Category: Dermatology

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Long-Term Atopic Dermatitis Treatment Benefits Patients with Delayed Response

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Atopic dermatitis in a young patient. Source: NIH

New research from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai reveals that patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (eczema) who did not initially respond to biologic treatment may still achieve significant clinical improvements with continued therapy.  

The findings, published in the latest issue of Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (JAAD), highlight the efficacy of extended lebrikizumab treatment up to 52 weeks and pave the way for more personalised, patient-centred approaches to managing this chronic skin condition. 

Lebrikizumab is designed to treat moderate-to-severe eczema by targeting a key source of inflammation in the body. It works by blocking interleukin-13 (IL-13), a protein that plays a central role in the itching, redness, and skin damage seen in atopic dermatitis. 

“This is a significant breakthrough because it shows that people who do not respond to lebrikizumab treatment right away should not give up,” says lead author Professor Emma Guttman-Yassky, MD, PhD, at Mount Sinai. “Initial non-response at 16 weeks does not mean treatment failure. By sticking with treatment longer (52 weeks), most patients saw their eczema improve significantly.” 

Researchers analysed data from two international clinical trials. At 16 weeks, 38.1% of lebrikizumab-treated patients failed to meet strict trial criteria for response. However, 58.1% had already achieved at least a 50% improvement in their Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) scores. By 52 weeks, 75.5% had reached a 75% improvement (EASI 75), 44.2% had achieved a 90% improvement (EASI 90), and 66.4% reported a significant reduction in itching. 

“This research supports a more personalised approach to care,” Dr. Guttman-Yassky says. “It offers new hope for patients with difficult-to-treat eczema and may help guide treatment decisions in clinical practice.” 

Source: Mount Sinai Hospital

Categories : Allergies DermatologyTags : Leave a comment

Can Early Exposure to Dogs Lessen Genetic Susceptibility to Eczema?

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Photo by Pauline Loroy on Unsplash

New research published in Allergy indicates that certain environmental exposures may affect a child’s risk of developing atopic eczema, a condition characterised by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. In other words, although some people may be genetically predisposed to eczema, certain environmental factors may increase or decrease that risk.

For the study, investigators analysed data from 16 European studies to test for interactions between the 24 most significant eczema-associated genetic variants and 18 early-life environmental factors. They applied their findings to an additional 10 studies and used lab modelling tests to assess their results.

The first analysis (including 25 339 individuals) showed suggestive evidence for interaction between 7 environmental factors (antibiotic use, cat ownership, dog ownership, breastfeeding, elder sibling, smoking, and washing practices) and at least one established genetic variant for eczema, with 14 interactions in total.

In the additional analysis (254 532 individuals), dog exposure interacted with a particular genetic risk variant on chromosome 5, near the gene that codes for the interleukin-7 receptor, a protein involved in immune cell function. Lab modelling tests showed that this variant affects expression of interleukin-7 receptor in human skin cells and that dog exposure modifies the genetic effect of this variant on the development of eczema, essentially providing a protective effect by suppressing skin inflammation.

Additional studies are needed to explore these lab findings and the other potential interactions identified in the first analysis.

“Our research aims to answer some of the most difficult questions that I am asked in clinic: ‘Why does my child have eczema?’ and ‘What can I do to help protect my baby?’ We know that genetic make-up affects a child’s risk of developing eczema and previous studies have shown that owning a pet dog may be protective, but this is the first study to show how this may occur at a molecular level,” said corresponding author Sara J. Brown, MD, PhD, FRCPE, of the University of Edinburgh. “More work is needed, but our findings mean we have a chance to intervene in the rise of allergic disease, to protect future generations.”

Source: Wiley

Categories : Dermatology PaediatricsTags : Leave a comment

Burning for Beauty: How TikTok Skin Trends Are Harming Young Girls

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It turns out when teens on TikTok say, “Get ready with me,” it can be more harmful than they might realise.

Photo by Steinar Engeland on Unsplash

In the first peer-reviewed study to examine the potential risks and benefits of teen skin-care routines posted on social media, scientists at Northwestern Medicine found girls ages 7 to 18 are using an average of six different products on their faces, with some girls using more than a dozen products. These products tend to be marketed heavily to younger consumers and carry a high risk of skin irritation and allergy, the study found.

The findings are published in the journal Pediatrics.

