Facial Dermatoses Associated With Mask-Wearing in the COVID-19 Era: A Nationwide, Cross-Sectional, Multicenter, Questionnaire-based Study.

BACKGROUND: Daily usage of facial masks during coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic influenced on facial dermatoses. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the impact of mask-wearing habits on facial dermatoses. METHODS: A nationwide, observational, questionnaire-based survey was conducted from July through August 2021, involving 20 hospitals in Korea. RESULTS: Among 1,958 facial dermatoses, 75.9% of patients experienced aggravation or development of new-onset facial dermatoses after wearing masks. In aggravated or newly developed acne patients (543 out of 743), associated factors were healthcare provider, female gender, and a long duration of mask-wearing. Irritating symptoms, xerosis, and hyperpigmentation were more frequently observed in this group. Aggravated or newly developed rosacea patients (515 out of 660) were likely to be female, young, and have a long duration of mask-wearing per day. Seborrheic dermatitis patients who experienced aggravation or de novo development (132 out of 184) were younger, and they more frequently involved the chin and jaw in addition to the nasolabial folds and both cheeks. Contact dermatitis patients (132 out of 147) with aggravation or de novo development tended to be female, involve both cheeks, and complain of pruritus. Aggravated or newly developed atopic dermatitis patients (165 out of 224) were more likely to be female, and had a higher baseline investigator global assessment score before mask-wearing. CONCLUSION: Clinical features and factors related to aggravation were different according to the types of facial dermatoses.

The efficacy of enoxolone in reducing erythema and pain after laser treatment: A randomized split-face pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Enoxolone, derived from licorice, possesses potent anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. However, its effectiveness in alleviating post-laser reactions has not been extensively studied. AIMS: This randomized split-face pilot study aimed to evaluate the effects of enoxolone on skin following laser treatment. PATIENTS/METHODS: Ten healthy subjects underwent non-ablative 1550 nm Er:Glass fractional laser treatment and then randomly applied a moisturizer without enoxolone on one side of the face and a dermo-cosmetic formular containing 2% enoxolone mixed with the same moisturizer on the other side. The erythema index (EI), clinician's erythema assessment (CEA), and pain scores were recorded at 30 min, 60 min, and 24 h posttreatment. RESULTS: The group treated with enoxolone showed significantly lower EI and CEA compared to the control group at 24 h posttreatment. Additionally, pain scores were notably reduced in the enoxolone-treated group 30 min after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that dermo-cosmetic formular containing 2% enoxolone is effective in reducing erythema and pain following laser treatment.

Consensus Report on Truncal Acne: The Korean Acne and Rosacea Society Experts Panel.

BACKGROUND: More than half of acne patients have truncal acne on their chest, back, and shoulders. However, since most studies on acne have focused on the face, data on clinical characteristics and proper management for truncal acne are insufficient. OBJECTIVE: To establish a Korean Acne Rosacea Society (KARS) consensus for experts' perception and treatment patterns of truncal acne. METHODS: We conducted two rounds of the Dephi technique to gather expert opinion and reach a consensus on truncal acne. The first round comprised 48 questionnaires focusing on various aspects such as epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and more, while second rounds consisted of 26 questionnaires. RESULTS: A total of 36 dermatologists (36/38 KARS members, 94.7%) completed this survey. In the first-round survey, consensus was reached on 20 out of the 48 questions (41.7%). In the second-round questionnaire, consensus was achieved on 9 of the 26 questions (34.6%). The most unresponsive lesion to truncal acne treatment was scars (atrophic/hypertrophic). The most commonly used treatments for each non-inflammatory and inflammatory truncal acne lesions were selected to use topical retinoids (78.1% of the responders) and oral antibiotics (93.8% of the responders). CONCLUSION: Our study has yielded valuable insights into the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life of patients with truncal acne. We anticipate that this study will inspire further comprehensive research for individuals with truncal acne.

Knowledge and the behavioral patterns of photoprotection among Koreans with skin disease.

