Psoriasis is an immune-mediated dermatosis characterized by systemic inflammation and multifactorial pathogenesis. Among its many triggers, psychological stress has emerged as a pivotal yet underappreciated contributor to disease onset and exacerbation. Although the pathomechanisms by which psychological stress is involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis are not clear, evidence suggests a regulatory role of psychologic stress in immune functions, including increasing expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines and intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and decreasing anti-inflammatory cytokines and the function of glucocorticoid receptors, possibly in part via activation of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)-proopiomelanocortin (POMC)-adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-corticosteroids axis. In addition, the onset and/or worsening of psoriasis can also be attributed to psychological stress-induced defective epidermal permeability barrier function. Moreover, the bidirectional nature of this relationship often leads to a vicious cycle of flare-ups and psychological distress, further complicating patient management and quality of life. This review aims to synthesize current evidence on the relationship between stress and psoriasis, examining mechanistic pathways through which psychosocial stress contributes to immune dysregulation in psoriatic pathology. It also underscores the significance of psychological interventions in the management of psoriasis.

Melanoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer arising from melanocytes, noted for its high metastatic potential and elevated mortality rate. Conventional treatment approaches are often limited by nonspecific systemic drug distribution, which can result in undesirable adverse effects and premature drug degradation. In this study, we report the development of a microneedle (MN)-mediated delivery platform, incorporating self-assembling polymeric micelles, combining a dissolvable MN patch with polymeric micelles designed to prevent ICG aggregation and co-encapsulate ZER and ICG, and enable combined chemotherapy and photothermal therapy against melanoma. These nanocarriers, referred to as ZER-ICG-polymer micelles, co-encapsulate Zerumbone (ZER)—a lipophilic sesquiterpenoid—and indocyanine green (ICG), a well-known photothermal agent. In vitro cytotoxicity assessments and intracellular distribution studies confirm a marked synergistic therapeutic effect under NIR light exposure, facilitating localized thermal ablation of melanoma cells. In vivo experiments using melanoma-bearing mice demonstrate that a single application of the ZER-ICG-loaded dissolvable microneedle patch, coupled with NIR irradiation, achieves potent photothermal performance and robust tumor growth inhibition, while inducing minimal systemic toxicity and negligible side effects. These findings highlight the promising potential of this transdermal delivery system for the treatment of superficial malignant tumors.

Vitiligo has been reported to occur in association with lupus erythematosus (LE) and other autoimmune diseases. However, it remains unclear whether this association occurs because of shared immunopathogenesis. We hereby describe a case of discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) in a 51-year-old man with a 3 years history of skin lesions on his face, arms, and the V zone of the neck, and with the coexistence of vitiligo for 12 years, who developed from DLE to hypertrophic discoid lupus erythematosus (HDLE) after 10 months. We reviewed the previously reported cases to summarize the clinical characteristics of these patients and hope it may provide a reference for dermatologists.

The skin serves as the primary defensive barrier of the human body against external stimuli and damage. Keratinocytes, which are the predominant cell type in the human epidermis, undergo a differentiation process that is crucial for the formation of the skin barrier. Myricetin, a dietary flavonoid present in various fruits and vegetables, is known to play a significant role in maintaining intestinal barrier function; however, its impact on the skin barrier remains inadequately understood. Consequently, this study investigates the effects of myricetin on the differentiation of epidermal keratinocytes and the integrity of the skin barrier. Differentiation of primary mouse keratinocytes was induced using 1.8 mM CaCl₂. tudy demonstrated that myricetin effectively suppresses cell proliferation and induces both cell cycle arrest and calcium ion (Ca²⁺) influx, without influencing apoptosis. Concurrently, myricetin enhances the expression of differentiation markers, including K10, TGase1, Filaggrin, and Involucrin, and facilitates the formation of tight junctions. Upon examining the underlying mechanisms, we discovered that myricetin activates the TRPV4 channel, and the promotion of keratinocyte differentiation by myricetin is contingent upon the activation of this channel. In summary, these findings suggested that myricetin could promote keratinocytes differentiation and have well-established skin barrier protective function.

Tjalma’s syndrome is a benign combination of ascites, pleural effusion, and elevated CA-125 occurring in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Reports of Tjalma’s syndrome are scarce. An elevated CA-125 level often suggests the possibility of the presence of a malignant tumor. We report a case of generalised erythema and blisters with pruritus, massive unilateral pleural effusion and elevated CA-125. This patient was finally diagnosed with bullous systemic lupus erythematosus after exclusion of tumour and other maculopapular disorders. We hope that this particular case may provide a more comprehensive and novel diagnostic idea of systemic lupus erythematosus and pleural effusion, avoiding unnecessary anxiety, laboratory tests and surgical interventions.

Alopecia Areata (AA) is a common form of scarless alopecia. Its pathogenesis may be related to T cell-mediated autoimmune attack on hair follicles. Its clinical manifestations are mostly round or oval patches of AA, which can progress to Alopecia Totalis (AT) and Alopecia Universalis (AU). In severe cases, it affects the psychological health and quality of life of patients. In the past, the treatment of AA mainly relied on intra-lesional or systemic application of glucocorticoids, minoxidil or immunomodulators, which had problems such as limited efficacy and high recurrence rate. Some studies have also found that JAK inhibitors have improved effects on many autoimmune diseases, including AA. This case report presents a patient with AA who achieved significant therapeutic effects from treatment with Tofacitinib Citrate Sustained-Release Tablets, manufactured by Qilu Pharmaceutical Company in China. Due to the recurrence rate of AA, patients are likely to need long-term medication. The resulting economic burden cannot be ignored. We therefore investigated the mechanisms and economic benefits of various JAK inhibitors in the treatment of AA, in order to provide better guidance to patients with recurring disease who need long-term medication, and to their doctors in choosing a more rational therapeutic agent according to the patient’s condition and economic status.