Each teen daily skin-care regimen costs an average of $168 (which the authors estimate typically lasts a month depending on the size of the products), with some costing more than $500, the study found. As the summer nears, the study authors cautioned that only 26% of daytime skin care regimens included sunscreen – arguably the most important skin care product for any age range, but particularly for kids.

The top-viewed videos contained an average of 11 potentially irritating active ingredients, the study found, putting the content creators at risk of developing skin irritation, sun sensitivity and a skin allergy known as allergic contact dermatitis. Prior evidence has shown that developing such an allergy can limit the kinds of soaps, shampoos and cosmetics users can apply for the rest of their lives.

“That high risk of irritation came from both using multiple active ingredients at the same time, such as hydroxy acids, as well as applying the same active ingredient unknowingly over and over again when that active ingredient was found in three, four, five different products,” said corresponding author Dr. Molly Hales, a postdoctoral research fellow and board-certified dermatologist in the department of dermatology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

For example, in one video included in the study, the content creator applied 10 products on her face in six minutes.

“As she’s applying the products, she begins to express discomfort and burning, and in the final few minutes, she develops a visible skin reaction,” said senior author Dr. Tara Lagu, adjunct lecturer of medicine and medical social sciences at Feinberg and a former Northwestern Medicine hospitalist.

Videos ‘emphasized lighter, brighter skin’

“We saw that there was preferential, encoded racial language in some cases that really emphasized lighter, brighter skin,” Lagu said. “I think there also were real associations between use of these regimens and consumerism.”

These videos offer little to no benefit for the pediatric populations they’re targeting, the study authors concluded. What’s more, given how the algorithms work, it’s nearly impossible for parents or pediatricians to track exactly what children or adolescents are viewing. Lastly, there are dangers beyond skin damage, Hales said.

“It’s problematic to show girls devoting this much time and attention to their skin,” Hales said. “We’re setting a very high standard for these girls. The pursuit of health has become a kind of virtue in our society, but the ideal of ‘health’ is also very wrapped up in ideals of beauty, thinness and whiteness. The insidious thing about ‘skin care’ is that it claims to be about health.”

Studying teens in the TikTok environment

In the study, Hales and another researcher each created a new TikTok account, reporting themselves to be 13 years old. The “For You” tab was used to view relevant content until 100 unique videos were compiled. They collected demographics of content creators, number and types of products used and total cost of regimens and then created a list of products used and their active and inactive ingredients. The Pediatric Baseline Series used in patch testing was used to identify ingredients with elevated risk of inducing allergic contact dermatitis.

Source: Northwestern University

Categories : Dermatology Metabolic DisordersTags :

Abdominal Fat More Linked to Psoriasis Risk than Total Body Fat

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Findings in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology reinforce the role of weight management in psoriasis care

Source: Pixabay CC0

Researchers have found that central body fat, especially around the abdomen, is more strongly linked to psoriasis risk than total body fat, particularly in women. This link between central fat and psoriasis remained consistent regardless of genetic predisposition, indicating that abdominal fat is an independent risk factor. The study in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, published by Elsevier, provides insights that could help improve early risk prediction and guide personalised prevention strategies.

While it is well established that increasing levels of body fat raise the risk of developing psoriasis, the impact of specific fat distribution and genetics remains unclear.

Researchers of the current study analysed data from over 330 000 participants with White British ancestry in the UK Biobank, including more than 9000 people with psoriasis. They examined 25 different measures of body fat using both traditional methods and advanced imaging techniques, assessing how each was associated with psoriasis.

Lead investigator Ravi Ramessur, MD, St John’s Institute of Dermatology, King’s College London, explains, “Our research shows that where fat is stored in the body matters when it comes to psoriasis risk. Central fat – especially around the waist – seems to play a key role. This has important implications for how we identify individuals who may be more likely to develop psoriasis or experience more severe disease, and how we approach prevention and treatment strategies.”

Senior author Catherine H. Smith, MD, also at King’s College London, adds, “As rates of obesity continue to rise globally, understanding how different patterns of body fat influence chronic inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis is important. Our findings suggest that central body fat contributes to psoriasis risk irrespective of genetic predisposition and reinforces the importance of measuring waist circumference and pro-active healthy weight strategies in psoriasis care.”

Because this study only included individuals of White British ancestry from the UK Biobank, the generalisability of these findings to more diverse populations may be limited. Future studies incorporating datasets with dermatologist-confirmed diagnoses and broader ethnic representation will be important to further validate these associations and refine risk stratification approaches.

