In the upcoming years, dermatologists, endocrinologist and physicians may have cope with the impact of extent SARS-CoV-2 (COVID 19) infection over chronic inflammatory skin diseases and their treatment. COVID-19 pandemic obliged many countries to impose social restrictions, resulting in the need to adapt daily lifestyle habits and working activities. These changes have drastically reduced physical activity and social interactions, with the possible increase of anxiety, eating disorders and weight gain.

A new study published in Minerva Endocrinologia conducted a review of literature focusing on medium-long term effects of COVID-19 outbreak on inflammatory skin disorders, due to the lifestyle changes.

This review entailed a search for relevant studies—including trials, real-life studies and case reports, meta-analysis, pooled data analysis, reviews—on endocrine disorders and inflammatory skin diseases, from PubMed, published between January 1, 2018 and May 5, 2020.

Several studies have previously shown the association of overweight and obesity, with the metabolic syndrome and insulin-resistance. It has been demonstrated how these conditions correlate with the worsening of such chronic inflammatory skin diseases, such as psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and acne. Many evidences suggest an important role of adipose tissue in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines – leptin, adiponectin, TNFα, IL-6, MCP-1, PAI-1, involved in the pathogenesis and the exacerbations of these skin diseases. In addition, an increased incidence rate of hypovitaminosis D is expected in the next future due to reduced sun exposure caused by isolation at home and missed holidays. Meanwhile, vitamin D plays an important immunomodulating role in inflammatory skin diseases.

From the results, it was concluded that a multidisciplinary approach, involving dermatologists, nutritionists and endocrinologists, may lead to a better management of dermatologic patients in the near future.

Source: Minerva Endocrinologia. 2020 Sep 24. doi: 10.23736/S0391-1977.20.03248-4.