Journal Digest: May 28

International Journal of Dermatology: Challenging the Dogma That Psoriasis Skin Lesions Occur Before Arthritis

A study investigated the timing of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) onset relative to psoriasis diagnosis, challenging the common belief that skin lesions precede joint symptoms. Using a single-center retrospective chart review of electronic health records from a large tertiary care center, the study evaluated patients diagnosed with arthritis prior to psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, or rosacea between January 1 and December 31, 2023. The results showed that 14.3% of psoriasis patients had a preceding arthritis diagnosis, compared to 6.8% of rosacea patients and 2.4% of eczema patients, with a statistically significant difference.¹

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology: Adipose Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes Versus Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatment for Photoaged Facial Skin: An Investigator-Blinded, Split-Face, Non-Inferiority Trial

A study compared adipose mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for treating photoaged facial skin. In a split-face, investigator-blinded trial, participants received radiofrequency microneedling with PRP on 1 side and exosomes on the other. Results showed comparable improvements in wrinkles, pigmentation, redness, texture, and overall skin appearance, with histology confirming increased collagen and glycosaminoglycans.²

Australasian Journal of Dermatology: Asynchronous 3D Photography Is a Reliable Tool for the Assessment of Mycosis Fungoides Clinical Severity

A study evaluated the accuracy of 3D total body photography (TBP) for assessing mycosis fungoides compared to in-person evaluations, addressing a gap in teledermatology data for this condition. Thirteen patients with mycosis fungoides were assessed using the modified Severity Weighted Assessment Tool both in-person and via 3D TBP images reviewed eight weeks later. Results showed moderate to good agreement between in-person and virtual assessments (ICC = 0.71–0.80), with strong test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.79). While 3D TBP missed areas like the scalp and soles, the study concluded it offers a reliable alternative to in-person assessment and supports its potential use in remote mycosis fungoides management.³

JEADV Clinical Practice: A Global Survey of Clinical and Laboratory Assessment in Alopecia Areata by Hair Specialists

A global survey studied laboratory testing practices for alopecia areata among 214 hair experts across 14 countries to assess variation in clinical approach and alignment with guidelines. Findings showed wide variability: most experts ordered thyroid function (73.4%) and complete blood count (65.9%), while fewer tested for mimics (24.3%) or nutritional factors (39.7%). Testing increased when initiating Janus kinase inhibitor therapy, including lipid profiles, hepatitis panels, and tuberculosis screening. The study concluded that real-world practices vary significantly.⁴

Skin Research and Technology: Non-Invasive Imaging for the Evaluation of a New Oral Supplement in Skin Aging: A Case-Controlled Study

A study evaluated the effects of a supplement containing an herbal mixture (Venerinase), B-vitamins, zinc, and magnesium on preventing photoaging. Forty participants were randomized to receive either the supplement or a placebo, with assessments at baseline, 2 months, and 4 months. Results showed a significant reduction in the Griffith scale score (from 4.5 to 3.76), indicating improved photoaging. VISIA 2D images revealed a decrease in red areas and a borderline reduction in wrinkles. OCT analysis showed a borderline decrease in collagen density.⁵

References

1. Gantz HY, Yi RC, Ruley AJ, et al. Challenging the dogma that psoriasis skin lesions occur before arthritis. Int J Dermatol. Published online May 21, 2025. doi:10.1111/ijd.17862
2. Estupiñan B, Ly K, Goldberg DJ. Adipose mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes versus platelet-rich plasma treatment for photoaged facial skin: an investigator-blinded, split-face, non-inferiority trial. J Cosmet Dermatol. Published online May 25, 2025. doi:10.1111/jocd.70208
3. Truong K, Elhindi J, Ruiz Araujo R, et al. Asynchronous 3D photography is a reliable tool for the assessment of mycosis fungoides clinical severity. Australas J Dermatol. Published online May 23, 2025. doi:10.1111/ajd.14531
4. O'Connor C, Boyle A, Asfour L, et al. COLLAB: A global survey of clinical and laboratory assessment in alopecia areata by hair specialists. JEADV Clin Pract. Published online May 23, 2025. doi:10.1002/jvc2.70067
5. Michelini S, Greco ME, Vespasiani G, et al. Non-invasive imaging for the evaluation of a new oral supplement in skin aging: a case-controlled study. Skin Res Technol. Published online May 24, 2025. doi:10.1111/srt.70171

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