Journal Digest: February 11, 2026

Case Reports in Dermatological Medicine | Different Patterns of Lichen Planus in Three Members of One Family

This case series describes three Iranian siblings presenting with distinct clinical variants of lichen planus (LP), highlighting potential genetic and shared environmental contributions to disease pathogenesis. The patients—one 56-year-old man and his 2 sisters (ages 56 and 52)—were diagnosed with different LP spectrum disorders confirmed by histopathology. The male sibling exhibited bilateral blue-gray facial macules consistent with lichen planus pigmentosus (LPPigm). One sister presented with facial pigmentation and papules, along with scalp involvement, and was diagnosed with LPPigm and lichen planopilaris (LPP). The third sibling demonstrated frontotemporal hairline recession and eyebrow loss, consistent with frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) associated with LPP. All patients were treated with individualized regimens including topical corticosteroids, pimecrolimus, sun protection, and in the case of FFA, finasteride and minoxidil, resulting in disease stabilization.¹

The Japanese Journal of Dermatology | Washcloth Withdrawal and Pruritus: A Single-Center Retrospective Observational Study

This single-center retrospective observational study evaluated whether discontinuing washcloth use during bathing is associated with improvement in chronic pruritus. The study included 79 patients with various dermatologic conditions who regularly used washcloths. Pruritus severity was assessed using a 0–10 Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and compared before and after washcloth withdrawal in patients who did not undergo treatment escalation. At baseline, the mean NRS score among washcloth users was 4.79, with similar itch severity reported between cotton and synthetic-fiber washcloth users. Among patients who discontinued washcloth use, mean pruritus scores significantly decreased from 4.89 to 1.90 (p < 0.0001). In contrast, patients who continued washcloth use experienced no significant change in itch severity (3.86 to 3.60; p > 0.9999).²

Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology | Association of Lifestyles and Mental Health with Adult Acne: A Population-based Cross-sectional Study

A population-based cross-sectional study examined associations between lifestyle factors, psychological distress, and adult acne in 11,922 participants from Shenzhen, China. Dermatologist-diagnosed acne had an overall prevalence of 14.79%, with higher rates in females (15.91%) than males (13.50%). Severe sedentary behavior was independently associated with increased acne risk (adjusted OR [aOR] 1.19, 95% CI 1.06–1.34), as was late sleep timing (aOR 1.17, 95% CI 1.03–1.33). In contrast, regular physical exercise demonstrated a protective association (aOR 0.86, 95% CI 0.75–0.99). Restricted cubic spline analysis showed a dose–response relationship, with acne risk rising notably when sedentary time exceeded 4 hours per day. Mediation analyses revealed that depressive and anxiety symptoms partially mediated the associations between sedentary behavior, late sleep, and acne prevalence.³

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology | Cosmeceutical and Dermatological Potential of Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinula edodes) Extract

This exploratory study evaluated the dermatological and cosmeceutical potential of freeze-dried shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes) extract and developed a topical cream formulation incorporating the extract. Shiitake was extracted with 75% ethanol, and antioxidant capacity, enzyme inhibition, cytotoxicity, and formulation stability were assessed. The extract demonstrated moderate antioxidant activity (107 μM Trolox equivalents). Enzyme assays showed 51.99% inhibition of elastase and a concentration-dependent suppression of collagenase activity, with complete inhibition at higher concentrations. No significant tyrosinase inhibition was observed. Cytotoxicity testing in HaCaT keratinocytes confirmed good tolerability, with >90% cell viability across tested concentrations. A topical cream containing the extract exhibited a skin-compatible pH (~5.5), appropriate viscosity, homogeneous texture, and remained stable without phase separation or microbial growth under accelerated aging conditions.⁴

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology | Clinical Efficacy and Mechanisms of Microneedling Alone or Combined With Drugs in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

This single-center study evaluated the efficacy and safety of microneedling alone or combined with topical therapies in 60 men with androgenetic alopecia (AGA), stratified by severity. Patients with mild AGA received weekly microneedling alone for 8 weeks; those with moderate disease received microneedling plus 5% topical minoxidil for 12 weeks; and those with severe AGA received microneedling combined with topical minoxidil and finasteride for 16 weeks. All groups demonstrated significant improvements in Hair Loss Severity Score (HLSS) and hair density (all p < 0.001). Hair density increased from 86.4 to 118.6 hairs/cm² in the mild group, 62.3 to 105.7 hairs/cm² in the moderate group, and 38.5 to 82.4 hairs/cm² in the severe group. Patient satisfaction was highest in the moderate group. Adverse events were mild and transient, with 5% experiencing self-limited erythema or swelling.⁵

References

1. Abtahi-Naeini B, Khalili M, Shirdel F, Pourmahdi-Boroujeni M, Different Patterns of Lichen Planus in Three Members of One Family, Case Reports in Dermatological Medicine, 2026, 1177988, 7 pages, 2026. https://doi.org/10.1155/crdm/1177988

2. Miyazawa H, Natsuga K, Seo T, Ujiie H. Washcloth Withdrawal and Pruritus: A Single-Center Retrospective Observational Study. J Dermatol. Published online February 9, 2026. doi:10.1111/1346-8138.70177

3. He J, Ning N, He S, et al. Association of lifestyles and mental health with adult acne: A population-based cross-sectional study. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. Published online February 9, 2026. doi:10.1111/jdv.70345

4. Kucuk SD, Jabet P, Groso A, Collet G, Daniellou R, Karadeniz B. Cosmeceutical and Dermatological Potential of Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinula edodes) Extract. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2026;25(2):e70724. doi:10.1111/jocd.70724

5. Li G, Geng J, Liang J, et al. Clinical Efficacy and Mechanisms of Microneedling Alone or Combined With Drugs in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2026;25(2):e70726. doi:10.1111/jocd.70726