Dr Ramessur notes, “We were surprised by how consistently strong the association was across different central fat measures and how much stronger the effect was in women. The observed links between central body fat and psoriasis suggest that there may be underlying biological mechanisms contributing to the disease that are not yet fully understood and which warrant further investigation.”

In an accompanying editorial Joel M. Gelfand, MD, MSCE, FAAD, at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, points to the potential of incretin therapy for psoriatic disease. Incretins are gut-derived hormones, principally glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP), that regulate glucose, digestion, and appetite, and are approved for treatment of diabetes, obesity, and obesity-associated obstructive sleep apnoea.

Dr Gelfand comments, “The strong relationship between psoriasis and obesity and the emerging promise of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1RA) for reducing psoriasis morbidity is a call to action for large scale clinical trials of GLP1RA monotherapy for treatment of psoriasis. Our current paradigm of just focusing on the skin and joint manifestations when treating psoriasis is outdated in the context of our evolving understanding of the tight relationship of psoriasis, obesity, and cardiometabolic disease.“

Source: Elsevier

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Dermatology Researchers Discover New Skin Disease with Innovative Approach

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Picture by Macrovector on Freepik

In a recent paper published in Scientific Reports, researchers from the University of Maryland School of Medicine described a new skin disease in a male patient with erythroderma, causing 80% of his skin to be covered with red, exfoliating skin lesions that itched and burned. After undergoing months of treatment with traditional therapies for erythroderma, which included the steroid prednisone, anti-itch creams, and immunosuppressive drugs, the patient experienced little relief.

“We isolated individual circulating blood cells and created a new blood test using flow cytometry to identify specific cytokine signatures,” said study corresponding author Shawn Kwatra, MD, the Joseph W. Burnett Endowed Professor and Chair of Dermatology at UMSOM and Chief of Service Dermatology at the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). The authors received a patent for this new method, involving “peripheral blood flow cytometry-based immunophenotyping enabled us to identify a novel form of a severe and potentially life-threatening skin disease.”

Erythroderma is a rare but severe and potentially life-threatening inflammation that occurs on most of the body’s skin surface. It causes redness and scaling of the skin that spreads over the body and causes the skin to slough off. This can lead to problems with thermoregulation and can cause protein and fluid loss, leading to severe complications.

To determine which of the immune system’s components were driving the inflammatory disease, Dr Kwatra and his team used a new flow cytometry platform technique, for which they received a patent, to immunophenotype skin diseases. They found that two of these cytokines, called interleukin-13 and interleukin-17, were at increased levels in this patient compared to healthy controls as well as when compared to patients with other known causes of erythroderma. Subsequently, targeted treatment with biologic inhibitors of IL-13 and IL-17 reversed the patient’s disease.

“We found a new role for interleukin-13 and interleukin-17 in the blood samples taken from this patient which supported the use of those two particular medications,” said study first author Hannah Cornman, MD, an incoming dermatology resident at the University of North Carolina who conducted the research as a medical student at UMSOM.  “These cytokines appeared to be the key cytokines in defining the disease.”

When the patient was treated with a dual therapy of two monoclonal antibodies, dupilumab and secukinumab, his symptoms dramatically decreased and eventually resolved, essentially curing him of his erythroderma. The authors also identified the cell sources of these pathological cytokines and monitored the decline in immunopathogenic (disease-causing) cell numbers, and the decline of interleukin-13, and interleukin-17 levels in the patient’s blood throughout the treatment course. 

“We created a new diagnostic test to discover a previously undescribed skin disease and initiate appropriate treatment. We are now exploring developing our diagnostic test to a range of other inflammatory skin,” said Dr Kwatra.

Source: University of Maryland School of Medicine

Categories : Dermatology Diet and NutritionTags :

Plant-rich, Low Saturated-fat Diet Linked to Reduced Psoriasis Severity

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Photo: CC0

A new study by researchers at King’s College London, published in the British Journal of Nutrition, has found significant associations between diet quality and the severity of psoriasis. The findings provide novel insights into how dietary patterns may be related to psoriasis severity in non-Mediterranean populations.

Psoriasis is a long-lasting inflammatory skin disease which causes flaky patches of skin that form scales. It affects millions worldwide and is believed to be caused by a problem with the immune system.

