Journal Digest: February 19

International Journal of Dermatology: The dermatology of recreational scuba diving: A narrative review

A review of scuba diving's dermatological impacts found that the activity, which is popular in the US with over 9 million certified divers, presents several skin-related risks. The study discussed the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on skin, its potential in wound healing, and the increased skin cancer risk from UV exposure and marine water toxins. It also highlighted risks of injury and envenomation from marine organisms, bacterial infections from marine pathogens, and the cutaneous manifestations of decompression sickness.¹

The Journal of Dermatology: Impact of COVID-19 disease and vaccination on dermatological immune-mediated inflammatory diseases atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and vitiligo: a Target2B! substud

A study on the impact of COVID-19 and vaccination on dermatological immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (DIMIDs), such as atopic dermatitis (AD), psoriasis, and vitiligo, found no alarming outcomes for patients with these conditions. Data from 424 patients were analyzed, revealing that while COVID-19 was more common in vitiligo (51.1%), AD (42.0%), and psoriasis (34.3%) patients, it was not linked to immunosuppressive therapy use. Vaccination showed effective seroconversion in nearly all patients. Only a small percentage reported increased disease activity after COVID-19 or vaccination, with baseline progressive disease being the main risk factor.²

Journal of General and Family Medicine: Home-based collaborative management of bullous pemphigoid with delayed seropositive conversion of anti-BP180-NC16a antibody

A case study detailed the home-based management of an 82-year-old male with a history of cerebral infarctions who developed bullous pemphigoid. Though initial tests for anti-BP180-NC16a antibodies were negative, they later turned positive as the condition worsened. A coordinated team of health care providers, including a general practitioner, dermatologist, nurses, and pharmacists, successfully treated the patient at home.³

International Journal of Dermatology: Inflammatory nail disorders in skin of color: A systematic review of clinical and onychoscopic manifestations

A systematic review examined inflammatory nail disorders in individuals with skin of color, addressing a gap in dermatologic research. Researchers analyzed 60 studies from an initial pool of 608, documenting clinical and onychoscopic features in patients with Fitzpatrick skin types IV–VI. The review identified 16 inflammatory nail disorders across 12,743 cases, with nail psoriasis, nail lichen planus, and alopecia areata-associated nail changes among the most common. However, many studies lacked specific documentation of skin of color representation, underscoring the need for greater inclusion in dermatologic research.⁴

Pediatric Dermatology: Oral propranolol and its impact on vital signs in hospitalized pediatric patients for the management of infantile hemangiomas

A retrospective review assessed the safety of inpatient propranolol initiation for infantile hemangiomas in young and low-weight infants. Analyzing 78 pediatric admissions at the University of Minnesota, researchers found that while propranolol led to statistically significant decreases in blood pressure and heart rate, all values remained within normal limits. No cases of symptomatic hypoglycemia occurred, and no significant differences in vital sign changes were observed based on weight, gestational age, or corrected age. These findings support the safety of propranolol initiation in this population and suggest that current monitoring protocols may be more intensive than necessary.⁵

References

1. Scheinkman R, Gwillim E, Barbota K, et al. The dermatology of recreational scuba diving: A narrative review. Int J Dermatol. Published online February 11, 2025. doi:10.1111/ijd.17677
2. van Buchem-Post NF, Ouwerkerk W, Stalman EW, et al. Impact of COVID-19 disease and vaccination on dermatological immune-mediated inflammatory diseases atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and vitiligo: a Target2B! substudy. J Dermatol. Published online February 14, 2025. doi:10.1111/1346-8138.17664
3. Yamashita H, Ando T, Fujikawa H, Shiota M. Home-based collaborative management of bullous pemphigoid with delayed seropositive conversion of anti-BP180-NC16a antibody. J Fam Med. 2025;Volume(Issue):Page numbers. doi:10.1002/jgf2.70002
4. Tordjman L, Thomas J, Tosti A, Morrison BW. Inflammatory nail disorders in skin of color: A systematic review of clinical and onychoscopic manifestations. Int J Dermatol. Published online February 11, 2025. doi:10.1111/ijd.17680
5. Rypka K, Bellefeuille G, Wendland Z, et al. Oral propranolol and its impact on vital signs in hospitalized pediatric patients for the management of infantile hemangiomas. Ped Dermatol. Published online February 18, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1111/pde.15740

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