Investigation of Factors Associated with Gut Microbiota in Demodex-associated Skin Conditions.

OBJECTIVE: This study describes the relationships of factors related to gut microbiota and skin conditions associated with Demodex, including demodicosis, rosacea, and perioral dermatitis. METHODS: A total of 113 patients from Dokuz Eylül University Hospital Dermatology Department answered a cross-sectional questionnaire. They consisted of 42 cases of Demodex-related skin diseases and 71 healthy controls. Demographic data and medical history, dietary and lifestyle habits, and gastrointestinal symptoms were recorded. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, Fisher's Exact tests, independent samples t-tests, and logistic regression methods. RESULTS: Our findings identified alcohol consumption [odds ratio (OR)=11.13, 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.11-17.22, p<0.01] and smoking (OR=10.32, 95% CI: 2.47-21.57, p<0.01) as strong risk factors for Demodex-related conditions. Low water intake (0-1 liter per day) (OR=3.39, 95% CI: 2.08-5.57, p=0.03) and infrequent exercise (less than 1 hour per week) (OR=4.87, 95% CI: 2.70-12.54, p=0.02) were also significant risk factors. Additional factors associated with increased Demodex risk included reduced bowel movements (OR=2.71, 95% CI: 1.45-4.06, p=0.01) and higher pet ownership (OR=2.85, 95% CI: 2.13-4.27, p=0.03). Although vegetarian and high-fat diets showed some associations, they were not independently significant. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates key environmental and lifestyle factors, such as low water intake, infrequent exercise, reduced bowel movements, higher pet ownership, alcohol consumption, and smoking, that are significantly associated with Demodex-related skin conditions. These factors, related to gut microbiota, may provide valuable insights for managing these skin conditions and suggest promising directions for future research.

Cyanocobalamin-loaded dissolving microneedles diminish skin inflammation in vivo.

Inflammatory diseases of the skin have a considerable high prevalence worldwide and negatively impact the patients' quality of life. First-line standard therapies for these conditions inherently entail important side effects when used long-term, particularly complicating the management of chronic cases. Therefore, there is a need to develop novel therapeutic strategies to offer reliable alternative treatments. Abnormally high reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels are characteristic of this kind of illnesses, and therefore a reasonable therapeutic goal. Cyanocobalamin, also known as Vitamin B12, possesses notable antioxidant and ROS-scavenging properties which could make it a possible therapeutic alternative. However, its considerable molecular weight restricts passive diffusion through the skin and forces the use of an advanced transdermal delivery system. Here, we present several prototypes of Cyanocobalamin-loaded Dissolving Microarray Patches (B12@DMAPs) with adequate mechanical properties to effectively penetrate the stratum corneum barrier, allowing drug deposition into the skin structure. Ex vivo penetration and permeability studies noted an effective drug presence within the dermal skin layers; in vitro compatibility studies in representative cell skin cell lines such as L929 fibroblasts and HaCaT keratinocytes ensured their safe use. The in vivo efficacy of the selected prototype was tested in a delayed-type hypersensitivity murine model that mimics an inflammatory skin process. Several findings such as a reduction of MPO-related photon emission in a bioluminescence study, protection against histological damage, and decrease of inflammatory cytokines levels point out the effectivity of B12@DMAPs to downregulate the skin inflammatory environment. Overall, B12@DMAPs offer a cost-effective translational alternative for improving patients' skin healthcare.

Dermatological Health in the Light of Skin Microbiome Evolution.

