Skin Diseases Research Articles

Factors Associated with Severe Hidradenitis Suppurativa, Using Hurley Staging and Metascore

Introduction: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease for which certain risk factors are well known: obesity and smoking (in particular). However, the factors associated with more severe conditions, and therefore potential aggravators of the disease, remain a matter of debate. Our study aims to determine the clinical factors associated with severe HS using several severity scores. Methods: The data were obtained via the ERHS questionnaire from patients exclusively recruited at Erasme Hospital in Brussels. The severity of HS was firstly estimated by the Hurley score, and secondly by a metascore, a system combining the iHS4, HS-PGA, SAHS, and DLQI. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed. Results: Six hundred and forty-seven patients were included in the Hurley analysis, and 456 patients in the metascore analysis. In multivariable analysis, men have a more severe metascore than women (odds ratio [OR] = 1.89, p = 0.022), smoking was associated with a more severe disease according to metascore, especially in mild cases (OR = 0.76, p = 0.043), and an elevated body mass index was associated with having Hurley stage III disease compared to Hurley I or II disease (OR = 1.09, p = 0.001). A significant association is also shown between blood pressure and Hurley stage (OR = 0.97, p = 0.025). Self-reports of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs aggravating the disease is also a factor associated with greater severity according to the metascore (OR = 0.12, p = 0.008). Finally, several locations of HS lesions were associated with greater severity, in particular the armpits according to the metascore (OR = 0.29, p < 0.001), and the perianal area according to the Hurley score (OR = 0.15, p < 0.001). Conclusion: HS seems to be more severe in men; smoking seems to aggravate mild cases of HS, while increased body mass index plays a major role in the transition from Hurley II to Hurley III.

Unraveling Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species Involvement in Psoriasis: The Promise of Antioxidant Therapies.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by immune dysregulation and aberrant keratinocyte proliferation. Despite tremendous advances in understanding its etiology, effective therapies that target its fundamental mechanisms remain necessary. Recent research highlights the role of reactive oxygen species dysregulation and mitochondrial dysfunction in psoriasis pathogenesis. Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species mediate cellular signaling pathways involved in psoriasis, such as proliferation, apoptosis, and inflammation, leading to oxidative stress, exacerbating inflammation and tissue damage if dysregulated. This review explores oxidative stress biomarkers and parameters in psoriasis, including myeloperoxidase, paraoxonase, sirtuins, superoxide dismutase, catalase, malondialdehyde, oxidative stress index, total oxidant status, and total antioxidant status. These markers provide insights into disease mechanisms and potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets. Modulating mitochondrial reactive oxygen species levels and enhancing antioxidant defenses can alleviate inflammation and oxidative damage, improving patient outcomes. Natural antioxidants like quercetin, curcumin, gingerol, resveratrol, and other antioxidants show promise as complementary treatments targeting oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. This review aims to guide the development of personalized therapeutic methods and diagnostic techniques, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive clinical studies to validate the efficacy and safety of these interventions, paving the way for more effective and holistic psoriasis care.

Causal relationship and mediation effects of immune cells and plasma metabolites in atopic dermatitis: A Mendelian randomization study.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition with complex etiology involving genetic, environmental, and immunological factors. This study employs Mendelian randomization to explore the causal relationships between immune cell phenotypes and AD, and the mediating effects of plasma metabolites. Using data from European cohorts, we identified 7 immune cell phenotypes significantly associated with AD. Mediation analysis revealed that the alpha-ketobutyrate to 4-methyl-2-oxopentanoate ratio negatively regulates CCR2 on monocytes, while the glycerol to carnitine ratio positively regulates HLA-DR on CD14- CD16- cells. These findings underscore the critical role of metabolic pathways in modulating immune responses and suggest potential dietary and therapeutic interventions for AD management. Further research should consider more diverse populations to validate these findings.

Dermatologic surgery during pregnancy and lactation

It may be necessary for patients to undergo (dermato-)surgical procedures during pregnancy or lactation. Often, there are no drug approvals or guidelines in this context. The following article describes the most common dermatologic surgical conditions during pregnancy and lactation, as well as the special therapeutic considerations and risks to be aware of during treatment. Dermatosurgical procedures are subject to strict indications. Most of these procedures can be performed during pregnancy, but the risks to the mother and fetus must be carefully weighed against the disadvantages of nonsurgical therapy. Although surgery can be performed safely in any trimester, the second trimester and immediate postpartum period are optimal. Surgery should not be delayed for melanoma or high-risk skin cancer. Perioperative positioning and choice of analgesics, antiseptics, anesthetics and antibiotics must be considered carefully to avoid risks to the patient, fetus and infant.

