Dermatologic Therapy最新文献

Background: Melasma is a common hyperpigmentation skin disorder with a high recurrence rate. Mast cell activation plays a role in its pathogenesis, with melanocyte activation via histamine receptor 2 (H2R) considered a potential mechanism. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of topical famotidine combined with 1927 nm thulium fractional laser in treating melasma and reducing recurrence.

Methods: The study was designed as a split-face, randomized-controlled, single-blind trial. Participants underwent four full-face 1927 nm fractional laser treatments at 4-week intervals and applied 2% famotidine solution on a randomly assigned side and control solution on the opposite side of the face twice daily for 16 weeks. Skin assessments including VISIA imaging, modified melasma area severity index (mMASI) score, and DermaLab skin color detection were conducted by blinded dermatologists at Weeks 0, 4, 8, 12, and 16. Self-assessment scores and the melasma quality of life (MELASQoL) index were collected at baseline and Week 16. Long-term follow-up was performed at Week 64. All side effects were recorded. Statistical analyses included paired t-tests, repeated measures ANOVA, and Wilcoxon and Friedman tests.

Results: A total of 16 patients were enrolled in the study. At Week 16, the famotidine-treated side showed significant reductions in mMASI (p = 0.019, $$ = 0.598) and melanin index (MI) (p = 0.006, $$ = 0.672), with a slight improvement in erythema index (EI). ∆MI was significantly lower on the famotidine-treated side than the control (p = 0.012, Cohen’s d = 0.710). Both MELASQoL scores and patient self-assessments improved, with no obvious adverse effects observed. Long-term evaluation at Week 64 revealed sustained improvement in mMASI on the famotidine-treated side compared to the control side (p = 0.029, Cohen’s d = 0.686).

Conclusions: This study provides clinical evidence supporting H2R blockade as a potential melasma treatment. Famotidine may enhance laser efficacy and modulate histamine-mediated melanogenesis, offering long-term benefits in reducing recurrence.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06313307

Eyelid edema is a common clinical presentation with multiple etiologies, some of which can pose life-threatening risks to patients. Isolated eyelid edema, without additional significant signs or symptoms, presents a diagnostic challenge. A growing number of drugs are associated with the development of eyelid edema, particularly new-generation small molecules. To identify the most frequently implicated drugs in this clinical scenario, we conducted a systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria. Forty-three studies met the inclusion criteria, identifying the drug groups most frequently associated with isolated eyelid edema: mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors (sirolimus and everolimus), atypical antipsychotics (clozapine, risperidone, and olanzapine), fillers (hyaluronic acid and polyalkylimide), and oncologic drugs (imatinib and pemetrexed). The epidemiological characteristics of the patients in each group were highly variable and reflected the use of the aforementioned drugs in heterogeneous populations. The response to eyelid edema treatments also varied significantly. Patients with eyelid edema induced by atypical antipsychotics showed the highest response to conservative therapy, with a 100 percent response following either dose reduction or drug discontinuation. On the other hand, the response to conservative treatments for eyelid edema caused by oncologic drugs was inconsistent, with cases of persistent edema even after drug cessation. In these cases, blepharoplasty proved to be an effective and long-lasting solution. Lastly, in most filler-induced cases, an excellent response was observed following treatment with intralesional hyaluronidase.

Introduction: Alopecia areata (AA) is a chronic, remitting–relapsing dermatological disease that is associated with a substantial psychological impact. Despite the availability of a wide range of therapeutic options, none provides a cure for AA. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of topical betamethasone as a monotherapy with combinations of topical betamethasone with either topical minoxidil 5% or a herbal preparation of castor and jojoba oils.

Methods: This was a multicenter, cohort study in which patients diagnosed with AA were taking one of three treatment regimens: a reference monotherapy of topical betamethasone 0.064% w/w; combined topical minoxidil and betamethasone 0.064% w/w; or combined topical betamethasone 0.064% w/w and a herbal preparation of castor and jojoba oils. The data were collected at the beginning of the study using a questionnaire. Patients were assessed at three follow-up visits for hair regrowth using trichoscopy as the primary outcome. Patient satisfaction and compliance were assessed using 10-point scales.