BACKGROUND: The complex ecosystem of the skin microbiome is essential for skin health by acting as a primary defense against infections, regulating immune responses, and maintaining barrier integrity. This literature review aims to consolidate existing information on the skin microbiome, focusing on its composition, functionality, importance, and its impact on skin aging. METHODS: An exhaustive exploration of scholarly literature was performed utilizing electronic databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate, focusing on studies published between 2011 and 2024. Keywords included "skin microbiome," "skin microbiota," and "aging skin." Studies involving human subjects that focused on the skin microbiome's relationship with skin health were included. Out of 100 initially identified studies, 70 met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. RESULTS: Studies showed that aging is associated with a reduction in the variety of microorganisms of the skin microbiome, leading to an increased susceptibility to skin conditions. Consequently, this underlines the interest in bacteriotherapy, mainly topical probiotics, to reinforce the skin microbiome in older adults, suggesting improvements in skin health and a reduction in age-related skin conditions. Further exploration is needed into the microbiome's role in skin health and the development of innovative, microbe-based skincare products. Biotherapeutic approaches, including the use of phages, endolysins, probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, and microbiome transplantation, can restore balance and enhance skin health. This article also addresses regulatory standards in the EU and the USA that ensure the safety and effectiveness of microbial skincare products. CONCLUSION: This review underscores the need to advance research on the skin microbiome's role in cosmetic enhancements and tailored skincare solutions, highlighting a great interest in leveraging microbial communities for dermatological benefits.

'Living in the Present' mindfulness for parents of children with skin conditions: a single group case series.

BACKGROUND: Parents of children with skin conditions can experience stress from the additional responsibilities of care. However, there is a lack of psychological interventions for families affected by a dermatological diagnosis. AIMS: To investigate (1) whether delivering the 'Living in the Present' mindfulness curriculum to parents of children with skin conditions reduced stress and increased both parental/child quality of life (QoL), and (2) determine intervention acceptability. METHOD: Ten parents of children with eczema, ectodermal dysplasia, ichthyosis, and alopecia took part in a mindfulness-based intervention. Using mixed methods, a single-group experimental case design (SCED) was conducted and supplemented by thematic analysis of exit interviews. Parents completed idiographic measures of parenting stress, standardised measures of QoL, stress, mindfulness, and took part in exit interviews. Children also completed QoL measures. RESULTS: Tau-U analysis of idiographic measures revealed three parents showed some significant improvements in positive targets, and five parents showed some significant improvements in negative targets. Assessment of reliable change demonstrated that: one parent showed improvement in mindful parenting, three parents showed improvement in parenting stress, seven parents showed improvement in anxiety, three parents showed improvements in depression, six parents showed improvement in QoL, and four children showed improvement in QoL. However, two parents showed increased anxiety. Thematic analysis revealed positive changes to mood following mindfulness, although challenges were highlighted, including sustaining home practice. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest this specific form of mindfulness intervention could be effective for parents of children with skin conditions; however, further robust studies are needed.

Relationship between skin and body condition in three species of baleen whales.

The assessment of free-ranging cetacean health through the study of skin conditions using photographs has gained prominence in recent years. However, little attention has been given to the relationships between cetacean skin conditions, species, and body condition. To explore this relationship among baleen whale species along the northwestern coast of Spain, we employed a non-invasive method involving photograph analysis. In this study, we examined skin conditions (including injuries, epizoites and ectoparasites, pigmentation disorders, skin lesions, and anatomical malformations) and body condition (overall physical contours and form, as an indicator of nutritional status and health) in 3 species of whales (blue, fin, and minke whales). This methodology facilitated the identification of 29 subcategories of distinct skin conditions and an assessment of body condition over a 5 yr period (2017 to 2021). In our study, we present evidence linking hypopigmentation, protruding pieces of tissue, and tattoo-like lesions to 'Poor' body condition in the 3 baleen whale species. Fin whales exhibited a higher susceptibility to mottling (prevalence = 17.7%), while blue whales were more prone to starbursts (prevalence = 90.5%). Additionally, we found a significant relationship between skin condition diversity and individual body condition. Our findings contribute valuable information to the broader understanding of the health status of baleen whales. Further investigations are necessary to delve into the etiology of the documented skin conditions and their potential implications for individual survival. This study serves as a foundation for ongoing research aimed at advancing our comprehension of these findings.

Understanding and supporting young people exposed to online misinformation about eczema.

The traditional patient-clinician relationship is changing as young people and their families often now turn to the internet and social media for health information, treatment advice and support. Much of that content, however, is unregulated, unverified and inaccurate, which leads to the dissemination of health misinformation. Healthcare professionals working with young people with eczema and their families need to understand why young people turn to social media for health information, identify trends in online misinformation about eczema, and provide alternative, trustworthy sources of information. This article discusses particular areas of online misinformation about eczema as well as dermatology content on specific social media platforms. It also reports the views of young people on the youth panel of the charity Eczema Outreach Support about different social media platforms.

