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Background@#Alopecia areata (AA) is a chronic disease with an unpredictable disease course and severe psychological impact. @*Objective@#To provide evidence- and consensus-based insights regarding the treatment of patients with AA in Korea. @*Methods@#We searched for relevant studies on the topical and device-based treatment of AA in the literature from inception until May 2021. Evidence-based recommendations were also prepared. The evidence for each statement was graded and classified according to the strength of the recommendations. Hair experts from the Korean Hair Research Society (KHRS) voted on the statements, and an agreement of 75% or greater was considered as consensus. @*Results@#Currently, there remains a scarcity of topical treatments, which is supported by robust evidence from a number of high-quality randomized controlled trials. Current evidence supports the efficacy of topical corticosteroids, corticosteroid intralesional injection, and contact immunotherapy in AA patients. Topical corticosteroids and contact immunotherapy are recommended for pediatric AA. A consensus was achieved in 6 out of 14 (42.8%), and 1 out of 5 (20.0%) statements pertaining to topical and device-based treatments in AA, respectively. The expert consensus was from a single country, and the study may not cover all the treatments used. @*Conclusion@#The present study provides up-to-date, evidence-based treatment guidelines for AA based on the consensus reached among experts after considering regional healthcare circumstances, adding diversity to the previous guidelines.
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Background@#Alopecia areata (AA) is a chronic disease with an unpredictable course and can have a severe psychological impact on an individual. @*Objective@#To provide evidence and consensus-based statements regarding the treatment of patients with AA in Korea. @*Methods@#We searched for relevant studies from inception to May 2021 regarding the systemic treatment of AA. Evidence-based recommendations were also prepared. The evidence for each statement was graded and classified according to the strength of the recommendations. Hair experts from the Korean Hair Research Society (KHRS) voted on the statement, and an agreement of 75% or greater was considered as having reached consensus. @*Results@#Current evidence supports the efficacy of systemic corticosteroids, oral cyclosporine monotherapy or combination with systemic corticosteroids, and oral Janus kinase inhibitors in severe AA patients. Systemic steroids may be considered for pediatric patients with severe AA. A consensus was achieved in three out of nine (33.3%), and one out of three (33.3%) statements pertaining to systemic treatment in adult and pediatric AA, respectively. @*Conclusion@#The present study produced up-to-date, evidence-based treatment guidelines for AA associated with the consensus obtained by experts based on the Korean healthcare system.
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Background@#Atopic dermatitis (AD) patients usually wonder if their condition will worsen after vaccination or if they should continue with the treatment they are receiving. Considering that many patients treated with dupilumab had previously experienced severe AD symptoms and flares, the concerns are more understandable. @*Objective@#This study aimed to investigate the safety of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination in patients with AD treated with dupilumab. @*Methods@#We enrolled 133 patients (101 dupilumab-treated and 32 systemic oral agentstreated as control group) with AD from six hospitals. Patients were asked about worsening pruritus and AD (5-point Likert scale) after vaccination. AD variables (eczema area and severity index [EASI], investigator’s global assessment [IGA], itch numerical rating scale [NRS], sleep NRS, and patient-oriented eczema measure [POEM]) were compared pre- and postvaccination. Adverse reactions to the COVID-19 vaccination were observed. @*Results@#The incidence of adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccines and worsening AD symptoms in dupilumab-treated patients were not significantly different compared with that in the control group. The itch NRS score increased significantly after vaccination (p<0.001).However, there were no statistically significant differences between the pre-and post-EASI, IGA, and POEM scores. Eight patients (7.9%) had worse EASI scores and required rescue therapy; however, most were easily managed with low-dose steroids or topical agents. None of the patients discontinued dupilumab treatment. @*Conclusion@#No serious adverse reactions were observed in patients with AD after COVID-19 vaccination. Exacerbation of pruritus and AD symptoms was observed but was mostly mild and transient.
