Primary Care Dermatology Literature March 2026
Skin Research in Primary Care
Moira Shea, Carter Haag, Emile Latour, Eric L Simpson
Pediatr Dermatol. 2026 Mar 9. doi: 10.1111/pde.70170. Online ahead of print.
Abstract:
Background/objectives: Atopic dermatitis (AD) affects 15%-20% of children worldwide, with most treatment in primary care. Initial management of new-onset infantile AD remains poorly characterized.
Conclusions: Fewer than half of children received anti-inflammatory prescriptions at their initial AD visit. More research is needed to investigate whether this finding represents mild cases or undertreatment. Children with allergic comorbidities were more likely to require escalation to stronger TCS, warranting future exploration of the relationship between initial therapies and disease severity or comorbidity development.
Arav Kannen, Carolyn Marlow, Suzanne Edwards, Arabella Wallett
Australas J Dermatol. 2026 Mar 6. doi: 10.1111/ajd.70081. Online ahead of print.
Abstract:
Background: Vulval Lichen Sclerosus (VLS) is a chronic inflammatory condition requiring lifelong management to prevent severe complications including malignancy. A shared care model between general practitioners (GPs) and public non-GP specialists (dermatologist or gynaecologist) for patients with stable LS would alleviate the demand on public vulval services. This study aims to assess GPs' level of comfort in performing vulval examinations for patients with VLS which would underpin the feasibility of shared care. It also explores GPs' level of confidence in vulval health, preferences for future vulval training and perspectives on rapid access pathways which would enable a successful shared care approach.
Conclusion: Most GPs in this study were comfortable in undertaking vulval examinations for patients with VLS and expressed an inclination to participate in shared care. Further efforts are required to provide GPs with additional training and rapid access pathways for specialist input to facilitate a safe and effective shared care model.
Dorra Bouazzi, Søren Lophaven, Paa Gyasi Hagan, Sofia Botvid, Lone Storgaard Hove, et al.
Br J Dermatol. 2026 Jan 9:ljag005. doi: 10.1093/bjd/ljag005. Online ahead of print.
Abstract:
Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is an inflammatory skin condition that is associated with a prolonged diagnostic delay of approximately 7-10 years. The diagnostic delay can be attributed to various factors, including low awareness of diagnostic criteria among nondermatological healthcare professionals often leading to misdiagnosis. Screening questionnaires have been proposed for the diagnosis of HS. One such questionnaire has been validated and used in the Global Hidradenitis Suppurativa Atlas (GHiSA) Global Prevalence Study (GPS).
Conclusions: Despite substantial variations in diagnostic estimates around the world, the pooled analysis indicated that the accuracy of the GHiSA screening questionnaire was excellent. The screening questionnaire may prove useful for triage, ensuring that only individuals fitting the criteria for HS see specialized dermatological care.
Factors influencing quality of life in patients with psoriasis: A large cross-sectional study
Jieyi Wang, Zhaoping Lin, Xiaoting Wu, Xuqin Hong, Guo Tian, Hui Li, Dongying Luo, Guiyuan Zhang, Cong Huang, Kaoyuan Zhang, Chaofeng Chen, Mengxing Cui, Weiwei Tian, Weilong Zhong, Bo Yu, Yanfen Zou, Bo Liang, Changbing Shen, Jing Gao
Chin Med J (Engl). 2026 Mar 5;139(5):717-727. doi: 10.1097/CM9.0000000000003841.
Abstract:
Background: Psoriasis is a systemic disease that brings enormous mental pressure and economic burden to patients and has a significant impact on patients' quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to explore factors affecting the dermatology life quality index (DLQI) in patients with psoriasis.
Conclusion: Physicians should focus on significant factors, such as sex, age, marital status, education, work status, sub-types, disease course, PASI score, joint pain, and nail holes, to improve the QoL of patients with psoriasis.
Moira Shea, Carter Haag, Emile Latour, Eric L Simpson
Pediatr Dermatol. 2026 Mar 9. doi: 10.1111/pde.70170. Online ahead of print.
Abstract:
Background/objectives: Atopic dermatitis (AD) affects 15%-20% of children worldwide, with most treatment in primary care. Initial management of new-onset infantile AD remains poorly characterized.
Conclusions: Fewer than half of children received anti-inflammatory prescriptions at their initial AD visit. More research is needed to investigate whether this finding represents mild cases or undertreatment. Children with allergic comorbidities were more likely to require escalation to stronger TCS, warranting future exploration of the relationship between initial therapies and disease severity or comorbidity development.