Complete Blood Collection-based Systemic Inflammation Biomarkers as a Severity Biomarker in Alopecia Areata: A Cross-sectional Study.

Previous studies have suggested that alopecia areata (AA) is an organ-specific disease characterized by loss of immune privilege of hair follicles. However, an increasing body of research indicates that it not only affects the skin but may also be accompanied by systemic inflammatory reactions. Therefore, searching for simple and easily available biomarkers to describe the underlying systemic inflammation in AA patients is of great clinical significance. Complete blood collection-based systemic inflammation biomarkers have been shown to be associated with the severity and prognosis of various skin and autoimmune diseases. They involve multiple cell lineages and can reveal different pathways of immune-inflammatory responses. The aim of this study was to investigate the level of complete blood collection-based systemic inflammation biomarkers in patients with AA, and to analyse their relationship with the disease severity. A total of 302 AA patients and 296 healthy controls were included in this study and the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic immune inflammation index (SII), and white blood cell/lymphocyte ratio (WLR) were calculated. The differences in these indicators between the 2 groups were compared, and the relationship between NLR, PLR, SII, WLR, and the risk of severe AA were analysed. AA patients had higher NLR, SII, and WLR compared with healthy controls (p = 0.004, 0.002, and 0.002 respectively). PLR and SII were higher in the severe AA group compared with the mild-to-moderate AA patients (p = 0.005 and 0.011 respectively). The risk of severe AA increased with the increasing of PLR, SII, NLR, and WLR (p for trend was 0.001, 0.006, 0.022, and 0.021, respectively). The levels of systemic inflammation biomark-ers in AA patients are higher than in healthy people. NLR, PLR, SII, and WLR are risk factors for severe AA, suggesting a close association between systemic inflammation and disease occurrence in AA patients.

Atherosclerotic vascular lesion in the coal industry workers of average and high fatal risk groups

Introduction. Experts do not take into account the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis when stratifying risk on the SCORE scale, however, it is the main substrate for the occurrence of cardiovascular disasters. Most primary cardiovascular events occur in low cardiovascular risk groups, which requires timely detection of atherosclerosis and preventive measures to preserve the working population's ability to work and reduce the economic burden of treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The study aims to research the incidence of atherosclerosis in workers of the main professions of the coal industry in the South of Kuzbass in groups of medium and high risk of fatal events on the SCORE scale. Materials and methods. We divided the subjects into two groups using the SCORE scale: high-risk (main) — from 5 to 9%, which included 60 people, and moderate-risk group — from 2 to 4% (comparison) — 70 employees. The average age of the first was 50.98±0.43 years, the comparison group was 49.96±0.35 years (p=0.070). The scientists examined the indicators of blood pressure, lipid, carbohydrate and purine metabolism, and performed an ultrasound examination of the main arteries. Results. The incidence of atherosclerotic plaques in at least one vascular basin was 80.0% in the main group and 78.6% in the comparison group, p=0.845. The frequency of carotid artery atheromas in the high-risk group on the SCORE scale (52.7%) did not significantly differ from the comparison group (54.3%), p=0.862; a similar pattern in the arteries of the lower extremities: 80.0% vs. 70.0%, respectively, p=0.203. The frequency of carotid artery atheromas in the high-risk group on the SCORE scale (52.7%) did not significantly differ from the comparison group (54.3%), p=0.862; a similar pattern in the arteries of the lower extremities: 80.0% vs. 70.0%, respectively, p=0.203. The combination of thickening of the intima of vessels and the presence of atheromas tended to be more frequent in the main group — 83.6% compared with those in the comparison group — 70.1%, p=0.076 Limitations. The study is limited by the number of examined patients who underwent periodic medical examination at the Scientific Research Institute of Complex Problems of Hygiene and Occupational Diseases. Conclusion. The incidence of atherosclerosis among employees of coal enterprises turned out to be very high and did not statistically differ in the groups of medium and high fatal risk stratified on the SCORE scale, which requires more thorough screening and measures of enhanced angioprotective prevention, even in people with a low risk of fatal cardiovascular disasters. Ethics. All the subjects signed an informed consent to participate in the study, the Protocol of which corresponded to the requirements of the Bioethical Committee of the Research Institute of Complex Problems of Hygiene and Occupational Diseases, executed in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration of the World Medical Association "Ethical Principles of conducting medical research with human participation as a subject" as amended in 2013 and the "Rules of Good Clinical Practice" approved by the order Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation No. 200n dated April 1, 2016.

