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Clinical Management of Allergic and Inflammatory Skin Diseases: A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Perspective

A special issue of Journal of Clinical Medicine (ISSN 2077-0383). This special issue belongs to the section "Dermatology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2024) | Viewed by 14305

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
DermoLAB, Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental and Morphological Science, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy
Interests: autoimmune bullous diseases; keratinocyte biology; neurobiology of the skin
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Dermatology Unit, Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental and Morphological Sciences with Interest in Transplant, Oncological and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy
Interests: non-invasive diagnosis; acne; hidradenitis suppurativa; BCC; melanoma; dermatoscopy; RCM; OCT; MPM
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Dermatology has advanced significantly in the past, especially in allergic and inflammatory skin diseases. Skin, as one of the largest immune organs, has made remarkable progress in the treatment and diagnosis of the inflammatory skin diseases, such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, acne, bullous diseases, and hidradenitis suppurativa. However, many studies have shown that severe inflammatory skin diseases are closely related to systemic complications, such as arteriosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, abnormal fat metabolism, nephrosclerosis, and systemic amyloidosis. Therefore, timely diagnosis and precision medicine are particularly important for patients, and we still need a lot of research work.

We welcome papers involving clinical evidence, as well as the application of novel diagnostic techniques, that may improve our understanding and management of patients affected by inflammatory disease of the skin.

Prof. Dr. Carlo Pincelli
Dr. Marco Manfredini
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • allergic and inflammatory
  • skin diseases
  • psoriasis
  • psoriatic arthritis
  • hidradenitis suppurativa
  • atopic dermatitis
  • urticaria
  • complications
  • demoscopy

