Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology最新文献

Viral warts, a common dermatological condition caused by human papillomavirus infection (HPV) infection, present a particular challenge for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients due to their compromised immunity, which increases the susceptibility to HPV infection and complicates treatment efforts. Imiquimod, an immunomodulatory agent, has demonstrated efficacy in managing warts. Furthermore, local hyperthermia, a non-invasive therapeutic modality, has demonstrated significant potential in the management of warts. We report the case of a SLE patient developed recalcitrant and extensive viral warts on limbs. We applied hyperthermia at 45 °C on a target lesion for 1 hour / day with imiquimod cream 3 times/week. All the lesions cleared in 8 months and there was no sign of recurrence.

Lichen planus pigmentosus is a variant of lichen planus characterized by gray-brown hyperpigmented macules and patches occurring in sun exposed areas. Vicks VapoRub is an inhalant ointment frequently used to relieve symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections. We report a case of lichen planus pigmentosus induced by Vicks VapoRub and successfully treated with topical tacrolimus 0.1% cream.

Superficial mycoses are characterized by the infection of keratinized tissues such as the epidermis, hair, and nails. A 52-year-old woman from Hainan Province, China is reported in this study. The patient presents with large erythematous scales on her head, face, and disfigured nails over a 2-year period. The fungal infection was further aggravated by the patient's 10-year history of SLE and long-term immunosuppressive drug therapy. Ultimately, Fungal microscopy and culture results were consistent with superficial mycosis. After 6 months of treatment with terbinafine and itraconazole, the patient's rash subsided, and fungal microscopy was negative. There was no recurrence after six months of follow-up.

Introduction: Marie-Unna hereditary hypotrichosis (MUHH) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by a specific pattern of hair loss. Initially described in 1925 by Marie-Unna in a German family spanning over seven generations, MUHH represents a previously unidentified form of congenital hypotrichosis. It typically presents as sparse hair at birth with a coarse texture, followed by regrowth during childhood then, finally, gradual hair loss at puberty, resembling pattern of androgenetic alopecia.

Case presentation: The study describes two cases from different unrelated families presenting with recalcitrant alopecia resembling female pattern hair loss, with dermoscopic findings consistent with pili torti and yellow dots. Genetic testing confirmed a heterozygous pathogenic variant in the HRURF gene, associated with autosomal dominant Marie Unna Hereditary Hypotrichosis. Up to our knowledge it is first case series reported from Egypt.

Conclusion: While recent literature on MUHH has primarily focused on identifying genetic abnormalities, there are other important questions that warrant consideration. These include histopathological studies, dermoscopic descriptions, and correlating types of genetic mutations with clinical presentations. These data might offer a deeper understanding of MUHH pathophysiology ending in efficacious treatment options.

Purpose: The aim was to quantitatively evaluate the effectiveness of LED light therapy combined with photoacceptor substances having anti-acne properties in reducing the symptoms of acne vulgaris.

Patients and methods: 15 subjects aged 20 to 24 who suffered from moderate or severe acne lesions. The treatments were performed using a LED device (465-880 nm). Blue light - 465 nm in combination with red light - 640 nm in pulsed mode and near-infrared light - 880 nm were used in the treatments. Each patient underwent 6 treatments, with intervals between treatments of 7 days. 3D images and biomechanical measurements were performed before first and fourth treatments and 6 weeks after the last. Additionally, photographic documentation was made 7 days after the 6th treatment.

Results: The series of treatments significantly influenced the clinical condition of the patients' skin. The treatments had a statistically significant impact on the intensity of erythema on the left and right cheeks. The hydration of the stratum corneum in all the examined areas of the face changed significantly after the treatments. Greater hydration was achieved six weeks after six treatments compared to the values obtained prior to treatment and after three treatments. The activity of sebaceous glands and, consequently, the amount of sebum on the epidermal surface in all the examined areas of the face changed significantly after the treatments. The treatments had a statistically significant impact on the volume of atrophic scars.

Conclusion: Therapy combining LED light with photoacceptor substances is an effective method of reducing the symptoms of acne vulgaris. The treatments lead to a significant reduction in erythema, reduction in the volume of atrophic scars, improvement of skin hydration and regulation of sebum secretion. These effects can be identified quantitatively. Further studies are necessary to confirm the long-term effectiveness and safety of this method.

Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) is a heterogeneous and rare genetic skin disease caused by mutations in the COL7A1 gene, which encodes Type VII collagen. The absence or dysfunction of Type VII collagen can cause the dense lower layer of the basal membrane zone of the skin to separate from the dermis, leading to blister formation and various complications. In different DEB subtypes, the severity of the phenotype is associated, to some extent, with the outcome of Type VII collagen caused by mutations in the COL7A1 gene, which may be reduced in expression, remarkably reduced, or completely absent. Here, we report a case of DEB caused by a mutation in the COL7A1 gene at a novel site, where the patient achieved favorable outcomes after treatment with upadacitinib. This study further expands the known COL7A1 gene mutation sites in the DEB subtype, providing new data for understanding the genotype-phenotype correlation and treatment of this disease.