Multiple AVM with separate nidi, a case report and review the literatures.

Multiple arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are uncommon, accounting for only 0.3-3.2% of all AVM cases. These AVMs are often found in syndromic pediatrics of HHT and WMS. Consideration of the patient's condition, the angioarchitecture of each AVM, and the hemodynamic connection of AVMs is crucial in determining the optimal therapeutic approach. However, the optimal therapeutic decision-making for these complex vascular lesions can be challenging due to the scarcity of their reports and their long-term follow-up. In this report, we present the case of a young man who presented with a headache, and DSA shows three left parietal AVMs, each with a separate nidus, feeder artery, and draining vein.

Histological Improvement and Cytokine Levels Reduction in Patients with Oral Lichen Planus after Photobiomodulation Therapy.

Background: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a mucocutaneous disease associated with the formation of symptomatic lesions in the mouth that are often refractory to treatment. An as-yet-unknown antigen triggers an inflammatory reaction in which various immune and non-immune cells release multiple cytokines that contribute to disease progression. The ability of photobiomodulation (PBM) to reduce the symptoms and signs of the disease has been shown, but little is known about its molecular and cellular effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and in histological findings in OLP patients treated with photobiomodulation therapy. Methods: Twenty OLP patients underwent PBM with diode laser (810 nm), (0.50 W, 30 s, 1.2 J/cm2), 3 times weekly for a month. Pain level and clinical scores of lesions were recorded before and after therapy. Salivary levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in OLP patients were measured before and after PBM and compared with those of 10 healthy controls. Biopsies were taken at the beginning and end of treatment to assess pathomorphological changes. Results: PBM significantly reduced the level of pain and clinical scores of the lesions. Salivary levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in OLP patients were significantly higher compared to those in healthy controls and decreased after therapy. 60% of the post-treatment OLP biopsies demonstrated histological improvement, characterized by inflammatory infiltrate reduction (50%), epithelial hyperplasia reduction (30%), epithelial thickening (15%), or epidermal-dermal attachment repair (5%). Conclusion: The effectiveness of PBM therapy in OLP patients was confirmed at the clinical, molecular, and histomorphological levels.

A survey on healthcare professionals’ perspective on the use of benzoyl peroxide cleanser for acne management

Background: Acne vulgaris is a prevalent chronic dermatological condition affecting adolescents and young adults, with significant consequences on quality of life if left untreated. Effective management strategies are crucial to prevent scarring and psychological distress associated with acne. This study investigated the role of cleansers in acne management and explored healthcare professionals' perspectives and practices regarding acne treatment. Methods: An online questionnaire-based study, involving 126 healthcare professionals [HCPs (dermatologists and cosmetologists)] and 459 acne patients was conducted to assess patients’ acne severity, adherence to cleansing regimens, preferred cleansing agents, treatment duration, adjunctive therapies, and the impact of benzoyl peroxide 5% cleanser on acne control and patient satisfaction. Results: The majority of the patients presented with an IGA grade 3 (moderate) acne (48.59%) in the present survey. HCPs rated benzoyl peroxide as the most preferred cleansing agent for acne management in most of their patients (87.33%). Majority of the patients (41.53%) exhibited improvement within 15 days of using the benzoyl peroxide cleanser, highlighting its relatively rapid onset of action. The benzoyl peroxide treatment duration varied for patients, emphasizing the individualized nature of acne treatment. In most of the severe cases (39.87%), HCPs commonly supplemented benzoyl peroxide with topical retinoids, oral antibiotics, oral isotretinoin, or combination therapy. Conclusions: This study emphasizes the effectiveness and preference for benzoyl peroxide-based cleansers among HCPs and patients.

