imaging of patients with chronic pruritus of unknown origin reveals partial sweat duct obstruction with partial itch resolution upon retinoid treatment.

Background: Chronic pruritus of unknown origin (CPUO) is poorly understood and lacks effective treatment options.

Objectives: We aimed to elucidate abnormalities in the sweat apparatus of patients with CPUO, and to assess efficacy and safety of treatment with systemic retinoids.

Methods: An initial case-control study included 20 affected patients and five healthy controls, for whom heat and sweating were induced, either through a standardized exercise protocol or ingestion of hot water.

Photopatch testing in Singapore: A 10-year retrospective study.

Background: Photopatch testing represents the gold standard for the diagnosis of photoallergic contact dermatitis (PACD). We aimed to identify common photoallergens in our tertiary dermatological referral centre from 2012 to 2021, to compare this to the preceding period studied, and data from other communities.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of all 90 patients who underwent photopatch testing at the National Skin Centre, Singapore, between 2012 and 2021.

Expression of Virulence Factors in Atopic Dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a skin inflammatory disease in which the opportunistic pathogen is prevalent and abundant. harbors several secreted virulence factors that have well-studied functions in infection models, but it is unclear whether these extracellular microbial factors are relevant in the context of AD. To address this question, we designed a culture-independent method to detect and quantify virulence factors expressed at the skin sites.

Management of severe hidradenitis suppurativa with biologic therapy and wide excision.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory follicular occlusive disease that involves the intertriginous areas. Treatment methods include conventional topical and systemic medication, radiotherapy, biologic agents, and surgical excision. Of late, there has been an increased focus on the use of biologic agents in patients with moderate to severe HS.