Journal Digest: May 13, 2026

Dermatologic Therapy | Efficacy and Safety of Cross-Linked Sodium Hyaluronate for the Treatment of Moderate-to-Severe Neck Wrinkles: A Prospective, Multicenter, Randomized, Single-Blind Clinical Trial

A prospective, multicenter randomized trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of cross-linked sodium hyaluronate (HA) gel for moderate-to-severe neck wrinkles in 192 Chinese patients. Participants were randomized to receive either cross-linked HA gel or a non–cross-linked HA comparator (HiBody). At 60 days, the cross-linked HA group achieved significantly higher effectiveness rates, with blinded photo review showing improvement in 90.4% of patients versus 79.1% in the control group. Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale scores also favored the cross-linked HA product, with more patients rated as “significantly improved” or “very significantly improved.” The treatment demonstrated favorable tolerability, with fewer reports of moderate-to-severe pain, likely due to the inclusion of lidocaine in the formulation, eliminating the need for topical anesthesia. Most adverse events were mild injection-site reactions that resolved spontaneously. Investigators concluded that cross-linked HA gel offers a safe, effective, and more durable nonsurgical option for neck rejuvenation, with improved patient comfort compared with non–cross-linked HA fillers.¹

Clinical Case Reports | The First Case of Linear Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Following Covid-19 Vaccination: A Case Report

This case report describes what investigators believe to be the first documented instance of linear cutaneous discoid lupus erythematosus (LCDLE) developing after COVID-19 vaccination. The patient, a 15-year-old boy, developed pruritic, erythematous, scaly plaques on his right upper extremity approximately 1 month after receiving the second dose of the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine. The initial lesion appeared at the injection site and progressively spread in a linear pattern along the lines of Blaschko over 2 years before the correct diagnosis was established. Histopathology showed lichenoid interface dermatitis, follicular plugging, dermal mucin deposition, and lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates, supporting the diagnosis of LCDLE. Laboratory evaluation for systemic lupus erythematosus was negative. Treatment with hydroxychloroquine, clobetasol, and tacrolimus led to persistent but stable disease over 1 year of follow-up. The authors emphasize that clinicians should consider LCDLE in patients presenting with linear eruptions after vaccination, although causality remains unproven.²

Dermatologic Therapy | Efficacy of Topical Propolis and Aloe vera Gel as an Adjuvant to Benzoyl Peroxide in Moderate Acne Vulgaris: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This randomized, double-blind controlled trial evaluated whether topical propolis and Aloe vera gel could enhance outcomes when added to 5% benzoyl peroxide (BPO) in 72 patients aged 15 to 29 years with moderate acne vulgaris. Over 8 weeks, participants receiving the adjunctive propolis/Aloe vera formulation demonstrated significantly greater reductions in Cutibacterium acnes bacterial load, inflammatory biomarkers, and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation compared with BPO monotherapy. The intervention group achieved a larger decrease in TNF-α and IL-6 expression, suggesting enhanced anti-inflammatory activity. Hyperpigmentation improved in 96% of patients receiving combination therapy versus 34% in the control group. Investigators noted that the adjunctive regimen may also help reduce irritation and dryness commonly associated with BPO through barrier-supportive and hydrating effects attributed to Aloe vera. The authors concluded that propolis and Aloe vera may serve as effective adjunctive therapies for moderate acne by targeting inflammation, bacterial overgrowth, and pigmentary sequelae while potentially improving the tolerability of standard topical treatment.³

Journal of the German Society of Dermatology | Dupilumab for the treatment of eczema molluscatum: A pediatric case report and systematic literature review

A pediatric case report and systematic literature review suggests that dupilumab may be a promising treatment option for eczema molluscatum (EM), a disseminated molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) infection that can complicate atopic dermatitis (AD) in children. Investigators described a 4-year-old child with severe EM and refractory AD who failed conventional topical therapies. Treatment with dupilumab 300 mg every 4 weeks resulted in rapid improvement of AD symptoms and complete clearance of MCV-1 infection without adverse events. To further evaluate the association, researchers conducted a systematic literature review and identified 9 previously reported adult cases of dupilumab use in patients with concurrent MCV infection. Although 5 patients experienced a temporary flare of EM before improvement, overall outcomes were favorable. This report represents the first published pediatric case and adds to growing evidence that dupilumab may safely control AD while supporting resolution of associated molluscum contagiosum infection.⁴

Journal of Dermatological Treatment | Beyond efficacy: pulse duration is crucial for adverse events in pulsed dye laser therapy for rosacea

In this prospective randomized controlled trial, it was found that both 6 ms and 10 ms pulsed dye laser (PDL) settings effectively improved erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR), but the longer pulse duration demonstrated better tolerability. Investigators enrolled 80 patients with ETR who received a single 595-nm PDL treatment using either a 6 ms or 10 ms pulse duration. Both groups showed significant reductions in erythema severity, telangiectasia, and overall rosacea scores at 4 weeks, with no significant differences in efficacy between treatment arms. Objective imaging analysis also confirmed comparable reductions in redness and erythema area. However, adverse events differed significantly. Patients treated with the 6 ms setting experienced higher rates of edema and purpura, particularly during the first week after treatment. Patient satisfaction and symptom improvement were similar between groups. While both pulse durations are effective for rosacea-associated erythema, the 10 ms setting may offer a more favorable safety and recovery profile for clinical practice.⁵

References

1. Li Y, Bai Z, Zhao C, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Cross-Linked Sodium Hyaluronate for the Treatment of Moderate-to-Severe Neck Wrinkles: A Prospective, Multicenter, Randomized, Single-Blind Clinical Trial. Dermatologic Therapy. 2026, 5533070, 8 pages, 2026. https://doi.org/10.1155/dth/5533070

2. Saberi F, Ghanadan A, Razavi Z, et al. The First Case of Linear Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Following Covid-19 Vaccination: A Case Report. Clinical Case Reports. 14, no. 5 (2026): e72703, https://doi.org/10.1002/ccr3.72703.

3. Megantara I, Tandi Y, Emigasando S, et al. Efficacy of Topical Propolis and Aloe vera Gel as an Adjuvant to Benzoyl Peroxide in Moderate Acne Vulgaris: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Dermatologic Therapy. 2026, 8836260, 10 pages, 2026. https://doi.org/10.1155/dth/8836260

4. Obermeier PE, Puzich U, Brinkmann A, Schrick L, Mühlendyck A. Dupilumab for the treatment of eczema molluscatum: A pediatric case report and systematic literature review. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. Published online May 8, 2026. doi:10.1111/ddg.70176

5. Liu T, Liu Y, Meng X, et al. Beyond efficacy: pulse duration is crucial for adverse events in pulsed dye laser therapy for rosacea. J Dermatolog Treat. 2026;37(1):2665064. doi:10.1080/09546634.2026.2665064