Dermatological Applications Research Articles

Microbiome manipulation – the future of inflammatory skin disease treatment?

The manipulation of the human microbiome presents a transformative frontier in addressing prevalent dermatological conditions, like acne and atopic dermatitis. Strategies for skin and gut microbiome modification, such as microbiome transplantation and oral or topical application of probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics, offer promising solutions for different skin disorders. Bacteriophages, viruses that target bacteria, also provide an alternative microbiome manipulation platform. However, despite the promising initial results, further investigation is essential to unravel the underlying mechanisms, assess efficacy, and ensure safety across diverse populations, as the interplay between microbial communities and skin health is very complex. In the transformative era of microbiome manipulation techniques, it is important to ensure that these are applied beyond the realms of scientific exploration and benefit the global advancement of skin health.
 This review aims to capture the increasing volume of research in this field that reflects a growing interest and dedication to advancing our understanding of microbiome manipulation techniques with potential applications in dermatology. It represents an overview of the possibilities of treating skin diseases via microbiome modulation, focusing on two of the most common inflammatory skin diseases of today: acne and atopic dermatitis.

Photonics-powered augmented reality skin electronics for proactive healthcare: multifaceted opportunities.

Rapid technological advancements have created opportunities for new solutions in various industries, including healthcare. One exciting new direction in this field of innovation is the combination of skin-based technologies and augmented reality (AR). These dermatological devices allow for the continuous and non-invasive measurement of vital signs and biomarkers, enabling the real-time diagnosis of anomalies, which have applications in telemedicine, oncology, dermatology, and early diagnostics. Despite its many potential benefits, there is a substantial information vacuum regarding using flexible photonics in conjunction with augmented reality for medical purposes. This review explores the current state of dermal augmented reality and flexible optics in skin-conforming sensing platforms by examining the obstacles faced thus far, including technical hurdles, demanding clinical validation standards, and problems with user acceptance. Our main areas of interest are skills, chiroptical properties, and health platform applications, such as optogenetic pixels, spectroscopic imagers, and optical biosensors. My skin-enhanced spherical dichroism and powerful spherically polarized light enable thorough physical inspection with these augmented reality devices: diabetic tracking, skin cancer diagnosis, and cardiovascular illness: preventative medicine, namely blood pressure screening. We demonstrate how to accomplish early prevention using case studies and emergency detection. Finally, it addresses real-world obstacles that hinder fully realizing these materials' extraordinary potential in advancing proactive and preventative personalized medicine, including technical constraints, clinical validation gaps, and barriers to widespread adoption.

Changing Perceptions About the Dermatology Residency Application Process Among Applicants and Program Directors: 2020-2022.

Importance Over the last two years, dermatology has undergone significant reforms in the residency application process in efforts to reduce applicant stress, increase equity, and due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective We aimed to determine applicant and program director (PD) perspectives in implementing these changes over the last two application cycles. Design, setting, and participants Anonymous online surveys were administered by theAssociation of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) to PDs and applicants from the 2021-2022 dermatology residency application cycle. These results were compared with similar online surveys distributed after the 2020-2021 cycle. Results Coordinated interview release was introduced in the 2020-2021 dermatology application cycle. At that time, 57% of PDs and 84% of applicants wished that more programs participated in the release, compared to 53% and 84%, respectively, in the 2021-2022 cycle. In 2021, 28% of PDs reported matching applicants from their home institution higher on their list compared to 14% in 2022. In 2021 and 2022, 94% of PDs reported that diversity was an explicit goal in their application process. However, in 2021, 33% of PDs reported that they matched no UIMs (underrepresented in medicine) in their cohort, which grew to 39% in 2022. Conclusions This study identifies key trends in applicant and PD perspectives associated with changes in the application process such as coordinated interview release, virtual interviews, and emphasis on diversity. Additional data is needed from subsequent cycles in order to determine the efficacy of these reforms.

