Quantitative Aggregation of Microbiome Sequencing Data Provides Insights into the Associations between the Skin Microbiome and Psoriasis.

Although prior studies have reported distinct skin microbiome profiles associated with psoriasis, differences in methods and analyses limit generalizable conclusions. Individual studies have actually reported conflicting findings; for example, Propionibacterium and Staphylococcus have been significantly associated with both psoriatic lesions and healthy skin. Qualitative reviews have attempted to summarize this body of work, but there is great variability across the studies' findings and methods. To better unify these data, we created a meta-analysis of all publicly available datasets by utilizing a uniform bioinformatics pipeline and reference database to investigate associations of the skin microbiome in psoriasis. A total of 977 skin swab samples (341 lesional, 295 nonlesional, and 341 healthy) from 6 studies were analyzed. The aggregated analysis revealed a higher relative abundance of microorganisms, including Staphylococcus aureus and Corynebacterium simulans, among others, from patients with psoriasis than those from healthy swab samples; in addition, Cutibacterium acnes, Lawsonella unclassified, and S warneri were significantly higher in healthy samples. Furthermore, comparison of functional pathways predicted from 16S gene markers showed that L-ornithine biosynthesis and L-histidine biosynthesis were lower in psoriatic lesions than in healthy controls. Taken together, this meta-analysis allows for a more generalizable association between the skin microbiome and psoriasis.

Almond consumption increased UVB resistance in healthy Asian women.

BACKGROUND: Almonds are a rich source of phenolic and polyphenolic compounds, which have antioxidant activity. In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that topical application of almond oil and almond skin extract reduces UVB-induced photoaging. Ultraviolet-B (UVB) protection by oral almond consumption has not been previously studied in humans. OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether oral almond consumption can increase resistance to UVB radiation and reduce skin aging in healthy Asian women. METHODS: Thirty-nine female participants (18-45 years) with Fitzpatrick skin type II-IV were randomly assigned to consume either 1.5 oz of almonds or 1.8 oz of pretzels daily for 12 weeks. Minimal erythema dose (MED) was determined using a standardized protocol, which determined the minimal radiation needed to induce erythema on the inner arm following UVB exposure. Facial skin texture was evaluated by two dermatologists using the Clinician's Erythema Assessment scale and Allergan Roughness scale. Facial melanin index, hydration, sebum, and erythema were determined using a cutometer. RESULTS: The MED was increased in the subjects consuming almonds compared to the control group consuming pretzels. There were no differences noted between the groups consuming almonds versus pretzels in Allergan roughness, melanin, hydration, or sebum on facial skin. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that daily oral almond consumption may lead to enhanced protection from UV photodamage by increasing the MED.

Verrucous melanoma masquerading as a seborrheic keratosis.

Seborrheic keratosis is a benign condition that can mimic many different non-melanoma and melanoma neoplasms. There have been several case reports of underlying squamous cell carcinomas or intraepidermal carcinomas appearing within lesions that look analogous to seborrheic keratoses. We present a patient with a verrucous melanoma that could be mistaken for a benign skin tumor like an inflamed seborrheic keratosis. In our patient's case, her verrucous plaque was initially clinically suggestive of a benign seborrheic keratosis. However, given the patient's complaint of pain associated with the lesion, a biopsy was performed and revealed a verrucous-keratotic malignant melanoma, which was subsequently removed through surgical excision. It is important to remain vigilant of this diagnosis, as treatment for inflamed seborrheic keratosis often includes a trial of cryotherapy, which potentially could lead to a delayed diagnosis of an underlying malignant lesion.