Arav Kannen, Carolyn Marlow, Suzanne Edwards, Arabella Wallett
Australas J Dermatol. 2026 Mar 6. doi: 10.1111/ajd.70081. Online ahead of print.
Abstract:
Background: Vulval Lichen Sclerosus (VLS) is a chronic inflammatory condition requiring lifelong management to prevent severe complications including malignancy. A shared care model between general practitioners (GPs) and public non-GP specialists (dermatologist or gynaecologist) for patients with stable LS would alleviate the demand on public vulval services. This study aims to assess GPs' level of comfort in performing vulval examinations for patients with VLS which would underpin the feasibility of shared care. It also explores GPs' level of confidence in vulval health, preferences for future vulval training and perspectives on rapid access pathways which would enable a successful shared care approach.
Conclusion: Most GPs in this study were comfortable in undertaking vulval examinations for patients with VLS and expressed an inclination to participate in shared care. Further efforts are required to provide GPs with additional training and rapid access pathways for specialist input to facilitate a safe and effective shared care model.
Dorra Bouazzi, Søren Lophaven, Paa Gyasi Hagan, Sofia Botvid, Lone Storgaard Hove, Errol P Prens, Klaudia Knecht-Gurwin, Jacek C Szepietowski, Ehiaghe L Anaba, Ahmed Samaouel Chehad, Samira Zobiri, Amina Serradj, Mohammed Saiful Islam Bhuiyan, Towhida Noor, Philippe Guillem, Mohammad Mahdi Parvizi, Nasrin Saki, Erkan Alpsoy, Caner Vardar, Theodora Kanni, Evangelos J Giamarellos-Bourboulis, John W Frew, Waleed Hamed Ali A Maharbi, Johanna C van Huijstee, Pim Aarts, Shinta Trilaksmi Dewi, Sri Awalia Febriana, Niken Indrastuti, Nyoman Suryawati, Miranti Pangastuti, Aryani Adji, Gardenia Akhyar, Nopriyati, Cut Putri Hazlianda, Francisco Reyes-Baraona, Carlos Matas, Haroon Saeed, Ameshin Moodley, Yousef Binamer, Moonyza Akmal Ahmad Kamil, Ivana Jocic, Zeljko Mijuskovic, Kanchana Mallawaarachchi, Chathurika Gangani, Ivana Tusheva, Vesna Brishkoska Boshkovski, Danchen Hu, Songmei Geng, Cecilia E Medianfar, Ditte M L Saunte, Nisha S Chandran, Hessel H Van Der Zee, Christos C Zouboulis, Farida Benhadou, Bente Villumsen, Afsaneh Alavi, Perpetua U Ibekwe, Iltefat H Hamzavi, John R Ingram, Haley B Naik, Amit Garg, Jurr Boer, Robin Christensen, Gregor B E Jemec
Br J Dermatol. 2026 Jan 9:ljag005. doi: 10.1093/bjd/ljag005. Online ahead of print.
Abstract:
Objectives: To evaluate and provide a summary of the diagnostic accuracy measures (pooled sensitivity and specificity) of the screening questionnaire employed in the GHiSA GPS.
Conclusions: Despite substantial variations in diagnostic estimates around the world, the pooled analysis indicated that the accuracy of the GHiSA screening questionnaire was excellent. The screening questionnaire may prove useful for triage, ensuring that only individuals fitting the criteria for HS see specialized dermatological care.
Yasmine Khaldi, Lone Skov, Claus Zachariae, Morten Bahrt Haulrig, Fie Astrup, Christopher Willy Schwarz, Nikolai Loft
Dermatology. 2026 Mar 3:1-8. doi: 10.1159/000551233. Online ahead of print.
Abstract:
Background: General Practitioners (GPs) act as primary gatekeepers for patients with psoriasis and their screening practice for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and psoriastic arhtiris (PsA) y. This study aimed to assess the awareness and screening routines of Danish GPs regarding CVD and PsA in patients with psoriasis.
Conclusion: While screening and awareness of CVD risk among primary care professionals, PsA screening remains suboptimal. The findings suggest an urgent need for updated guidelines endorsing simple, validated PsA screening tools and targeted education to prevent missed opportunities for early diagnosis.
