine care. The review highlights available resources, practical care tips, and newly approved therapies to support collaboration between pediatricians, dermatologists, and specialists in optimizing outcomes for children with EB.¹

Pediatric Dermatology: Patient-Reported Impact of Atopic Dermatitis on Pediatric and Adolescent Patients With Moderate-To-Severe Disease: Results of a Real-World, Cross-Sectional Survey

A recent cross-sectional survey assessed the real-world disease burden and treatment patterns in pediatric and adolescent patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. Data from 772 patients across Europe and the US were analyzed (393 pediatric [0–11 years], 379 adolescent [12–17 years]). Adolescents were more likely than pediatric patients to be treated with systemic corticosteroids, phototherapy, immunosuppressants, or biologics (p < 0.0001). Itch was highly bothersome in both groups, with 38% citing it as the most troubling symptom. Adolescents reported greater anxiety-related bother (67% vs. 49%), self-consciousness (p < 0.0001), and impacts on friendships (p < 0.05).²

The Journal of Dermatology: Effectiveness of Dupilumab and Omalizumab in Bullous Pemphigoid: A Nationwide Retrospective Cohort Study

A recent multicenter retrospective cohort study evaluated real-world outcomes of biologic therapies in patients with bullous pemphigoid (BP). Among 2435 screened records across 15 Italian hospitals, 58 Caucasian patients met inclusion criteria—39 received dupilumab and 19 omalizumab. Disease control was achieved in 90.6% of dupilumab-treated patients and 77.8% of those on omalizumab. Complete remission on minimal therapy was seen in 71.0% and 64.7% of patients, respectively. Both groups showed a significant decrease in disease severity over time (p < 0.05). Findings support the potential role of biologics—particularly dupilumab—as adjuvant therapies in difficult-to-treat BP.³

International Journal of Dermatology: Correlating Optical Coherence Tomography and Other Noninvasive Imaging Features With Atrophic and Hypertrophic Skin Photoaging

A recent imaging-based study investigated correlations between skin photoaging phenotypes—atrophic (AP), hypertrophic (HP), and controls—using optical coherence tomography, dynamic-OCT (D-OCT), standardized clinical photography, and reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM). Researchers analyzed 58 patients (AP: 17; HP: 24; controls: 17) to determine imaging differences among phenotypes. AP subjects demonstrated significantly higher vessel assets and densities via D-OCT (p < 0.05) compared to HP and controls. RCM collagen scores correlated with clinically observed wrinkles, especially in HP subjects. Findings support the need to tailor treatment approaches based on skin photoaging morphology to optimize personalized care.⁴

Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology: Understanding patient priorities in teledermatology for psoriasis: A discrete choice experiment

A recent discrete choice experiment explored patient preferences regarding teledermatology for psoriasis in Germany, where adoption remains low despite supportive guidelines. Researchers surveyed 221 patients (mean age: 58.9 years; 39.8% female) and analyzed responses using conditional logit models. While patients generally preferred standard-of-care, key factors such as care from a known physician, the ability to ask questions, acknowledgment of concerns, and quick responses—especially during flare-ups—significantly increased the appeal of teledermatology. The study found no preference between live-interactive and store-and-forward modes. Findings suggest that aligning teledermatology services with patient priorities may improve its adoption in psoriasis care.⁵

References

1. Sparling K, O'Haver J, Shahin M, et al. Epidermolysis bullosa for primary care providers: A practical review. J Gen Fam Med. 2025;16:70014. doi:10.1002/jgf2.70014
2. Eichenfield LF, Shi VY, Yu J, et al. Patient-reported impact of atopic dermatitis on pediatric and adolescent patients with moderate-to-severe disease: results of a real-world, cross-sectional survey. Pediatr Dermatol. 2025;42(5):15940. doi:10.1111/pde.15940
3. Avallone G, Maronese CA, Zussino M, et al. Effectiveness of dupilumab and omalizumab in bullous pemphigoid: a nationwide retrospective cohort study. J Dermatol. 2025;42(4):17742. doi:10.1111/1346-8138.17742
4. Guida S, Ciardo S, Galadari H, et al. Correlating optical coherence tomography and other noninvasive imaging features with atrophic and hypertrophic skin photoaging. Int J Dermatol. 2025;64(4):17799. doi:10.1111/ijd.17799
5. Reinders P, Augustin M, Stephan B, Otten M. Understanding patient priorities in teledermatology for psoriasis: A discrete choice experiment. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2025;39(4):20701. doi:10.1111/jdv.20701

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