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 5593 KiB  
Article
Primary Localized Cutaneous Amyloidosis in Central Europe: A Retrospective Monocentric Study on Epidemiology and Therapy
by Sára Pálla, Enikő Kuroli, Eszter Alexa Tóth, Bernadett Hidvégi, Péter Holló and Márta Medvecz
J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(24), 7672; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12247672 - 14 Dec 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2707
Abstract
Amyloid deposits can be the cause of many chronic diseases. Primary localized cutaneous amyloidosis (PLCA) is a chronic dermatologic condition with amyloid deposits in the papillary dermis. The most common types of the keratinocyte-derived form of PLCA include macular (MA), lichen (LA), and [...] Read more.
Amyloid deposits can be the cause of many chronic diseases. Primary localized cutaneous amyloidosis (PLCA) is a chronic dermatologic condition with amyloid deposits in the papillary dermis. The most common types of the keratinocyte-derived form of PLCA include macular (MA), lichen (LA), and biphasic (BA) amyloidosis. The estimated prevalence of PLCA in the Asian population is 0.98/10,000, which is higher than in the European population; thus, epidemiologic data on PLCA in the Caucasian population are limited. We performed a retrospective single-center study analyzing epidemiologic characteristics of a Central European PLCA population. Epidemiologic data regarding age, sex, skin phototype (Fitzpatrick scale I–VI), disease duration, comorbidities, history of atopy, and family history of PLCA were collected. Clinical characteristics, localization of PLCA lesions, applied therapies and treatment outcomes were also analyzed. Dermoscopic characteristics were also evaluated. A total of 41 patients diagnosed with PLCA were included, with 22 presenting with macular, 18 with lichen, and 1 with biphasic amyloidosis. The male/female ratio was 16/25, and mean age at diagnosis was 54.6 ± 15.2 years (range 27–87 years). The mean age at the onset of PLCA was 53 ± 16.1 years (range 19–79 years) in MA, 46.7 ± 18.2 years (range 14–73 years) in LA, and 26 years in BA. The interscapular region in MA and the extensor surface of the lower extremities in LA proved to be localization-related areas. In our center, a wide range of therapeutic options was applied, with the most prescribed being topical corticosteroids in all types of PLCA. We presented a retrospective, monocentric study on the epidemiology of PLCA in the Central European region. By examining the medical data of a significant number of PLCA patients, we compared our epidemiologic data with that of the Asian PLCA population. Due to the rarity of the condition, further randomized controlled trials and guidelines are needed to improve therapeutic outcomes. Full article
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17 pages, 2200 KiB  
Article
IL-31—Pruritus Interleukin: Serum Values and Clinical Impact in Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria—A Romanian Retrospective Study
by Carmen-Teodora Dobrican-Băruța, Diana Mihaela Deleanu, Ioana Adriana Muntean, Irena Pintea, Cristian Marius Florea and Gabriela Adriana Filip
J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(18), 5957; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12185957 - 13 Sep 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1443
Abstract
(1) Background: This study aimed to evaluate the implications of interleukin-31 (IL-31) in the pathogenesis of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) and to assess the differences that occur between its serum values compared to controls. Additionally, the serum IL-31 levels were measured alongside other [...] Read more.
(1) Background: This study aimed to evaluate the implications of interleukin-31 (IL-31) in the pathogenesis of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) and to assess the differences that occur between its serum values compared to controls. Additionally, the serum IL-31 levels were measured alongside other clinical and paraclinical parameters that were identified in the patients to understand its immunological importance in this skin disease and to determine if it could potentially serve as a therapeutic target in CSU in the future. (2) Methods: The serum levels of IL-31 were estimated in 50 patients diagnosed with CSU according to the accepted international guidelines. Additionally, 38 controls who had not experienced any episodes of urticaria during their lifetime were included. (3) Results: Significantly elevated serum IL-31 levels were observed in CSU patients compared to the controls (p < 0.0001). Although no direct correlations were found between IL-31 and inflammatory markers (erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP)), eosinophils, or total immunoglobulins E (IgE), significant differences in IL-31 levels were identified based on CSU severity, quality of life impact, itch intensity, and response to histamine H1 receptor antagonists (H1 antihistamines) (p < 0.05 for all). (4) Conclusions: Our findings underscore that IL-31 is not directly associated with general inflammation, eosinophilic response, or atopy in CSU. Nevertheless, its expression is influenced by key disease characteristics: severity, pruritus, and H1 antihistamine response. This investigation provides essential insights into CSU pathogenesis, potentially leading to novel therapeutic interventions. An enhanced understanding of these mechanisms is crucial due to the limitations of current treatment modalities in terms of fully managing CSU symptoms. Full article
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9 pages, 1461 KiB  
Article
Characterization of Acne-Prone Skin with Reflectance Confocal Microscopy and Optical Coherence Tomography and Modifications Induced by Topical Treatment and Probiotic Supplementation
by Marco Manfredini, Alberto Sticchi, Nicola Lippolis, Gioia Pedroni, Matteo Giovani, Silvana Ciardo, Camilla Chello, Stefania Guida, Francesca Farnetani and Giovanni Pellacani
J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(14), 4787; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12144787 - 20 Jul 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2205
Abstract
The evaluation of acne-prone skin and absent-to-mild acne is difficult because this condition is not associated with a clinically definable situation. Previous studies showed that apparently healthy skin in patients with previous episodes of acne shows microcomedos and infundibular hyperkeratosis upon reflectance confocal [...] Read more.
The evaluation of acne-prone skin and absent-to-mild acne is difficult because this condition is not associated with a clinically definable situation. Previous studies showed that apparently healthy skin in patients with previous episodes of acne shows microcomedos and infundibular hyperkeratosis upon reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) evaluation. Our aim was to characterize the subclinical and microscopic characteristics of acne-prone skin by means of RCM and dynamic optical coherence tomography (D-OCT) and evaluate microscopic changes induced by treatment. A group of 20 patients received a daily combined treatment over a period of 3 months, consisting of probiotic supplementation with three strains of 109 colony-forming units of Lactobacillus (Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus casei subsp. rhamnosus, Lactobacillus plantarum) and a combined topical product of azelaic and hydroxypinacolone retinoate (HPR). Clinical evaluations and non-invasive imaging acquisitions using VISIA® System, RCM, and D-OCT were performed at baseline, and after 4 and 12 weeks. The total number of clinically evident non-inflammatory lesions decreased during treatment from 11.5 to 7.3 (p < 0.05). There was also an evident reduction in microscopic acne features at RCM and D-OCT, such as the number of small bright follicles, large bright follicles and vascular threshold density at 300 μm and 500 μm depths. The types and extent of microscopic alterations in acne-prone skin patients may not be evident by clinical scores. Patients with low investigator global assessment (IGA) grades are a heterogeneous population, characterized by different microscopic skin features. Acne-prone skin is susceptible to treatment, and RCM and D-OCT imaging are sensitive tools to objectively monitor subclinical skin changes. Full article
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Review