Factors influencing quality of life in patients with psoriasis: A large cross-sectional study
Jieyi Wang, Zhaoping Lin, Xiaoting Wu, Xuqin Hong, Guo Tian, Hui Li, Dongying Luo, Guiyuan Zhang, Cong Huang, Kaoyuan Zhang, Chaofeng Chen, Mengxing Cui, Weiwei Tian, Weilong Zhong, Bo Yu, Yanfen Zou, Bo Liang, Changbing Shen, Jing Gao
Chin Med J (Engl). 2026 Mar 5;139(5):717-727. doi: 10.1097/CM9.0000000000003841.
Abstract:
Background: Psoriasis is a systemic disease that brings enormous mental pressure and economic burden to patients and has a significant impact on patients' quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to explore factors affecting the dermatology life quality index (DLQI) in patients with psoriasis.
Conclusion: Physicians should focus on significant factors, such as sex, age, marital status, education, work status, sub-types, disease course, PASI score, joint pain, and nail holes, to improve the QoL of patients with psoriasis.
Development and validation of the Topical Steroid and Moisturizer Adherence Scale
Cheung Ying Shan, Du Ruochen, Tan Ken Wei, Valencia Long, Qasrina Lim, Nisha Suyien Chandran, Chris Tan, Jose M Valderas, Phillip Phan, Ellie Choi
JAAD Int. 2026 Jan 30:25:136-138. doi: 10.1016/j.jdin.2026.01.005. eCollection 2026 Apr.
No abstract available
Renata Linertová, Márta Péntek, Benjamín Rodríguez-Díaz, Christine Bodemer, Vinzenz Hübl, May El Hachem, Gudrun Salamon, Verónica Alonso-Ferreira, Georgi Stefanov, Ritu Jain, Yolanda Ramallo-Fariña, Lidia García-Pérez; BUR-EB Study Group
Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2026 Mar 19. doi: 10.1186/s13023-026-04299-1. Online ahead of print.
Abstract conclusions: This multinational study provides the most extensive and current health utility data for adults with EB in Europe. Findings reveal the profound HRQoL impairment in EB, particularly in severe cases. These standardized utility values fill a major evidence gap, supporting their use in health economic evaluations, cross-disease comparisons, and policy development.
Prenatal depression and psychotropics in offspring asthma and atopic dermatitis
Li-Chi Chen, Wei-Sheng Huang, Tzeng-Ji Chen, Mu-Hong Chen
J Chin Med Assoc. 2026 Mar 17. doi: 10.1097/JCMA.0000000000001369. Online ahead of print.
Abstract:
Background: The associations of prenatal maternal depression and exposure to antidepressants and benzodiazepines/Z-drugs with the risks of offspring asthma and atopic dermatitis are unclear.
Conclusion: The mechanisms underlying the complex relationship between maternal depression, exposure to benzodiazepines/Z-drugs, and the risk of offspring atopy warrant further investigation.
Ruotong Zhang, Yifan Xu, Bochen Li, Alexandru Dregan, Christopher E M Griffiths, Sylvia Zanesco, Thivi Maruthappu, Rachel Gibson, Wendy L Hall
Clin Nutr. 2026 Mar 9:59:106621. doi: 10.1016/j.clnu.2026.106621. Online ahead of print.
Abstract:
Background and aims: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that adversely affects quality of life. Given limited evidence to inform dietary recommendations for psoriasis prevention, this study used data from the UK Biobank to examine associations between diet quality and incident psoriasis, and whether genetic susceptibility moderates this relationship.
Conclusion: Individuals with the highest adherence to a plant-based dietary pattern were at lower risk of incident psoriasis in this large UK cohort, with no evidence that this association differed by genetic risk.
Priya Chopra, Molly Thapar, Kathleen Peoples, Kaitlin E Olson, Maureen Bauer, Emily Gurnee
Pediatr Dermatol. 2026 Mar 16. doi: 10.1111/pde.70161. Online ahead of print.
Abstract: Allergy and dermatology societies do not recommend food avoidance for pediatric atopic dermatitis (AD) management, as it is ineffective and increases the risk of food allergy. However, we hypothesized that many caregivers restrict their child's intake of allergenic foods to treat AD and aimed to characterize diet modifications and motivating factors in this cross-sectional observational study. Caregivers of young children with AD were asked to complete a survey in this single-center study assessing AD severity, allergic comorbidities, diet modifications, and sources of recommendations. Our results indicated that many caregivers hold the belief that diet impacts AD (42% of study population) and implemented food avoidance (38% of study population), often at the recommendation of primary care providers (50% of study population), highlighting the need for improved counseling on AD management as it relates to diet, particularly given the known risk of food allergy development with food avoidance.
