Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) (also known as multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells) possess the capacity for self-renewal and multi-lineage differentiation, and their ability to enhance cutaneous wound healing has been well characterized. Acting via paracrine interactions, MSCs accelerate wound closure, increase angiogenesis, promote resolution of wound inflammation, favorably regulate extracellular matrix remodeling, and encourage regeneration of skin with normal architecture and function. A number of studies have employed novel methods to amplify the delivery and efficacy of MSCs. Non-traditional sources of MSCs, including Wharton’s jelly and medical waste material, have shown efficacy comparable to that of traditional sources, such as bone marrow and adipose tissue. The potential of alternative methods to both introduce MSCs into wounds and increase migration of MSCs into wound areas has also been demonstrated. Taking advantage of the associations between MSCs with M2 macrophages and microRNA, methods to enhance the immunomodulatory capacity of MSCs have shown success. New measures to enhance angiogenic capabilities have also exhibited effectiveness, often demonstrated by increased levels of proangiogenic vascular endothelial growth factor. Finally, hypoxia has been shown to have strong wound-healing potential in terms of increasing MSC efficacy. We have critically reviewed the results of the novel studies that show promise for the continued development of MSC-based wound-healing therapies and provide direction for continued research in this field.

Currently, adalimumab is the only FDA-approved biologic available for the treatment of HS. However, results from trials of other biologic agents targeting downstream mediators are promising. Large-scale, randomized, placebo-controlled trials in patients with skin of color, as well as weight-based dosing trials, are needed.

Although hand eczema (HE) and chronic hand eczema (CHE) are common conditions with significant disease burden, they traditionally have had limited treatment options beyond topical and short‐term systemic corticosteroids. We reviewed published and preliminary evidence on the current and emerging topical and systemic therapeutic agents for HE and CHE. The etiologies of various HE subtypes are discussed, and remaining knowledge and practice gaps are highlighted to encourage further investigations. A comprehensive search of http://clinicaltrials.gov and PubMed was completed for clinical trials that utilized known and emerging treatment options for HE and CHE. Several agents that target IL‐4 and IL‐13 signaling, keratinocyte proliferation, inflammatory cytokine production, bacterial protein synthesis, and inflammatory mediator (TNF‐α, JAK1, JAK2, and JAK3) proliferation are shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of CHE. Systemic agents include dupilumab, alitretinoin, acitretin, cyclosporine, azathioprine, and probiotics. Topical agents include delgocitinib, retapamulin, halometasone/triclosan, calcipotriol/betamethasone, tacrolimus, and pimecrolimus. These modalities have demonstrated varying degrees of clinical efficacy, evaluated by subjective assessments and scoring indexes. Targeted therapies are emerging for HE, but options are still limited, partially due to our narrow understanding of this heterogeneous condition. Additional and targeted therapeutic options are needed to match the rising prevalence and burden of HE. Keypoints Hand eczema (HE) is a heterogenous dermatosis with limited therapeutic options due to a lack of international guidelines regarding classification of HE subtypes and treatment. This review discusses current and emerging topical and systemic agents and their efficacies in the treatment of different types of hand eczema.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, debilitating skin disease. Although most studies on HS are conducted in largely Caucasian populations, evidence demonstrates a higher prevalence in patients with skin of color, including African and Hispanic populations. These racial subgroups are likely at risk for greater disease burden due to a higher prevalence of components of the metabolic syndrome, comorbid depression, and low socioeconomic status; however, there is a paucity of research in these populations. Additionally, studies examining the genetic and anatomical basis for HS, as well as the response to HS therapies, are lacking for patients with skin of color. Complicating this issue is the limited access to effective medical care, including dermatologists, for African and Hispanic populations as well as other minority groups. In this review, we identify gaps in the knowledge base, highlight the association between HS and patients with skin of color, and provide direction for much needed research into this condition.

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