You probably recognize GLP-1s more commonly by some of the brand names like Ozempic, Wyngovy or Zepbound to name a few. GLP-1s or glucagon peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RAs) are synthetic peptides that mimic the natural activity of GLP-1 in our bodies. GLP-1 is a pretty cool molecule and known for lowering blood sugar levels, suppressing our appetites and promoting weight loss. GLP-1 are typically used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity and overall are well tolerated. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, constipation and low blood sugar. Odds are, you probably know someone who is currently tried a GLP-1 or is on one now. In the United States, the use of GLP-1s is growing with over 1.1 million patients receiving prescriptions between January 2018 and June 2024.
Now as for the skin and GLP-1s– I’m not talking about the “Ozempic face”; that’s another blog. What I’m referring to is using GLP-1s as a treatment for skin disease like psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), acanthosis nigricans and wound healing. Sounds interesting, huh? Well, it’s very promising and just when you thought these drugs were miracles for weight loss, we have another possible role for them in dermatology.
It’s true that both psoriasis and hidradenitis patients are often obese and weight loss can be helpful to treat their conditions. So it makes sense that GLP-1s can play a role in treatment by helping with losing weight and result in improvement in the skin. However, GLP-1s also go after systemic inflammation, which is the driving force for both psoriasis and HS. Research shows that GLP-1s target chemical pathways and can prevent the production of inflammatory molecules like tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), interleukin (IL)-23, IL-17, and IL-22, that fuel psoriasis and HS. It’s like the old adage of killing two birds with one stone—GLP-1s aid with weight loss and inflammation and in turn the skin improves. Then add on the benefit of both weight reduction and reduced inflammation to decrease heart disease risk. Sounds like a win-win? Yes, but more importantly, it highlights the complex interplay of inflammation, our metabolism and the immune system that is the foundation of skin conditions like psoriasis and HS.
The question you might be asking—if you have a skin condition like psoriasis or HS, should you take a GLP-1? Possibly. More studies are needed to look at these medications as the primary treatment or add-on to existing therapy. Not everyone is a candidate for GLP-1s based on their medical history and there’s also the challenge of insurance coverage. However, we can’t deny the reality that GLP-1s are a promising therapy for both patients and dermatologists to consider.
Trotter’s Take: GLP-1address the key players in inflammatory skin disease and can serve as important therapy option for patients with conditions like psoriasis and HS.
Thinking that a GLP-1 might be something to help you? Take a moment and listen to my podcast with Dr. Mike Payette as we chat more about the role of GLP-1s in HS.
