JAMA dermatology
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Meta Analysis
Utility of Naltrexone Treatment for Chronic Inflammatory Dermatologic Conditions: A Systematic Review.
Dermatology is encountering increasing rates of autoimmune disease manifesting in primary skin conditions that are difficult to treat without a risk of immunosuppression. Naltrexone is an orally active opioid antagonist that influences a variety of systemic pathways, including the immune system, in low doses of 1.5 to 4.0 mg/d. This phenomenon has piqued the interest of researchers and practitioners in regard to low-dose naltrexone's potential in the treatment of several autoimmune conditions. ⋯ The findings suggest that low-dose naltrexone is safe and effective in the treatment of Hailey-Hailey disease and lichen planopilaris and both low- and high-dose naltrexone successfully treat pruritus attributable to various pathologic conditions; however, more adverse effects occurred in those taking high doses. Low-dose naltrexone has the potential for the treatment of chronic inflammatory skin conditions; however, additional evidence is needed for dosing and long-term treatment guidelines.