BACKGROUND: Photoprotection is crucial in preventing the development and progression of various skin diseases. However, patients with skin disease have limited awareness of photoprotection. We evaluated the knowledge and behavioral patterns of photoprotection among Koreans with skin diseases. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 11 general hospitals across South Korea. The study population consisted of patients aged 19 years or older who visited dermatologic clinics for their skin diseases. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect patient demographics, knowledge of photoprotection, and photoprotective habits. RESULTS: In this study, 1173 patients with skin cancer, hyperpigmentary disorders, hypopigmentary disorders, or other skin diseases participated. Females scored significantly higher in knowledge of photoprotection compared to males (mean score 8.4 vs. 7.8; p < .001), and younger patients (<50 years) scored higher than older patients (mean score 8.7 vs. 7.5; p < .001). Males also reported longer sun exposure times and lower usage of photoprotective measures (both p < .001). Patients with skin cancer had the lowest mean knowledge score (7.1 ± 2.6) and were less likely to use photoprotective measures compared to other groups (p < .001). In contrast, patients with hyperpigmentation actively avoided sun exposure compared with other groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of photoprotection among Korean patients with skin diseases varied depending on the gender, age, and type of skin disease. Their photoprotective behaviors were inadequate, especially among males and those with skin cancer. These findings emphasize the importance of educating and tailoring photoprotection strategies for patients with skin diseases.

Adipose tissue-derived exosomes alleviate particulate matter-induced inflammatory response and skin barrier damage in atopic dermatitis-like triple-cell model.

Recently, particulate matter (PM) has been shown to exacerbate atopic dermatitis (AD) by inducing an inflammatory response. Meanwhile, several studies revealed that exosomes derived from adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells promote wound healing and alleviate inflammation via their regenerative and immunomodulatory capacities. Our study aimed to investigate the effects of human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cell-derived (ASC)-exosomes in PM-induced AD. An AD-like triple-cell model was established by treating human keratinocytes, dermal fibroblasts, and mast cells with polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (Poly I:C) and interleukin 1 alpha (IL-1α). The effects of PM and ASC-exosomes on the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and skin barrier proteins were examined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and immunofluorescence. PM increased pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1ß, and IL-1α) and decreased the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, while the mRNA expression of skin barrier proteins (loricrin and filaggrin) decreased. However, when the cells were treated with ASC-exosomes, the PM-induced effects on pro-inflammatory cytokines and skin barrier proteins were reversed. Our results confirmed that PM-induced inflammation and skin barrier damage were alleviated by ASC-exosomes in our AD-like triple-cell model. These data suggest that ASC-exosomes can serve as a therapeutic agent for PM-exacerbated AD.

Efficacy and safety of a novel 785 nm picosecond neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser for the treatment of facial benign pigmented lesions in Asian skin: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Benign pigmented lesions and a general uneven tone in people with skin of color are growing issues that have been presented to dermatologists. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first controlled study to examine the efficacy and safety of using the newly introduced 785 nm neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) picosecond laser to treat facial benign pigmented lesions in Asian patients with diffractive lens array. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 785 nm Nd:YAG picosecond laser was used to treat 15 healthy female volunteers older than 18 years who had Fitzpatrick skin types II-IV and facial benign pigmented lesions. Each volunteer received five weekly treatments in dual modes. The clinical improvement was assessed by independent investigators and by objectively measuring the melanin index. RESULTS: After the treatment, the melanin and erythema indices decreased, and the pigmented lesions showed clinical improvements. No serious adverse effects were observed during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: A 785 nm Nd:YAG picosecond laser may be safe and effective in treating facial benign pigmented lesions in Asian skin.

A Double-Blinded, Randomized, Dose-Comparison Pilot Study to Comparatively Evaluate Efficacy and Safety of Two Doses of Botulinum Toxin Type A Injection for Deltoid Muscle Hypertrophy.

BACKGROUND: Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) injection is being widely used off-label for muscular hypertrophy, including deltoid muscle hypertrophy. However, very few studies have evaluated the optimal dosage and its clinical response. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of different doses of Prabotulinum toxin A (PBoNT) for treating deltoid muscle hypertrophy. METHODS: Twelve particiapants with bilateral deltoid muscle hypertrophy were enrolled and randomly received either 16 U or 32 U of PBoNT. In each participant, the same dose was administered to both deltoid muscles. Both participants and evaluators were blinded. Deltoid muscle thickness and upper arm circumference were measured on day 0, and weeks 2, 4, and 12 after the PBoNT injection. RESULTS: Upper arm circumference significantly decreased in both groups; however, deltoid muscle thickness was reduced in the 16 U group only. No major complications were reported in both groups. However, a few minor complications were reported in the 16 U injection group. CONCLUSION: Both 16 U and 32 U of PBoNT intramuscular injections are safe and effective in treating deltoid hypertrophy.