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The Department of Dermatology at Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, initially the Dermatology Department of the Private Daegu Medical Training School in 1924, commemorated its 100th anniversary in 2023.Throughout its rich history, the department has been dedicated to advancing contemporary dermatology and enhancing the well-being of local communities through exceptional research, education, and social contributions.Initially tasked with the diagnosis, treatment, and education of patients with dermatological and urological disorders, the department evolved over time. In 1958, it separated from the Urology Department to focus solely on the diagnosis, research, and education of dermatological disorders. In 1962, Dr. Soon Bong Suh became the inaugural Chief of the Dermatology Department, marking the foundation of the Kyungpook National University School of Medicine’s Dermatology Department. Our legacy of pioneering contributions extends to dermatophytic diseases, which account for a large proportion of skin disorders in Korea, where we have excelled in basic research and treatment. These achievements have played a crucial role in the advancement of dermatophytic diseases.Subsequently, we have demonstrated expertise in blistering diseases and dermatopathology, making substantial contributions to the diagnosis and treatment of refractory skin conditions. Recently, we have been at the forefront of research and interventions for chronic inflammatory skin conditions that cause significant distress in many individuals, including atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Our influence has also extended to severe and refractory skin disorders, including skin cancer and vascular anomalies. Striving to stay contemporary, our achievements now encompass aesthetics, including acne, pigmentation, and laser treatments. Our accomplishments have garnered widespread recognition nationwide, engendering high expectations for future advancements.
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Methotrexate (MTX) is commonly employed in the management of chronic inflammatory skin diseases. We report the case of a 73-year-old man who presented with a persistent cough lasting for 1 month. He had an 11-year history of psoriasis and had received MTX (10.0 mg/wk) over the past 21 months. High-resolution chest computed tomography revealed diffuse ground-glass opacities and bronchiectasis affecting both lung fields. Based on clinical and radiological assessments, the patient was diagnosed with MTX-induced interstitial pneumonia. Notably, significant clinical and radiological improvement was observed 1 month after the discontinuation of MTX and corticosteroid administration. Although some reports have demonstrated lung toxicity in patients receiving high-dose MTX therapy, cases of adverse pulmonary effects following low-dose treatment in patients with psoriasis are rare.This case report underscores the rarity of interstitial pneumonia in a patient with psoriasis undergoing MTX treatment in Korea.
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Background@#Dermatophyte infection is one of the most common skin diseases affecting the skin, hair, and nails. Despite widespread recognition of the disease, missing details and misperceptions are commonplace in the general population. @*Objective@#This study aimed to investigate the public perception and behavior regarding dermatophytosis of the hands and feet. @*Methods@#This results from an online survey conducted between July 2022 and August 2022. The survey included 1,000 Korean participants aged 20 to 69 years, of whom 60% experienced symptoms of tinea pedis or onychomycosis. The questionnaire focused on the awareness and personal experience of tinea pedis and perception of the treatment of dermatophytosis. @*Results@#Of the 1,000 participants, nearly 80% regarded tinea pedis as a common skin condition by which anyone can be affected. Furthermore, 88.4% had heard that the treatment of tinea pedis could be harmful, causing skin rash (60.4%) and worsening liver function (48.5%). Among 896 participants who noticed suspicious symptoms, 81.2% did not visit the clinic because it was not severe (50.1%) and seemed easily manageable (25.7%). Of the respondents, 84.4% preferred to meet dermatologists rather than non-dermatologist doctors regarding skin diseases, mainly because of trust in experts and belief in a faster cure. @*Conclusion@#Providing accurate and detailed information via online media, educational campaigns, and medical papers can rectify misconceptions and improve patient appliance, contributing to public skin health.
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Cutaneous adverse drug reactions are common and produce easily identifiable clinical symptoms. These may range from mild maculopapular rashes to severe reactions associated with systemic disease.Current Concepts: The most common presentation of a drug eruption is in the form of a maculopapular rash or exanthematous skin eruption, followed by fixed drug eruptions and urticaria. Severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions include Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis, acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, and drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome/drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms, which are rare but potentially life-threatening. Recently, it has emerged that cutaneous adverse drug reactions associated with newly developed drugs, such as epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors, may induce a variety of cutaneous manifestations.Discussion and Conclusion: Although certain drugs, such as antimicrobials and anticonvulsants, can frequently cause drug eruptions, their effects may change, depending on the situation and timing. Therefore, in order to resolve symptoms and prevent complications, early diagnosis, drug identification, and appropriate treatment should be performed, in consideration of the various factors involved.