Asociación de trastornos cutáneos y microorganismos presentes en el tracto intestinal ligados a disbiosis / Association of skin disorders and microorganisms present in the intestinal tract linked to dysbiosis / Associação de doenças de pele e microrganismos presentes no trato intestinal ligados à disbiose

Introducción: Existe una conexión bidireccional entre mecanismos fisiológicos del intestino y la piel que puede asociarse al desarrollo de patologias cutâneas. Objetivo: estudiar la relación entre afecciones cutáneas con la presencia de patógenos intestinales causantes de disbiosis intestinal. Metodología: se realizó un estudio para identificar la presencia de bacterias aeróbicas y anaeróbicas facultativas en un grupo de 45 pacientes (edad de 32,8 ± 18 años) que presentaron distintas afecciones cutáneas diagnosticadas en la consulta de Dermatología de UNIMEL, Caracas, Venezuela. La presencia de bacterias se determinó por cultivo diferencial, y la identificación de microorganismos mediante pruebas bioquímicas convencionales, prueba de filamentización en suero, medios automatizados (VITEK® 2 Compact) y pruebas de aglutinación. Se realizó un análisis estadístico descriptivo de la abundancia relativa de la microbiota gastrointestinal asociada a las afecciones cutáneas presentes (GraphPad Prism versión 8.0.2 para Windows) y análisis multivariado (NMDS) con (software PAST v4.13). Resultados: la presencia de acné, dermatitis atópica y nevus se asoció (p<0.05) al aumento de las colonias de Enterococcus faecium, E. coli, Enteroccocus faecalis y Klepsiella sp. Una disminución significativa en el número de colonias de E. coli (p<0.05) se asoció con la presencia de rosácea y acné inflamatorio mientras que su abundancia se asoció a la presencia de patologías como acantosis nigicans, dermatitis atópica, dermatitis papular y queratosis. La presencia de pseudomonas se relacionó con queratosis y Nevus melanocítico. Conclusión: aunque preliminares, estos resultados sugieren que alteraciones en la composición microbiana intestinal pueden asociarse significativamente a afecciones cutáneas

Introduction: There is a bidirectional connection between physiological mechanisms of the intestine and the skin that can be associated with the development of skin pathologies. Objective: To study the relationship between skin conditions with the presence of intestinal pathogens that cause intestinal dysbiosis. Methodology: a study was carried out to identify the presence of aerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria in a group of 45 patients (age 32.8 ± 18 years) who presented different skin conditions diagnosed in the Dermatology clinic of UNIMEL, Caracas, Venezuela. The presence of bacteria was determined by differential culture, and the identification of microorganisms by conventional biochemical tests, serum filamentation test, automated media (VITEK® 2 Compact) and agglutination tests. A descriptive statistical analysis of the relative abundance of the gastrointestinal microbiota associated with the present skin conditions was performed (GraphPad Prism version 8.0.2 for Windows) and multivariate analysis (NMDS) with (PAST v4.13 software). Results: the presence of acne, atopic dermatitis and nevus was associated (p<0.05) with the increase in colonies of Enterococcus faecium, E. coli, Enteroccocus faecalis and Klepsiella sp. A significant decrease in the number of E. coli colonies (p<0.05) was associated with the presence of rosacea and inflammatory acne while its abundance was associated with the presence of pathologies such as acanthosis nigicans, atopic dermatitis, papular dermatitis and keratosis. The presence of pseudomonas was related to keratosis and melanocytic nevus. Conclusion: although preliminary, these results suggest that alterations in intestinal microbial composition can be significantly associated with skin conditions.