Pigmented contact dermatitis and hair dyes: A retrospective case-control multicentre study in Korea.

BACKGROUND: Pigmented contact dermatitis (PCD), a rare variant of non-eczematous contact dermatitis, is clinically characterized by sudden-onset brown or grey pigmentation on the face and neck. It is hypothesized to be caused by repeated contact with low levels of allergens. OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the risk of using hair dyes in patients with PCD in Korea. METHODS: A total of 1033 PCD patients and 1366 controls from 31 university hospitals were retrospectively recruited. We collected and analysed the data from the patient group, diagnosed through typical clinical findings of PCD and the control group, which comprised age/sex-matched patients who visited the participating hospitals with pre-existing skin diseases other than current allergic disease or PCD. RESULTS: Melasma and photosensitivity were significantly more common in the control group, and a history of contact dermatitis was more common in the PCD group. There were significantly more Fitzpatrick skin type V participants in the PCD group than in the control group. There was no significant difference in sunscreen use between the groups. Using dermatologic medical history, Fitzpatrick skin type and sunscreen use as covariates, we showed that hair dye use carried a higher PCD risk (odds ratio [OR] before adjustment: 2.06, confidence interval [CI]: 1.60-2.65; OR after adjustment: 2.74, CI: 1.88-4.00). Moreover, henna users had a higher risk of PCD (OR before adjustment: 5.51, CI: 4.07-7.47; OR after adjustment: 7.02, CI: 4.59-10.74), indicating a significant increase in the risk of PCD with henna dye use. Contact dermatitis history was more prevalent in henna users than in those using other hair dyes in the PCD group (17.23% vs. 11.55%). CONCLUSION: Hair dye use is a risk factor for PCD. The risk significantly increased when henna hair dye was used by those with a history of contact dermatitis.

Adipose-derived stem cell exosomes for treatment of dupilumab-related facial redness in patients with atopic dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Dupilumab facial redness (DFR) is a side effect of dupilumab treatment that has only been recently reported. We previously reported on two patients with DFR who were successfully treated with a topical formulation containing human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (ASCEs). OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ASCEs in DFR. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: We performed 12-week prospective study at single center. Twenty adult atopic dermatitis patients diagnosed with DFR were enrolled. They were treated with a topical application of the exosome formulation every week for five consecutive weeks. RESULTS: After exosome treatment, both the average investigator global assessment score and clinical erythema assessment scale scores decreased. 19 patients (95%) were satisfied with the treatment. Compared to baseline, erythema index at week 4 were decreased by 31, 27, 13, and 25 units on the forehead, chin, right and left cheek respectively. The analysis of stratum corneum samples revealed the expression of IL-1α and human thymic stromal lymphopoietin was suppressed after exosome treatment, whereas filaggrin and vascular endothelial growth factor expression increased. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests topical formulation containing ASCEs can alleviate DFR by downregulating local inflammation and restoring skin barrier function.

Efficacy of combined treatment with human adipose tissue stem cell-derived exosome-containing solution and microneedling for facial skin aging: A 12-week prospective, randomized, split-face study.

BACKGROUND: Studies have reported promising results of mesenchymal stem cell therapies for skin aging. However, in the use of mesenchymal stem cells, some drawbacks including rarely possible tumorigenicity and low engraftment rates have limited their widespread clinical use. Adipose tissue stem cell-derived exosomes (ASCEs) are emerging as effective cell-free therapeutic agents. AIMS: It was evaluated the clinical efficacy of combining the application of human ASCE-containing solution (HACS) with microneedling to treat facial skin aging. METHODS: A 12-week, prospective, randomized, split-face, comparative study was conducted. Twenty-eight individuals underwent three treatment sessions separated by 3-week intervals and were followed up for 6 weeks after the last session. At each treatment session, HACS and microneedling were administered to one side of the face, and normal saline solution and microneedling were administered to the other side as a control. RESULTS: The Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale score was significantly higher on the HACS-treated side than on the control side at the final follow-up visit (p = 0.005). Objective measurements obtained by different devices including PRIMOS Premium, Cutometer MPA 580, Corneometer CM 825, and Mark-Vu confirmed greater clinical improvements in skin wrinkles, elasticity, hydration, and pigmentation on the HACS-treated side than on the control side. The results of the histopathological evaluation were consistent with the clinical findings. No serious adverse events were observed. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that combined treatment using HACS and microneedling is effective and safe for treating facial skin aging.

