Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges in Psoriasis–Atopic Dermatitis Overlap: A Retrospective Observational Cohort Study
<b>Background and Objectives:</b> Psoriasis and atopic dermatitis (AD) are immune-mediated inflammatory diseases traditionally viewed as distinct. However, a subset of patients may present with overlapping features, leading to diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This study aims to characterize the clinical, histopathological, and therapeutic features of patients with psoriasis-AD overlap. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> A retrospective review was conducted on patients diagnosed with both psoriasis vulgaris and AD between January 2021 and October 2024 at a single tertiary dermatology center. Inclusion required histopathological confirmation of psoriasis and a clinical diagnosis of AD based on Hanifin and Rajka criteria. Clinical features, histopathology, treatment history, and 6-month outcomes were analyzed. <b>Results:</b> Out of 469 patients screened, 24 (5.1%) had both conditions. Psoriasis preceded AD in 91.6% of cases. Most patients had intrinsic AD subtypes and moderate-to-severe diseases. Palmoplantar involvement was present in 66.6%, often refractory to biologics alone. Histological overlap complicated diagnosis, with repeated biopsies required in 58.3% of cases. Patients with dual diseases often required combination therapy, and JAK inhibitors showed favorable outcomes in refractory cases. <b>Conclusions:</b> Psoriasis-AD overlap represents a distinct clinical entity requiring individualized diagnosis and management. Recognition of this phenotype is critical for optimizing therapeutic outcomes.
Authors
- Elena Porumb‐Andrese (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2859-2066)
- Nicuța Manolache
- Daciana Elena Branisteanu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0368-8694)
- Mihaela Paula Toader (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9838-836X)
- Daniel Brănișteanu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5147-9596)
- George Brănișteanu
- Catalina Munteanu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1616-9639)
- Cătălina Onu-Brănișteanu
- Roxana Paraschiva Ciobanu
- Alin Gabriel Colac
- Antonia Elena Huțanu
- Cristina Colac Boțoc
Institutions
- Clinical Emergency Hospital Bucharest (RO)
- Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy (RO)
- "Dunarea de Jos" University of Galati (RO)
- Institutul de Urgenţă pentru Boli Cardiovasculare "Prof.Dr. C.C. Iliescu" (RO)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Diagnostics
- Published
- 2025-05-29
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15111381
- Citations
- 1
- Primary Topic
- Dermatology and Skin Diseases
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 2.00