Andrographis paniculata Leaves Extract Alleviates UVB-Induced HaCaT Cells Through Suppressing Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases Activation

Objectives Andrographis paniculata leaves have been widely used in traditional medicine due to their rich content of phenolic compounds. We sought to figure out the skin beneficial effects of Andrographis paniculata leaves extract. Methods In this study, we evaluated the total phenolic and flavonoid content of Andrographis paniculata leaf extracts (ALE), as well as its antioxidant activities against diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, ABTS, and hydrogen peroxide radicals. Additionally, we conducted cell viability assays, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction , and western blot analysis to investigate the biochemical effects of ALE on UVB-induced HaCaT cells. Results Our results revealed that ALE exhibited a high concentration of polyphenols and flavonoids, which were associated with potent abiotic antioxidant properties. Furthermore, ALE treatment effectively abrogated the damage caused by UVB radiation on key molecules such as hyaluronan synthase 1, aquaporin 3, and loricrin in HaCaT cells. ALE also demonstrated the ability to reduce the overactivation of mitogen-activated protein kinases and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-1β in UVB-induced HaCaT cells. Additionally, ALE positively influenced the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha in these cells. Conclusion Overall, our findings highlight the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of ALE, as well as its significant role in modulating skin barrier functions. These results contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting the therapeutic potential of ALE in skincare and dermatological applications.

A Comprehensive Review of Essential Oil–Nanotechnology Synergy for Advanced Dermocosmetic Delivery

This review investigates the convergence of nanotechnology and essential oils in advanced dermocosmetic delivery. It outlines the pivotal role of inorganic and polymeric nanoparticles, such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and gold nanocarriers, in cosmeceutical applications, facilitating slow release, deeper skin penetration, and increased retention of active compounds. Essential oils, renowned for therapeutic benefits, face translation challenges due to volatility and low water solubility. This review explores the potential use of plant nanovesicles as carriers, emphasizing safety, stability, and scalability, offering a sustainable and cost-effective industrial application. Nanomaterial integration in consumer products, particularly cosmetics, is prevalent, with nanocarriers enhancing the permeation of bioactive compounds into deeper skin layers. The review emphasizes recent nanotechnological advancements, covering nanoparticle penetration, experimental models, and therapeutic applications in dermatology, ranging from non-invasive vaccination to transdermal drug delivery. Additionally, the review delves into nanomaterials’ role in addressing skin aging, focusing on tissue regeneration. Nanomaterials loaded with cosmeceuticals, such as phytochemicals and vitamins, are explored as promising solutions to mitigate signs of aging, including wrinkles and dry skin, providing innovative approaches to skin rejuvenation. Overall, the review offers a comprehensive synthesis of essential oil–nanoparticle synergy, shedding light on the current landscape and future potential of advanced dermocosmetic delivery systems.

Early diagnosis of skin oncologic diseases using artificial intelligence technologies

The last decade has seen significant progress in computer-aided image analysis and recognition, with modern computer-aided diagnostic algorithms not only catching up with, but in many aspects surpassing human abilities. At the heart of this breakthrough is the development of deep convolutional neural networks, which have given a new impetus to medical diagnosis, particularly of skin cancers. In this paper, we analyzed photo-based skin disease classification systems developed using algorithms based on deep learning convolutional neural networks. Such methods have been variously reported to enable automated diagnosis of skin neoplasms with high sensitivity and specificity. A disease that requires more detailed analysis of graphic images — skin melanoma — was chosen as the main object of study. Early diagnosis of melanoma is of great socio-economic importance, as in this case the prognosis of patients is significantly improved. The aim of this work is to analyze the results of artificial intelligence (AI) applications in dermatology, especially in the context of early detection of skin melanoma. Scientific articles were searched in PubMed, Scopus and eLIBRARY databases using the keywords “convolutional neural networks”, “skin cancer” and “artificial intelligence”. The depth of the search was 10 years. The final analysis included 38 sources where the results of our own research were presented. The advantages of artificial intelligence methods for dermatologists were analyzed. Artificial intelligence can significantly assist dermatologists in developing visual neoplasm diagnosis skills and improve diagnostic accuracy. The use of AI to process dermatoscopic data in conjunction with the analysis of anamnestic and clinical information from medical records will reduce the burden on the healthcare system through correctly diagnosed benign skin tumors. All of this promises to have a significant impact on the future development of dermatovenerology.

