Diagnostic and prognostic utility of inflammatory biomarkers in dermatology: A narrative review

Abstract

Dermatological diseases are characterised by a wide array of clinical features that often overlap, complicating their diagnosis. The use of readily available drugs can further modify these features, necessitating early invasive interventions for accurate diagnosis. Recent advancements in the identification of biomarkers specific to various dermatologic disorders have significantly improved diagnostic accuracy, severity grading, and prognosis. For instance, the assessment of cytokines and chemokines has been explored as a complementary diagnostic tool for inflammatory skin diseases, revealing distinct inflammatory signatures. The integration of precision medicine in dermatology, driven by molecular biomarkers, has facilitated personalised treatment approaches. Biomarkers in conditions like hidradenitis suppurativa and psoriasis have guided the use of targeted therapies, enhancing treatment efficacy. Moreover, non-invasive imaging modalities are being investigated as potential biomarkers, offering a promising avenue for assessing disease severity and therapeutic response without the need for invasive procedures. The exploration of proteomic signatures in inflammatory skin diseases, has further enriched our understanding of disease pathogenesis and systemic inflammation, identifying novel biomarkers that correlate with clinical parameters, thus paving the way for more precise and individualised treatment strategies. We describe the different validated and emerging biomarkers in various dermatological disorders in this narrative review, along with a discussion on their clinical utility and future directions.