Dermatology

IEC consensus formalizes low disease activity and remission states in atopic dermatitis

An International Eczema Council steering committee used a modified Delphi process to define low disease activity, very low disease activity, and remission in atopic dermatitis. Panelists endorsed a modular framework separating clinician-reported signs and patient-reported symptoms, allowing definitions such as remission (signs), remission (symptoms), and remission (overall). Final consensus definitions incorporated familiar clinician scales such as validated Investigator Global Assessment for Atopic Dermatitis and Eczema Area and Severity Index thresholds. These standardized states aim to support treat-to-target approaches, regulatory clarity, payer communication, and consistent cross-trial comparisons. 1

Truncal acne is common and independently worsens quality of life

In a UK secondary-care cohort of 2038 acne patients, 63.6% had truncal involvement, including truncal-only and combined facial–truncal disease. Combined facial/truncal acne was far more common than truncal-only disease and produced higher total Dermatology Life Quality Index scores than facial acne alone. Patients with combined involvement reported greater symptom burden and more work or study impairment on item-level DLQI analysis. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale scores were also significantly higher in combined disease, independent of acne severity, indicating greater psychosocial distress. These findings support routine truncal examination and treatment choices effective and feasible for both facial and truncal acne. 2

Time-to-response guidance for baricitinib 4 mg in severe alopecia areata

This post hoc BRAVE-AA1/2 analysis evaluated when baricitinib 4 mg achieves initial improvement (SALT30) and treatment success (SALT ≤ 20) in severe alopecia areata. In severe disease (SALT 50–94), SALT30 was reached by Week 24 in most patients, with many achieving SALT ≤ 20 by Week 52. In very severe disease (SALT 95–100), SALT30 rates were lower at Week 24, but proportions with SALT ≤ 20 continued to increase through Week 52. The authors recommend at least 24 weeks before judging early response in severe disease and treating for ≥1 year in very severe cases before declaring failure. 3