Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2026
09:07
Murine Model of Epicutaneously-Induced Immunomodulation
Published on: June 24, 2025
Cutaneous Side-effects of Immunomodulators in MS
C Lebrun1, M Bertagna, M Cohen
1Christine Lebrun Service de Neurologie Hopital Pasteur 30 voie romaine 06002 Nice France Tel: + 33 4 92 03 78 96 Fax: + 33 4 92 03 79 97
International MS Journal
|June 22, 2011
Summary
Local skin reactions are common with multiple sclerosis (MS) treatments like interferon beta (IFNB) and glatiramer acetate (GA). Management focuses on prevention and patient education to ensure treatment continuity.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is frequently treated with immunomodulatory drugs.
- Subcutaneous injections of interferon beta (IFNB) and glatiramer acetate (GA) are common MS therapies.
- Local skin reactions are frequent adverse effects of these treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the incidence and characteristics of skin reactions associated with IFNB and GA in MS patients.
- To discuss current management strategies for cutaneous side-effects.
- To highlight the lack of established treatment guidelines and therapies for established lipoatrophy.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on skin reactions to IFNB and GA in multiple sclerosis.
- Analysis of common adverse events, including injection site reactions and panniculitis.
- Discussion of prevention and management techniques.
Main Results:
- Local skin reactions, such as pain, inflammation, and induration, affect 20-60% of patients.
- Panniculitis and lipoatrophy are significant adverse effects, particularly with GA.
- No established treatment guidelines exist for these skin reactions, and lipoatrophy is currently untreatable.
Conclusions:
- Cutaneous side-effects are a frequent challenge in MS treatment with IFNB and GA.
- Patient education, regular site examination, and palpation are crucial for prevention and management.
- Further research is needed for effective treatment of established lipoatrophy and standardized management guidelines.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Skin Diseases and Disorders
Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
01:19Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It is an inflammatory demyelinating disorder and a leading cause of neurological disability in young adults.EpidemiologyMS commonly begins between 20 and 40 years of age and is twice as common in women. Its exact cause remains unclear, but genetic susceptibility contributes, with higher risk in first-degree relatives and identical twins. A greater...
01:30Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
01:24T Cell Types and Functions
When T cells with CD4 markers are activated, they give rise to two types of effector cells: helper T cells and regulatory T cells. Meanwhile, T cells with CD8 markers differentiate into effector cytotoxic T cells. The differentiation of CD4 T cells into helper T cell subsets, such as Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, is dependent on the antigen type, antigen-presenting cell, and regulatory cytokines.
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
01:29Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disorder marked by chronic inflammation of the GI tract. Various treatment strategies for Crohn's disease are employed, such as immunomodulatory agents, glucocorticoids, and biologics or anti-TNF therapy. Azathioprine (Imuran), a commonly used immunomodulatory drug for Crohn's disease, is converted in the body to mercaptopurine, which inhibits purine biosynthesis and cell proliferation. Both are utilized in severe cases of Inflammatory Bowel Disease...
01:19Hypersensitivity Reactions: Immune-Complex Reactions
Type III hypersensitivity reactions occur when antigen–antibody complexes form and activate the complement system. Normally, these complexes help the clearance of antigens by phagocytes and red blood cells. However, when large numbers of immune complexes are present, they can deposit in tissues—particularly in the walls of blood vessels—leading to inflammation and tissue injury. These deposits trigger complement activation and neutrophil recruitment, resulting in serum sickness, a systemic...