Dermatologic findings associated with semaglutide use
A research letter published in JAAD investigated reported dermatologic adverse events associated with semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist used to induce weight loss and improve glycemic control in type II diabetes. A total of 22 articles described semaglutide-associated dermatologic adverse events in 255 patients. Injection site reactions occurred in 3.5% of patients, which was lower than the rate in the placebo and comparator groups. Oral administration of semaglutide 50 mg was associated with altered skin sensations, such as dysesthesia, hyperesthesia, neuralgia, pain of the skin, paresthesia, sensitive skin, and a skin burning sensation.
[Dermatologists discuss the cutaneous signs of established and emerging illicit substances. Read more.]
In addition, alopecia was reported in 6.9% of patients on oral semaglutide 50 mg weekly compared to 0.3% of patients taking the placebo; however, only 0.2% of patients on subcutaneous semaglutide 2.4 mg had alopecia compared to 0.5% on placebo. Several case reports documented isolated cases of severe events, such as angioedema, bullous pemphigoid, dermal hypersensitivity, eosinophilic fasciitis, and leukocytoclastic vasculitis, that led to discontinuation of semaglutide. According to the authors, “higher rates of alopecia and altered skin sensations were seen in individuals on oral semaglutide. Variations in dosage and administration routes could influence the types and severity of skin findings, underscoring the need for additional research.”
DermWorld Insights and Inquiries: Striving to avoid an amebic nightmare — Recognizing cutaneous Balamuthia mandrillaris infection
Having received the worry gene from my mother, I have nightmares about missing diagnoses that have potentially devastating outcomes. My anxiety level reached new heights over 20 years ago, listening to a presentation by Dr. Amit Pandya at a Medical Dermatology Society meeting. He discussed the case of fatal granulomatous amebic encephalitis due to Balamuthia mandrillaris (Bm) infection in an immunocompetent 89-year-old man. I was spellbound by watching the lesion progress from an indurated plaque to necrotic lesions of the nasal region. Bm amebic encephalitis is an emerging disease and a significant health concern with few survivors despite therapeutic intervention.Keep reading!
Characteristics and treatment of nail psoriasis
A study published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology sought to provide data on the characteristics, manifestations, and treatments for nail psoriasis. This global observational study of patients with nail psoriasis found fingernail involvement in 95.3% and toenail involvement in 57.2% of the patients, with the most prevalent manifestations including pitting (67.1%) and subungual hyperkeratosis (60.4%). Onychomycosis was present in 13.3% of the patients with nail psoriasis, mainly affecting toenails (77.1%). Articular symptoms (predominantly peripheral) were reported by 12.2% of the patients. Only 2.3% of the patients received treatment for nail psoriasis, with biologic therapy being the most common treatment for cutaneous psoriasis with nail involvement.
Clinical features of pediatric longitudinal melanonychia
A study published in Pediatric Dermatology assessed the clinical features for patients with pediatric longitudinal melanonychia. This systematic review and meta-analysis incorporated 24 studies involving 1,391 pediatric patients with longitudinal melanonychia. Nevus was the most common diagnosis (86.3%), followed by lentigo (3.0%), and melanocytic activation (1.3%). The most common features included dark-colored bands, multicolored bands, broad bandwidth, pseudo-Hutchinson sign, and irregular patterns. Most lesions remained stable or underwent spontaneous regression. There were only eight cases of subungual melanoma in situ and no cases of invasive melanoma.
A survey-based study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology aimed to understand dermatologists’ views on biosimilars. The results showed that 20% of the respondents would not prescribe biosimilars for FDA-approved indications. The greatest barriers to biosimilar adoption among dermatologists included safety and efficacy concerns (61%), uncertainty about state laws for substitutions (24%), and safety concerns alone (20%). Only 35% of the respondents felt moderately or extremely knowledgeable about biosimilar interchangeability.
Biosimilar substitution laws passed in 50 states, but details vary. Read more.
The American Academy of Dermatology is a non-profit professional organization and does not endorse companies or products. Advertising helps support our mission.