Scleromyxedema (SM) is a rare primary cutaneous mucinosis characterized by systemic papules and scleroderma-like manifestations, often associated with monoclonal gammopathy. We present the case of a 37-year-old male with SM who developed yellowish plaques on the neck and back over three years. Histopathological examination revealed mucin deposition, fibroblast proliferation, and fibrosis, supporting the diagnosis. Serum protein electrophoresis identified IgG-λ type paraproteinemia. Notably, the patient had a history of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, suggesting a potential association. Following eight weeks of oral triamcinolone acetonide therapy, the skin lesions improved significantly. Despite established diagnostic criteria for SM, its pathogenesis remains poorly understood. Chronic antigenic stimulation from circulating cytokines and viral infections, such as HBV, may contribute to disease development. This case highlights the potential link between chronic HBV infection and SM, emphasizing the need for further investigation into viral etiologies. SM differs clinically, histologically, and systemically from related disorders such as scleroderma and scleroedema, necessitating careful differentiation for appropriate management. The scarcity of epidemiological data and lack of standardized treatment guidelines for SM in China underscore the challenges clinicians face in diagnosing and managing this rare disease. This case reinforces the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration, particularly when co-infections such as HBV are present. Given the chronic, unpredictable course of SM and its potential systemic involvement, continuous follow-up and vigilant monitoring are essential to optimize patient outcomes.

Acne vulgaris is a globally prevalent dermatological condition associated with substantial physical and psychological burden. Although acne typically presents during adolescence, it is a chronic condition that also affects many adults. Despite the spectrum of treatments available for acne, limitations in tolerability and safety concerns can present challenges for the use of conventional medications in clinical practice. Clascoterone cream 1%, a topical androgen receptor inhibitor, was recently approved in Canada for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris. This case series included 10 patients with acne vulgaris who were treated with clascoterone cream 1% as monotherapy or part of a combination treatment program between August 2023 and May 2024. Clascoterone cream 1% was effective and well tolerated regardless of acne severity, age, gender, and ethnicity. Clascoterone led to clinical improvement when used as monotherapy, adjunctive treatment in combination with other topical or systemic agents or laser therapy, and as maintenance therapy to prevent relapse of acne. Moreover, clascoterone also helped to address other concerns in several patients, including hirsutism, hidradenitis suppurativa, retinoid-induced dermatitis, androgenetic alopecia, folliculitis, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, and laser-induced acne flares. This early real-world clinical experience supports the effectiveness, tolerability, and versatility of clascoterone cream 1% for patients with acne across a variety of clinical and demographic characteristics.

Visible light has been considered to have minimal impact on the skin. However, the increasing use of electronic devices has led to a significant increase in exposure to visible light, especially blue light. We measured the irradiance (mW/cm²) and estimated dose (J/cm²) of visible light and blue light emitted from various electronic devices including smartphones, tablets and computers. The measurement was done in normal screen mode and night shift mode at different brightness levels and distances across six screens. The irradiance and dose of visible light and blue light corresponded to the brightness, distance, and screen size of the devices. This study has shown that the irradiance and dose of visible light and blue light emitted from electronic devices in daily use are small and unlikely to be harmful to human skin.

Objective: Rosacea is a common chronic inflammatory disorder primarily affecting the face. While inflammatory factors are known to play a pivotal role in its pathogenesis, their causal relationship with rosacea remains unclear. This study employed a two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to investigate the causal links between systemic inflammatory regulators and rosacea.

Methods: Data on 41 cytokines and growth factors were analyzed from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) meta-analysis involving 8293 individuals and genetic data from the FinnGen database, comprising 1195 rosacea cases and 211,139 controls. The principal inverse variance weighting (IVW) method was used to assess causal relationships, with sensitivity analyses, including heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy assessments, conducted to ensure result robustness.

Results: MR analysis revealed that decreased expression of Stem Cell Factor (SCF), Macrophage Inflammatory Protein-1β (MIP-1β), and Monocyte Chemotactic Protein-1 (MCP-1) was associated with increased rosacea risk (OR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.05-2.26, p = 0.026). Conversely, elevated expression levels of Stromal Cell-Derived Factor-1α (SDF-1α) and Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) were linked to higher rosacea risk (OR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.12-2.31, p = 0.009). Reverse MR analyses showed no significant impact of rosacea on systemic inflammatory regulator expression.

Conclusion: This study identified five inflammatory factors-SCF, SDF-1α, MCP-1, HGF, and MIP-1β-as having causal relationships with rosacea pathogenesis. Further research is required to elucidate their mechanistic roles in disease development.