Cold anesthesia for pain reduction during intralesional steroid injection for nodulocystic acne.

BACKGROUND: In any dermatologic procedure, patient acceptance of treatment is heavily influenced by intraprocedural pain. Intralesional triamcinolone injections are very important in keloid scar and nodulocystic acne treatment. However, the main problem of needle-stick procedures is pain. Cryoanesthesia is ideally intended to cool only the epidermis during treatment and has advantage which did not require application time. AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the pain-reducing effect and safety of CryoVIVE® (newly introduced cryoanesthesia device) during triamcinolone injections for nodulocystic acne in actual clinical settings. PATIENTS/METHODS: In this two-staged, non-randomized clinical trial, a total of 64 subjects underwent intralesional triamcinolone injections for their acne lesions with cold anesthesia using CryoVIVE®. The pain intensity was assessed with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores. Safety profile was also evaluated. RESULTS: The mean pain VAS scores on the lesion with and without cold anesthesia were 3.667 and 5.933, respectively (p = 0.0001). No side effects, discoloration, and scarring were observed. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the anesthetic use of CryoVIVE® with intralesional corticosteroid injections is a practical and well-tolerated modality.

Skin aging from mechanisms to interventions: focusing on dermal aging.

Skin aging is a multifaceted process that involves intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms that lead to various structural and physiological changes in the skin. Intrinsic aging is associated with programmed aging and cellular senescence, which are caused by endogenous oxidative stress and cellular damage. Extrinsic aging is the result of environmental factors, such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation and pollution, and leads to the production of reactive oxygen species, ultimately causing DNA damage and cellular dysfunction. In aged skin, senescent cells accumulate and contribute to the degradation of the extracellular matrix, which further contributes to the aging process. To combat the symptoms of aging, various topical agents and clinical procedures such as chemical peels, injectables, and energy-based devices have been developed. These procedures address different symptoms of aging, but to devise an effective anti-aging treatment protocol, it is essential to thoroughly understand the mechanisms of skin aging. This review provides an overview of the mechanisms of skin aging and their significance in the development of anti-aging treatments.

A Randomized, Prospective, Split-Face Pilot Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of 532-nm and 1,064-nm Picosecond-Domain Neodymium:Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet Lasers Using a Diffractive Optical Element for Non-Ablative Skin Rejuvenation: Clinical and Histological Evaluation.

BACKGROUND: The advent of fractionated picosecond (ps) lasers has provided an opportunity to explore new ways of creating microinjuries in the skin to induce skin rejuvenation. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of diffractive optical element (DOE)-assisted ps neodymium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) lasers with 532-nm and 1,064-nm wavelengths (532-nm and 1,064-nm Nd:YAG P-DOE) using a novel fractional handpiece for the treatment of photoaged skin. METHODS: An ex vivo guinea pig skin experiment was performed by evaluating the histology of the skin after 532-nm Nd:YAG P-DOE irradiation. A randomized, prospective, split-face study was performed on eight subjects with 532-nm and 1,064-nm Nd:YAG P-DOE. RESULTS: Based on the histological evaluation using ex vivo guinea pig skin, a reasonable safety profile and the potential to generate effective skin rejuvenation was observed using the 532-nm Nd:YAG P-DOE. Results demonstrated that both 532- and 1,064-nm Nd:YAG P-DOE were similarly effective in improving skin texture and skin pores; however, 532-nm Nd:YAG P-DOE was more effective in treating dyspigmentation. CONCLUSION: At a preliminary level, this study revealed that 532-nm and 1,064-nm ps Nd:YAG lasers using DOE fractional technology may improve photoaged skin. In conclusion, 532-nm Nd:YAG P-DOE may be especially beneficial for skin with epidermal pigmentary lesions.

Erratum: Assessment of Disease Severity and Quality of Life in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis from South Korea.

This corrects the article on p. 419 in vol. 34, PMID: 36478424.

The use of epidermal growth factor in dermatological practice.

