Skin disorders are common in elderly people. Systemic diseases promote the development of dermatological conditions. A comprehensive approach to health problems in elderly subjects requires knowledge of dermatology.

No abstract

The relationship between itch and psyche is complex and bilateral. Increasing interest in itch and its associations with psyche is indicated by the abundance of experimental and clinical articles published in this field. This review covers the pathogenesis of itch, associations with stress, the contagiousness of itch, psychological and psychiatric aspects related to itch, and the burden of itch with respect to impairment of health-related quality of life and stigmatization. Beginning from embryological development, skin and psyche are closely related to physiological state regardless of age. Altering the homeostasis of one of these components impacts on the other, thereby substantiating that the relationship between itch and psyche is bilateral. Itch has a complex pathogenesis, which involves the peripheral and central nervous systems, as well as various inflammatory mediators. This paper reviews key aspects of itch pathogenesis, relevant associations with stress, the contagiousness of itch, psychological and psychiatric considerations related to itch, and the burden of itch with respect to impairment of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and stigmatization. Despite the fact that itch-psyche associations still pose many questions, current knowledge supports the role of a holistic, interdisciplinary approach to these patients in order to improve their well-being.

No abstract

Biological drugs are pharmaceuticals manufactured using biotechnology methods that may target specific cytokines, cytokine receptors or surface molecules, and modulate the immunological response of the organism. Psoriasis is a common cutaneous disease in which biological drugs have been evaluated and widely accepted in clinical practice. Secukinumab is a monoclonal antibody targeting IL-17A which has been extensively researched in clinical trials and registered in treating moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. We performed a literature search in Pubmed database on the pharmacology of secukinumab and randomized clinical trials investigating its efficacy and safety in treating plaque psoriasis in comparison to placebo or biological drugs (etanercept, ustekinumab). The administration of secukinumab in psoriatic subjects resulted in subjective and objective disease parameters reduction while exhibiting high safety profile. Secukinumab is an effective drug with a favorable safety profile. It has already taken an important position in managing plaque psoriasis in clinical practice.