Fibromyalgia and Skin Disorders: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Rheumatology
• Systematic Review

Background:

• Fibromyalgia (FM) is a complex syndrome characterized by chronic pain, fatigue, and functional symptoms.
• FM is associated with numerous comorbidities, prompting investigation into its relationship with dermatological conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize existing evidence on the association between fibromyalgia and dermatological manifestations.
• To explore the bidirectional impact of comorbid FM and skin disorders on patient quality of life.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search of MedLine and Web of Science (WOS) databases up to June 2023.
• Adherence to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.
• Qualitative synthesis of 21 eligible articles.

Main Results:

• An increased prevalence of fibromyalgia was observed in patients with various cutaneous diseases, including psoriasis, chronic urticaria, contact allergy, acneiform disorders, hidradenitis suppurativa, and vitiligo.
• Comorbid fibromyalgia can exacerbate skin conditions, negatively affecting quality of life, and vice versa.

Conclusions:

• A significant relationship exists between fibromyalgia and dermatological disorders, despite unclear causal mechanisms.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying pathophysiology and clinical implications of this association.