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Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, relapsing, and remitting inflammatory disease of the skin with significant heritability and racial disposition. The pathogenesis of HS remains enigmatic, but occlusion of the terminal hair follicle and dysregulation of the local innate immune response may contribute to pathogenesis. Genetic predisposition might also contribute to disease susceptibility and phenotypic heterogeneity because mutations in γ-secretase have been found to underlie a minor but characteristic subset of patients with HS. In this review, we synthesized the current data on γ-secretase in HS, evaluated its importance in the context of disease pathobiology, and discussed avenues of future studies.

Background: Tinted sunscreens not only shield against UV rays but also provide protection against visible light, as opposed to traditional sunscreens. Universal tinted sunscreens are marketed to complement all skin tones. Objective: To assess color match and subject satisfaction for 7 universal tinted sunscreens across various price ranges in all Fitzpatrick skin phototypes (SPT). Methods: Products A‐G were applied at concentrations of 1 and 2 mg/cm2 on the dorsal arms of 30 subjects spanning SPT I–VI. Photography, colorimetry, and subject and investigator surveys were utilized to determine color match. Results: Using colorimetry analysis at the recommended 2 mg/cm2 concentration, two of seven products were identified as suitable matches for SPT I–II, while six out of seven were determined to be a good match for SPT III–IV. However, only one product was found to be a good match for SPT V–VI at the recommended concentration according to colorimetry results. Conclusion: Universal tinted sunscreens do not provide an adequate color match for all skin phototypes, especially for individuals with very fair or very dark skin tones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Data concerning the global burden of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) are limited. Reported prevalence estimates vary between 0.0003% and 4.1%, and data from various geographical regions are still to be collected. Previously reported prevalences have been limited by the methodological approach and source of data. This has resulted in great heterogeneity as prevalence data from physician-diagnosed cases poorly match those of self-reported apparent HS disease. Methods: The Global Hidradenitis Suppurativa Atlas (GHiSA) introduces an innovative approach to determine the global prevalence of HS. This approach involves using a previously validated questionnaire to screen apparently healthy adults accompanying a patient to a non-dermatological outpatient clinic visit in a hospital or a private/family medicine clinic. The screening questionnaire (i.e., the index test) is combined with a subsequent physician-based in-person validation (i.e., the reference standard) of the participants who screen positive. Approximately ten percent of the screen-negative participants are also clinically assessed to verify the diagnostic precision of the test. The local prevalence (pi) will be estimated from each country that submits the number of patients who are HS positive according to the index test and clinical examination (n), and the corresponding total number of observations (N). Conclusion: The GHiSA Global Prevalence studies are currently running simultaneously in 58 countries across six continents (Africa, Europe, Australia, North America, South America, and Asia). The goal of the combined global proportion is the generation of a single summary (i.e., proportional meta-analysis), which will be done after a logit transformation and synthesized using a random-effects model. The novel standardization of the Global Prevalence Studies conducted through GHiSA enables direct international comparisons, which were previously not possible due to substantial heterogeneity in past HS prevalence studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the challenges faced by individuals with darker skin phototypes (SPTs) in finding a suitable tinted sunscreen. While conventional non-tinted sunscreens do not protect against visible light and long-wavelength ultraviolet A1 radiation (VL + UVA1), tinted sunscreens containing iron oxides offer protection against these wavelengths and better match dark skin. However, many marketed tinted sunscreens are only available in one "universal" shade, making it difficult for individuals with skin of color (SOC) to find a matching shade. The study aims to establish an objective methodology for evaluating the degree of color match between a universal shade of tinted sunscreen and the skin of individuals with different SPTs. The findings suggest that universal shades of tinted sunscreen may not match individuals with darker SPTs well, especially when applied at the recommended density. The study highlights the need for manufacturers to produce tinted sunscreens in a range of skin colors to promote proper application and increase patient adherence to sunscreen. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Long wavelength ultraviolet‐A1 in combination with visible light induces hyperpigmentation, particularly in dark‐skin phototypes. This study evaluated the efficacy of four sunscreen formulations in protecting against VL + UVA1 (370–700 nm). Methods: The test products (A–D) were applied to the back of 12 volunteers, then irradiated with 320 J/cm2 VL + UVA1 (3.5% UVA1 [370–400 nm]). Immediately after irradiation, and at Days 1, 7, and 14, erythema and pigmentation were assessed by investigator global assessment (IGA), colorimetry (Δa* and ΔITA) and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS)‐measured relative dyschromia (area under the curve AUC). Control areas were irradiated without sunscreen. Results: Product D, containing titanium dioxide 11%, iron oxides 1%, and antioxidants, provided the highest and most consistent protection. Compared with unprotected irradiated control, it had statistically significantly less erythema on IGA, DRS (Δoxyhemoglobin), and colorimetry (Δa*) at Day 0; less pigmentation on IGA at all time points, on DRS (relative dyschromia) at Days 7 and 14, and on colorimetry (ΔITA) at Day 0. Product B, containing zinc oxide 12% plus organic UV filters, iron oxides 4%, and antioxidants, also showed some efficacy. Conclusion: Of the sunscreens tested, the tinted products provided better protection against VL + UVA1 than the non‐tinted products. Since the product with 1% iron oxides was superior to the product with 4% iron oxides, further studies are needed to evaluate whether iron oxide content correlates with better protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]