Journal Digest: December 17, 2025

Journal of Japanese Dermatology | Stratum Corneum Ceramide Abnormalities in Atopic Dermatitis: Pathophysiology and Implications for Disease Management

This review examines the central role of stratum corneum ceramides in the pathophysiology and management of atopic dermatitis (AD). Ceramides are the dominant structural lipids of the skin barrier, forming lamellar architectures essential for hydration and permeability control. In AD, ceramide abnormalities are not secondary findings but key pathogenic drivers, characterized by reduced total ceramide levels, altered class distribution, and a shift toward shorter-chain species. These changes correlate with increased transepidermal water loss and impaired barrier function. Mechanistic studies show that type 2 cytokines, particularly IL-4 and IL-13, disrupt ceramide biosynthesis by inhibiting lipid-elongating and processing enzymes, creating a vicious cycle of inflammation and barrier dysfunction. Advances in lipidomics and noninvasive tape-stripping now enable detailed ceramide profiling, revealing their potential as biomarkers of disease activity, treatment response, relapse risk, and disease trajectory.¹

Contact Dermatitis | Two Cases of Less Common Clinical Presentations of Allergic Contact Dermatitis to Acrylates in UV-Cured Nail Polish

This case report describes two patients with uncommon nail presentations of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) caused by acrylates in UV-cured semi-permanent nail polish. A 43-year-old woman developed periungual vesicles progressing to pulpitis, onycholysis, and distal subungual haemorrhages shortly after at-home UV-cured polish use, with minimal surrounding skin involvement. A 37-year-old woman presented with chronic psoriasiform nail changes, including distal onycholysis, nail bed erythema, and salmon patches, persisting for two years and initially misdiagnosed. In both cases, patch testing revealed strong positive reactions to methacrylates and acrylates, particularly 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate. Nail changes resolved after discontinuation of nail polish.²

Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology | Comparing Self-Reported and Physician-Assessed Acne Severity Using Real-World Data

This real-world data study evaluated agreement between self-reported acne severity and physician-assessed severity based on photographs. Consumer-generated data from a skincare company database were analysed, including questionnaires and serial facial photographs from individuals with self-reported acne vulgaris. A trained dermatologist assessed acne severity by counting visible papules and pustules, and agreement in the direction of change was compared with self-assessments. Of 1691 eligible individuals, 276 were included, predominantly white females in their late twenties. Agreement on severity change was observed in 48% of assessments, and overall correlation between self-reported and physician-assessed severity was weak (Pearson correlation coefficient 0.22). Slightly higher correlations were seen in females, individuals over 35 years, those with darker white skin types, and when lesions were located on the forehead.³

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology | Visual Aesthetics (VA) Methodology: A Strategic Approach to Facial Rejuvenation

This study introduces the Visual Aesthetics (VA) methodology, a structured and patient-centered framework for injectable facial rejuvenation that shifts practice from region-based correction to holistic full-face treatment. VA is built on four sequential pillars: communication to uncover true patient goals, analysis using Visual Impact Analysis to assess proportion, framework, sagginess, and projection, planning through vector-based sequencing, and execution via standardized anatomy-based target injections. Two illustrative cases demonstrated sustained aesthetic improvement over 24–27 months, with enhanced facial harmony, durable results, and high patient satisfaction. The methodology emphasizes reproducibility and safety through defined injection parameters, vascular risk mapping, and preparedness for complication management. By integrating anatomical precision with individualized treatment planning, VA methodology addresses limitations of conventional approaches and supports consistent, natural outcomes. Although current evidence is based on clinical experience and case illustrations, the authors propose that VA offers a reproducible and adaptable strategy for facial rejuvenation, warranting further validation in larger, multicenter, and multicultural studies.⁴

Dermatologic Therapy | Topical Timolol in Dermatology: Applications and Advances

This review analyzed timolol, a nonselective β-adrenergic blocker originally approved for glaucoma, which exhibits vasoconstrictive, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties. While systemic use carries risks such as bradycardia and hypotension, topical formulations offer a safer alternative for dermatological therapy. Evidence supports its effectiveness in treating infantile hemangiomas, pyogenic granulomas, Kaposi’s sarcoma, acne, rosacea, post-acne erythema and scars, chronic wounds, radiation dermatitis, and other skin disorders. Mechanistically, timolol acts via vasoconstriction, inhibition of angiogenesis, apoptosis of endothelial cells, modulation of inflammatory cytokines, and promotion of keratinocyte migration. Clinical studies, including randomized trials and case reports, demonstrate improvements in lesion size, erythema, scar healing, and wound re-epithelialization, with minimal local adverse effects. Although topical timolol is generally safe, patients with cardiovascular or pulmonary conditions require caution.⁵

References

1. Sakai T. Stratum Corneum Ceramide Abnormalities in Atopic Dermatitis: Pathophysiology and Implications for Disease Management. J Dermatol. Published online December 15, 2025. doi:10.1111/1346-8138.70098

2. Vernhet L, Raison-Peyron N, Dereure O, Muslin A, Samaran Q. Two Cases of Less Common Clinical Presentations of Allergic Contact Dermatitis to Acrylates in UV-Cured Nail Polish. Contact Dermatitis. Published online December 14, 2025. doi:10.1111/cod.70072

3. A Al-Mousawi, S Naassan, MN Ghazanfar, et al. Comparing Self-Reported and Physician-Assessed Acne Severity Using Real-World Data. JEADV Clinical Practice 0 (2025): 1-4. https://doi.org/10.1002/jvc2.70237.

4. Siramangkhalanon V. Visual Aesthetics (VA) Methodology: A Strategic Approach to Facial Rejuvenation. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025;24(12):e70593. doi:10.1111/jocd.70593

5. Y Wang, S Tang, Y Luo, et al. Topical Timolol in Dermatology: Applications and Advances. Dermatologic Therapy, 2025, 5812080, 9 pages, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1155/dth/5812080