Journal Digest: May 20, 2026

Macro-Molecular Bioscience | Multifunctional Hyaluronic Acid Releasing Hydrogel Film With Nano/Micro Wrinkles: Thin Acne Patch for Localized Therapeutics

Researchers developed a thin hydrogel acne patch designed to deliver localized hyaluronic acid (HA) therapy without the discomfort associated with dissolving microneedles. The transparent patch combines crosslinked HA and hydrocolloid material and features nano- to microscale wrinkle-like structures that improve skin adhesion without additional adhesives. Investigators noted that the flexible, breathable, and moisture-retaining design closely mimics skin properties, which may improve patient comfort and adherence. The patch provided biphasic HA release, allowing prolonged antioxidant and antibacterial activity that could help reduce inflammation and sebum production in acne vulgaris. Cytocompatibility testing also supported the safety profile of the material for dermatologic use. Importantly, the platform can incorporate additional active ingredients, potentially enabling combination therapy for enhanced therapeutic benefit. The authors suggest this microneedle-free technology may represent a promising future approach for localized acne treatment and other dermatologic conditions requiring targeted drug delivery with minimal skin disruption.¹

Health Science Reports | Association of Body Roundness Index, Lipid Accumulation Product, and Triglyceride-Glucose Index With Psoriasis: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies

A new systematic review suggests that emerging metabolic markers may help dermatology clinicians identify psoriasis patients at increased cardiometabolic risk. Investigators reviewed 15 observational studies involving more than 65,000 participants evaluating the Body Roundness Index (BRI), Lipid Accumulation Product (LAP), and Triglyceride-Glucose (TyG) index in psoriasis. Across studies, higher BRI and LAP values were consistently associated with increased psoriasis risk, although correlations with Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores were generally weak or absent. The TyG index showed the strongest association with systemic complications, including major adverse cardiovascular events, carotid atherosclerosis, fatty liver disease, and all-cause mortality in patients with psoriasis. The authors noted these indices may better capture central adiposity, insulin resistance, and lipid dysregulation than traditional measures such as BMI alone. Because the calculations rely on routine anthropometric and laboratory data, the indices could offer a practical, low-cost method for risk stratification and holistic psoriasis management.²

Contact Dermatitis | Epidemiological, Clinical and Allergic Profile of Patients With Dyshidrotic Eczema (Acute and Recurrent Vesicular Dermatitis): Evaluation of the Spanish Registry of Research in Contact Dermatitis and Cutaneous Allergy (REIDAC)

A large multicenter study from the Spanish Registry of Research in Contact Dermatitis and Cutaneous Allergy (REIDAC) evaluated the epidemiologic, clinical, and allergologic characteristics of dyshidrotic eczema (DE), also known as acute and recurrent vesicular dermatitis. Investigators reviewed data from 4378 patients with hand eczema who underwent patch testing between 2019 and 2024; 559 patients (12.8%) were diagnosed with DE. Compared with other hand eczema subtypes, patients with DE were younger, had longer disease duration (median 24 vs 14 months), and more frequently had plantar involvement and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. Occupational factors were identified less often in DE (9% vs 29%), and 61% of patients had no identifiable underlying cause. Patch testing revealed at least 1 positive allergen reaction in 43% of patients with DE, supporting continued use of patch testing in recurrent or refractory cases. Common allergens included nickel, methylisothiazolinone, cobalt, fragrances, propolis, and 2-HEMA. However, sensitization rates to several occupational allergens, including carba mix, thiuram mix, and 2-HEMA, were lower in DE than in non-DE hand eczema. Overall, findings suggest DE may be less driven by external or occupational triggers and may have a stronger endogenous component than other hand eczema subtypes.³

Journal of the German Society of Dermatology | Familial hidradenitis suppurativa is associated with an increased prevalence of metabolic and cardiovascular comorbidity