The research analysed data from 257 adults with psoriasis who had completed an online survey. Participants’ adherence to various diet quality scores, including the Mediterranean Diet Score, the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) score, and the Healthy Plant-based Diet Index, was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. Psoriasis severity was self-assessed using a validated questionnaire.

Key findings from the study indicate that individuals with very low adherence to the DASH diet index and the Healthy Plant-based Diet Index were significantly more likely to report higher psoriasis severity.

Further analysis of the different elements of the DASH dietary pattern revealed that greater red and processed meat intake was associated with more severe psoriasis even when body mass index (BMI) was considered. Fruits, nuts and legume intakes were also associated with less severe psoriasis, but this relationship was not independent of BMI.

The study was published as part of the Asking People with Psoriasis about Lifestyle and Eating (APPLE) project and funded by the Psoriasis Association.

Our findings point to the potential benefits of dietary interventions in improving patient outcomes. Given the impact of psoriasis on physical and psychological well-being, incorporating dietary assessments into routine care could offer patients additional support in managing their condition.

Sylvia Zanesco, PhD student from the Department of Nutritional Sciences at King’s College London who led the research

The DASH dietary pattern was originally designed to lower blood pressure and emphasises fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy foods and lean meats while limiting salt, sugar, and saturated fats. A high Healthy Plant-based Diet Index characterises a dietary pattern rich in healthy plant foods including fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, legumes and plant oils rich in unsaturated fats, as well as being low in animal foods and unhealthy plant foods such as sugary foods and drinks and refined starches.

The study accounted for several confounding factors, including age, sex, smoking status, alcohol, energy intake, and mental health, ensuring a comprehensive analysis of dietary patterns that are independently associated with psoriasis severity.

This research brings much-needed evidence that there may be a role for dietary advice, alongside standard clinical care, in managing symptoms of psoriasis. Our next steps will be to explore whether diets rich in healthy plant foods can reduce symptoms of psoriasis in a controlled clinical trial.

Professor Wendy Hall, Professor of Nutritional Sciences at King’s College London and senior author of the study

The findings of the study contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting dietary modification as a complementary strategy in psoriasis management to potentially alleviate disease severity and improve patients’ quality of life.

Source: King’s College London

Categories : Dermatology Immune SystemTags :

New Study Identifies a Key Protein’s Role in Psoriasis

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Photo: CC0

A new study on psoriasis has determined that a protein called NF-kB c-Rel can intensify the condition’s symptoms when activated by signals from the body’s immune system. Understanding how “c-Rel” affects skin inflammation could lead to new treatments, said the researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.

The study, published recently in eBioMedicine, examined how c-Rel contributes to the function of dendritic cells (DCs), a type of immune cell. The study examined how c-Rel responds to specific immunological signals through Toll Like Receptor 7 (TLR7), which regulates innate immunity and inflammation, exacerbating psoriasis.

The researchers also found the absence of c-Rel alleviates inflammation that causes red, scaly patches on the skin. TLR7 meanwhile is known to be activated by diseases such as HIV and HPV, which are also linked to the development psoriasis.

“We believe that by focusing on c-Rel and TLR7, scientists might be able to create more targeted treatments that reduce inflammation and help psoriasis symptoms,” said Parameswaran Ramakrishnan, associate professor of pathology, member of the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center and researcher at Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, the study’s principal investigator.

“This may help relieve the discomfort millions of people live with skin inflammation.”

The researchers examined skin samples from psoriasis patients and a mouse model with similar skin changes.

They analysed c-Rel levels and its behaviour in specially engineered cells lacking the protein; they also examined the mouse model lacking c-Rel.

Their goal: to better understand how c-Rel impacts the immune response in psoriasis.

“Our research shows that c-Rel plays a major role in psoriasis inflammation,” said Angela Liu, lead author and a recent graduate of the School of Medicine’s pathology department.

“We saw higher levels of c-Rel in psoriasis; mice lacking c-Rel were significantly protected from developing psoriasis and showed less inflammation.”

Ramakrishnan said their study revealed the potential role for TLR7 and c-Rel signalling in human psoriasis. A range of viruses that activates TLR7, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human papilloma virus (HPV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), are linked to the development of psoriasis.