Introdução: existe uma ligação bidirecional entre mecanismos fisiológicos do intestino e da pele que pode estar associada ao desenvolvimento de patologias cutâneas. Objetivo: estudar a relação entre as condições da pele com a presença de patógenos intestinais causadores de disbiose intestinal. Metodologia: foi realizado um estudo para identificar a presença de bactérias aeróbias e anaeróbias facultativas em um grupo de 45 pacientes (idade 32,8 ± 18 años) que apresentavam diferentes condições de pele diagnosticadas na clínica de Dermatologia da UNIMEL, Caracas, Venezuela. A presença de bactérias foi determinada por cultura diferencial, e a identificação de microrganismos por testes bioquímicos convencionais, teste de filamentação sérica, meios automatizados (VITEK® 2 Compact) e testes de aglutinação. Foi realizada análise estatística descritiva da abundância relativa da microbiota gastrointestinal associada às presentes condições de pele (GraphPad Prism versão 8.0.2 para Windows) e análise multivariada (NMDS) com (software PAST v4.13). Resultados: A presença de acne, dermatite atópica e nevo esteve associada (p<0,05) ao aumento de colônias de Enterococcus faecium, E. coli, Enteroccocus faecalis e Klepsiella sp. Uma diminuição significativa no número de colônias de E. coli (p<0,05) foi associada à presença de rosácea e acne inflamatória, enquanto sua abundância foi associada à presença de patologias como acantose nigicans, dermatite atópica, dermatite papular e ceratose. A presença de pseudomonas foi relacionada à ceratose e ao nevo melanocítico. Conclusão: embora preliminares, estes resultados sugerem que alterações na composição microbiana intestinal podem estar significativamente associadas a doenças da pele.

Asociación de trastornos cutáneos y microorganismos presentes en el tracto intestinal ligados a disbiosis

Introducción: Existe una conexión bidireccional entre mecanismos fisiológicos del intestino y la piel que puede asociarse al desarrollo de patologias cutâneas. Objetivo: Estudiar la relación entre afecciones cutáneas con la presencia de patógenos intestinales causantes de disbiosis intestinal. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio para identificar la presencia de bacterias aeróbicas y anaeróbicas facultativas en un grupo de 45 pacientes (edad de 32,8 ± 18 años) que presentaron distintas afecciones cutáneas diagnosticadas en la consulta de Dermatología de UNIMEL, Caracas, Venezuela. La presencia de bacterias se determinó por cultivo diferencial, y la identificación de microorganismos mediante pruebas bioquímicas convencionales, prueba de filamentización en suero, medios automatizados (VITEK® 2 Compact) y pruebas de aglutinación. Se realizó un análisis estadístico descriptivo de la abundancia relativa de la microbiota gastrointestinal asociada a las afecciones cutáneas presentes (GraphPad Prism versión 8.0.2 para Windows) y análisis multivariado (NMDS) con (software PAST v4.13). Resultados: La presencia de acné, dermatitis atópica y nevus se asoció (p<0.05) al aumento de las colonias de Enterococcus faecium, E. coli, Enteroccocus faecalis y Klepsiella sp. Una disminución significativa en el número de colonias de E. coli (p<0.05) se asoció con la presencia de rosácea y acné inflamatorio mientras que su abundancia se asoció a la presencia de patologías como acantosis nigicans, dermatitis atópica, dermatitis papular y queratosis. La presencia de pseudomonas se relacionó con queratosis y Nevus melanocítico. Conclusión: Aunque preliminares, estos resultados sugieren que alteraciones en la composición microbiana intestinal pueden asociarse significativamente a afecciones cutáneas.

Introduction: There is a bidirectional connection between physiological mechanisms of the intestine and the skin that can be associated with the development of skin pathologies. Objective: To study the relationship between skin conditions with the presence of intestinal pathogens that cause intestinal dysbiosis. Methodology: A study was carried out to identify the presence of aerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria in a group of 45 patients (age 32.8 ± 18 years) who presented different skin conditions diagnosed in the Dermatology clinic of UNIMEL, Caracas, Venezuela. The presence of bacteria was determined by differential culture, and the identification of microorganisms by conventional biochemical tests, serum filamentation test, automated media (VITEK® 2 Compact) and agglutination tests. A descriptive statistical analysis of the relative abundance of the gastrointestinal microbiota associated with the present skin conditions was performed (GraphPad Prism version 8.0.2 for Windows) and multivariate analysis (NMDS) with (PAST v4.13 software). Results: The presence of acne, atopic dermatitis and nevus was associated (p<0.05) with the increase in colonies of Enterococcus faecium, E. coli, Enteroccocus faecalis and Klepsiella sp. A significant decrease in the number of E. coli colonies (p<0.05) was associated with the presence of rosacea and inflammatory acne while its abundance was associated with the presence of pathologies such as acanthosis nigicans, atopic dermatitis, papular dermatitis and keratosis. The presence of pseudomonas was related to keratosis and melanocytic nevus. Conclusion: Although preliminary, these results suggest that alterations in intestinal microbial composition can be significantly associated with skin conditions.