In this multicenter cohort analysis, researchers suggested that patients with familial hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) may face a greater burden of metabolic and cardiovascular comorbidities than those with sporadic disease. Investigators analyzed data from 236 patients enrolled in the EpiCAI and BATMAN studies, including 61 patients with at least 1 first-degree relative diagnosed with HS. Familial HS was associated with an earlier age of onset compared with sporadic HS (20.4 vs 23.6 years), although disease severity was slightly milder overall. Rates of obesity and smoking were similarly high in both groups. However, patients with familial HS showed higher rates of hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. Notably, 6.6% of familial HS patients had all 3 metabolic conditions compared with 0.6% of sporadic cases, corresponding to a 12-fold increased odds ratio. Male patients with familial HS appeared particularly vulnerable, demonstrating markedly higher rates of hyperlipidemia and diabetes despite similar BMI and smoking histories. The authors emphasized the importance of cardiovascular and metabolic screening in patients with familial HS, particularly men and those with early-onset disease.⁴

International Journal of Dermatology | Early On-Treatment Change in SALT as a Pragmatic Predictor of Ritlecitinib Response in Moderate-To-Severe Alopecia Areata: A Real-World Cohort Study

This real-world cohort study suggests that early improvement with ritlecitinib may help predict longer-term response in patients with moderate to severe alopecia areata. Investigators followed 77 adolescents and adults treated with ritlecitinib 50 mg daily and evaluated whether changes in Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) scores at 12 weeks could predict treatment success at 24 weeks. Median SALT scores improved from 90 at baseline to 30 by week 24, with 43.8% of evaluable patients achieving SALT ≤20 at 24 weeks. Patients who ultimately responded showed much greater early improvement at week 12 than nonresponders, making week-12 ΔSALT a strong predictor of later success. Researchers found that every 10-point SALT reduction at week 12 significantly increased the odds of week-24 response. Eyebrow and eyelash regrowth, anxiety and quality-of-life scores, and overall patient-reported outcomes also improved over time. Treatment was generally well tolerated, with mostly mild adverse events such as headache, acne, and upper respiratory infections. These findings support using a 12-week SALT assessment as a practical treat-to-target checkpoint to guide counseling, monitor progress, and inform decisions about continuing or adjusting ritlecitinib therapy in clinical practice.⁵

References

1. Chowdhury SR, Babu R, Bhadauria P, et al. Multifunctional Hyaluronic Acid Releasing Hydrogel Film With Nano/Micro Wrinkles: Thin Acne Patch for Localized Therapeutics. Macromolecular Bioscience 26, no. 5 (2026): e00601. https://doi.org/10.1002/mabi.202500601

2. Yousefiasl M, Abadifard E, Khanmohammadi S, et al. Association of Body Roundness Index, Lipid Accumulation Product, and Triglyceride-Glucose Index With Psoriasis: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies. Health Science Reports 9 (2026): e72542, https://doi.org/10.1002/hsr2.72542.

3. Sánchez-Gilo A, Gómez de la Fuente E, Giménez-Arnau AM, et al. Epidemiological, Clinical and Allergic Profile of Patients With Dyshidrotic Eczema (Acute and Recurrent Vesicular Dermatitis): Evaluation of the Spanish Registry of Research in Contact Dermatitis and Cutaneous Allergy (REIDAC). Contact Dermatitis. Published online May 17, 2026. doi:10.1111/cod.70184

4. Al-Gburi S, Ghaffari N, Schultheis M, et al. Familial hidradenitis suppurativa is associated with an increased prevalence of metabolic and cardiovascular comorbidity. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. Published online May 17, 2026. doi:10.1111/ddg.70403

5. Gallo G, di Corteranzo IG, Quaglino P, Ribero S, Rosset F. Early On-Treatment Change in SALT as a Pragmatic Predictor of Ritlecitinib Response in Moderate-To-Severe Alopecia Areata: A Real-World Cohort Study. Int J Dermatol. Published online May 17, 2026. doi:10.1111/ijd.70462