“The research warrants future studies on TLR7-c-Rel-dependent molecular mechanism regulating DC function as a potential link for how viral TLR7 activation is involved in worsening psoriatic disease,” Ramakrishnan said. “From a broad perspective, it would be interesting to further explore the role of c-Rel and TLR7 in other biologically relevant diseases involving these proteins, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and wound-healing in diabetes.”

Source: Case Western Reserve University

Categories : Cancer DermatologyTags :

Reaffirming Commitment to the Fight Against Cancer This World Cancer Day

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Photo by Rfstudio on Pexels

4 February 2025 – As the world unites to mark World Cancer Day, L’Oréal South Africa reaffirms its unwavering commitment to supporting individuals affected by cancer through groundbreaking initiatives in research, patient care, and workplace inclusion. Over the past three years, efforts have been strengthened through a series of global and local programmes designed to ease the journey of cancer patients and survivors while advancing scientific innovation in supportive care.

The L’Oréal Dermatological Beauty team leads this commitment with two major initiatives. Save Your Skin focuses on skin cancer prevention and early detection, promoting safe sun habits and strong photoprotection. Fight with Care addresses the dermatological side effects experienced by over 80% of cancer patients undergoing treatment, advancing scientific research in supportive care, training healthcare professionals, and providing direct support through educational resources and partnerships with 50 NGOs worldwide, including the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC).

Recognising the profound impact of cancer on employees and their families, the Share & Care programme, now in its tenth year, has been expanded to provide financial assistance to employees diagnosed with cancer, psychological and emotional support services, and practical aid to ease their journey through treatment and workplace reintegration. This programme aligns with our leadership in the Working with Cancer charter, advocating for workplace inclusion, care, and long-term support.

Believing in the transformative power of beauty, L’Oréal has introduced dedicated wellness therapy programmes in hospitals and specialised care centres. These include skincare treatments to alleviate the side effects of cancer therapies, beauty services such as make-up sessions to restore confidence and enhance well-being, and therapeutic massages and wellness sessions to improve overall quality of life.

In South Africa, L’Oréal has partnered with the Look Good, Feel Better campaign for over 20 years. This initiative has been a beacon of hope for women undergoing cancer treatment, providing beauty workshops designed to help them regain confidence and a sense of normality during their journey. By offering expert guidance on skincare, make-up, and emotional well-being, the programme empowers participants to face their treatment with renewed strength.

As part of ongoing efforts to support underserved communities, L’Oréal is introducing the Healing Pouch initiative, which donates full-size oncology skincare essentials—including cleansers, emollients, sun care, and wound creams, to hospitals, NGOs, and patient associations. These products, specifically formulated for sensitive and oncology-affected skin, provide essential relief while reinforcing the belief that touch, and tenderness are powerful agents of healing.

“As we mark World Cancer Day, we stand in solidarity with cancer patients, survivors, healthcare professionals, and our own employees,” said Thandi Kunene, Corporate Affairs Lead at L’Oréal South Africa. “Through continued investment in research, support programmes, and longstanding partnerships such as Look Good, Feel Better, we remain steadfast in our mission to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by cancer.”

Through these global and local initiatives, L’Oréal remains committed to advancing cancer awareness, fostering inclusion, and delivering tangible support, because care is at the heart of everything we do.

Categories : Dermatology Immune SystemTags :

Topical Mupirocin Reduces Cutaneous Lupus Inflammation

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A woman with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Source: Wikimedia CC0

Researchers have found that topical mupirocin is effective in reducing rashes caused by systemic lupus erythematosus. Instead of directly lowering inflammation, the treatment kills bacteria that promote it. The findings are published in Arthritis & Rheumatology.

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus is a common manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus, caused by the autoimmune conditions. The condition is characterised by rashes on various parts of the body including the face and scalp, hair loss and scarring of the skin.

The standard treatment for cutaneous lupus erythematosus is using immunosuppressants and biologic drugs to reduce inflammation. While the medications can be helpful, many patients with systemic lupus erythematosus already take several drugs and are looking for alternatives to pills.

J. Michelle Kahlenberg, MD, PhD, a professor of internal medicine in the Division of Rheumatology at University of Michigan Health led a team of researchers investigating topical mupirocin which is one such alternatives.

This trial was based on Kahlenberg’s previous discovery that cutaneous lupus rashes are often colonised with a common skin bacteria, Staphyloccous areus, also known as staph, and contributes to inflammation in the rashes. Mupirocin kills this type of bacteria.