Electrospun fiber patches for inflammatory skin diseases – Correlating in vitro drug release with ex vivo permeation

In this proof-of-concept study, we aimed to develop an anti-inflammatory patch that in contrast to the semi-solid standard therapy is dry and non-greasy, and only needs to be changed once a day due to continuous release of the active ingredient over 24 h. While fiber materials for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases have been reported in the literature, the majority of studies focuses solely on material characterization including in vitro release studies; however, there is a lack of ex vivo permeation studies as well as comparison with standard therapy. However, such experiments are crucial to deduct the potential efficacy of the drug delivery system, as skin absorption of the drug may be the rate-limiting step and not the drug release. Therefore, we set out to investigate different types of electrospun fiber systems based on polycaprolactone, a polymer with a well-established safety profile widely used for fabricating electrospun patches. The electrospun fiber patches were loaded with the anti-inflammatory drug hydrocortisone and characterized not only for their drug release properties, but for the first time also for their skin permeation and retention as well as their cytocompatibility and anti-inflammatory properties on human skin. While in the release studies, the layer-by-layer fiber system proved to be best suited for an application time of 24 h, this was not reflected in the permeation studies, where all fiber systems showed a similar skin permeation and retention of the drug. In our study set-up, a comparison with standard cream formulations revealed that electrospun fibers offer an advantage in terms of the permeated amount of hydrocortisone. Overall, this study supports the importance of conducting comparisons with standard therapies and, additionally, confirms that electrospun fibers are a promising dosage form for the controlled release of anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases.

[Translated article] Real-World Clinical, Psychosocial and Financial Burden of Atopic Dermatitis: Results from the Spanish Cohort of the MEASURE-AD Trial

BackgroundAtopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most prevalent skin diseases, but there are numerous knowledge gaps surrounding the impact this disease has on quality of life (QoL), mental health, and out-of-pocket expenses involved in the management of AD. The available scientific evidence on the multidimensional burden of AD is usually based on studies with measures reported by patients themselves. MethodsIn this context, the MEASURE-AD trial was developed as a cross-sectional, multicenter, multinational trial using patient- and physician-reported measures to characterize the multidimensional burden of AD in adults with moderate-to-severe AD. ResultsThis paper presents the results of the Spanish cohort. We found that Spanish adults with moderate-to-severe AD and high EASI score (21.1-72) had a significantly increased disease burden, high severity of symptoms such as itch and sleep disturbances, impaired mental health and QoL, higher use of health care resources, and more out-of-pocket expenses than patients with low EASI scores (0-7 or 7.1-21). ConclusionsThis study provides information to better understand disease burden, and identify aspects to be improved in the management of AD.

Mild atopic dermatitis is characterized by increase in non-staphylococcus pathobionts and loss of specific species

Atopic dermatitis is the most common inflammatory skin condition with a severe negative impact on patients’ quality of life. The etiology of AD is complex and depends on age, genetics, the immune system, environmental factors, and the skin microbiome, with a key role for pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus in the development of severe AD. However, the composition of the skin microbiome in mild AD is understudied. Here, using metagenomic shallow shotgun sequencing, we showed that mild AD lesions did not show a significant difference in the diversity of the skin microbiome compared to samples from non-AD patients and that the relative abundance of S. aureus did not differ in these mild AD lesions. However, when we assessed other taxa, Mycobacterium ostraviense, Pedobacter panaciterrae_A and four Streptomyces species were identified with higher abundances in mild AD lesions and species of 15 genera were decreased in abundance. The highest fold decreases were observed for Paracoccus marcusii, Microbacterium lacticum, Micrococcus luteus, and Moraxella sp002478835. These microbiome compositional insights are a first step towards novel microbiome-based diagnostics and therapeutics for early intervention at the stage of mild AD and provide a path forward for the functional study of species involved in this often-overlooked patient population.

Medicinal Plants Used to Treat Skin Diseases and for Cosmetic Purposes in Norway

Skin diseases in Norway represents an important area of study due to their incidence and prevalence, yet ethnobotanical research in this context remains scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of Norwegian traditional medicine regarding the treatment of skin diseases and cosmetic purposes through a comparative analysis with EMA monographs. Participants were surveyed using semi-structured interviews. The two samples comprised 22 individuals from Bodø and 26 individuals from other Norwegian communities, all of whom use medicinal plants for the treatment of skin diseases and cosmetic purposes. The indications for skin diseases identified in the study were compared with the European Union herbal monographs published by the European Medicines Agency. Fieldwork was conducted between June 2022 and September 2023, during which 42 plant species from 22 families were recorded. More than half of these plant species (65.38%) were used without European Medicines Agency-approved medical indications. From a public safety perspective, ensuring the safety of self-treatment for skin diseases is a critical research focus for future ethnobotanical studies.

