Journal Digest: March 12

Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology: Erectile dysfunction in dermatology and venereology: From aetiopathogenic mechanisms to practical considerations for dermato-venereologists

A review of recent literature highlighted a significant yet often overlooked prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) among male dermato-venereological patients, linked to various inflammatory, infectious, autoimmune, and glandular skin diseases. Researchers identified multiple pathogenic mechanisms—including vasculogenic, endocrine, neurogenic, psychogenic, and immunologic pathways—that contribute to ED in these patients. The multisystemic nature of dermatologic conditions further underscores associations with cardiovascular, metabolic, endocrine, and neurological comorbidities, as well as the psychological burden of skin disease, according to authors.¹

Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics: Diet and psoriasis-related information on Instagram: A quality and content analysis of posts under popular psoriasis hashtags

A content analysis of Instagram posts revealed that most dietary recommendations for psoriasis management are of poor quality, with nearly all posts lacking input from health care or nutrition professionals. The most common advice centered on dietary exclusion, particularly avoiding alcohol and dairy, along with trends like detoxing and clean eating. Posts were primarily shared by individuals with lived experience rather than qualified experts, increasing the risk of misinformation. Given the widespread presence of unsubstantiated claims, researchers emphasized the need for health care professionals to provide reliable dietary guidance to people living with psoriasis to counter misinformation and minimize potential harm.²

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology: Systemic anti-inflammatory effects of isotretinoin: Evaluation of red cell distribution width to lymphocyte and platelet ratios as new hematological markers and clinical outcomes in acne vulgaris

A retrospective study of 450 acne patients treated with isotretinoin for 24 weeks found significant reductions in systemic inflammatory markers, including WBC count, NLR, and MLR, while lymphocyte counts increased. RDW-to-lymphocyte and RDW-to-platelet ratios also decreased, suggesting their potential as novel inflammatory markers. Clinical assessments showed marked improvements in acne severity, quality of life, and mental health. Although liver enzymes remained stable, 90.7% of patients reported adverse events, with musculoskeletal symptoms and constipation being more common than previously noted.³

Experimental Dermatology: Skin deep and beyond: Unravelling B cell extracellular matrix interactions in cutaneous immunity and disease

A review of ECM–integrin signaling in skin immunity highlighted the crucial yet underappreciated role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in B cell development and function. While well-studied in secondary lymphoid organs, ECM-driven immune regulation in the skin remains less explored. This analysis examined B cell involvement in wound healing, autoimmune responses, and inflammatory skin conditions, as well as their role in tertiary lymphoid structure formation in chronic diseases. Researchers emphasized the need for further investigation into B cell–ECM interactions to uncover potential clinical implications in dermatology and immunology.⁴

Pediatric Dermatology: Objective assessment and quantification of skin color and melanin in neonates and infants: A state-of-the-art review

A review of neonatal skin color assessment found that objective methods for measuring melanin in newborns remain underexplored, despite their potential impact on medical device accuracy, such as pulse oximetry. While skin color measurement tools are widely used in adult dermatology, their application in neonates is not well understood. Studies highlight age-dependent and site-specific variations in pigmentation, underscoring the need for standardized assessment methods. Researchers emphasized that improving pigment measurement accuracy could help address racial bias concerns in transmittance-based medical devices and enhance neonatal care.⁵

References

1. Tanasov A, Tiplica GS. Erectile dysfunction in dermatology and venereology: From aetiopathogenic mechanisms to practical considerations for dermato-venereologists. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2025 Mar 8. doi:10.1111/jdv.20618
2. Cowan S, Hawkins P, Marks G, Fallaize R. Diet and psoriasis-related information on Instagram: A quality and content analysis of posts under popular psoriasis hashtags. J Hum Nutr Diet. 2025 Mar 4. doi:10.1111/jhn.70034
3. Demirbas A, Ulutaş Demirbas G, Diremsizoglu E, Islamoglu G. Systemic anti-inflammatory effects of isotretinoin: Evaluation of red cell distribution width to lymphocyte and platelet ratios as new hematological markers and clinical outcomes in acne vulgaris. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025. doi:10.1111/jocd.70108
4. Diehl R, Hübner S, Lehr S, Rizzi M, Eyerich K, Nyström A. Skin deep and beyond: Unravelling B cell extracellular matrix interactions in cutaneous immunity and disease. Exp Dermatol. 2025. doi:10.1111/exd.70068
5. Sharma M, Pickhardt AJ, Tong L, Evans MS. Objective assessment and quantification of skin color and melanin in neonates and infants: A state-of-the-art review. Pediatr Dermatol. 2025. doi:10.1111/pde.15902

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