Introdução: Existe uma ligação bidirecional entre mecanismos fisiológicos do intestino e da pele que pode estar associada ao desenvolvimento de patologias cutâneas. Objetivo: Estudar a relação entre as condições da pele com a presença de patógenos intestinais causadores de disbiose intestinal. Metodologia: Foi realizado um estudo para identificar a presença de bactérias aeróbias e anaeróbias facultativas em um grupo de 45 pacientes (idade 32,8 ± 18 años) que apresentavam diferentes condições de pele diagnosticadas na clínica de Dermatologia da UNIMEL, Caracas, Venezuela. A presença de bactérias foi determinada por cultura diferencial, e a identificação de microrganismos por testes bioquímicos convencionais, teste de filamentação sérica, meios automatizados (VITEK® 2 Compact) e testes de aglutinação. Foi realizada análise estatística descritiva da abundância relativa da microbiota gastrointestinal associada às presentes condições de pele (GraphPad Prism versão 8.0.2 para Windows) e análise multivariada (NMDS) com (software PAST v4.13). Resultados: A presença de acne, dermatite atópica e nevo esteve associada (p<0,05) ao aumento de colônias de Enterococcus faecium, E. coli, Enteroccocus faecalis e Klepsiella sp. Uma diminuição significativa no número de colônias de E. coli (p<0,05) foi associada à presença de rosácea e acne inflamatória, enquanto sua abundância foi associada à presença de patologias como acantose nigicans, dermatite atópica, dermatite papular e ceratose. A presença de pseudomonas foi relacionada à ceratose e ao nevo melanocítico. Conclusão: Embora preliminares, estes resultados sugerem que alterações na composição microbiana intestinal podem estar significativamente associadas a doenças da pele.

Pyoderma Gangrenosum Post-Breast Surgery: A Case Report and Comprehensive Review of Management Strategies.

Background/Objectives: Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare, autoimmune skin condition characterized by painful, rapidly progressing ulcers, often associated with autoimmune dysregulation. Managing PG following breast surgery presents unique challenges due to its pathergy phenomenon, which complicates surgical interventions. This article outlines the case of PG in a 48-year-old female post-breast surgery and reviews management strategies through a systematic analysis of the literature. Methods: A systematic literature review from 2018 to 2023 identified 24 relevant articles on PG management post-breast surgery. The studies were analyzed to compare the efficacy and complications of conservative versus combined (conservative and surgical) treatment strategies. Results: Results indicate that while conservative management, primarily with corticosteroids, remains preferred, combined strategies, including systemic therapies, vacuum-assisted closure, and surgery, offer significant benefits in select cases. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that a personalized, multifaceted treatment plan is crucial for managing PG effectively, emphasizing the need for early detection, meticulous planning, and comprehensive care to optimize patient outcomes.

Exploring the Impact of Subclinical Hypothyroidism on Hyperpigmentation: A Rare Presentation in a 42-Year-Old Woman.

Hyperpigmentation of the skin can occur due to internal and external causes. This case highlights an unusual presentation of generalized acute hyperpigmentation associated with subclinical hypothyroidism in a 42-year-old Indian American woman. After unsuccessful trials of various topical agents, the patient exhibited significant improvement in hyperpigmentation after levothyroxine treatment. Improvements included lightening in the bilateral antecubital fossa, axillae, and neck regions. This case underscores the importance of considering thyroid dysfunction as a potential factor that may contribute to atypical pigmentation disorders.