Results: The final sample consisted of 278 patients. Combined topical minoxidil–betamethasone therapy was significantly associated with higher rates of hair regrowth (p = 0.006), patient satisfaction (p < 0.001), and shorter median time to first improvement (p < 0.001). Combined minoxidil/betamethasone was more likely to achieve hair regrowth than the other two treatments at the multivariate level (aRR = 2.239, CI = 1.153–4.347). Moreover, hair regrowth was significantly different between the treatment groups after each phase, with hair regrowth at the final phase observed in 83.2% of patients using combined topical minoxidil and betamethasone.

Conclusions: The use of topical minoxidil–betamethasone combination for AA was superior to betamethasone monotherapy or combined with herbal preparations. Randomized clinical trials are needed to strengthen the evidence.

Isotretinoin is a widely prescribed medication for severe acne and other dermatological conditions. While effective in managing acne, some of its systemic effects were widely discussed. However, its impact particularly on thyroid function remains underexplored. This narrative review highlights current evidence on the relationship between isotretinoin use and thyroid dysfunction, evaluating the need for routine thyroid function testing to help clinicians assess the risk of thyroid dysfunction in their patients. We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar from inception to February 2025. Interpretation was guided by a systematic approach emphasizing study relevance, methodological quality, and recency. Inclusion criteria focused on peer-reviewed research addressing isotretinoin’s impact on thyroid function. Study designs, sample sizes, and risk of bias were critically assessed to maintain objectivity and reliability in synthesizing current evidence. Studies consistently report alterations in thyroid hormone levels during isotretinoin therapy, including elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and decreased free triiodothyronine (FT3) and free thyroxine (FT4) levels. Studies suggest that these changes may be mediated through mechanisms involving thyroid cell apoptosis, immunomodulatory effects, or central regulatory disruptions. Females and individuals undergoing prolonged isotretinoin therapy appear to be at higher risk. These findings highlight the importance of routine thyroid function monitoring in patients on isotretinoin, particularly those with a predisposition to autoimmune disorders or prolonged treatment courses. Further research with larger sample sizes and rigorous methodologies is needed to comprehend the underlying mechanisms and refine clinical guidelines. This review emphasizes on the need for a multidisciplinary approach involving dermatologists and endocrinologists to ensure optimal patient care and safety.

Background: Current therapies for epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor (EGFRI)–related paronychia demonstrate effectiveness; however, some patients respond poorly and experience recurrent painful granulation tissue, particularly in weight-bearing areas such as the big toes. Based on promising results from our previous pilot study by Hsu and colleagues, novel kinesiology tape wrapping, which physically shields the inflamed periungual tissue from irritation by the nail plate, has emerged as a potentially effective adjunct therapy.

Objectives: This open-label, randomized-controlled, single-center study was aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of kinesiology tape wrapping in cancer patients with EGFRI-related paronychia.

Materials and Methods: Eligible participants were assigned to receive either kinesiology tape wrapping in combination with conventional therapies or conventional therapies alone for 12 weeks. Efficacy outcomes, including the reduction of subjective pain assessed by the numerical rating scale (NRS) and the objective single-digit scoring system for paronychia related to oncologic treatments (single-digit SPOT), as well as adverse events (AEs), were recorded at baseline and at Weeks 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 postenrollment.

Results: A total of 24 patients were randomized, of which, 22 qualified for analysis. The rate of continuous tape use was 36.3%. At Week 12, pain NRS scores showed no significant differences between groups, while patients treated with continuous or intermittent kinesiology tape wrapping demonstrated notably greater reductions in single-digit SPOT scores compared to those receiving conventional therapy alone (NRS: 3.27 vs. 2.78, p = 0.586; single-digit SPOT: 5.32 vs. 1.52, p = 0.022). No serious AEs were reported.

