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Updated: May 12, 2025

The Goeckerman Regimen for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Psoriasis
Published on: July 11, 2013
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.
Abstract:
Background and Objectives: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, and biologic therapies have revolutionized treatment by targeting key cytokine pathways. While these therapies effectively control psoriatic lesions, their impact on other cutaneous structures, such as cherry angiomas and solar lentigines, remains unclear. Angiomas are benign vascular proliferations influenced by systemic inflammation and hormonal factors, whereas solar lentigines are UV-induced pigmentary lesions associated with aging and sun exposure. This study aimed to assess the impact of biologic therapies on the development of these lesions in psoriasis patients. Materials and Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted over a five-year period (2019-2024) at a tertiary dermatological center in Southeastern Europe. Clinical and demographic data, including treatment history, were extracted from medical records, while digital dermoscopy was used to assess lesion progression. Statistical analyses evaluated associations among biologic therapy classes, systemic inflammation, and cutaneous lesion development. Results: Angioma prevalence was significantly higher among postmenopausal women and those with osteoporosis, suggesting a hormonal influence on vascular proliferation. Patients with psoriatic arthritis had a greater angioma burden, reinforcing the role of chronic inflammation in angiogenesis. IL-23 inhibitors were linked to increased angioma formation compared to TNF-α inhibitors, while methotrexate and UVB therapy appeared to have a protective effect. Solar lentigines were more frequent in postmenopausal women and in patients with systemic inflammatory conditions. In contrast, smoking and moderate alcohol consumption were associated with lower lesion counts. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that biologic therapies, particularly IL-23 inhibitors, may contribute to angiogenesis and pigmentary changes in psoriasis patients, highlighting the influence of systemic inflammation on vascular and melanocytic activity. Additionally, TNF-α inhibitors and NSAIDs were associated with an increased prevalence of solar lentigines, while methotrexate and UVB therapy appeared to have a protective effect. Given these associations, further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and refine treatment strategies to optimize dermatologic care for psoriasis patients.
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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