Top 5 Articles of the Week: June 1-6

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1. Patients with DIMIDs and Pandemic Risks

Research from the T2B! substudy evaluated how COVID-19 and vaccination affected patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (DIMIDs), including atopic dermatitis (AD), psoriasis, and vitiligo. Patients with vitiligo had the highest reported COVID-19 incidence (51.1%), though severe outcomes were rare. Vaccination resulted in high seroconversion rates across all groups, reaching 100% in vitiligo patients after the second dose. Immunosuppressant therapy did not increase infection risk. While most patients tolerated infection and vaccination well, a minority—particularly those with progressive disease at baseline—reported increased DIMID activity afterward. The study underscores the importance of continued monitoring of DIMID progression following COVID-19 and vaccination.

2. Q&A: Jonathan Bernstein, MD, FAAAAI, Discusses Advances in Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria Treatments and AAAAI Data

At the recent 2025 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology/World Allergy Organization Joint Congress, Jonathan Bernstein, MD, FAAAAI, presented multiple abstracts on the efficacy of rilzabrutinib in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU).

In addition, Bernstein authored an abstract outlining findings from the LIBERTY-CSU CUPID Study A and Study C phase 3 trials evaluating dupilumab (Dupixent; Regeneron and Sanofi) in patients with CSU who remain symptomatic despite H1-antihistamine treatment.

In a Q&A with Dermatology Times, Bernstein, a physician practicing in Cincinnati, Ohio, explored the studies and their key insights, their clinical impact on dermatologists and allergists, and the implications for the future of CSU treatment.

3. GLP-1s Emerging as Adjunct Tools in Psoriasis

At the Fall Clinical PA/NP 2025 Meeting, dermatologist Ben Lockshin, MD, discussed the emerging role of GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide and tirzepatide in treating psoriasis, particularly in patients with obesity. Originally used for weight loss, these agents are now being studied for their ability to improve skin outcomes, both alone and in combination with biologics such as ixekizumab. Lockshin cited studies showing improvements in PASI scores, DLQI, and weight loss with semaglutide monotherapy, and ongoing trials exploring whether BMI reduction enhances biologic efficacy. While access remains limited—since psoriasis is not a qualifying comorbidity—Lockshin encouraged providers to consider recommending GLP-1s as part of a multidisciplinary approach to managing psoriatic disease.

4. Heather Gates, PA-C, Leads Inaugural Aesthetics Workshop at Fall Clinical PA/NP

“Lots of fascinating things going on,” Heather Gates, PA-C, told Dermatology Times. “We're trying to stay on the cusp of aesthetics because it is a field that's in its infancy and is ever changing.”

At the 10th Annual Fall Clinical PA/NP Conference in Orlando, Florida, Gates, a physician’s assistant practicing at the Dermatology Institute and Skin Cancer Center in The Villages, Florida, led a groundbreaking Aesthetics Workshop. This is the first time a hands-on workshop of this kind has been given at a Fall Clinical PA/NP meeting.

To shape the workshop, Gates invited 2 standout physician assistants in the aesthetic space, Gary Rubin, PA-C, and Tanya Patron, PA-C. Rubin, known for his precise understanding of facial anatomy, demonstrated facial balancing techniques and live injectable procedures on Gates. Patron, a specialist in non-surgical rhinoplasty using dermal fillers, shared insights into this cutting-edge technique.

5. Cracking the Code on Chronic Hand Eczema

In thier presentation at FCPANP25, Andrea Murina, MD, and Linda Stein Gold, MD, discussed chronic hand eczema (CHE), a multifactorial condition marked by persistent or recurrent flares, varied morphology, and significant impact on quality of life. Diagnostic complexity arises from overlapping etiologies—such as irritant or allergic contact dermatitis and atopic dermatitis—with involvement of Th1, Th2, Th17, and Th22 pathways. Traditional treatments like topical corticosteroids pose risks with long-term use, prompting interest in emerging topical JAK inhibitors. Delgocitinib, a pan-JAK inhibitor, showed 40% of patients achieving “clear” or “almost clear” status in trials, with minimal systemic absorption or irritation. Ruxolitinib, a JAK1/2 inhibitor approved for atopic dermatitis, also demonstrated benefit in CHE with favorable safety. These new therapies may offer steroid-sparing options for moderate to severe CHE and represent a potential shift in future management.