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Background@#In psoriasis treatment, not all body regions improve simultaneously after clinical interventions. @*Objective@#This study was aimed at evaluating clinical responses across body regions, which may differentially influence patient treatment plans. @*Methods@#This prospective, observational, and multi-center study was conducted in Koreans who adhered to ustekinumab treatment based on criteria per local label and reimbursement guidelines. A total of 581 were included in this analysis. @*Results@#The mean (±standard deviation) psoriasis area severity index (PASI) score at baseline, age, disease duration, and body surface area (%) were 18.9±9.69, 44.2±13.29 years, 11.3±9.65 years, and 27.8±17.83, respectively. Across the head and neck, upper extremities, trunk, and lower extremities, the correlation between the PASI sub-scores for the upper and lower extremities was the highest (r=0.680). The mean PASI sub-score for the lower extremities was the highest at baseline. PASI90 and PASI100 scores were the highest for the head and neck region, indicating the highest response rates, while those for the lower extremities were consistently low at all visits. @*Conclusion@#We found differences in regional ustekinumab responses, with the lower extremities being the most difficult to treat. These findings should be considered in psoriasis treatment.
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Background@#Although particulate matter likely provokes inflammatory reactions in those with chronic skin disorders like atopic dermatitis, no study has examined the relationship between particulate matter and psoriasis exacerbation. @*Objective@#This study evaluated possible associations between particulate matter and hospital visits for psoriasis patients in 7 major cities in South Korea. @*Methods@#We investigated the relationship between psoriasis and particulate matter. To do this, we used psoriasis patient data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database. In addition, PM 10 and PM 2.5 concentration data spanning a 3-year time frame were obtained from the Korea Environment Corporation. @*Results@#A pattern analysis generated by the sample cross-correlation function and time series regression showed a correlation between particulate matter concentration and the number of hospital visits by psoriasis patients. However, the prewhitening method, which minimizes the effects of other variables besides particulate matter, revealed no correlation between the two. @*Conclusion@#This study suggests that particulate matter has no impact on hospital visit frequency among psoriasis patients in South Korean urban areas.
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Background@#Pediatric alopecia areata (AA) can affect the quality of life (QoL) of patients and their family members. Research on the QoL and burden on family members in pediatric AA is limited. @*Objective@#This nationwide multicenter questionnaire study described the QoL and burden of the family members of patients with pediatric AA. @*Methods@#This nationwide multicenter questionnaire study enrolled AA patients between the ages of 5 and 18 years from March 1, 2017 to February 28, 2018. Enrolled patients and their parents completed the modified Children’s Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) and the modified Dermatitis Family Impact (mDFI). The disease severity was measured using the Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) survey scores. @*Results@#A total of 268 patients with AA from 22 hospitals participated in this study. Our study found that the efficacy and satisfaction of previous treatments of AA decreased as the severity of the disease increased. The use of home-based therapies and traditional medicines increased with the increasing severity of the disease, but the efficacy felt by patients was limited. CDLQI and mDFI scores were higher in patients with extensive AA than those with mild to moderate AA. The economic and time burden of the family members also increased as the severity of the disease increased. @*Conclusion@#The severity of the AA is indirectly proportional to the QoL of patients and their family members and directly proportional to the burden. Physicians need to understand these characteristics of pediatric AA and provide appropriate intervention to patients and their family members.
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Background@#Cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) develops mainly in the elderly, although it is often seen in young patients and in clinical practice. However, there are few studies on the clinical features of young patients with CMM in Korea. @*Objective@#To investigate the clinical characteristics of young Korean patients with CMM. @*Methods@#We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with CMM between January 2009 and June 2019 and compared the clinical features of CMM in patients aged 10∼39 and 50∼79 years. @*Results@#Of the 341 patients with CMM, only 22 (6.5%) were between the age of 10∼39 and 250 (73.3%) were aged 50∼79. Acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM) was the most common clinical subtype in both groups (45.5% and 71.2%, respectively). Subungual melanoma was more common in age 10∼39 years (27.3% vs. 17.2%), whereas ALM except subungual melanoma was more common in age 50∼79 years (18.2% vs. 54.0%). Superficial spreading melanoma (31.8%) was also a significant subtype observed in age 10∼39 years (p＜0.001). Frequently involved locations in age group 10∼39 were fingers (27.3%) and trunk (22.7%), but feet (40.8%) were common in age group 50∼79 (p=0.009). There were no differences in mean Breslow thickness, lymph node metastases, or staging of CMM (p＞0.05). @*Conclusion@#Compared with elderly patients, CMM in patients aged 10∼39 showed differences in the location of the lesion and clinical subtype. Therefore, a misdiagnosis can be prevented when a young patient has suspected CMM on the finger or trunk.
