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Matteo Megna,* Angelo Ruggiero,* Nello Tommasino, Claudio Brescia, Fabrizio Martora, Sara Cacciapuoti, Luca Potestio Section of Dermatology - Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Luca Potestio, Section of Dermatology - Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, Napoli, 80131, Italy, Tel +39 - 081 – 7462457, Fax +39 - 081 – 7462442, Email potestioluca@gmail.comAbstract: Tildrakizumab is a humanised IgG1/k-type monoclonal antibody that targets the p19 protein subunit of IL23. Despite its effectiveness and safety have been widely reported by clinical trials and real-life experiences, data regarding its use on patients who previously failed anti-IL17 (brodalumab, ixekizumab, bimekizumab and/or secukinumab) are scant. Therefore, further studies on this topic would be beneficial for clinicians in guiding the selection of biologic shifting, considering that anti-IL23, − 12/23, and -IL17 partially share their therapeutic targets. In this context, we performed a 28-week, single-center, real-life, retrospective study, with the aim of assessing the efficacy and safety of tildrakizumab in patients who previously failed anti-IL17, also focusing the attention on psoriasis located in difficult-to-treat areas (scalp, palms or soles, fingernails, genitals). A total of 23 patients (12 male, 52.2%; mean age 52.8 ± 12.4 years) were enrolled. Of these, 11 (47.8%) failed secukinumab, 7 (30.4%) ixekizumab, 3 (13.0%) brodalumab, 1 (4.3%) both secukinumab and ixekizumab and 1 (4.3%) bimekizumab. At baseline, mean PASI and BSA were 12.8 ± 5.9 and 18.7 ± 9.6, respectively. At W16 PASI75 and PASI90 response were achieved by 15 (65.2%), and 9 (39.1%) patients, respectively, whereas 19 (82.6%) and 13 (56.6%) subjects reached these scores at W28. One (4.3%) case of primary inefficacy and 1 (4.3%) case of secondary inefficacy were assessed. Finally, no severe adverse events were collected. Tildrakizumab seems to be a valuable option in selected patients with psoriasis unresponsive to anti-IL17, suggesting that prior exposure to biological therapies seem not directly affect its effectiveness.Keywords: Tildrakizumab, psoriasis, real-life, anti-IL23

Nello Tommasino, Matteo Megna, Sara Cacciapuoti, Alessia Villani, Fabrizio Martora, Angelo Ruggiero, Lucia Genco, Luca Potestio Section of Dermatology - Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, ItalyCorrespondence: Luca Potestio, Section of Dermatology - Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, Napoli, 80131, Italy, Tel +39 - 081 – 7462457, Fax +39 - 081 – 7462442, Email potestioluca@gmail.comAbstract: Teledermatology may be defined as the application of telemedicine to dermatology. According to published data, teledermatology is more widespread in Europe and North America, probably where resources for health care are greater than in other areas of the world. Indeed, teledermatology requires advanced technology to be efficient, as high image quality is necessary to allow the dermatologist to make correct diagnoses. Thanks to the recent advances in this field, teledermatology is become routinary in daily clinical practice. However, its use has been improved over time, overcoming several challenges. The aim of this narrative review is to retrace the almost 30-year history of teledermatology, to address the new challenges posed by advancing technologies such as artificial intelligence and the implications it may have on healthcare.Keywords: teledermatology, artificial intelligence, dermatology

Luca Potestio,* Fabrizio Martora,* Sara Cacciapuoti, Matteo Megna, Alessia Villani, Angelo Ruggiero Section of Dermatology - Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Angelo Ruggiero, Section of Dermatology - Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, Napoli, 80131, Italy, Tel +39 - 081 – 7462457, Fax +39 - 081 – 7462442, Email angeloruggiero1993@libero.itAbstract: COVID-19 pandemic completely changed every aspect of human life. Several measures were adopted to limit the spreading of the infection. Among these, vaccination was the main one. Globally, vaccination campaign was a success, showing to be efficient in controlling and preventing the SARS-Cov2 infection, reducing the risk of disease progression, hospitalization, and mortality. However, with the increasing number of vaccines administered, several cutaneous reactions were described, making dermatologists key players in their recognition and treatment. Among these, also viral reactivations have been described. In particular, cases of Pityriasis Rosea (PR) and PR-like reactivations have been collected. An early diagnosis is mandatory to avoid mistreatments. In this context, we conducted a review of the current literature investigating cases of PR following COVID-19 vaccination with the aim of understanding the possible pathogenetic mechanisms and causal correlation as well as to investigate the risk of this cutaneous eruption, to offer clinicians a wide perspective on the linkage between PR and COVID-19 vaccines.Keywords: COVID-19, vaccination, pityriasis rosea, safety