The Relationship Between the Physical Condition of Water (Taste, Smell, Color) and Complaints of Skin Diseases in Simalingkar B Village

The physical condition of unclean water can cause skin disorders this is because unclean water is polluted by physical particles, pathogenic microorganisms, and harmful chemicals can cause various skin diseases. the study aims to determine the relationship between the physical condition of water (color, smell, taste) with complaints of skin disease disorders in Simalingkar B Village. In this study using quantitative methods with a cross sectional design. The population in this study was people who used well water, obtained 2,531 families using well water with sampling using the purposive sample formula so that 93 families were sampled for this study. The results of the study showed a relationship between the physical condition of water (taste, odor, color) with complaints of skin disorders in Simalingkar B Village with the results of statistical tests obtained p value 0.029 or &lt;0.05, meaning that at 5% alpha indicates a relationship between the quality of clean water with the incidence of scabies in Simalingkar B Village. Obtained OR value = 2.815 which indicates that respondents who have a water source with physical quality of clean water that does not meet the requirements have a risk of 2.815 times to suffer from skin disorders compared to respondents who have a water source with physical quality of clean water that meets the requirements. The government and community can work together to establish clean water reservoirs to prevent skin diseases in Simalingkar B Kelurahan.

Computational Studies in Dermo-cosmetics: In silico Discovery of Therapeutic Agents Targeting a Variety of Proteins for Skin Diseases.

Healthy skin is essential for balanced health. Currently, skin diseases are considered a major global health issue, impacting individuals of all ages. Skin conditions can vary broadly, ranging from common issues like acne and eczema to more serious diseases such as psoriasis, melanoma, and other types of skin cancer. In recent years, computational methods have appeared as powerful tools for explaining the lurking mechanisms of skin diseases and the advancement of the discovery regarding updated therapeutics. This review spotlights the notable researches that have been performed in using computational approaches such as virtual screening, molecular modelling, and molecular dynamics simulations to discover potential treatments for dermatological conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, acne vulgaris, skin cancer, and tyrosinase-related disorders. Moreover, using in silico methods, researchers have explored the molecular interactions between cosmetic actives and skin targets, providing insights into the binding affinities, stability, and efficacy of these compounds. This computational exploration allows the identification of potential off-target effects and toxicity profiles, ensuring that only the most promising candidates proceed to clinical testing. In addition, the use of molecular dynamics simulations helps to understand conformational changes and interaction dynamics over time, further refining the selection of effective cosmetic actives. Overall, the integration of computational chemistry into dermo-cosmetic research has immense potential to accelerate the discovery and development of innovative treatments to improve skin health and address dermatological concerns.

Diagnostic Approach to Mesenchymal and Spindle Cell Tumors of the Breast

Mesenchymal and spindle cell tumors of the breast represent a broad and heterogeneous group of lesions that may be sampled on core needle biopsy or surgical excision. Mesenchymal lesions unique to the breast are those that derive from the specialized breast myofibroblast, such as mammary myofibroblastoma and pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia. However, any mesenchymal lesion arising in extramammary soft tissue may also arise in the breast, including fibroblastic, peripheral nerve sheath, adipocytic, and vascular lesions. The spindle cell lesions pose the greatest diagnostic challenge, due to the significant radiographic, morphologic, and immunophenotypic overlap within the category of mesenchymal lesions and more broadly with other nonmesenchymal breast lesions. The distinction is particularly challenging on the limited material of breast core needle biopsies, and caution should be taken before definitively classifying a breast spindle cell lesion on core needle biopsy to avoid unnecessary treatment if misdiagnosed. Consideration of a wide differential diagnosis, adequate sampling of a resection specimen, use of a targeted immunopanel, and selective use of molecular assays are essential steps for accurate classification of mesenchymal lesions in the breast. This review covers the clinical, histologic, and immunophenotypic features of mesenchymal tumors of the breast, with a special emphasis on the differential diagnoses unique to the breast and challenges encountered on breast core needle biopsy.

Psychometric properties of the revised internalized skin bias questionnaire.