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21 pages, 1097 KiB  
Review
Potential Role of Innate Lymphoid Cells in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Skin Diseases
by Francesco Borgia, Federica Li Pomi, Clara Alessandrello, Mario Vaccaro and Sebastiano Gangemi
J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(8), 3043; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12083043 - 21 Apr 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2668
Abstract
Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) are lymphoid cells that are resident in mucosal tissues, especially the skin, which, once stimulated by epithelial cell-derived cytokines, release IL-5, IL-13, and IL-4, as the effectors of type 2 immune responses. This research aims to evaluate [...] Read more.
Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) are lymphoid cells that are resident in mucosal tissues, especially the skin, which, once stimulated by epithelial cell-derived cytokines, release IL-5, IL-13, and IL-4, as the effectors of type 2 immune responses. This research aims to evaluate the role of ILC2s in the pathogenesis of skin diseases, with a particular focus on inflammatory cutaneous disorders, in order to also elucidate potential therapeutic perspectives. The research has been conducted in articles, excluding reviews and meta-analyses, on both animals and humans. The results showed that ILC2s play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of systemic skin manifestations, prognosis, and severity, while a potential antimelanoma role is emerging from the new research. Future perspectives could include the development of new antibodies targeting or stimulating ILC2 release. This evidence could add a new therapeutic approach to inflammatory cutaneous conditions, including allergic ones. Full article
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Other

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8 pages, 777 KiB  
Brief Report
Childhood Pemphigus Vulgaris during COVID-19 Outbreak Successfully Treated with Prednisone and Azathioprine: A Case Report and Literature Review
by Pamela Vezzoli, Michele Parietti, Andrea Carugno, Marco Di Mercurio, Chiara Benaglia, Martina Zussino, Riccardo Cavalli, Paolo Sena and Emilio Berti
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(22), 6858; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11226858 - 21 Nov 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4390
Abstract
Introduction: pemphigus vulgaris is a rare autoimmune blistering disease that involves the skin and mucous membranes and rarely occurs in pediatric age. Methods: we present a case of childhood pemphigus in a 9-year-old patient from Burkina Faso, which initially manifested with erosive lesions [...] Read more.
Introduction: pemphigus vulgaris is a rare autoimmune blistering disease that involves the skin and mucous membranes and rarely occurs in pediatric age. Methods: we present a case of childhood pemphigus in a 9-year-old patient from Burkina Faso, which initially manifested with erosive lesions symmetrically distributed in the oral cavity. After a few months, we also observed hyperchromic lesions of the back. Histopathological examination of skin samples showed intraepidermal acantholysis, while direct immunofluorescence showed deposits of complement (C3) and immunoglobulins G (IgG) in the epidermidis; an ELISA test highlighted the presence of circulating autoantibodies against desmoglein 3. Results: the follow-up of this patient was made difficult by the advent of the COVID-19 outbreak. However, after about one year of combined therapy with systemic steroids and azathioprine the patient reached clinical remission. Full article
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