Statins in dermatology

Abstract

Statins are competitive inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylyglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase and reduce low-density lipoprotein-C levels. Statins are well-tolerated drugs used for prevention of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events. Statins possess anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, metabolic, and possible anticancer effects. Statins are reported to be effective against psoriasis, dermatitis, graft-versus-host disease, uremic pruritus, vitiligo, and hirsutism. Topical forms of statins are employed in the treatment of acne, seborrhea, rosacea, and rhinophyma. Animal studies show the beneficial effect of statins against contact dermatitis and wound healing. They have promising anti-HIV effects as well. This article succinctly reviews the various cellular and molecular effects of statins, their applications in cutaneous medicine and their side effects.

Lipid ingredients in moisturizers can modulate skin responses to UV in barrier-disrupted human skin in vivo

“…As UVinduced damages play an important role in the development of non-melanoma skin cancers including squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma, cholesterol might protect the skin from UV-induced damages. In addition, statins have been reported to induce phototoxic and photosensitive adverse effects [19]. Our group has previously investigated the effect of cholesterol on the basal expression of MMPs in skin cells.…”

Idiopathic Generalized Exfoliative Dermatitis and Association with Antihypertensive Drugs and Statins: A Retrospective Case-Control Study

“…These photodegraded products induce apoptosis and spongiosis of keratinocytes and might possibly be an initial inciting event in the development of chronic inflammatory dermatitis or GED in some patients. Similarly, statins have previously been reported to alter the lipid content in the stratum corneum and therefore could result in xerosis and eczematous rashes but recent evidence is conflicting [14]. …”

“…Statins, another common drug, may also be associated with exacerbation of xerosis which may lead to eczematous eruptions [14] and hence is also examined in this study. The association between their use and eczematous eruptions may not be as straightforward compared to the traditional mechanisms underlying hypersensitivity drug eruptions.…”

Atorvastatin Induced Erythema Multiforme

“…Few cases of erythema multiforme related with statins have been described thus far [3][4][5][6][7][8][9].…”

“…Cutaneous adverse effects induced by statins are uncommon [3]. Few cases of statins induced erythema multiforme have been described to date [4,5].…”