Clinical and experimental dermatology
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Clin. Exp. Dermatol. · Jun 2020
Elevated serum tumour necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis in alopecia areata: a possible marker of disease severity.
Alopecia areata (AA) is, an organ-specific autoimmune disease, characterized by an aberrant expression of cytokines of the T helper 1 type. Tumour necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) is a multifactorial cytokine that exerts a role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, especially in cutaneous diseases. ⋯ To our knowledge, this study highlights for the first time a possible link between higher serum TWEAK level and AA. Serum TWEAK level appears to reflect AA disease severity.
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We report eight cases of patients with severe acne who were treated with isotretinoin and developed painful nodules in the axillae and groin, consistent with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). The pathogenesis of HS is still not completely understood; recent research from a study in 2011 of biopsies from HS lesions showed a reduction or absence of sebaceous glands compared with normal skin in patients with HS, with the report suggesting that this contributes to the pathogenesis of the disease. Interestingly, the main effect of isotretinoin is to decrease the size and action of sebaceous glands, so hypothetically, as isotretinoin acts by reducing the sebaceous glands further it could potentially aggravate HS. Our experience has instilled caution in our prescribing of isotretinoin, and we question patients, particularly those with acne conglobata, about symptoms of HS prior to and during treatment.
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Clin. Exp. Dermatol. · Oct 2019
The mental health burden in acne vulgaris and rosacea: an analysis of the US National Inpatient Sample.
Little is known about the mental health (MH) hospitalization among patients with acne and rosacea. ⋯ In this study, inpatients with acne or rosacea had increased odds of comorbid MH disorders. In particular, there was an increased number of hospital admissions secondary to a primary MH disorder with coexistent acne/rosacea. MH comorbidities were associated with considerable excess costs among inpatients with acne or rosacea.