Fabrizio Martora,1 Claudio Marasca,2 Sara Cacciapuoti,1 Federica Fariello,1 Luca Potestio,1 Teresa Battista,1 Massimiliano Scalvenzi,1 Matteo Megna1 1Section of Dermatology - Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; 2Dermatology Unit, Medical Department, “Antonio Cardarelli” National Hospital, Naples, ItalyCorrespondence: Fabrizio Martora, Section of Dermatology - Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, Naples, 80131, Italy, Tel +39 - 081 – 7462457, Fax +39 - 081 – 7462442, Email fabriziomartora92@libero.itBackground: The treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) has always been a real challenge for dermatologists; to date, adalimumab the only biologic drug approved for HS is adalimumab, an anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α drug, the approval of this drug dates to 2015, data provided by real life show an effectiveness rate of about 60% percent. Recently (31 October 2023) FDA approves secukinumab for moderate-severe HS. The treatment and management of HS is very challenging as available treatments are very limited and show very variable outcomes.Methods: We conducted a prospective monocentric study designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of secukinumab treatment in HS patients in a real-life setting.Results: The initial cohort of patients recruited included 21 HS patients including 12 females and 9 males. About 57.1% of patients achieved the primary endpoint and recorded significant decrease in all the severity assessment scales (IHS4, DLQI and VAS pain scale) at week 16 and 52, when HiSCR reached 71.4%.Conclusion: The results of our study highlight that treatment with secukinumab in patients with severe HS who failed adalimumab may be a safe and effective therapeutic weapon.Keywords: hidradenitis suppurativa, secukinumab, adalimumab, treatments

Luca Potestio, Matteo Megna, Alessia Villani, Sara Cacciapuoti, Massimiliano Scalvenzi, Fabrizio Martora Section of Dermatology - Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, ItalyCorrespondence: Luca Potestio, Section of Dermatology - Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, Napoli, 80131, Italy, Tel +39 - 081 – 7462457, Fax +39 - 081 – 7462442, Email potestioluca@gmail.comAbstract: COVID-19 was a worldwide emergency, leading to a global health crisis, which completely revolutionized every aspect of human life. Several strategies were adopted to limit the spreading of the infection such as testing and contact tracing, quarantine and isolation, use of face mask, social distancing, lockdowns, travel restrictions, etc. Of these, vaccines were the most important measures to reduce the transmission of the virus and the severity of the infection, in order to overcome the pandemic. Fortunately, vaccination campaign was a success, showing to be efficient in controlling and preventing the COVID-19, reducing the risk of disease progression, hospitalization, and mortality. Monitoring and addressing vaccine-related adverse events have been essential for maintaining public confidence. Indeed, with the increasing number of vaccines administered, various cutaneous reactions have been reported, making dermatologists key players in their recognition and treatment. Particularly, several cutaneous diseases and cutaneous findings have been reported. Of note, also viral reactivations have been described following COVID-19 vaccination. Among these, varicella zoster virus (VZV) reactivation has been collected. Globally, an early diagnosis and an accurate treatment of herpes zoster (HZ) is mandatory to reduce possible complications. In this context, we conducted a review of the current literature investigating cases HZ following COVID-19 vaccination with the aim of understanding the possible causal correlation and underlying pathogenetic mechanisms to offer clinicians a wide perspective on VZV reactivation and COVID-19 vaccines.Keywords: COVID-19, vaccination, herpes zoster, safety

