Ultraviolet diagnostic and treatment modalities in the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

Ultraviolet (UV) therapy is an effective and well-tolerated therapeutic method for various dermatologic conditions due to its antiproliferative and immunosuppressive effects. Contemporary phototherapy includes broadband UVB, narrowband UVB, UVA1, PUVA, and excimer laser therapy. The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has resulted in the closure of many patient care facilities, including phototherapy units worldwide.

Autoimmune connective tissue diseases in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Autoimmune connective tissue diseases are a heterogeneous group of clinical entities sharing a common feature-an impairment of structural components like collagen and elastin, arising by autoimmune mechanisms. Because most patients are on a long-term immunosuppressive therapy, which renders them vulnerable to infections, a new challenge appears in front of physicians in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) era. Immune mechanisms are substantial for the control and ceasing of viral infections, and their impairment may cause serious complications; however, data from immunosuppressed transplant patients do not reveal a higher frequency or diseases' severity in those infected by COVID-19.

Intravenous immunoglobulins for treatment of connective tissue diseases in dermatology.

Background: Connective tissue diseases are a heterogeneous group of autoimmune disorders affecting not only skin, but also various organs and systems. First-line treatment of connective tissue diseases is systemic steroids as monotherapy or combined with immunosuppressive drugs. Since intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIGs) have been found to be effective for various autoimmune dermatoses, their indications have expanded tremendously.

Intravenous Immunoglobulins: Mode of Action and Indications in Autoimmune and Inflammatory Dermatoses.

Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIGs), a mixture of variable amounts of proteins (albumin, IgG, IgM, IgA, and IgE antibodies), as well as salt, sugar, solvents, and detergents, are successfully used to treat a variety of dermatological disorders. For decades, IVIGs have been administered for treatment of infectious diseases and immune deficiencies, since they contain natural antibodies that represent a first-line defense against pathogens. Today their indication has expanded, including the off-label therapy for a variety of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.