Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a complex dermatological condition characterized by recurrent wheals and/or angioedema lasting for more than six weeks, significantly impairing patients’ quality of life. According to European guidelines, the first step in treatment involves second-generation H1-antihistamines (sgAHs), which block peripheral H1 receptors to alleviate symptoms. In cases with inadequate responses, the dose of antihistamines can be increased by up to fourfold. If symptoms persist despite this adjustment, the next step involves the use of omalizumab, a monoclonal anti-IgE antibody, which has shown efficacy in the majority of cases. However, a subset of patients remains refractory, necessitating alternative treatments such as immunosuppressive agents like cyclosporine or azathioprine. To address these unmet needs, several new therapeutic targets are being explored. Among them, significant attention is being given to drugs that block Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK), such as remibrutinib, which reduces mast cell activation. Therapies like dupilumab, which target the interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-13 pathways, are also under investigation. Additionally, molecules targeting the Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor X2 (MRGPRX2), and those inhibiting the tyrosine kinase receptor Kit, such as barzolvolimab, show promise in clinical studies. These emerging treatments offer new options for patients with difficult-to-treat CSU and have the potential to modify the natural course of the disease by targeting key immune pathways, helping to achieve longer-term remission. Further research is essential to better elucidate the pathophysiology of CSU and optimize treatment protocols to achieve long-term benefits in managing this condition. Altogether, the future of CSU treatments that target pathogenetic mechanisms seems promising.

The effects of UV radiation on the skin and its damage mechanisms are well known. New modalities of exogenous photoprotection have been studied. It was demonstrated that Polypodium leucotomos extract acts as an antioxidant, photoprotectant, antimutagenic, anti-inflammatory, and immunoregulator. It is effective when taken orally and/or applied topically to support the prevention of skin cancers. It also has an important role in preventing photoaging. This review aims to report the mechanisms through which Polypodium leucotomos acts and to analyze its uses in oncodermatology with references to in vitro and in vivo studies. Additionally, alternative uses in non-neoplastic diseases, such as pigmentary disorders, photosensitivity, and atopic dermatitis, have been considered.

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is an inflammatory and chronic-recurrent disease of the hair follicle. Its aetiopathogenesis is not completely known. Although bacterial colonization and superinfection are clinically relevant, lymph node involvement has rarely been studied. Objectives: In this pilot retrospective study, we evaluated the clinical and microbiological nodal involvement in patients with axillary hidradenitis suppurativa. Materials and methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients suffering from axillary hidradenitis suppurativa and referred to the Dermatology Unit of the Foundation Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico in Milan between October 2018 and November 2019. The sampling procedure took place during the surgical excision of lesions at the Operative Unit of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery of Policlinico San Donato Hospital. Three types of sample were sent to microbiological analysis: exudate swab, axillary lymph node, fistula. Result: In total, we recruited 10 patients. Two of them underwent bilateral axillary surgery. Nine lymph nodes were analyzed. In one patient, bacterial culture in lymph nodes, skin lesions and fistulae matched. Conclusions: Unequivocable conclusions cannot be drawn due to the low number of patients. Further studies are necessary to confirm the preliminary results of our retrospective pilot study.