The study randomly selected systemic lupus erythematosus patients currently experiencing cutaneous lupus erythematosus flares to treat their skin lesions with mupirocin or with an inactive control, petrolatum jelly.

Samples from the nose and lesional skin were used to determine baseline and post treatment Staphylococcus abundance and microbial community profiles. Paired samples collected prior to treatment with the topical solution and seven days after treatment showed decreases in lesional staphylococcus aureus in the mupirocin treated samples.

Importantly, the reduction in staph also was accompanied by a reduction in inflammatory signals, including interferon-driven gene expression, in the lesions.

“In addition to decreasing the inflammation by decreasing lesional staphylococcus aureus, the mupirocin treatment also lowered skin monocyte levels, which are important in driving cutaneous lupus,” said Kahlenberg.

Mupirocin is a prescription treatment, and while this early study showed signs of decreasing inflammation, the study wasn’t designed to see if it can decrease the rash of cutaneous lupus erythematosus.

“Additional larger studies are needed to determine whether topical antibiotics will be helpful to make rashes go away,” Kahlenberg said.

“However, this is an exciting first step to show that there may be additional treatments that can improve inflammation beyond our usual immunosuppressant and biologic drugs.”

Source: Michigan Medicine – University of Michigan

Categories : Dermatology New Compounds and TreatmentsTags :

Microbial Therapy Offers New Hope for Vitiligo Patients

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Photo by Hanen BOUBAHRI on Unsplash

A natural compound derived from gut-friendly bacteria significantly slows the progression of vitiligo and may restore pigmentation, reports a new Northwestern University pre-clinical study in mice. 

The findings, published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, could offer hope to millions affected by the autoimmune disease, which causes visible patches of skin discoloration and carries profound emotional and physical consequences.

“The results in our model were astonishing,” said senior study author I. Caroline Le Poole, a professor of dermatology and microbiology-immunology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. 

“We found that administering a microbial compound weekly to vitiligo-prone mice significantly suppressed disease progression. It made a spectacular difference in an aggressive model of the disease.”

What is vitiligo?

Vitiligo affects 0.5% to 2% of the global population and is linked to other health challenges, including higher risks of cardiovascular disease, psychological distress and endocrine disorders.

Discoloration often appears on the face, scalp, hands and arms, as well as around body openings like the mouth and genitals. Many individuals with vitiligo also have at least one other autoimmune condition.

How the study was conducted

Le Poole and her colleagues administered a microbial product weekly to vitiligo-prone mice over an 18-week period. By the end, pigment loss on the mice’s backs was reduced by 74%.

The product reduced killer T cells that attack the skin’s pigment and increased protective regulatory T cells, which are typically scarce in vitiligo patients.

“This simple microbial compound could work as a standalone therapy, or in synergy with existing treatments,” Le Poole said.

Existing therapy has limitations

In 2022, the FDA approved the first re-pigmentation therapy for vitiligo: Opzelura (ruxolitinib) cream. Clinical trials found that only 30% of patients using the cream regained 75% or more skin re-pigmentation on the face.

“Our findings about the effectiveness of microbial therapy could give hope to patients who are not well-served by existing treatments,” Le Poole said.

Vitiligo is more severe in patients with darker skin

Le Poole, who has spent more than 30 years studying vitiligo, said the disease has been found to be more severe in people with darker skin tones. The visibility of the discolouration in people with darker skin can also amplify stigma and emotional distress. 

“Patients often feel powerless as they watch their disease progress, unsure how they will look next month,” Le Poole said. “For many, stabilising the disease would be life changing.” 

While the disease can affect self-esteem – particularly for adolescents navigating social pressures – some people embrace it.

“We’ve seen beautiful models with vitiligo challenging societal norms, and that’s wonderful,” Le Poole added. “But for those who want treatment, it’s important to provide real options that can halt disease progression.”

Next steps

The next challenge is adapting the microbial product for human use. “Weekly injections could work, but we need to explore simpler options, like a food additive or ointment,” said Le Poole. “We also need to understand how long the effects last and the best timing for treatment.”

Le Poole added that the same microbial compound she and her colleagues injected in mice could potentially treat other autoimmune conditions, particularly those involving killer T cells in the skin.  

“Our next step is collaborating with scientists from several institutions to refine the compound, understand its mechanisms and determine whether it works alongside existing treatments for auto-immune disease.”

Source: Northwestern University