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Background@#In 2015, the Korean Atopic Dermatitis Association (KADA) working group published consensus guidelines for treating atopic dermatitis (AD). @*Objective@#We aimed to provide updated consensus recommendations for systemic treatment of AD in South Korea based on recent evidence and experience. @*Methods@#We compiled a database of references from relevant systematic reviews and guidelines on the systemic management of AD. Evidence for each statement was graded and classified based on thestrength of the recommendation. Forty-two council members from the KADA participated in three rounds of voting to establish a consensus on expert recommendations. @*Results@#We do not recommend long-term treatment with systemic steroids forpatients with moderate-to-severe AD due to the risk of adverse effects. We recommend treatment with cyclosporine or dupilumab and selective treatment with methotrexate or azathioprine for patients with moderate-to-severe AD. We suggest treatment with antihistamines as an option for alleviating clinical symptoms of AD. We recommend selective treatment with narrowband ultraviolet B for patients with chronic moderate-to-severe AD. We do not recommend treatment with oral antibiotics for patients with moderate-to-severe AD but who have no signs of infection. We did not reach a consensus on recommendations for treatment with allergen-specific immunotherapy, probiotics, evening primrose oil, orvitamin D for patients with moderate-to-severe AD. We also recommend educational interventions and counselling for patients with AD and caregivers to improve the treatment success rate. @*Conclusion@#We look forward to implementing a new and updated consensus of systemic therapy in controlling patients with moderate-to-severe AD.
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An 83-year-old man presented with an intermittently bleeding fixed nodule on the left side of the chest for 2 months. Due to the clinical suspicion of metastatic cancer or a ruptured epidermal cyst, a punch biopsy was performed, which revealed granulation tissue. During surgical excision, a connection between the granulation tissue and the deeper structure was confirmed. Based on the clinicopathological findings, a cutaneous fistula was suspected;a detailed history revealed that he had experienced blunt chest trauma in a motorcycle accident 2 months before. Subsequent chest computed tomography showed soft tissue infiltration in the left sixth rib. Finally, the patient was diagnosed with a cutaneous fistula and underwent resection of the left sixth rib and costal cartilage. Cutaneous fistulae rarely occur in the chest. In cases where a recalcitrant inflammatory nodule is observed on the chest, the patient’s trauma history and ordinary medical history should be evaluated to rule out a cutaneous fistula.
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Background@#Only a few studies have tried to assess factors relevant to the satisfaction of the participants in atopic dermatitis (AD) educational programs. More systematic modeling of this issue is needed. @*Objective@#To examine the benefit of a conjoint educational program for AD on patients and caregivers in a clinical setting. @*Methods@#In a half-day educational program called “AD school”, 831 people (493 patients and 338 family members) participated for 8 years. Various educational and entertaining programs were provided. The on-site survey was administered to measure participants’ satisfaction and perception of the benefit. We applied structural equation modeling to identify the relations among satisfaction and perception. @*Results@#A total of 209 family survey data was obtained and analyzed. The survey items were grouped into four categories. The categories were classified as individual education, group education, fun activity, and overall satisfaction (fun, benefit, intention to re-join and recommend to others). According to the model that we built, comprehensive group education was demonstrated to be the most relevant factor affecting overall satisfaction. @*Conclusion@#Our holistic approach would allow dermatologists to improve the efficacy of the conjoint educational program for AD.
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An 83-year-old man presented with an intermittently bleeding fixed nodule on the left side of the chest for 2 months. Due to the clinical suspicion of metastatic cancer or a ruptured epidermal cyst, a punch biopsy was performed, which revealed granulation tissue. During surgical excision, a connection between the granulation tissue and the deeper structure was confirmed. Based on the clinicopathological findings, a cutaneous fistula was suspected;a detailed history revealed that he had experienced blunt chest trauma in a motorcycle accident 2 months before. Subsequent chest computed tomography showed soft tissue infiltration in the left sixth rib. Finally, the patient was diagnosed with a cutaneous fistula and underwent resection of the left sixth rib and costal cartilage. Cutaneous fistulae rarely occur in the chest. In cases where a recalcitrant inflammatory nodule is observed on the chest, the patient’s trauma history and ordinary medical history should be evaluated to rule out a cutaneous fistula.