Cold Atmospheric Plasma Medicine: Applications, Challenges, and Opportunities for Predictive Control

Plasma medicine is an emerging field that applies the science and engineering of physical plasma to biomedical applications. Low-temperature plasma, also known as cold plasma, is generated via the ionization of atoms in a gas, generally via exposure to strong electric fields, and consists of ions, free radicals, and molecules at varying energy states. Plasmas generated at low temperatures (approximately room temperature) have been used for applications in dermatology, oncology, and anti-microbial strategies. Despite current and ongoing clinical use, the exact mechanisms of action and the full range of effects of cold plasma treatment on cells are only just beginning to be understood. Direct and indirect effects of plasma on immune cells have the potential to be utilized for various applications such as immunomodulation, anti-infective therapies, and regulating inflammation. In this review, we combine diverse expertise in the fields of plasma chemistry, device design, and immunobiology to cover the history and current state of plasma medicine, basic plasma chemistry and their implications, the effects of cold atmospheric plasma on host cells with their potential immunological consequences, future directions, and the outlook and recommendations for plasma medicine.

Characterization of the collagen network of human cheek skin using ultrasonic microscopy

Dermal collagen is the most abundant component of human skin and has a network structure that regulates the mechanical properties of the skin. Therefore, non-invasive characterization of the collagen network would be beneficial for the evaluation of skin conditions. The microscopic substructures of the network, which are individual bundles and fibers, have been optically investigated. However, the macroscopic structure of the collagen network has not been assessed. To evaluate the dermal collagen network, we developed two new indicators, volume filling factor (VFF) and collagen fiber texture (CFT), to analyze three-dimensional echo intensity maps of high-frequency ultrasonic microscopy. By identifying the difference in the elastic modulus components of the dermal layer of facial skin, the density and texture of the collagen network were characterized using VFF and CFT, respectively. These new indicators revealed that the density decreased and the texture became fine with facial age. This study demonstrates that ultrasonic microscopy is useful for investigating skin conditions, paving the way for diagnostic applications in dermatology and aesthetic medicine.

Efficient lipase-catalyzed synthesis of ceramide III series compounds in an eco-friendly solvent

Ceramide III (CER III) series compounds are essential constituents in cosmetic formulations and dermatological applications. As the cosmetics industry trends toward more sustainable practices, the development of an eco-friendly synthesis method for these vital compounds is increasingly critical. This research introduces a sustainable technique for producing CER III series compounds, using lipase-catalyzed amidation of phytosphingosine with various fatty acid esters or natural oils in an eco-compatible solvent. Through an extensive examination of various lipases and eco-friendly solvents, we first identified Novozym 435 as the most efficient biocatalyst and cyclopentyl methyl ether (CPME) as the preferred solvent. This combination established a high-efficiency reaction system for CER III series compounds synthesis. We further optimized the enzymatic conditions - a substrate molar ratio of 1:1, lipase loading at 30 wt%, at 65 °C, which presented an impressive yield of 94 % for ceramide IIIB (CER IIIB). We also investigated the reusability of enzymes in this synthetic system and further extended the scope of acyl donors using natural oils, results indicating the method excellent potentiality in industrial settings. In summary, this study provides a green and efficient pathway for synthesizing CER III series compounds, aligning with the growing eco-conscious trends in cosmetic science and technology.

A Comprehensive Review of Minimally Invasive Dermatosurgical Procedures.

Minimally invasive dermatosurgical procedures have revolutionized the field of dermatology, offering patients effective treatment options with reduced risks and downtime. This review provides a comprehensive overview of these procedures, beginning with their definition and historical context. We classify minimally invasive techniques, including both surgical and nonsurgical approaches, and explore their wide-ranging applications in cosmetic and therapeutic dermatology. Patient selection, preoperative assessment, techniques, clinical outcomes, and comparisons with traditional surgical methods are thoroughly examined. The implications for clinical practice are discussed, emphasizing the importance of integrating minimally invasive techniques into dermatologic care to enhance patient outcomes. Furthermore, areas for future research are identified, highlighting the need for ongoing studies to optimize techniques, evaluate long-term outcomes, and explore emerging technologies. Overall, this review underscores the significance of minimally invasive dermatosurgical procedures in advancing dermatologic practice and improving patient care.