Matteo Megna,1 Luca Potestio,1 Angelo Ruggiero,1 Sara Cacciapuoti,1 Francesco Maione,2 Marco Tasso,3 Francesco Caso,3,* Luisa Costa3,* 1Section of Dermatology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; 2Immunopharmalab, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; 3Rheumatology Research Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Angelo Ruggiero, Section of Dermatology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, Napoli, 80131, Italy, Tel +39 - 081 – 7462457, Fax +39 - 081 – 7462442, Email angeloruggiero1993@libero.itAbstract: Psoriasis is now considered to be the cutaneous phenotype of a systemic inflammatory condition, recognized under the term Psoriatic Disease (PsD). PsD has several extracutaneous manifestations, such as inflammatory articular and entheseal involvement, leading to psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and the less frequent intestinal and ocular manifestations with colitis/inflammatory bowel disease and uveitis, respectively. There have also been several reports of an increased frequency of comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular manifestations during the course of PsD. The link between psoriasis and related comorbidities is considered a long-term disease sequela, often characterized by an unhealthy lifestyle and a consequence of systemic inflammation; hence, psoriasis requires adequate and prompt treatment, with the aim of controlling not only cutaneous manifestations but also extracutaneous manifestations and systemic inflammation. Pharmacological strategies for PsD have significantly increased over recent years. Recently, the targeted synthetic DMARDs, Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, tofacitinib and upadacitinib, were added to the therapeutic armamentarium for treating PsA, and deucravacitinib for psoriasis. These oral agents act directly on inflammatory mechanisms underlining the disease, as antagonists of the intracellular JAK signal pathway and, by STAT phosphorylation, inhibit gene proinflammatory cytokine transcription. JAK inhibitors represent a recent additional treatment strategy for PsD management and, among these, tofacitinib and upadacitinib have recently been approved for PsA, and deucravacitinib for psoriasis. In this review we describe ongoing and recent phase II and III randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy and safety of investigational JAK inhibitors in psoriasis and PsA.Keywords: JAK inhibitors, plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, TYK2 inhibitors

Sara Cacciapuoti,* Luca Potestio,* Gianluca Guerrasio, Gabriella Fabbrocini ,† Massimiliano Scalvenzi, Angelo Ruggiero,* Giuseppina Caiazzo,* Matteo Megna* Section of Dermatology - Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy*These authors contributed equally to this work†Professor Gabriella Fabbrocini passed away on 3rd March 2023Correspondence: Angelo Ruggiero, Section of Dermatology - Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, Napoli, 80131, Italy, Tel +39 - 081 – 7462457, Fax +39 - 081 – 7462442, Email angeloruggiero1993@libero.itBackground: Recent knowledge of psoriasis pathogenesis has led to the development of selective drugs. Among these, brodalumab is a monoclonal antibody targeting the interleukin (IL)-17A receptor approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Biologics may be considered in patients with milder diseases in case of active psoriatic arthritis, severe impact on patient’s quality of life, and involvement of sensitive and difficult-to-treat areas. These skin locations commonly require systemic drugs. Recently, psoriasis severity monitoring has also changed. Indeed, the clinical evaluation by means of specific efficacy scores was combined with serological evaluation by means of the assay of specific inflammatory biomarkers.Methods: An observational study enrolled patients affected by moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis involving difficult-to-treat areas, undergoing treatment with brodalumab to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of brodalumab in patients with psoriasis affecting difficult-to-treat areas (scalp and palmoplantar regions). Secondary outcomes were the assessment of the development of serum markers of inflammation during the treatment period as well as the evaluation of the dermoscopic features of the affected sites to quantify disease activity and response to treatment.Results: Twenty-five patients were included in the study. A statistically significant reduction from baseline in PASI, PSSI, ppPASI and DLQI values as early as week 24 was observed, with further improvement up to week 52. Plasma levels of MMP-3, VEGF-A, and hs-PCR decreased during treatment from week 0 to week 52.Conclusion: Our real-life experience suggests brodalumab as a valuable option for the management of psoriasis located in difficult-to-treat areas. Moreover, our study highlights that the use of brodalumab reduces the plasmatic levels of inflammatory biomarkers (MMP-3, VEGF-A and hs-PCR), showing how the drug modulates the skin inflammatory response by reducing systemic inflammation.Keywords: brodalumab, psoriasis, difficult-to-treat areas, biologic drugs, efficacy

Luca Potestio,1 Elisa Camela,2 Sara Cacciapuoti,1 Luigi Fornaro,1 Angelo Ruggiero,1 Fabrizio Martora,1 Teresa Battista,1 Matteo Megna1 1Section of Dermatology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; 2Dermatology Unit, Istituto Dermopatico dell’Immacolata - IRCCS, Rome, ItalyCorrespondence: Luca Potestio, Section of Dermatology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy, Tel +39 - 081 - 7462457, Fax +39 - 081 - 7462442, Email potestioluca@gmail.comAbstract: Erythrodermic psoriasis (EP) is a severe and rare variant of psoriasis (less than 3% of cases), characterized by generalized scaling and erythema affecting more than 90% of body surface area. Several systemic symptoms can be present in patients with EP such as lymphadenopathy, arthralgia, fever, fatigue, dehydration, serum electrolyte disturbances, and tachycardia making this condition a possible life-threatening disease, particularly if appropriate treatments are not performed. In this scenario, effective and safe therapies are required. Unfortunately, the rarity of EP makes head-to-head Phase III trials challenging, leading to the lack of established guidelines for its management. Globally, conventional systemic drugs such as cyclosporine, methotrexate, and retinoids often have contraindications linked to patients’ comorbidities and have not shown a high profile of efficacy and safety. Recently, the development of biologic drugs including anti-tumor necrosis factor-α and anti-interleukin 12– 23, 23, and 17 has revealed favorable results for the management of plaque psoriasis, making them also a possible therapeutic option for EP disease. However, their use in EP is still off-label. The aim of our study was to review current literature on the use of biologic drugs for the treatment of EPs in order to offer a wide perspective on their possible application in EP management.Keywords: erythrodermic psoriasis, treatment, biologic drugs

