Editor’s Picks October 2025

Emek Kocatürk

Tan et al. reviewed the environmental and health impacts of plastics, focusing on microplastics in dermatological products, which are essentially indestructible and difficult to remove from ecosystems. Their use — especially single-use items — continues to drive fossil fuel extraction and chemical exposure. Plastics and microplastics also pose significant environmental and health risks due to their persistent and pervasive nature.

This article highlights the plastic lifecycle, exposure routes, associated health risks and provides helpful recommendations based on guidelines from professional societies and health organizations, aiming to reduce plastic's environmental impact in dermatology (Figure 1).

Tan E, Saha S, Niebel D. Plastics in dermatology: A review and solutions. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2025; 39: 1715–1724. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.20537.

This meta-analysis investigates the risk of heart failure (HF) associated with tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFis) in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs), addressing current guidelines that often contraindicate TNFi use in advanced HF and highlight potential risks for new-onset HF.

The meta-analysis did not show increased risk of de novo HF in TNFi-treated groups compared to controls. While TNFis are safe concerning the risk of new-onset HF in IMID patients and guidelines should be revised accordingly, more data are needed on their effect on worsening HF (Figure 2).

Galajda NÁ, Meznerics FA, Mátrai P, et al. Evaluation of the risk of heart failure with tumour necrosis factor inhibitors: A large-scale meta-analysis in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2025; 39: 1760–1772. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.20786.

This study aimed to characterize the prevalence, treatment patterns, disease profile and negative burden of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) in adult patients from five European countries (Figure 3).

According to the study, CSU patients are inadequately treated, with nearly three-fourths suffering from poorly controlled urticaria, even among those receiving treatment. Moreover, CSU negatively impacts patients' lives, with reported worse mean scores for mental and physical health compared to the control population. The study highlights the multifaceted burden of CSU on patients' lives in real-world settings and the need for comprehensive and personalized care.

Balp MM, Krupsky K, Gupta S, et al. Prevalence, treatment and burden of chronic spontaneous urticaria in five European countries. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2025; 39: 1806–1817. https://doi.org/ 0.1111/jdv.20772.

Tanasov et al. highlight several key conclusions regarding the association between dermatologic and venereological conditions and erectile dysfunction (ED), a common yet underdiagnosed condition, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to patient care.

The association between multiple inflammatory, infectious and autoimmune skin conditions and ED is complex, involving vasculogenic, neurogenic, endocrine and psychogenic pathways. The authors advocate for a proactive, comprehensive approach by dermatologists who are uniquely positioned to address sexual health, from providing lifestyle recommendations to pharmacological treatment (Figure 4). This in turn can improve patient compliance, reduce logistical challenges and optimize outcomes.

Tanasov A, Tiplica GS. Erectile dysfunction in dermatology and venereology: From aetiopathogenic mechanisms to practical considerations for dermato-venereologists. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2025; 39: 1725–1737. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.20618.