A recent systematic review and meta-analysis looked at the possible connection between alcohol and atopic dermatitis (AD) in two different ways. First, the study explored whether there may be a link to alcohol use in pregnancy and AD in children, and then also looked more broadly at how alcohol use may affect AD risk generally. …
Our understanding of autoimmune inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis has increased dramatically in recent years, especially in regards to the pathophysiology of disease. Developing treatments that target T-cells and their corresponding cytokines has led to increased effectiveness when fighting these diseases. A recent article looked at the role of IL-23 in such diseases. IL-23 is …
Patients with psoriasis often have cardiovascular comorbidities and more cardiovascular risk factors. Cardiovascular disease and psoriasis share similar immunologic profiles as both are mediated by type 1 and type 17 helper T cells. Therefore, when biologic agents that target this immunologic pathway are used for treatment they may have beneficial effects on cardiovascular parameters. A …
Biologic agents used to treat chronic inflammatory diseases are complex and often expensive medications. More affordable versions of biologic agents, known as a “biosimilars” are starting to hit the marketplace, but clinicians may be unsure about their characteristics and use, and possibly more reluctant to prescribe them. A recent review article sought to provide the …
Impetigo, a common skin infection seen in daycares and schools across the world, is highly contagious and can have effects as mild as a few missed days of school to more serious complications such as rheumatic heart disease. Because the infection is so common it is often treated without a confirming culture, and there is …
In order to reduce or minimize scar formation, some clinicians have begun using lasers on an incision or wound within 3 months after injury. This method, which is attempting to target the early wound-healing process, has been used with some success, but there was no systematic review of whether the practice is recommended. A recent …