Applications of nitric oxide-releasing nanomaterials in dermatology: Skin infections and wound healing

Nitric oxide (NO) is produced in most cells in the skin and is an important regulator of essential cutaneous functions, including responses to UV irradiation, microbial defense, wound healing, melanogenesis and epidermal permeability barrier homeostasis. Harnessing the physiological activities of NO for therapeutic use is difficult because the molecule is highly reactive and unstable. A variety of exogenous NO delivery platforms have been developed and evaluated; however, they have limited clinical applications in dermatology due to instability and poor cutaneous penetration. NO-releasing nanomaterials overcome these limitations, providing targeted tissue delivery, and sustained and controlled NO release. This review provides a comprehensive and up-to-date evaluation of the use of NO-releasing nanomaterials in dermatology for the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections and wound healing.

Formulation and Optimization of Polyherbal Nanogel for Dermatological Applications

Aim: The aim of the present investigation was to develop a polyherbal nano gel (PHNG) formulation capable of acting as a potential vehicle to deliver polyherbal phytoconstituents topically. Background: Individual herbs, according to Ayurveda, are insufficient to deliver the intended medicinal effect. It will have a better therapeutic impact with less toxicity when it is optimized as multiple herb combinations in a certain ratio. Objective: The objective of this study was to create a polyherbal gel for the delivery of medication from methanolic extracts of Plumbago zeylanica Linn, Datura stramonium Linn, and Argemone mexicana Linn. Material and Methods: The plant parts chosen for this work include methanolic extracts of Plumbago zeylanica stem, Datura stramonium leaves, Argimone Mexicana areal part. The polyherbal-based nanogel was prepared by low energy self-emulsification technique, and was evaluated for pH, viscosity and spreadability, stability, and drug release. The drug release profile of stable nanogel formulations was studied at various time intervals. Furthermore, the prepared nanogel was characterized by zeta-potential, zeta-sizer, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Result: Optimized PHNG had particle size and zeta potential of 11.25nm and -25.73 mV respectively. TEM analysis of optimized formulation revealed the spherical shape of particles. Furthermore, the optimized formulation was found to possess higher stability with a maximum extended cumulative release of up to 240 minutes. Conclusion: We have formulated a polyherbal nanogel that can be validated by physiochemical and surface characterization.

Seeing beyond skin deep: High-resolution ultrasound in dermatology-A comprehensive review and future prospects.

High-resolution ultrasound (HRUS), operating at frequencies of 20-25 MHz, is a non-invasive imaging tool that offers dermatologists the ability to visualize structures beneath the skin surface. The objective of this review is to present a comprehensive overview of HRUS applications, emphasising its utility in diagnosing, characterising and managing various dermatological conditions. We undertook a comprehensive literature review on the dermatological application of HRUS across Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library databases, while also incorporating our own clinical experience of over 16 years with the tool. In normal skin, the epidermis and dermis are hyperechoic, and the subcutaneous layer is hypoechoic. Basal cell carcinomas appear hypoechoic with irregular margins, while the presence of hyperechoic inclusion bodies suggests aggressive pathology. Squamous cell carcinomas pose challenges due to acoustic shadow artefacts from the thickened stratum corneum. Melanomas are homogenous hypoechoic lesions, with HRUS used to accurately predict Breslow thickness. HRUS provides dermatologists with a valuable adjunct to traditional clinical examination. Future advancement in image resolution and the standardisation of diagnostic parameters may further expand its utility.

Variations of skin thermal diffusivity on different skin regions.

Skin thermal diffusivity plays a crucial role in various applications, including laser therapy and cryogenic skin cooling.This study investigates the correlation between skin thermal diffusivity and two important skin parameters, melanin content and erythema, in a cohort of 102 participants. An in-house developed device based on transient temperature measurement was used to assess thermal diffusivity at different body locations. Melanin content and erythema were measured using a colorimeter. Statistical analysis was performed to examine potential correlations. The results showed that the measured thermal diffusivity values were consistent with previous reports, with variations observed among subjects. No significant correlation was found between thermal diffusivity and melanin content or erythema. This suggests that other factors, such as skin hydration or epidermis thickness, may have a more dominant influence on skin thermal properties. This research provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between skin thermal properties and physiological parameters, with potential implications for cosmetic and clinical dermatology applications.