Luca Potestio, Fabrizio Martora, Sara Cacciapuoti, Matteo Megna, Alessia Villani, Angelo Ruggiero Section of Dermatology - Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, ItalyCorrespondence: Angelo Ruggiero, Section of Dermatology - Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, Napoli, 80131, Italy, Tel +39 - 081 – 7462457, Fax +39 - 081 - 7462442, Email angeloruggiero1993@libero.it

Matteo Megna,1 Elisa Camela,2 Angelo Ruggiero,1 Teresa Battista,1 Fabrizio Martora,1 Sara Cacciapuoti,1 Luca Potestio1 1Section of Dermatology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; 2Dermatology Unit, Istituto Dermopatico dell’Immacolata - IRCCS, Rome, ItalyCorrespondence: Luca Potestio, Section of Dermatology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy, Tel +39 – 081 – 7462457, Fax +39 – 081 – 7462442, Email potestioluca@gmail.comAbstract: Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a severe and rare form of psoriasis, being a potentially life-threatening condition, characterized by recurring episodes or flares of widespread cutaneous erythema with macroscopic sterile pustules. An irregular innate immune response is linked to GPP, which is considered an auto-inflammatory disorder, while innate and adaptive immunopathogenic responses are involved in psoriasis pathogenesis. In consequence, different cytokine cascades have been suggested to be mainly involved in the pathogenesis of each different psoriasis form, with the interleukin (IL)23/IL17 axis implied in plaque psoriasis, and the IL36 pathway in the GPP. As regards GPP treatment, conventional systemic drugs available for plaque psoriasis are usually used as the first-line treatment option. However, contraindications and adverse events often limit the use of these therapies. In this scenario, biologic drugs may represent a promising treatment option. To date, even if 12 different biologics have been approved for plaque psoriasis, none of these is approved for GPP where they are employed off-label. Recently, spesolimab, an anti-IL36 receptor monoclonal antibody, has been recently approved for GPP. The purpose of this article is to assess the current literature about the use of biological therapies for the treatment of GPP to establish the basis for a shared GPP management algorithm.Keywords: pustular psoriasis, treatment, biologic drugs

Angelo Ruggiero, Gabriella Fabbrocicni, Sara Cacciapuoti, Luca Potestio, Lucia Gallo, Matteo Megna Section of Dermatology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, ItalyCorrespondence: Angelo Ruggiero, Section of Dermatology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, Naples, 80131, Italy, Tel +39-081-7462457, Fax +39-081-7462442, Email angeloruggiero1993@libero.itBackground: Tildrakizumab, an anti-IL-23, showed promising efficacy and safety profiles in two randomized clinical-trials (reSURFACE-1 and reSURFACE-2), comparing tildrakizumab superiority to placebo and etanercept. Due to its recent availability in clinical-practice, real-life data are still limited.Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of tildrakizumab in a real-world-practice in patients suffering from moderate-to-severe psoriasis.Methods: A 52-week observational retrospective study enrolled patients suffering from moderate-to-severe plaque-psoriasis, starting tildrakizumab treatment.Results: A total of 42 patients were included in the study. Mean PASI showed a significant reduction at each follow-up (p< 0.001), reducing from 13.5± 5.9 at baseline, 2.8± 3.8 at week-28, resulting stable up to week-52. High rates of patients reached both PASI90 and PASI100 responses at both week 16 (PASI90: 52.4%, PASI100: 33.3%) and week 28 (PASI90: 76.1%, PASI100: 61.9%), maintaining these up to week 52 (PASI90: 73.8%, PASI100: 59.5%). The impact of treatment on patient’s quality of life has been evaluated with DLQI, which showed a significant reduction during follow-ups.Conclusion: Our data confirm tildrakizumab as an effective and generally safe treatment for the management of moderate-to-severe psoriasis, with high rates of both PASI90 and PASI100 responses, and very few reported adverse events, up to 52 weeks of follow-up.Keywords: guselkumab, risankizumab, tildrakizumab, real-world practice, psoriasis, anti-IL-23, biologics

