scRNA-seq of human vitiligo reveals complex networks of subclinical immune activation and a role for CCR5 in T function.

Vitiligo is an autoimmune skin disease characterized by the targeted destruction of melanocytes by T cells. Cytokine signaling between keratinocytes and T cells results in CD8 T cell infiltration of vitiligo lesions, but the full scope of signals required to coordinate autoimmune responses is not completely understood. We performed single-cell RNA sequencing on affected and unaffected skin from patients with vitiligo, as well as healthy controls, to define the role of each cell type in coordinating autoimmunity during disease progression.

Bitemporal Scalp Hair Loss: Differential Diagnosis of Nonscarring and Scarring Conditions.

Bitemporal hair loss can be a diagnostic challenge because several entities may affect this region of the scalp, including both scarring and nonscarring conditions. Although traction alopecia is the most common cause of bitemporal hair loss, no studies to date have outlined all of the potential causes. We sought to review nonscarring and scarring conditions that have a clinical presentation of bitemporal hair loss, including traction alopecia, telogen effluvium, female pattern hair loss, frontal fibrosing alopecia, central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, and seborrheic dermatitis.

Biallelic variants in RNU12 cause CDAGS syndrome.

CDAGS Syndrome is a rare congenital disorder characterized by Craniosynostosis, Delayed closure of the fontanelles, cranial defects, clavicular hypoplasia, Anal and Genitourinary malformations, and Skin manifestations. We performed whole exome and Sanger sequencing to identify the underlying molecular cause in five patients with CDAGS syndrome from four distinct families. Whole exome sequencing revealed biallelic rare variants that disrupt highly conserved nucleotides within the RNU12 gene.

Intralesional Triamcinolone Acetonide in the Treatment of Traction Alopecia.

Traction alopecia (TA) is a form of hair loss caused by continuous and prolonged tension to the hair, most commonly seen in Black/African American women and children who wear hairstyles that pull excessively at the frontotemporal hairline. Dermatologists have recommended the use of intralesional triamcinolone acetonide injections (ILK) to decrease the inflammatory process, however, evidence-based proof is lacking in the literature. In this case series, we evaluate the effectiveness and safety of ILK in the TA management of 6 African American women.

Randomised, controlled, double-blind study of combination therapy of oral tranexamic acid and topical hydroquinone in the treatment of melasma.

Background/objectives: Melasma is a common pigmentary disorder for which oral tranexamic acid has shown some efficacy in previous studies. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of oral tranexamic acid in combination with hydroquinone cream in the treatment of melasma.

Methods: Subjects with moderate-to-severe melasma were enrolled.

Melasma Treatment: An Evidence-Based Review.

Background: Melasma is an acquired, chronic pigmentary disorder predominantly affecting women. It may significantly affect quality of life and self-esteem due to its disfiguring appearance. Multiple treatments for melasma are available, with mixed results.

Cross-cultural validation of a short-form of the Vitiligo Impact Patient scale (VIPs).

Background: There is a lack of short-form questionnaires evaluating the burden of vitiligo according to skin phototype.

Objective: To develop and validate a 12-item short-form of the Vitiligo Impact Patient scale (VIPs) that takes into account skin phototype.

Methods: Multicenter, prospective, cross-sectional study conducted in France (Créteil and Bordeaux) and the US (Worcester, Massachusetts, and Dallas, Texas).

Antibody blockade of IL-15 signaling has the potential to durably reverse vitiligo.

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease of the skin mediated by CD8 T cells that kill melanocytes and create white spots. Skin lesions in vitiligo frequently return after discontinuing conventional treatments, supporting the hypothesis that autoimmune memory is formed at these locations. We found that lesional T cells in mice and humans with vitiligo display a resident memory (T) phenotype, similar to those that provide rapid, localized protection against reinfection from skin and mucosal-tropic viruses.

Randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study of oral tranexamic acid in the treatment of moderate-to-severe melasma.

Background: Melasma is a common pigmentary disorder that is often difficult to treat. Tranexamic acid (TA) has emerged as a promising treatment for melasma; however, few controlled studies exist.

Objective: To determine the efficacy of oral TA in patients with moderate-to-severe melasma.

Psoriasis in Children and Adolescents: Epidemiological Study of 280 Patients from Mexico.

Background: Psoriasis in children and adolescents has not been well studied in Mexico.

Objective: To study the epidemiological characteristics of psoriasis in this age group.

Methods: This is a retrospective study in an academic, tertiary care dermatology center from January 1999 to December 2014.