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Background@#Only a few studies have tried to assess factors relevant to the satisfaction of the participants in atopic dermatitis (AD) educational programs. More systematic modeling of this issue is needed. @*Objective@#To examine the benefit of a conjoint educational program for AD on patients and caregivers in a clinical setting. @*Methods@#In a half-day educational program called “AD school”, 831 people (493 patients and 338 family members) participated for 8 years. Various educational and entertaining programs were provided. The on-site survey was administered to measure participants’ satisfaction and perception of the benefit. We applied structural equation modeling to identify the relations among satisfaction and perception. @*Results@#A total of 209 family survey data was obtained and analyzed. The survey items were grouped into four categories. The categories were classified as individual education, group education, fun activity, and overall satisfaction (fun, benefit, intention to re-join and recommend to others). According to the model that we built, comprehensive group education was demonstrated to be the most relevant factor affecting overall satisfaction. @*Conclusion@#Our holistic approach would allow dermatologists to improve the efficacy of the conjoint educational program for AD.
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BACKGROUND: Tinea capitis is a cutaneous infection of dermatophytes and predominant in children. Although tinea capitis in Korea is controlled by oral antifungal medications and concerted public health initiatives, it's still a health issue.OBJECTIVE: To investigate changes in the epidemiological and mycological characteristics of adult patients with tinea capitis in southeastern Korea.METHODS: Using medical records from Kyungpook National University Hospital and Catholic Skin Clinic from 1989 to 2018, we retrospectively investigated the epidemiological and mycological characteristics of 266 adult patients (aged over 20) with tinea capitis.RESULTS: Among total 266 patients, 239 were KOH-positive. The annual incidence of tinea capitis ranged from 3 to 18 between 1989 and 2018. Of the total, 54 (20.30%) were male and 212 (79.70%) were female. Eighty patients (30.08%) were in their seventies, the most commonly affected age group. Of the remaining, 58 (21.80%) were in their sixties, and 41 (15.41%) in eighties. Among all, 77 (28.95%) visited the hospital in summer, 72 (27.07%) in spring, 64 (24.06%) in winter, and 53 (19.92%) in fall. Dermatophytes were cultured from 171 patients. Microsporum canis was the most common dermatophyte (42.48%), while Trichophyton rubrum was the second (15.79%). Of the 266 patients, 186 (69.92%) lived in urban areas and 80 (30.08%) in rural areas.CONCLUSION: The epidemiological and mycological characteristics of adult patients with tinea capitis were different from those of children in terms of annual incidence, sex distribution, and isolated dermatophytes. These results provide useful information for the treatment and prevention of tinea capitis.
Subject(s)
Adult , Child , Female , Humans , Male , Arthrodermataceae , Epidemiology , Incidence , Korea , Medical Records , Microsporum , Public Health , Retrospective Studies , Sex Distribution , Skin , Tinea Capitis , Tinea , TrichophytonABSTRACT
Subject(s)
Adult , Humans , Antibodies , Cytokines , Dendrites , Dermatitis , Dermatitis, Atopic , Endophenotypes , Hyperplasia , Interleukin-12 , Interleukin-17 , Interleukins , Psoriasis , SkinABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Systemic immunomodulatory treatment is actively recommended in the treatment for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD) patients. However, consensus criteria for the classification of AD severity or treatment refractoriness have not been established yet. OBJECTIVE: To establish consensus criteria on the definition of severity classification and treatment refractoriness of AD to provide a basis for proper treatment strategy. METHODS: The Korean Atopic Dermatitis Association (KADA) comprised a task force team to establish a definition of moderate to severe AD. A draft of definition of moderate to severe AD was made on the basis of evidence. The recommendation was confirmed by KADA members through a web-based survey. RESULTS: KADA approved that AD with 16≤eczema area and severity index (EASI)<23 should be basically defined as moderate AD whereas AD with EASI score ≥23 should be considered as severe AD. They agreed that it would be reasonable to raise the severity level if patient's daytime or nighttime pruritus numerical rating scale is equal to or higher than 7 (≥7) or dermatology life quality index score exceeds 10. AD patients who do not reach EASI 50 after appropriate treatment for three months should be considered as a non-responder. Patients with recurrence (EASI ≥16) within three months after cessation of treatment should be considered as a recurrent AD. CONCLUSION: KADA built a consensus of definition of moderate and severe AD and treatment-refractoriness. These guidelines are expected to help physicians determine proper treatment options in need.