GLP-1 drugs may have an unexpected benefit for some skin conditions

The useful part

GLP-1 drugs have changed the way doctors treat diabetes and obesity, but dermatologists are now paying attention to what these medications may be doing to the skin. Dermatology Partners in Fort Worth says dermatologists have seen improvements in some patients with inflammatory skin conditions, including psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa. Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition that can cause patches of thick, scaly and irritated skin.

How it works

• "In large part, it is due to the weight loss," said Durham, but she said emerging research comparing GLP-1 drugs with other medications that improve insulin resistance suggests there may be additional...
• Researchers are still trying to determine exactly how the medications may affect inflammatory skin disease.
• Durham says weight loss itself may help some patients because excess weight can contribute to inflammation throughout the body, but researchers are also studying whether GLP-1 medications could have...
• For patients who have psoriasis and are also overweight, Durham says that possibility is already influencing some of the conversations she has in her practice.
• She recommends that some of those patients talk with their doctors about whether a GLP-1 medication may be appropriate for them.

What to take from it

Durham said she has seen patients in her own practice remain clear while taking the medications, although GLP-1 drugs are not currently a replacement for established psoriasis treatments. "We still don't know what that external mechanism for reduced inflammation is," Durham said. For now, she says GLP-1 medications may be used alongside other treatments in appropriate patients rather than specifically as a psor...