Giuseppe Monfrecola, Sara Cacciapuoti, Claudia Capasso, Mario Delfino, Gabriella Fabbrocini Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Section of Dermatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy Background: A novel face compact cream (FCC) containing a new patented formulation was recently developed to provide acne patients with cosmetic camouflage for their lesions and to have beneficial effects on the multifactorial components of the disease. This pilot investigation aimed to evaluate the real-life tolerability, potential for comedogenicity and covering effect provided by this FCC.Methods: This single-center study evaluated the FCC applied once daily for 28 days in 20 females with facial acne. Tolerability was assessed by rating skin reactions on a scale from 1 =absent to 4 =evident. Comedogenicity potential was evaluated by determining the number of facial acne lesions before and after use of the FCC. The covering effect was rated in ten patients 30 minutes after application on a scale from 1 =none to 5 =excellent. Patients rated their opinions on the FCC on day 28 using a questionnaire.Results: Assessment of tolerability on days 0, 14, and 28 showed that skin reactions, including erythema, edema, dryness, desquamation, tight feeling, itching, and burning, were absent in all patients. The FCC was noncomedogenic and provided a significant 15.8% reduction in facial acne lesions after 28 days (P

OBJECTIVE: The PSO-LONG trial demonstrated that proactive management of psoriasis based on the regular application of the fixeddose combination calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate (Cal/BD) foam twice a week for 52 weeks prolonged the time to first relapse and reduced the number of relapses, compared with the reactive management. Nevertheless, data about proactive management in clinical practice are still poor. This observational study compares the Cal/ BD foam proactive management of psoriasis with the reactive scheme in consecutive patients with localized mild-to-moderate psoriasis. The degree of the skin atrophy was also assessed with dermoscopic and confocal microscopy analyses. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective observational study was conducted at the Federico II University Dermatological Clinic of Naples in adult patients treated with the fixeddose combination Cal/BD foam (Enstilar®, Leo Pharma, Ballerup, Denmark) according to either a proactive or a reactive scheme (on-demand treatment). The observation time was 52 weeks. RESULTS: 149 patients were involved. The effectiveness of the proactive therapy was sustained by the significant reduction of the mean number of relapses (p=0.004) and by the significant increase of the median time to relapse (p=0.014) compared to the reactive regimen. Compared to the baseline values, significant improvements in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score, Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) score, and Skindex-16 index were reported. Dermoscopy and confocal microscopy analyses showed the absence of cutaneous atrophy during the proactive treatment and improved the lesion’s appearance. CONCLUSIONS: The proactive regimen represents a valuable therapeutic novelty in treating mild-to-moderate psoriasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic relapsing inflammatory skin disease characterized by a significant impairment of patients' quality of life (QoL). It has been recently found that clinical severity of HS does not correlate well with QoL. Therefore, it is important to enhance the evaluation of severity considering the disease burden on QoL. Recently, a new graphical tool able to better describe HS burden, the so‐called HIDRAdisk, has been introduced. Objective: To investigate the utility of HIDRAdisk in clinical practice before and after treatment and to analyse whether specific factors such as age and gender may influence the outcomes in patients with moderate‐to‐severe HS. Methods: A single‐centre retrospective study on 24 patients (13F/11M, mean age 38 ± 15 years) with moderate‐to‐severe HS was performed. Clinical data (disease severity and quality of life) were collected at baseline and after 12 weeks of adalimumab. Results: HIDRAdisk showed significantly better improvements in males (69.8 ± 6.2–49.6 ± 10.8) compared to females (80.7 ± 6.0–72.3 ± 6.7), P <0.001. A significant correlation was found in the total population between HS severity values measured through the modified Sartorius score (mSS) and QoL measured through HIDRAdisk. As regards the relationship between disease outcomes and age, a trend for better HIDRAdisk outcomes in younger patients (<40 years) compared to older ones was observed. Conclusions: HIDRAdisk appears as a complete and informative tool which can easily measure the global burden of HS, guiding treatment choice and evaluating its efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linked article: This article is commented on by J.L. Hernández et al., p. e109 in this issue. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.15273 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]