Conclusion: Kinesiology tape wrapping is an effective and safe adjunct noninvasive therapy that offers additional benefits in managing EGFRI-related paronychia. Further studies with longer follow-ups and improved patient compliance may help fully evaluate its effectiveness in pain reduction.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06411093

Effective and cost-effective management strategies for psoriasis are crucial for clinical decision-making. In the management of psoriasis, evidence concerning the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of therapies from both clinicians’ and patients’ perspectives is vital for clinical decision-making. To compare the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of acitretin, methotrexate, phototherapy, and biologics (adalimumab, ustekinumab, guselkumab, secukinumab, and ixekizumab) in treating chronic plaque psoriasis, we collected the data from the Shanghai Psoriasis Effectiveness Evaluation CoHort (SPEECH), an observational, multicenter, and prospective registry. Integrating both clinician- and patient-reported outcomes allows for a comprehensive evaluation of treatment impacts, capturing clinical disease improvements as well as patient-perceived quality of life enhancements, thereby providing a more complete perspective compared to analyses focusing solely on clinical outcomes. Proportions of patients achieving 75% improvement in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI 75), PASI 90, PASI 100, minimally important difference in Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI MID), DLQI 0/1, and Patient Global Assessment (PtGA) MID at 12 weeks were evaluated. The number needed to treat (NNT) and incremental cost per responder (ICPR) were computed for treatments relative to acitretin. A total of 1916 patients with chronic plaque psoriasis were analyzed, with 240 patients on acitretin, 459 on methotrexate, 391 on phototherapy, 64 on adalimumab, 164 on ustekinumab, 97 on guselkumab, 298 on secukinumab, and 203 on ixekizumab. At 12 weeks, patients on methotrexate (adjusted relative risk [RR], 2.03 [95% CI, 1.66–2.48]), phototherapy (RR, 2.01 [95% CI, 1.64–2.46]), adalimumab (RR, 2.22 [95% CI, 1.66–2.96]), ustekinumab (RR, 2.86 [95% CI, 2.27–3.62]), guselkumab (RR, 3.34 [95% CI, 2.54–4.38]), secukinumab (RR, 3.38 [95% CI, 2.74–4.16]), and ixekizumab (RR, 3.59 [95% CI, 2.88–4.47]) were more likely to achieve PASI 75 versus patients on acitretin. Comparable rankings were observed for PASI 90, PASI 100, DLQI MID, DLQI 0/1, and PtGA MID. Additionally, methotrexate and phototherapy demonstrated numerically lower ICPR values compared to other evaluated treatments, while ixekizumab exhibited the lowest ICPR among the biologics. Overall, our study indicated that ixekizumab, secukinumab, guselkumab, and ustekinumab demonstrated superior effectiveness compared to other therapies at 12 weeks. Methotrexate and phototherapy offered the best cost-effectiveness, while ixekizumab led in cost-effectiveness among biologics.

Introduction: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a prevalent chronic inflammatory skin disease, and the related biomarkers are still under investigation. Chitinase-3-like protein 1 (YKL-40) is implicated in various inflammatory conditions. This study aimed to explore changes in serum YKL-40 levels in patients with AD and evaluate their correlation with disease severity.

Methods: We enrolled 62 patients with AD (16 with mild, 24 with moderate, and 22 with severe AD) and 62 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. No statistically significant difference in the clinical baseline data was observed between the two groups. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected to assess the serum levels of YKL-40, thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC), interleukin (IL)-4, and IL-13. YKL-40 levels were compared between the groups, and correlations with SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) scores and other serum parameters were analyzed. Patients with moderate-to-severe AD received either traditional treatment (cetirizine hydrochloride and compound glycyrrhizin tablets) or dupilumab for 4 weeks, with comparison of therapeutic effects and serum changes.

Results: Patients with AD exhibited significantly increased serum YKL-40 levels (p < 0.001), which was positively correlated with SCORAD scores (R² = 0.603, p < 0.001). Serum YKL-40 levels were significantly higher in moderate-to-severe AD patients compared with healthy controls but not in mild AD patients (p = 0.094). In addition, TARC, IgE, IL-4, and IL-13 levels were increased in patients with AD (p < 0.001), with strong correlations to YKL-40. Dupilumab treatment significantly reduced visual analog scale scores for itching (p = 0.016) and YKL-40, IL-4, and IL-13 levels (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: YKL-40 levels were elevated in patients with AD and are correlated with disease severity and IL-4, IL-13, and TARC levels. Dupilumab effectively lowers YKL-40 and inflammatory markers, showing therapeutic benefit.