Smart Watches Lack Skin Smarts: Current and Future Dermatologic Applications in Device Metrics.

Smartwatches have proven life-saving in medical specialties such as cardiology. Smartwatches actively warn us of arrhythmia risk and loud noise exposure. However, dermatologic health metrics are rarely monitored, and users are never alerted of potential skin health issues. Furthermore, the role of these devices within dermatology has not been evaluated in the literature. This study aims to analyze the current data points monitored by smartwatches and discuss potential adaptations to support dermatologic patient education and improve clinical management. Methods: The top three smartwatches per global market share were identified and analyzed to determine the health data points they monitor and the alerts they provide. These data points were grouped and compared based on their corresponding body systems. Results: Cardiovascular health comprises the highest percentage of data points collected with an average of 41% while dermatologic health averaged only 11%. Conclusion: Dermatology is grossly underrepresented in current smartwatch devices. There is an important need to expand the dermatologic health metrics tracked by adapting existing smartwatch technology. From proactive cancer prevention to disease-specific reactive interventions, smartwatches can play a significant role in improving dermatological health and reducing healthcare costs.

Cutaneous Pharmacokinetics of Topically Applied Novel Dermatological Formulations.

Novel formulations are developed for dermatological applications to address a wide range of patient needs and therapeutic challenges. By pushing the limits of pharmaceutical technology, these formulations strive to provide safer, more effective, and patient-friendly solutions for dermatological concerns, ultimately improving the overall quality of dermatological care. The article explores the different types of novel dermatological formulations, including nanocarriers, transdermal patches, microsponges, and microneedles, and the techniques involved in the cutaneous pharmacokinetics of these innovative formulations. Furthermore, the significance of knowing cutaneous pharmacokinetics and the difficulties faced during pharmacokinetic assessment have been emphasized. The article examines all the methods employed for the pharmacokinetic evaluation of novel dermatological formulations. In addition to a concise overview of earlier techniques, discussions on novel methodologies, including tape stripping, in vitro permeation testing, cutaneous microdialysis, confocal Raman microscopy, and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry have been conducted. Emerging technologies like the use of microfluidic devices for skin absorption studies and computational models for predicting drug pharmacokinetics have also been discussed. This article serves as a valuable resource for researchers, scientists, and pharmaceutical professionals determined to enhance the development and understanding of novel dermatological drug products and the complex dynamics of cutaneous pharmacokinetics.

The potential cutaneous benefits of edible bird's nest.

Edible bird's nest (EBN) is composed of the solidified saliva of swiftlet birds. EBN has been extremely popular in Asian culture for centuries. They are often consumed as a delicacy in the form of bird's nest soup and are believed to have numerous skin benefits. In light of EBN's growing popularity and significant cultural importance, we aimprovide a comprehensive review of EBN's potential dermatologic benefits and role in photoaging, anti-inflammation, wound healing, skin barrier enhancement, and skin whitening. While in vitro, in vivo, and preliminary clinical trial results are promising, there is a need for future human clinical research to further validate these findings and establish EBN's efficacy and safety for dermatologic applications.

Allicin Gel: A cure to Dermatological ailments: Formulation and Characterization

Skin is the outer masking of the human body. Thus human skin comes in more contact with microbial infections and other ailments for curing such microbial ailments a source of efficacious antimicrobial products had to be used. The herbal source of medicines are primary choice to humans as for their being repeatedly powerful and much less side-impact inflicting. The source of the product being herbal is expected to be both efficacious and having no negative outcomes. One of the most effective and useful herbal ingredients for treatment of multifaceted diseases in humans is Garlic (Allium sativum L. fam. Alliaceae). The purpose of using Allicin extracted from Garlic is to treat dermatological ailments in humans. Allicin (diallylthiosulfinate) is an element of garlic and has a broad range of biological activities. Allicin when used, proliferation of both fungi and bacteria can be inhibited when administered within a pharmacological range and it also shows efficacy against antibiotic resistant strains such as methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Allicin induces cell death and inhibits cell proliferation in mammalian cancer cells. The gel base is prepared via the use of Carbopol934 and Triethanolamine. Extracted allicin is blended to it and allicin gel is prepared for its antimicrobial dermatological application.

