Journal Digest: March 26

Dermatological Reviews: Improvement in Atopic Dermatitis Using a Novel Topical 2% Cannabidiol (CBD) Application

A recent study examined the potential of cannabidiol (CBD) cream as a treatment for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD). Researchers conducted a 4-week open-label observational study with 19 participants, assessing the effects of daily application of a 2% CBD cream. Evaluations at multiple time points indicated improvements in skin hydration, inflammation relief, comfort, and overall skin appearance. Objective assessments and clinical photography supported patient-reported benefits. Findings suggest that CBD may be a sustainable and effective therapeutic option for managing mild to moderate AD, though further research is warranted.¹

Experimental Dermatology: The Skin Mycobiome of Patients With Atopic Dermatitis and Healthy Volunteers: A Case–Control Study

A recent study investigated the role of skin mycobiome dysbiosis in AD by comparing fungal communities in 50 AD patients and 50 healthy volunteers. Researchers used culture-based methods and metataxonomic sequencing to identify fungal species, finding a higher culture-positive rate in AD patients (74% vs. 28%). Rhodotorula, Candida, Malassezia, and Naganishia species were predominant in AD cases. Metataxonomic analysis revealed 2 AD subgroups: 1 with a fungal composition similar to healthy volunteers and another with distinct fungal shifts, including increased environmental moulds and yeasts. Notably, air-conditioning exposure correlated with these mycobiome differences. Findings suggest that external factors influence the AD-associated skin mycobiome, warranting further investigation.²

Clinical & Experimental Allergy: Dupilumab-Associated Ocular Surface Disease in Paediatric Atopic Dermatitis Patients: Results From the BioDay Registry

A recent prospective study investigated the incidence and risk factors of dupilumab-associated ocular surface disease (DAOSD) in pediatric patients with AD. Among 104 children (mean age 11.7 years) treated with dupilumab and followed for a median of 70.5 weeks, 34.6% developed DAOSD, with 30.6% of those requiring ocular anti-inflammatory therapy. Common symptoms included pruritus (75.0%), redness (72.2%), and tearing (58.3%), while ophthalmologic exams revealed tarsal conjunctivitis in all patients needing advanced treatment. While only 3.8% of cases led to dupilumab discontinuation, the findings highlight the need for vigilant ocular monitoring, particularly in younger children who may struggle to report symptoms, potentially delaying diagnosis and management.³

JEADV Clinical Practice: Management of Mild-to-Moderate Atopic Dermatitis With Topical Treatments by Dermatologists: A Questionnaire-Based Study

A recent global study explored how dermatologists manage mild to moderate AD using topical treatments. Dermatologists from North America, the Middle East, Asia, South America, and the UK were surveyed about their prescribing practices. Topical corticosteroids (TCSs) were the most commonly used first-line treatment for up to 4 weeks, with weaker TCSs prescribed for younger patients or sensitive areas of the skin. If necessary, dermatologists would adjust treatment based on efficacy or adverse effects, switching to non-steroidal options such as calcineurin inhibitors, crisaborole, or topical JAK inhibitors. Factors influencing treatment decisions included the severity of the condition, patient age, and access to medications, emphasizing the need for personalized approaches in AD management.⁴

International Journal of Dermatology: Type 2 Inflammation and Its Role in Dermatologic Diseases

A recent review examined the role of type 2 inflammation in AD, prurigo nodularis, and chronic spontaneous urticaria. The study highlighted how these immune-mediated skin conditions, despite having distinct clinical presentations, are unified by an aberrant type 2 immune response involving type 2 cytokines, immune cells, and sensory nerves. This shared immune mechanism contributes to the inflammation and intense itch experienced by patients. The review highlights the importance of understanding these common immunologic pathways to guide therapeutic interventions targeting the type 2 immune response in these dermatologic diseases.⁵

References

1. Hakim S, Goel S, Papastergiou J, Goldberg DJ. Improvement in atopic dermatitis using a novel topical 2% cannabidiol (CBD) application. Dermatological Reviews. 2025;6(2). Published online March 24, 2025.
2. Żychowska M, Bakuła Z, Decewicz P, et al. The skin mycobiome of patients with atopic dermatitis and healthy volunteers: a case–control study. Exp Dermatol. 2025;6(2). doi:10.1111/exd.70085
3. van der Rijst LP, van Luijk CM, van der Kamp S, et al. Dupilumab-associated ocular surface disease in paediatric atopic dermatitis patients: results from the BioDay registry. Clin Exp Allergy. 2025;6(2). doi:10.1111/cea.70025
4. Eichenfield LF, Stein Gold LF, Hebert AA, et al. Management of mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis with topical treatments by dermatologists: A questionnaire-based study. JEADV Clin Pract. Published online March 19, 2025. doi:10.1002/jvc2.611
5. Chovatiya R, Hawkes JE, DiRuggiero D, Pansch LA, Simcox E, Gonzalez T. Type 2 inflammation and its role in dermatologic diseases. Int J Dermatol. 2025;64(3):273-283. doi:10.1111/ijd.17707

Want to hear more pearls and expert insights on AD? Join us at the annual Revolutionizing Atopic Dermatitis Conference this June in Nashville, TN.

What new studies have you been involved with or authored? Share with us by emailing DTEditor@mmhgroup.com for an opportunity to be featured.