The prevalence of comorbid mental health difficulties in young people with chronic skin conditions: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Chronic skin conditions can have psychosocial and somatic implications, influencing well-being and quality of life. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesise evidence on the prevalence of comorbid mental health difficulties in 0-25-year-olds with chronic skin conditions. A secondary aim included identifying factors associated with resilience. The narrative synthesis included 45 studies. Four meta-analyses were performed with moderate-high quality studies, one for each outcome: diagnosed mental disorders; mental health symptoms; suicidal behaviour; socio-emotional and behavioural difficulties. The pooled prevalence of diagnosed mental disorders was 1.2% (95% CI = 0.2-6.1); of mental health symptoms was 22.6% (95% CI = 18.9-26.7); of suicidal behaviour was 7.8% (95% CI = 1.4-3.1); of socio-emotional and behavioural difficulties was 20.9% (95% CI = 14.7-28.8). Findings demonstrate the pooled prevalence of comorbid mental health difficulties in youth with chronic skin conditions.

Empowering advanced clinical practitioners in managing acute dermatological emergencies.

Advanced clinical practitioners (ACPs) encounter patients with acute dermatological presentations ranging from minor to life-threatening conditions in both primary and secondary care settings. However, ACPs often feel unprepared to assess and treat patients with dermatological emergencies. This article aims to provide guidance to trainee and qualified ACPs, whether in acute hospital settings or primary care, in understanding the essential aspects to consider when consulting with patients presenting with acute dermatological emergencies. It also emphasises appropriate referrals to relevant specialties for necessary inpatient or outpatient investigations and ensure prompt treatment.

Topical Treatments in Atopic Dermatitis: An Expansive Review.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin condition found worldwide. It impacts patient quality of life (QoL) and is thought to arise as an inflammatory response to epidermal barrier dysfunction and hypersensitivity. AD can lead to large out-of-pocket costs and increased healthcare expenses over a lifetime. An analysis of all randomized control trials conducted since 1990 on topical therapies for AD were reviewed, including 207 trials in the final analysis. It was found that an average of 226 patients were enrolled over 2.43 arms. Common topical treatments included corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, JAK inhibitors, and phosphodiesterase inhibitors. The most utilized tools to identify treatment efficacy were the EASI, IGA, SCORAD, and PGA. There was a paucity of data on trials that evaluated efficacy, QoL, and cost of treatment simultaneously. This review highlights the need for comprehensive trials that evaluate multiple aspects of treatment, including financial cost and QoL impact, to ensure each patient has the best treatment modality for the management of their AD.

Percutaneous intramedullary screw or rush pin fixation of unstable ankle fractures in patients with fragile soft tissue - retrospective study of 80 cases.

INTRODUCTION: The standard surgical procedure for unstable ankle fractures is fixation of the lateral malleolus with a plate and screws. This method has a high risk of complications, especially among patients with fragile skin conditions. The aim of this study was to estimate the re-operation rates and identify complications in patients with an unstable ankle fracture, surgically treated with an intramedullary screw or rush pin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified all patients who were surgically treated with either a 3.5-mm screw or rush pin at Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark, from 2012 to 2018. Major complications were re-operations within three months. We included 80 patients, of which 55 (69%) were treated with a 3.5-mm intramedullary screw and 25 (31%) with a rush pin. The majority of the study population was female (59) and the mean age was 75 (range 24 to 100) years. Of the 80 patients included, 41 patients had more than 2 comorbidities. RESULTS: Three patients underwent re-operation within three months due to either fracture displacement or hardware cutout. Radiographs obtained after six weeks showed that nine patients had loss of reduction. Additionally, four patients had superficial wound infections and six patients had delayed wound healing. CONCLUSIONS: Intramedullary fixation of distal fibula fractures with either a screw or rush pin has low re-operation rates. However, the high proportion of patients with radiological loss of reduction is concerning.

Supporting children, young people and families to self-manage atopic eczema.

Atopic eczema is common in childhood and can continue into adulthood. Adherence to treatment is a significant factor in its effective management, but the complexity of treatment regimens can make adherence challenging. Additionally, living with the condition can have adverse psychosocial consequences for young people in particular. This article discusses treatment regimens for moderate-to-severe atopic eczema and some of the challenges encountered by children, young people and families in self-managing the condition. The authors discuss strategies that can support families to achieve optimal self-management, namely online support tools, written action plans and nurse-led eczema clinics.