Attitudes Toward and Use of eHealth Technologies Among German Dermatologists: Repeated Cross-Sectional Survey in 2019 and 2021.

In recent years, legal and infrastructural conditions have been set to improve the adoption of digital applications in health care in Germany. The impact of these actions was amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. So far, no studies have confirmed this progress in dermatology. The aim of this study was to measure changes in knowledge, interest, expectation, and use of digital applications in health care among dermatologists in Germany in 2019 and 2021. We administered a repeated cross-sectional survey among dermatologists in medical practices and clinics in Germany at 2 time points: t1 (2019; before the COVID-19 pandemic) and t2 (2021; during the COVID-19 pandemic). We used a standardized questionnaire, including items on respondents' knowledge, interest, expectation, and use of digital applications, as well as their demographics. The survey was distributed by post and email. The data were analyzed descriptively as well as with multiple logistic regressions. At t1, 585 (272/571, 47.6% female; mean age 52.4, SD 8.9 years) dermatologists and at t2, 792 (360/736, 48.9% female; mean age 54.3, SD 8.6 years) dermatologists participated in this survey. Interest in digital medicine was higher at t1 than at t2 (381/585, 65.1% vs 458/792, 57.8%; P≤.001). Nevertheless, 38.6% (306/792) had used digital applications more often since the beginning of the pandemic. For example, real-time telemedicine with patients (12/585, 2.1% vs 160/792, 7.6%; P≤.001) and other specialists did increase (33/385, 5.7% vs 181/792, 22.8%; P≤.001). Almost one-third expressed great concerns about digitalization (272/792, 34.3% vs 294/792, 37.1%; P=.21). Spatial analysis revealed higher interest in, more positive expectations toward, and higher use of digital applications in urban areas in comparison to rural areas. For instance, dermatologists from urban areas assessed future applications as having less risk (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.51, 95% CI 0.35-0.76) than did dermatologists from rural areas. The situation was similar with the age groups, as, for example, dermatologists aged <50 years also expected lower risks (aOR 0.51, 95% CI 0.34-0.77) than those aged ≥50 years. There were no differences between sexes in use, but there were differences in knowledge and expectation; for example, male participants assessed their confidence in using digital applications as higher (aOR 1.44, 95% CI 1.01-2.04) than did female participants. During the pandemic, the use of digital applications in dermatology increased but still remained at a moderate level. The regional and age-related disparities identified indicate the need for further action to ensure equal access to digital care.

Optimizing skin disease diagnosis: harnessing online community data with contrastive learning and clustering techniques

Skin diseases pose significant challenges in China. Internet health forums offer a platform for millions of users to discuss skin diseases and share images for early intervention, leaving large amount of valuable dermatology images. However, data quality and annotation challenges limit the potential of these resources for developing diagnostic models. In this study, we proposed a deep-learning model that utilized unannotated dermatology images from diverse online sources. We adopted a contrastive learning approach to learn general representations from unlabeled images and fine-tuned the model on coarsely annotated images from Internet forums. Our model classified 22 common skin diseases. To improve annotation quality, we used a clustering method with a small set of standardized validation images. We tested the model on images collected by 33 experienced dermatologists from 15 tertiary hospitals and achieved a 45.05% top-1 accuracy, outperforming the published baseline model by 3%. Accuracy increased with additional validation images, reaching 49.64% with 50 images per category. Our model also demonstrated transferability to new tasks, such as detecting monkeypox, with a 61.76% top-1 accuracy using only 50 additional images in the training process. We also tested our model on benchmark datasets to show the generalization ability. Our findings highlight the potential of unannotated images from online forums for future dermatology applications and demonstrate the effectiveness of our model for early diagnosis and potential outbreak mitigation.