Cutaneous Changes Beyond Psoriasis: The Impact of Biologic Therapies on Angiomas and Solar Lentigines

Florin Ciprian Bujoreanu1,2,3, Diana Sabina Radaschin1,2,3, Ana Fulga2

  • 1Department of Dermatology, "Saint Parascheva" Infectious Disease Clinical Hospital, 800179 Galati, Romania.

PubMed

Insights

Biologic therapies for psoriasis, especially IL-23 inhibitors, may increase cherry angiomas and solar lentigines. Methotrexate and UVB therapy showed protective effects against these skin lesions.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Immunology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease treated with biologics targeting cytokine pathways.
  • The effect of these treatments on non-psoriatic skin lesions like cherry angiomas and solar lentigines is not well understood.
  • Cherry angiomas are vascular proliferations, while solar lentigines are UV-induced pigmentary changes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of biologic therapies on the development of cherry angiomas and solar lentigines in patients with psoriasis.
  • To explore associations between specific biologic agents, systemic inflammation, and the prevalence of these cutaneous lesions.
  • To identify potential protective or risk factors influencing lesion development.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective observational study over five years (2019-2024) at a tertiary dermatological center.
  • Data collected included clinical and demographic information, treatment history, and digital dermoscopy assessments.
  • Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate associations between biologic therapy classes, inflammation, and lesion development.

Main Results:

  • Increased cherry angioma prevalence was noted in postmenopausal women, those with osteoporosis, and patients with psoriatic arthritis.
  • IL-23 inhibitors were associated with higher angioma formation compared to TNF-α inhibitors; methotrexate and UVB therapy showed a protective effect.
  • Solar lentigines were more common in postmenopausal women and those with systemic inflammation, with TNF-α inhibitors and NSAIDs linked to increased prevalence.

Conclusions:

  • Biologic therapies, particularly IL-23 inhibitors, may promote angiogenesis and pigmentary changes in psoriasis patients.
  • Systemic inflammation plays a role in vascular and melanocytic activity, influencing lesion development.
  • Further research is needed to understand mechanisms and optimize dermatologic care, considering the differential effects of various treatments.

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