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a growth factor that plays a pivotal role in wound healing and maintaining tissue homeostasis by regulating cell survival, proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Exogenous administration of bioidentical human recombinant epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) has been known to promote skin wound healing, although rhEGF is increasingly being used in drug delivery systems and nanotechnology. However, despite considerable attention being focused on the potential clinical applications of rhEGF in several dermatological conditions beyond wound healing, the number of studies still remains relatively low. Herein, we conducted a literature search of PubMed/Medline and Google Scholar databases to retrieve published literature related to rhEGF and summarised the effects of rhEGF in the treatment of various wound types, radiotherapy or chemotherapy-related skin reactions, atopic dermatitis, skin aging, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Assessment of Disease Severity and Quality of Life in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis from South Korea.

BACKGROUND: Data illustrating the impact of atopic dermatitis (AD) on lives of adults with AD in South Korea are limited. OBJECTIVE: To assess the AD disease severity and its impact on quality of life (QoL) in patients with AD from South Korea. METHODS: Patients with AD utilizing the specialist dermatology services of major hospitals in South Korea were assessed for disease severity using Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score, for QoL using Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) (for QoL), and for comorbidities and treatment experience via retrospective review of 12-month medical records. Clinical and sociodemographic characteristics were also measured. RESULTS: Of the 1,163 patients, 695 (59.8%) were men (mean age [years]±standard deviation: 31.6±12.1). Overall, 52.9% (n=615) patients had moderate-to-severe disease (EASI>7). The QoL of 72.3% (n=840) patients was affected moderately-to-severely (DLQI score: 6~30). Systemic immunosuppressants were used ≥1 over past 12 months in 51.9% (n=603) patients, and the most commonly used were cyclosporines (45.7%, n=531) and systemic corticosteroids (40.5%, n=471). Approximately, 10.8% (n=126) patients consulted or received treatment for AD-related eye problem. Of these, 40% (n=50) patients reported poor, very poor, or completely blind status; approximately, 16.7% patients (n=192) reported having depression or anxiety; and 35.5% (n=410) reported suicidal ideation or suicidal attempt. CONCLUSION: A large proportion of patients had moderate-to-severe AD, a compromised QoL, and ocular or mental health comorbidities, indicating a high disease burden despite systemic treatment. These findings highlight the importance of a holistic approach for the evaluation and treatment of patients with AD.

Treatment of facial pigmented disorders with a 785-nm picosecond Ti:sapphire laser in Asians: A report of three cases.

Since the advent of the theory of selective photothermolysis, the importance of targeting the chromophore and minimizing the surrounding damage has been extensively discussed. Picosecond-domain laser (ps-laser) treatment with a wide range of wavelengths is an emerging option for various pigmented lesions; however, no definitive treatment choice has been confirmed. The authors aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of a ps-laser with a 785-nm wavelength for the treatment of facial pigmented lesions in Asians. Three Korean patients with facial pigmented lesions were recruited for the study. A 785-nm ps-laser with a fractionated and an unfractionated handpiece was utilized to administer the treatment. The clinical outcome was evaluated by a clinician by comparing pre- and post-treatment photographs. All patients exhibited a significant improvement in pigmented lesions including freckles, lentigines, and melasma, after three to four sessions of treatment. No adverse events, including post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation were observed. In conclusion, this novel 785-nm Ti:sapphire ps-laser may be an effective and safe modality for treating pigmented lesions in skin of color.

Exosomes as novel player in dermatologic field.

Exosomes are nano-sized extracellular vesicles released by the majority of the cell types. Exosomes play a major role in intercellular communication via transferring cargoes between cells and altering specific functions of the target cells. The interest in the biological activities of exosomes has been increasing and their therapeutic role has already been demonstrated in various diseases. Recently, there is growing evidence that stem cell-derived exosomes (including mesenchymal stem cell, umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal cell, adipose-derived stem cell, and pluripotent stem cell) can also be used in a variety of skin conditions due to their regenerative and anti-inflammatory capacity. In this paper, we will provide a brief overview of recent studies on practical applications of exosomes in several dermatologic conditions and their potential mechanisms. By elucidating the different mechanisms and therapeutic roles of exosomes in various disease conditions, we hope dermatologists and other clinicians to establish better strategies for disease treatment with further research.