Duc Binh Phan, Philip Laws, Catherine H Smith, Christopher E M Griffiths, Brian Kirby, Olivia Hughes, Gabriel Rogers, Oras A Alabas, Mark Lunt, Richard B Warren, Zenas Z N Yiu
Br J Dermatol. 2026 Mar 16:ljag098. doi: 10.1093/bjd/ljag098. Online ahead of print.
Abstract:
Objective: To compare the effectiveness and risk of incident comorbid conditions over five years between initiating a biologic as the first systemic treatment and the standard-of-care (beginning with conventional non-biologic systemic therapy with possible subsequent switch to biologics).
Conclusion: Initiating biologics as the first systemic therapy was associated with better clinical outcomes compared with standard stepwise approaches. These results support reconsideration of existing pathways to allow earlier use of biologics.
Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Combined With Skin Impedance for Detection of Skin Cancer in Primary Care
Maria Fragkou Dragka, Tommy Löfstedt, Magnus Falk
Skin Res Technol. 2026 Mar;32(3):e70344. doi: 10.1111/srt.70344.
Abstract:
Background: The established method in primary care to distinguish skin cancer from benign lesions is clinical examination, with or without dermoscopy. The experience among primary care physicians in assessing skin tumours varies, as does the accessibility to teledermoscopy. To enhance diagnostic performance, improved methods for skin tumour assessment are warranted. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic performance of a non-invasive method that combines near-infrared spectroscopy with skin impedance measurement (NIRIMP) to detect skin cancer in primary care.
Conclusions: Near infrared spectroscopy appears to be a promising bioengineering technique to detect skin cancer in primary care settings, of potential benefit for future skin lesion assessment. However, there was no compelling evidence supporting the benefit of adding skin impedance to improve diagnostic performance.
Zephanie Tyack, Megan Simons, Emma Hartshorn, Roy M Kimble, Jessica Killey
Patient. 2026 Mar;19(2):285-296. doi: 10.1007/s40271-025-00785-z. Epub 2025 Nov 3.
Abstract:
Purpose: The benefits and barriers of using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in routine clinical practice have been examined extensively, but there has been limited in-depth exploration of the experience of PROMs by stakeholders and consumers. This study sought to understand the experiences of children with life-altering skin conditions, their caregivers and treating health professionals regarding the routine use of electronic PROMs.
Conclusions: ePROMs should be used alongside high-quality conversations to assist in eliciting, understanding and evaluating what matters to children and caregivers but must be used within a therapeutic relationship.
Karlijn van Halewijn, Arthur Bohnen, Stephani Macneill, Matthew Ridd, Beth Stuart, Miriam Santer, Patrick Bindels, Gijs Elshout
BJGP Open. 2026 Feb 27:BJGPO.2026.0005. doi: 10.3399/BJGPO.2026.0005.
Abstract:
Aim: To compare the actual use of emollient and TCS use in childhood eczema in the UK and The Netherlands (NL) and examine treatment adherence in relation to guidelines.
Conclusion: Undertreatment with emollients and TCS are common and a reminder for clinicians to explain treatment rationale and check treatment adherence. Differences in treatment practices between countries warrant further exploration.
The Atopic Dermatitis Patient Journey: From Awareness to Advanced Care
Tripti Sharma, Ashwin Balasubramanian, Dhiraj Dhoot, Saiprasad Patil, Hanmant Barkate
Cureus. 2026 Jan 29;18(1):e102538. doi: 10.7759/cureus.102538. eCollection 2026 Jan.
Abstract:
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin disease that significantly impacts the physical, psychological, and social well-being of patients. While clinical guidelines offer structured treatment pathways, real-world patient experiences often differ from clinical expectations due to delayed diagnosis, misinformation, inconsistent care, and emotional distress. This narrative review explores the full spectrum of the AD patient journey, from pre-diagnosis awareness to maintenance therapy and advanced treatment access, highlighting the barriers patients face in navigating care. These include medical, psychological, financial, and systemic obstacles that impair treatment adherence and reduce quality of life (QoL). The importance of early recognition by primary care providers, timely referrals to dermatologists, and patient-centered communication is emphasized. Advancements in topical, systemic, and biologic therapies have transformed the therapeutic landscape; however, fears around steroid use, cost-related limitations, and inadequate care coordination persist. A shift toward proactive management, integration of teledermatology, and patient education programs can bridge the gap between clinical recommendations and real-world outcomes. Understanding the patient journey is essential for developing more inclusive and effective care models that improve long-term disease control and patient QoL.