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Background: Scalp-related symptoms such as dandruff and itching are common with diverse underlying etiologies. We previously proposed a novel classification and scoring system for scalp conditions, called the scalp photographic index (SPI); it grades five scalp features using trichoscopic images with good reliability. However, it requires trained evaluators.Aim: To develop artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms for assessment of scalp conditions and to assess the feasibility of AI-based recommendations on personalized scalp cosmetics.Methods: Using EfficientNet, convolutional neural network (CNN) models (SPI-AI) ofeach scalp feature were established. 101,027 magnified scalp images graded according to the SPI scoring were used for training, validation, and testing the model Adults with scalp discomfort were prescribed shampoos and scalp serums personalized according to their SPI-AI-defined scalp types. Using the SPI, the scalp conditions were evaluated at baseline and at weeks 4, 8, and 12 of treatment.Results: The accuracies of the SPI-AI for dryness, oiliness, erythema, folliculitis, and dandruff were 91.3%, 90.5%, 89.6%, 87.3%, and 95.2%, respectively. Overall, 100 individuals completed the 4-week study; 43 of these participated in an extension study until week 12. The total SPI score decreased from 32.70 ± 7.40 at baseline to 15.97 ± 4.68 at week 4 (p < 0.001). The efficacy was maintained throughout 12 weeks.Conclusions: SPI-AI accurately assessed the scalp condition. AI-based prescription of tailored scalp cosmetics could significantly improve scalp health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Particulate matter (PM) is a harmful air pollutant composed of chemicals and metals which affects human health by penetrating both the respiratory system and skin, causing oxidative stress and inflammation. This review investigates the association between PM and skin disease, focusing on the underlying molecular mechanisms and specific disease pathways involved. Studies have shown that PM exposure is positively associated with skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, acne, and skin aging. PM-induced oxidative stress damages lipids, proteins, and DNA, impairing cellular functions and triggering inflammatory responses through pathways like aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), NF-κB, and MAPK. This leads to increased production of inflammatory cytokines and exacerbates skin conditions. PM exposure exacerbates AD by triggering inflammation and barrier disruption. It disrupts keratinocyte differentiation and increases pro-inflammatory cytokines in psoriasis. In acne, it increases sebum production and inflammatory biomarkers. It accelerates skin aging by degrading ECM proteins and increasing MMP-1 and COX2. In conclusion, PM compromises skin health by penetrating skin barriers, inducing oxidative stress and inflammation through mechanisms like ROS generation and activation of key pathways, leading to cellular damage, apoptosis, and autophagy. This highlights the need for protective measures and targeted treatments to mitigate PM-induced skin damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xkin closure is a newly developed medical suture device for lacerations and surgical wounds that can reduce scarring, pain and the risk of infection compared with conventional sutures or staplers. A randomized controlled study was performed to compare the wound healing effects and complications of Xkin closure with stapler closure. Fifty patients who underwent robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer were randomly assigned. Only the wound above the navel, which was extended to take out the prostate was targeted. The wound was examined at 2, 6 and 12 weeks after surgery, and the modified Vancouver Scar Scale (mVSS), scar height and side effects were assessed with a 3D skin analyser. Forty‐six patients (23 Xkin, 23 Stapler) were analysed. The mVSS scores, vascularity and pliability were significantly lower in the Xkin group compared with the stapler group at the 12‐week follow‐up. No significant differences in the maximum peak and depth of the scars were detected between the two groups using 3D photographs at 12 weeks. Xkin is an effective wound closure method for improving scar outcomes. This method is expected to be widely used for surgical wounds and lacerations caused by trauma in daily life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrating organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) with light therapy can significantly advance biomedical applications by offering non-invasive, precise, and customizable treatments. Developing innovative device designs and performing cellular tests is essential to assess the safety and effect of OLED-based light therapies in dermatology. As such, a wearable