Background: The lack of clinical guidelines for the treatment of primary psychodermatologic disorders (PPDs) hinders the delivery of optimal care to patients. The review aimed to identify, appraise, and summarize the currently available evidence about the safety and effectiveness of pharmacological management of PPDs through randomized controlled trials (RCTs).Methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRIMSA) statement and the Global Evidence Mapping Initiative guidance were followed. Medline, Embase, PsycInfo, Cochrane and Scopus were searched, and two reviewers independently completed article review, data extraction, and quality assessment.Results: Among 2618 unique studies, full texts of 83 were reviewed and 21 RCTs were included. Five PDDs were identified: trichotillomania ( n = 12), pathologic skin picking ( n = 5), nail biting ( n = 2), delusional parasitosis ( n = 1), and dermatitis from compulsive hand washing ( n = 1). Seven different classes of medications were investigated: SSRIs (i.e., fluoxetine, sertraline, and citalopram), tricyclic antidepressants (i.e., clomipramine and desipramine), antipsychotics (i.e., olanzapine and pimozide), anticonvulsant (i.e., lamotrigine), N-acetylcysteine, inositol, and milk thistle. RCT-derived evidence supports the use of antidepressants in trichotillomania (sertraline and clomipramine), pathologic skin picking (fluoxetine), pathologic nail biting and dermatitis from compulsive hand washing (clomipramine or desipramine); antipsychotics in trichotillomania (olanzapine) and delusional parasitosis (pimozide); N-acetyl cysteine in trichotillomania and skin picking.Conclusion: Few pharmacotherapies for primary psychodermatologic disorders are assessed through controlled trials in the literature. This review serves as a roadmap for researchers and clinicians to reach informed decisions with current evidence, and to build on it to establish guidelines in the future.

Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) can lead to complications such as scarring and delayed wound healing, particularly in sensitive areas such as the face, neck, and chest. This study aims to assess the evidence regarding the use of lasers post-MMS for wound healing and scar revision. A comprehensive systematic review of the literature was performed using databases including MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL from inception until July 25, 2022. A total of 2147 unique studies were identified, from which 17 were included in the analysis. A total of 17 studies reported applications of lasers with favourable efficacy including wound healing (n = 1), resurfacing of full-thickness skin grafts and split-thickness skin grafts (n = 4), periscar telangiectasias (n = 1), functional scar contractures (n = 2), and scar texture (n = 9). Minimal adverse effects were reported with the use of lasers post-MMS. Overall, the use of lasers post-MMS is a safe and well-tolerated option for scar revision with high patient satisfaction and is less invasive than surgical interventions.

BACKGROUND: From the theoretical foundations of laser and energy-based applications for the skin to the development of advanced medical devices, the field of dermatologic surgery has undergone transformative changes. OBJECTIVE: To review the scientific and clinical advancement of laser and energy-based therapies within dermatologic surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search was conducted to identify important scientific advancements and landmark studies on light, laser, and energy-based devices within the field of dermatologic surgery. RESULTS: Since the introduction of selective photothermolysis principles in the 1980s, numerous laser and energy-based devices have been developed to effectively treat vascular lesions, target pigmentation, remove tattoos, rejuvenate the skin, and remove hair. Beyond aesthetic applications, photodynamic therapy was introduced to treat various neoplastic and inflammatory conditions. Lasers have also been employed to enhance transcutaneous drug delivery, and new lasers continue to emerge for treating common inflammatory conditions, such as acne. These innovations have contributed to a paradigm shift toward safe and effective, but less invasive, procedure-based treatment in addressing medical and aesthetic concerns in dermatology. CONCLUSION: Dermatologists have consistently led the way in the continuous development and innovative application of laser and energy-based devices to effectively address a variety of skin conditions.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition with painful lesions in friction‐prone areas, impacting patients' physical and mental well‐being. Adults with HS experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, and reduced quality of life. Children with HS may also face these challenges, but a comprehensive review of their mental health implications is lacking. A narrative review was conducted using PubMed and Ovid Medline databases to investigate the association between HS and anxiety or depression in pediatric populations. A total of 4498 pediatric patients from six studies were included in this study: six examined depression alone, and three also studied anxiety. Two studies found a significant correlation between HS and depression in pediatric patients (p < .001), while two reported statistical significance for anxiety (p < .001). Two studies comparing pediatric and adult populations also reported a higher prevalence and incidence of depression among pediatric populations (p < .05). Another study found no incidences of depression or anxiety in HS or control patients. Despite heterogeneity in control groups, methodologies, and health system databases, the included studies suggest that pediatric patients with HS have a higher likelihood of developing depression compared to healthy pediatric patients and exhibit higher depression rates and lower anxiety rates compared to adults. These findings and the limited availability of data regarding this topic underscore the imperative for increased screening, evaluation, and reporting of psychiatric disorders among pediatric populations. This can help understand the connection between HS and depression or anxiety and ultimately enhance the mental well‐being and quality of life for affected children.