Background The lupus band test (LBT) using a sample of clinically normal skin was proposed as a useful diagnostic test for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It is mostly performed to help diagnosing SLE in patients with insufficient clinical and serological profiles. However, most published studies on its utility are outdated and the results remain controversial. Objectives To determine the diagnostic performance of LBT on non-lesion sun-protected (NLSP) and sun-exposed (NLSE) skin for SLE. Methods Consecutively presenting patients with clinical and serological suspicion of SLE who had LBT performed on non-lesion skin during January 2012 to August 2021 were retrospectively studied. LBT performed on either NLSE or NLSP skin biopsies were all included. Laboratory characteristics, number, types and patterns of deposited immunoreactants and disease activity were also assessed. Results LBT was performed in 57 patients with suspected SLE. LBT was positive in 18/57, 9/28 and 6/21 patients in overall non-lesion, NLSE and NLSP, respectively. Of all patients, 23 patients were diagnosed with SLE and 34 patients with other diseases. Overall, the sensitivity and specificity of LBT on non-lesion skin was 56.5% and 88.2%, respectively. The ability of the test to discriminate between those with and without SLE, assessed by the area under the Receiver-Operating Characteristic curve, was 0.72 (0.61–0.84). The sensitivity and specificity of LBT on NLSE skin was 58.3% and 87.5% while those of NLSP skin, were 57.1% and 85.7%, respectively. We found no significant correlation between the positivity of LBT and overall disease activity. Types, number and pattern of deposited immunoreactants also showed no correlation with disease activity (all p > 0.05). Conclusions Used as a diagnostic adjunct, non-lesion LBT is still of value for diagnosing SLE in inconclusive cases.
<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Prolonged mask-wearing could modulate the skin microenvironment resulting in several facial dermatoses. Microbial dysbiosis is proposed to be linked with these changes; however, data regarding the association is still limited. Accordingly, we aimed to explore the impact of face masks on the skin’s bacterial microbiota. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We classified participants into short (<4 h/day) and long (≥4 h/day) mask-wearing time (SMWT and LMWT) groups according to mask-wearing time per day in the previous 2 weeks. Specimens were swabbed from the cheek and forehead of 45 mild acne vulgaris patients, representing mask-covered area (MCA) and mask-uncovered area (MUA), respectively. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing and QIIME2 were used to characterize bacterial communities. <b><i>Results:</i></b> There were 12 (26.7%) and 33 (73.3%) participants in SMWT and LMWT, respectively. There were no significant differences in beta diversity across MCA/MUA or LMWT/SMWT groups. In alpha-diversity, the evenness on MCA was significantly lower in LMWT than in SMWT (<i>p</i> value = 0.049). Among all groups, the relative abundance of bacterial taxa was similar, showing Actinobacteriota and Firmicutes, and <i>Cutibacterium</i> and <i>Staphylococcus</i> as the most predominant phyla and genera, respectively. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Our results showed no significant impact of mask-wearing on the skin microbiota in mild acne vulgaris participants.
Acne vulgaris (AV), one of the most common skin diseases affecting adolescents and young adults, 1 develops from an interplay of multiple factors. Emerging data have shown that host-microbiome interactions play a critical role in AV pathogenesis. 2 In an equilibrium state, microorganisms residing on the skin and their surrounding environment form a complex community of skin microbiota, serving as a physical and immunological barrier to the skin. 3 When the balance of the microbial community is disrupted, dysbiosis of the skin flora occurs, leading to certain skin diseases 4 such as AV, and atopic dermatitis. 5 The loss of microbial diversity among commensal and
Background
A better understanding of skin lipidomics and its alteration under treatment administration might offer therapeutic solutions for seborrhea.
Aims
To quantitatively and qualitatively explore the lipid‐modifying effect of the moisturizer containing licochalcone A, 1,2‐decanediol, L‐carnitine, and salicylic acid (LDCS) in seborrhea participants with and without acne vulgaris (AV).
Patients/Methods
We conducted an open‐label explorative study on 20 seborrhea participants (10 AV and 10 non‐AV). All participants applied LDCS for 8 weeks with the addition of benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel and adapalene 0.1%/benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel in AV. Skin surface lipid (SSL) assessments were performed biweekly, using Sebumeter® and lipid‐absorbent Sebutapes® to collect forehead SSL for profile analysis by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS).
Results
SSL amount significantly decreased since week 2 in AV (p‐value = 0.0124) and week 6 in non‐AV (p‐value = 0.0098), respectively. Twenty‐two important SSLs were annotated from GC–MS analysis, comprising 19 free fatty acids, cholesterol, squalene, and glycerol. There was a significant reduction in 5 and 13 lipid components in AV and non‐AV groups, respectively.
Conclusion
LDCS, either alone or with topical acne treatment, demonstrated substantial sebusuppressive and lipid‐modifying effects among seborrhea participants.
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