OLED medical device prototype has been created for easy attachment to the body, ensuring consistent exposure to skin injuries due to its comfortable fit and user-friendly operation. Moreover, it has demonstrated effectiveness in enhancing wound healing, as indicated by a max 23% increase in fibroblast proliferation at the cellular level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data on pregnancy outcomes in patients with alopecia areata (AA) are limited. The aim of this study is to determine the association between maternal AA and risk of adverse birth outcomes in children. A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 45,328 children born to mothers with AA and 4,703,253 controls born to mothers without AA using the Korean National Health Insurance Claims database from 2002 to 2016. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between maternal AA and the birth outcomes of their children. Infants born to mothers with AA exhibited a significantly higher risk of preterm birth (odds ratio [OR] 1.39, 95% CI 1.33-1.45; adjusted OR [aOR] 1.07, 95% CI 1.01-1.13), low birthweight (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.30-1.42; aOR 1.11, 95% CI 1.05-1.17), and Caesarean section birth (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.22-1.26; aOR 1.12, 95% CI 1.08-1.15) than controls. In addition, the risk of congenital malformations was also significantly higher in infants born to mothers with AA (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.15-1.22; aOR 1.10, 95% CI 1.07-1.14), especially for malformations of the urinary (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.19-1.48; aOR 1.16, 95% CI 1.04-1.29) and musculoskeletal (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.12-1.27; aOR 1.12, 95% CI 1.05-1.19) systems, than controls. Maternal AA is associated with an increased risk of adverse birth outcomes in infants.

Background: Alopecia areata (AA) is characterized by hair loss on the scalp and body, significantly impacting patients' quality of life based on its severity., Objective: This study aims to identify crucial factors influencing the perception of severe AA from the patients' viewpoint., Methods: A web-based survey was conducted among AA patients attending dermatology departments at 21 university hospitals in Korea. The survey comprised 17 criteria, exploring both clinical characteristics of AA patients and subjective determinants of disease severity., Results: A total of 791 AA patients and their caregivers participated in the survey. Approximately 30% of respondents developed AA during childhood, with 43.5% experiencing chronic courses lasting over 3 years. Half of the participants exhibited more than 20% scalp hair loss, and 42% reported additional hair loss on other body parts, such as eyelashes and nose hair. Most respondents agreed that patients with ≥20% scalp hair loss should be categorized as having severe AA. They also identified longer disease duration, involvement of non-scalp body hair, treatment refractoriness, and social or mental impairment requiring medical intervention as factors indicating increased disease severity., Conclusion: This survey underscores the significant impact of AA on patients' quality of life and highlights existing unmet needs in current treatment modalities., Competing Interests: The authors have nothing to disclose., (© 2024 The Korean Dermatological Association and The Korean Society for Investigative Dermatology.)

Background: A set of criteria for severity classification is essential in alopecia areata (AA). Currently, no guidelines are universally accepted for defining AA severity., Objective: This study aimed to establish a set of consensus criteria for classifying the severity of and identifying treatment refractoriness in AA., Methods: A preliminary draft of the definition for moderate-to-severe AA was crafted based on available evidence, and members of the Korean Hair Research Society (KHRS) subsequently endorsed the recommendation through an online survey., Results: In the first Delphi round, consensus was attained on 15 questions. After refining certain items in the second round, consensus was achieved on 23 out of 26 questions. The KHRS first defined AA severity using the severity of alopecia tool (SALT). SALT ≥50 was defined as severe, 20≤ SALT <50 as moderate, and SALT <20 as mild. Moderate AA was considered severe if it meets one or more of the following criteria: dermatology life quality index >10, presence of accompanying eyebrow or eyelash loss, positive hair loss activity, or treatment-refractory AA., Conclusion: These consensus criteria can help clinicians accurately diagnose AA, provide appropriate treatment, and monitor its progression., Competing Interests: The authors have nothing to disclose., (© 2024 The Korean Dermatological Association and The Korean Society for Investigative Dermatology.)