Exploring Newer Topical Therapies for Inflammatory Skin Diseases: A Guide for Rheumatologists

Authors

  • Melinda Gooderham, MSc, MD, FRCPC SKiN Centre for Dermatology, Peterborough, ON Probity Medical Research, Waterloo, ON Queen’s University, Kingston, ON

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58931/crt.2024.1249

Abstract

Understanding the pathogenesis of many inflammatory skin diseases and their associated signalling pathways has revealed multiple promising therapeutic targets. Given the chronic nature of many of these conditions, products with long-term safety and efficacy are desired. While topical corticosteroids have been the mainstay of topical therapies for years, they are burdened by concerns over long-term safety (i.e., atrophy, striae, telangiectasias), risk of absorption with systemic glucocorticoid side effects, and patient apprehension regarding steroid use. Similarly, topical calcipotriol and retinoids may be ineffective and can cause irritation. Although topical calcineurin inhibitors (i.e., pimecrolimus, tacrolimus) have been approved for atopic dermatitis, their off-label use for many inflammatory conditions may be limited by tolerability issues such as stinging and burning, and lack of effectiveness. The emergence of newer targeted small molecules for topical application, including topical phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors (PDE4i), topical Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi), and a therapeutic aryl hydrocarbon modulating agent (TAMA), offer promising new options and will be reviewed here and summarized in Table 1.

Author Biography

Melinda Gooderham, MSc, MD, FRCPC, SKiN Centre for Dermatology, Peterborough, ON Probity Medical Research, Waterloo, ON Queen’s University, Kingston, ON

Dr. Gooderham, Dermatologist and Medical Director at SKiN Centre for Dermatology, is also an Investigator at Probity Medical Research, Assistant Professor at Queens University, and Consultant Physician at Peterborough Regional Health Centre. A fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, she has been an investigator in over 200 clinical trials focusing on inflammatory skin diseases including psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Gooderham actively contributes to dermatology publications as an author, associate editor and reviewer, with authorship of over 200 articles. Her passion for education extends to global audiences through engaging lectures on innovative therapies for skin diseases.

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Published

2024-09-17

How to Cite

1.
Gooderham M. Exploring Newer Topical Therapies for Inflammatory Skin Diseases: A Guide for Rheumatologists. Can Rheumatol Today [Internet]. 2024 Sep. 17 [cited 2024 Oct. 8];1(2):18–22. Available from: https://canadianrheumatologytoday.com/article/view/1-2-Gooderham

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