Acne vulgaris is the commonest dermatological problem internationally and nationally. Its incidence is increasing every year in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Though it is not a major health issue but it significantly affects the patient cosmetically, psychologically and socially. Previous studies have shown its association with lifestyle (age, diet, stress, sleep, smoking, exercise, obesity, etc.) and family history. By simple cost-effective lifestyle modification, its occurrence and late consequences could be minimized. Few hospital-based studies are done on this issue in Hail City, KSA. Hence present cross-sectional study was designed where data was collected by Google-Form from 484 residents of Hail City. Results have revealed that 65% of our respondents were suffering from mild to moderate Acne. Thirty percent of the respondents had BMI equal to more than 30. Majority of respondents (81%) had acne on whole face. Similarly, dairy products were also consumed by more than 50%. Majority of respondents (more than 50%) took chocolates, fast foods, oily foods and sea-foods. Nuts were taken quite often by 37% of respondents. Age between 21-25 years and oily skin have a highly significant association (p = 0.000) with development of acne. Other variables that show significant association with acne were being obese, stressful, irregular menstrual cycles and excessive intake of nuts. Hence there is a need to address this issue in order to design recommendations for the general public to minimize the incidence and consequences of acne vulgaris by simple lifestyle modifications.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a vector-borne disease transmitted by the bite of an infected sand fly. This disease is highly prevalent in Saudi Arabia where Leishmania major and L. tropica are the etiological agents. In the region of Hail, northwestern of Saudi Arabia, the incidence is about 183 cases/year. However, the epidemiology of the disease in this area is not well understood. Thus, an epidemiological survey was conducted in 2015–2016 to identify the circulating parasite and the sand fly fauna in the region of Hail. Skin lesion scrapings were collected from suspected patients with CL. The diagnosis was made by microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained smear and PCR. The parasite was identified by PCR and sequencing of the single copy putative translation initiation factor alpha subunit gene. Sand fly specimens were collected and identified morphologically. Total DNA was extracted from the abdomen of female specimens and Leishmania DNA was detected by PCR. Among the 57 examined patients, 37 were positive for CL. The identification of the parasite has revealed the single species Leishmania major. The 384 sand flies were collected belonged to two genera (Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia), six sub-genera and six species. Phlebotomus papatasi, Ph. kazeruni and Sergentomyia clydei were the dominant species. Leishmania DNA was detected in two females of Ph. papatasi two of Ph. kazeruni and one specimen of Sergentomyia clydei. Leishmania major is confirmed to be the etiological agent of cutaneous leishmaniasis in northwestern Saudi Arabia. The molecular detection of Leishmania DNA in Ph. papatasi and Ph. kazeruni supports the potential role of these two species in the transmission of Leishmania. Further epidemiological studies are needed to prove their role and to evaluate the burden of CL in the study region.

Background: Recent advancements in regenerative medicine have introduced mesenchymal stem cell–derived exosomes (MSC-Exos) as a novel therapeutic approach. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles containing proteins, lipids, and RNAs capable of modulating cellular behavior and promoting tissue regeneration. A systematic review of human studies is warranted to summarize outcomes, assess therapeutic value, and guide clinical applications. Objectives: This systematic review synthesizes current evidence on mesenchymal stem cell–derived exosomes for cutaneous scars, aging, and hyperpigmentation, with a focus on functional and aesthetic outcomes. Method: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar (January 2010–July 2025) was performed following 2020 PRISMA guidelines. Eligible studies included studies that were randomized controlled trials, pilot studies, case series, and case reports involving human participants treated with MSC-Exos. Outcomes assessed were scar remodeling, pigmentation, skin regeneration, recurrence, and adverse events. Data extraction and bias assessment were conducted independently. Result: Six studies (n = 99; age 19–72 years) from diverse regions, including the United States, the Republic of Korea, and México, were included. MSC-Exos therapy showed promising improvements in reducing scar thickness (32.5% vs. 19.9%, p < 0.01), wrinkle parameters were reduced by 1 (2.4–14.4% vs. 6.6–7.1%, p < 0.05), and elasticity was enhanced (+11.3% vs. −3.3%, p = 0.002) Additional benefits included hydration (+6.5% vs. +4.5%, p = 0.37) and reduced melanin index (−9.9% vs. −1%, p = 0.44). The Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale score showed significant improvement (p = 0.005). Using the Investigator Global Assessment, 16 out of 25 areas treated with exosomes showed significant improvement (grade ≥ 2), compared to 12 out of 25 areas in the control group (p = 0.02), indicating that exosome treatment led to more visible improvement. Complete resolution of icepick scars, partial improvement of boxcar/rolling scars, and no recurrence of keloids (18/21) were reported. Adverse events were mild and transient. Conclusions: Early human evidence suggests that MSC-Exos may offer potential therapeutic benefits for scars, hyperpigmentation, and skin aging, with favorable short-term safety profiles. However, the current evidence remains preliminary due to small sample sizes, heterogeneous study designs, and limited follow-up durations. Larger, well-designed randomized trials are needed to confirm long-term efficacy and safety.

Background: Dermatology in healthcare is changed by technological advancements, patient awareness, and developing healthcare needs. In Saudi Arabia, choosing a dermatologist is influenced by various factors, including patient satisfaction, digital technology use, and the physician’s characteristics and qualities. Purpose: The major aim of this research was to evaluate factors influencing patients’ choice of dermatologists in Saudi Arabia, including past experiences, reputation, social media influence, and access to care. Methods: A comprehensive national survey was conducted in Saudi Arabia. The research included 1038 participants using stratified sampling, predominantly from the 18–25 age group (67.1%). The distribution covered all regions of Saudi Arabia, with a larger portion from the Central and Western regions. The survey included quantitative and qualitative questions, assessing factors such as previous experiences with dermatologists, the importance of physician reputation, the role of digital platforms, and access to care. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Studies (SPSS 22; IBM Corp., New York, NY, USA), with continuous variables expressed as mean ± standard deviation and categorical variables as percentages. Results: Our study highlighted a strong preference for dermatologists based on previous positive experiences (95.3%) and reputable dermatologists (95.2%). Factors like social media presence were less influential. Demographics matter, with younger and female participants favoring female doctors. The education level affects preference factors like ads, and the convenience of their location holds minimal sway. Recommendations from peers and healthcare professionals carry significant weight in the decision. Conclusions: Positive patient experiences and professional reputation suggest that these are the factors that affect patients’ selection of a dermatologist the most. The research findings indicated that while digital platforms are important for information dissemination, they play a minimal role in the actual selection process. The findings can guide dermatologists and healthcare policymakers in enhancing patient-centered care and adapting to evolving patient preferences in the digital age.