Introduction: Tranexamic acid (TXA) is widely used to treat melasma, but its potential effects on hair pigmentation remain unexplored. Concerns about hair whitening during TXA treatment have been raised, as it is often perceived as a sign of aging and may elicit negative emotional responses. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of oral TXA on hair melanin content and color.

Methods and Results: Seven middle-aged East Asian women completed a 3-month prospective observational study, taking 500-mg oral TXA daily, excluding menstruation periods. Hair samples were collected from 10 scalp regions before and after treatment. Melanin content was measured using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, and hair color changes were assessed with a colorimeter. One participant was excluded due to hair dyeing during the study. After 3 months of TXA treatment, no statistically significant changes in hair melanin content or hair color were observed, even after accounting for individual differences.

Discussion: Oral TXA administered at 500 mg daily for 3 months did not significantly affect hair melanin content or color in middle-aged East Asian women. These findings provide reassurance for patients and clinicians regarding hair pigmentation during TXA treatment. Further research with diverse populations is recommended.

Trial Registration: Chinese Registry of Clinical Trials: ChiCTR2400092219

Background: Omalizumab has been recommended for the treatment of CU. Meanwhile, real-world data are available on the efficacy and safety of omalizumab in patients with CSU, but there is a relative paucity of data on the use of the drug in the treatment of CIndU and CSU combined with CIndU.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of omalizumab in Chinese patients with CSU, CholU, SDerm, or both, who had an inadequate response to H1-antihistamine treatment.

Methods: This was an observational, retrospective chart review of patients with CU initiating omalizumab treatment.

Results: In total, 78.4% (n = 80/102) of patients showed a response to omalizumab at the end of the study period, and 36.3% (n = 37/102) showed a complete response. Among patients with different subtypes, 84.8% (n = 38/45) of CSU, 37.5% (n = 3/8) of CholU, 50% (n = 1/2) of SDerm and 80.9% (n = 38/47) of CSU + SDerm comorbidity subgroup patients showed a response. The mean of tIgE levels of responders were significantly higher than nonresponders (649.48 ± 814.69 vs. 264.27 ± 262.49 ng/mL, p = 0.004). Patients with isolated CSU exhibited significantly lower relapse rates compared to the CSU + SDerm comorbidity subgroup (42.9% vs. 57.1%, p = 0.042). In total, 12 patients reinitiated omalizumab treatment after a relapse and all of them showed an early response. The mean response time was 1.33 ± 0.65 months. The response mode was similar with their first treatment.

Conclusion: Omalizumab is effective in difficult-to-treat patients with CSU and CSU + SDerm comorbidity subgroup, but the response rates in patients with isolated CholU or SDerm are unsatisfactory. The mean of tIgE levels of responders were significantly higher than nonresponders at baseline. Patients in the CSU + SDerm comorbidity subgroup demonstrate an elevated risk of relapse. These findings support omalizumab’s role in refractory CSU and comorbid CSU + SDerm, but highlight unmet needs in isolated CIndU subtypes.

Vitiligo is autoimmune-induced skin depigmentation. Phototherapy is commonly used as the basic treatment for vitiligo; however, its curative effect is limited in some cases of refractory vitiligo. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of upadacitinib combined with a 308 nm excimer laser (308 nm EL) for treating refractory vitiligo with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD). We analyzed the treatment of 19 Chinese patients with skin diseases and found that sex, disease duration, and skin type did not affect repigmentation, whereas age was negatively correlated with repigmentation. After 4 months of therapy, the overall remission degree of the vitiligo area severity index (VASI) score reached 55.00%, and the last 2 months were better than the first 2 months. The curative effect of vitiligo on the face and neck was better, with an improvement of > 70.00%, followed by the torso, arms, and legs. The VASI scores of the hands and feet were the worst, especially the feet which scored only 28.00%. The average improvement in the SCORing of AD (SCORAD) and dermatology life quality index (DLQI) scores was 41.89% and 49.12%, respectively. No serious adverse events were observed. Overall, upadacitinib combined with 308-nm EL showed promising clinical value for the treatment of refractory vitiligo.