The psychological impacts of skin disease are well documented, with patients reporting increased anxiety, depression and poorer quality of life. More recent studies suggest that adverse psychopathology is associated with re-direction of skin-disease-related social stigma towards oneself or internalized skin bias (ISB). To refine the Internalized Skin Bias Questionnaire (ISBQ) to reflect the construct of ISB with additional skin-specific biases as well as to evaluate its psychometric properties in a diverse sample of individuals with various skin conditions. Two-part observational design including consensus-building surveys among a dermatology expert group and a cross-sectional survey among participants with self-reported dermatological conditions to assess instrument psychometric properties. Eligible participants completed an online survey comprised of the revised ISBQ (ISBQ-R), the Questionnaire on Experiences with Skin Diseases-Short Form (QES-SF), the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and the Burns Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Overall, 33 experts participated including 22 (66.7%) dermatologists or dermatology researchers and 11 (33.3%) patients. Except for three items in the first round, all items received high agreement for inclusion from the expert group. The revised survey was completed by 214 participants who identified mostly as female (n = 185; 86.9%), White (n = 182; 85.5%) and non-Hispanic/Latino (n = 200; 93.4%). Adding and modifying new items resulted in an instrument with stronger internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.92) and a stronger correlation with other existing stigma measures (QES-SF; ρ = 0.72). The ISBQ-R is a modified instrument with stronger internal consistency and a stronger correlation with other existing stigma measures. Additionally, the study further expanded upon previous research by exploring a two-factor structure, suggesting that the ISBQ-R could be used as a single- or a dual-factor instrument depending on investigator goals.

Rapid antigen detection test for diagnosis of post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis: application of CL Detect™ rapid test for active case detection in the endemic area.

Post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) is a skin condition that occurs in a small percentage of people who have been cured of visceral leishmaniasis (VL), and contributes to transmission of VL. The rK39 rapid test cannot decisively diagnose PKDL due to presence of antileishmanial antibodies from past VL episodes. CL Detect™ Rapid Test, an in-vitro diagnostic test that detects Leishmania antigen peroxidoxin, was assessed for diagnosing PKDL. The CL Detect RDT had 73.3% sensitivity and 100% specificity in the study. The test can be used as a primary screening tool to monitor PKDL in endemic regions and identify active Leishmania infection.

Skin-permeable gold nanoparticles with modifications azelamide monoethanolamine ameliorate inflammatory skin diseases

BackgroundTraditional topical drug delivery for treating inflammatory skin diseases suffers from poor skin penetration and long-term side effects. Metal nanoparticles show promising application in topical drug delivery for inflammatory skin diseases.MethodsHere, we synthesized a new type of nanoparticles, azelamide monoethanolamine-functionalized gold nanoparticles (Au-MEA NPs), based on citrate-capped gold nanoparticles (Au-CA NPs) via the ligand exchange method. The physical and chemical properties of Au-CA NPs and Au-MEA NPs were characterized. In vivo studies were performed using imiquimod-induced psoriasis and LL37-induced rosacea animal models, respectively. For in vitro studies, a model of cellular inflammation was established using HaCaT cells stimulated with TNF-α. In addition, proteomics, gelatin zymography, and other techniques were used to investigate the possible therapeutic mechanisms of the Au-MEA NPs.ResultsWe found that Au-MEA NPs exhibited better stability and permeation properties compared to conventional Au-CA NPs. Transcutaneously administered Au-MEA NPs exerted potent therapeutic efficacy against both rosacea-like and psoriasiform skin dermatitis in vivo without overt signs of toxicity. Mechanistically, Au-MEA NPs reduced the production of pro-inflammatory mediators in keratinocytes by promoting SOD activity and inhibiting the activity of MMP9.ConclusionAu-MEA NPs have the potential to be a topical nanomedicine for the effective and safe treatment of inflammatory skin diseases.

Unison Infestation: A Rare Case of Norwegian Scabies in a Mother-Baby Dyad

Norwegian scabies, also known as crusted scabies, is an uncommon but highly contagious skin disease caused by an infestation of the Sarcoptes scabiei mite. It is characterized by extensive crusting and scaling of the skin, often accompanied by intense itching. Norwegian scabies is typically seen in individuals with weakened immune systems or those who are unable to care for themselves properly. We reported a case of Norwegian scabies in a 33-year-old mother and her 9-month-old baby. The mother's symptoms began during her third trimester of pregnancy, and the baby became infected a few months after birth. Both patients presented with generalized pruritus and characteristic skin lesions. The baby was also found to be severely malnourished. In conclusion, this case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of Norwegian scabies, especially in vulnerable populations. Prompt and effective management can prevent complications and improve the quality of life for affected individuals.