Prevalence of skin diseases in women with endometriosis
Today’s report also covers research into vulvar lichen sclerosus content on TikTok, sex disparities of health-related Quality of Life in psoriasis, and more (1,250 words, 6 minutes)
Good morning, and welcome to the Women in Dermatology e-newsletter from Chronicle Companies. We’re pleased to have you join us. This biweekly bulletin will update you on new findings regarding dermatologic issues that affect women and the female dermatologists who care for them. We welcome your feedback and opinions, so let us know if you have any comments, observations, or suggestions. You can email them to us at health@chronicle.org
Endometriosis has been linked to a higher prevalence of certain skin conditions. A study in the International Journal of Women’s Dermatology (Mar. 2025; 11(1):p e195) analyzed the frequency of skin conditions among women with endometriosis compared to those without the disease. The researchers found that chronic urticaria, alopecia areata (AA), and psoriasis were significantly more common in patients with endometriosis, suggesting a possible link between inflammatory and immunological dysfunctions in both conditions.
For this study, the authors conducted a cross-sectional analysis involving 835 adults with endometriosis, recruited from online groups and a gynecology outpatient clinic, and a control group of 309 women attending the same clinic for other reasons. Participants were asked about current dermatoses, with diagnoses confirmed by a dermatologist.
The results showed that 71.7% of the endometriosis group reported at least one skin condition, with 55.8% having a confirmed dermatological diagnosis. Chronic urticaria, AA and psoriasis were more prevalent in individuals with endometriosis than those without the disease. The study suggests that the increased prevalence of these dermatoses in endometriosis patients may be related to elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6, IL-17, and TNFα, which have been observed in both endometriosis and the identified skin conditions.
The researchers highlighted that estrogen may play a role in chronic urticaria, given its influence on immune function and its involvement in endometriosis. They also mention that some medications used to treat endometriosis, such as analgesics, anti-inflammatories, and hormone therapies, might exacerbate chronic urticaria. They note that cases of autoimmune progesterone dermatitis, where chronic urticaria occurs cyclically during the perimenstrual period, further suggest a hormonal link between endometriosis and certain skin conditions.
While acknowledging limitations such as potential information bias from self-reported data, the study concludes that chronic urticaria, AA, and psoriasis are more prevalent in women with endometriosis than in those without the disease. The authors emphasize the importance of recognizing these associated comorbidities and providing comprehensive care for the overall health of endometriosis patients. They also suggest further research to explore the timeline of onset between endometriosis and these inflammatory dermatoses, as well as the impact of comorbidities on treatment outcomes.
The Takeaway: The study found that endometriosis is linked to a higher prevalence of chronic urticaria, AA, and psoriasis. Most women with endometriosis reported at least one skin condition. Elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6, IL-17, and TNFα, may explain the association between endometriosis and skin conditions. The authors emphasize the need for comprehensive care to address the comorbidities associated with endometriosis.
Sex disparities of health-related quality of life in moderate to severe psoriasis
A study published in Acta Dermato-Venereologica examined gender differences in quality of life among psoriasis patients before and during treatment. The researchers found that women with moderate-to-severe psoriasis reported significantly lower quality of life than men at treatment initiation and throughout non-biologic and biologic therapies. For this study, the researchers analyzed data from 748 adults enrolled in the Swiss Dermatology Network of Targeted Therapy registry between 2011 and 2023. Quality of life was assessed using the Dermatology Life Quality Index at baseline and at three, six, 12, 18, and 24 months. At baseline, women reported significantly lower quality of life than men, particularly in the IL-17 inhibitor, IL-12/23 inhibitor, and non-biologic therapy groups. While all patients experienced improvements during treatment, women receiving IL-12/23 inhibitors continued to report worse quality of life than men after two years.
Evaluating vulvar lichen sclerosus content on TikTok by content creators
A study in the International Journal of Women’s Dermatology assessed the quality of TikTok videos on vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS). The researchers found that videos created by physicians had significantly higher quality scores than those made by nonphysicians.
For this study, the researchers analyzed 91 TikTok videos using the DISCERN, a validated 16-item questionnaire that assesses consumer health information quality, and Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT) A/V tools, evaluating understandability and actionability. The results showed that physician-created content had significantly higher DISCERN and PEMAT scores than patient-created videos. The study emphasizes the need for improved online health information to enhance patient education on VLS.
Cutaneous manifestations in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome
A study in the Indus Journal of Bioscience Research examined the frequency of cutaneous manifestations in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The researchers found that cutaneous manifestations are frequent in women with PCOS, with obesity significantly increasing the risk of hirsutism.
For this cross-sectional study, the authors analyzed clinical and anthropometric data from 219 non-pregnant women with PCOS. The results showed that hirsutism was the most prevalent manifestation, followed by androgenic alopecia, seborrhea, and acne. Acanthosis nigricans and skin tags were also common.
Association of Myo-inositol and microlipodispersed magnesium in androgen-dependent dermatological diseases
A study published in Pharmaceuticals evaluated the effects of a Myo-inositol, magnesium and folic acid supplement on acne and hirsutism in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The researchers found that the supplement significantly reduced body mass index (BMI), testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) levels, improving acne, hirsutism, and quality of life in women with PCOS.
The authors conducted a retrospective study involving 200 patients taking the supplement. Over six months, they assessed changes in BMI, testosterone levels, DHEAS, and clinical outcomes related to acne and hirsutism. The results showed significant reductions in BMI, testosterone, and DHEAS levels, improving acne and hirsutism. Quality of life also improved significantly after three and six months. No side effects were reported. The study suggests that Myo-inositol supplementation may be beneficial for managing acne and hirsutism in women with PCOS.
VIDEO: Female hair loss causes & cicatricial alopecia
Rio de Janeiro-based dermatologist Dr. Maria Fernanda Gavazzoni discusses the factors contributing to female hair loss, including hormonal changes, genetics, stress, medical conditions, and more.
The association between anti-TIF1-γ antibody and triple-negative breast carcinoma in dermatomyositis patients
A case study in Clinical Case Reports described three women, aged 41 to 51, diagnosed with dermatomyositis and breast cancer. One developed a tumour first and then dermatomyositis, while the others had dermatomyositis symptoms before cancer diagnosis. All had skin manifestations, muscle weakness, and systemic symptoms such as dyspnea and hypoxemia. Lab tests showed positive anti-TIF-1γ and antinuclear antibodies. Due to severe dermatomyositis, they received immunosuppressive therapy before cancer treatment. The study also highlights a case involving a 43-year-old woman with triple-negative breast cancer and worsening dermatomyositis symptoms, requiring prednisone, methotrexate, and immunoglobulin before surgery. After symptom improvement, she underwent mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. The authors underscore the importance of recognizing dermatomyositis in breast cancer patients to ensure optimal treatment.
“There are different topical chemicals that could coat the hair, different conditioning agents that make the hair seem thicker, but in terms of topical biotin actually penetrating and doing anything down at the hair follicle, it’s wishful thinking. Topical biotin can help with skin hydration of the scalp. This can be beneficial if you have a dry scalp.”
— Dr. Joyce Davis, a New York City-based dermatologist in an interview with Today.
You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribe to Women in Dermatology or another Chronicle journal, have attended a Skin Spectrum Summit live event or webinar, or have previously requested a subscription to one of our newsletters. If you no longer wish to subscribe to this newsletter, please email the subject line “Unsubscribe Women in Dermatology” to health@chronicle.org.
Chronicle Companies publish Women in Dermatology: 1460 The Queensway, Suite 212, Etobicoke, Ont. M8Z 1S4
