Ye-Jin Jung

IL-1α Stimulation Restores Epidermal Permeability and Antimicrobial Barriers Compromised by Topical Tacrolimus

In a previous study, we showed that barrier recovery was delayed after acute barrier disruption in the skin treated with topical calcineurin inhibitors. Tacrolimus decreases lipid synthesis and the expressions of antimicrobial peptide (AMP) and IL-1α in the epidermis. IL-1α is an important cytokine for improving barrier function, lamellar body (LB) production, and lipid synthesis in keratinocytes (KCs). We aimed to evaluate whether IL-1α stimulation could restore the barrier dysfunction observed in tacrolimus-treated skin. Topical imiquimod, an IL-1α inducer, restored the epidermal permeability barrier recovery that had been inhibited by tacrolimus treatment in human (n=15) and murine (n=10) skins, and improved stratum corneum integrity by restoring corneodosmosomes in murine skin (n=6). Imiquimod co-applied on the epidermis resulted in an increase in the production of LB and three major lipid synthesis-related enzymes, and in the expressions of mBD3, CRAMP, and IL-1α (n=5). Furthermore, intracutaneous injection of IL-1α restored permeability barrier recovery (n=6). In IL-1 type 1 receptor knockout mice, topical imiquimod was unable to restore permeability barrier recovery after tacrolimus treatment (n=21). In conclusion, IL-1α stimulation induced positive effects on epidermal permeability and antimicrobial barrier functions in tacrolimus-treated skin. These positive effects were mediated by an increase in epidermal lipid synthesis, LB production, and AMP expression.

A Case of Recurrent Superficial Acral Fibromyxoma

Superficial acral fibromyxoma (SAFM) is a rare myxoid tumor that was first described in 2001. The presence of a very slow growing solitary tender mass in the subungual area is the typical clinical feature at presentation. Histopathologically, SAFM is composed of stellate cells in a myxocollagenous matrix with a poorly circumscribed margin. This tumor is thought to be benign, but its natural course is not fully understood. We describe a 15-year-old patient with recurrent SAFM and discuss the proper treatment and follow up.

A Herpes Simplex Virus Infection Secondary to Acupuncture and Cupping

Acupuncture and cupping have a public reputation as being safe even though these practices can lead to complications such as trauma or infection. We report here on a case of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection secondary to acupuncture and cupping in a 56-year-old woman. The patient, who had a history of acupuncture and cupping on her left forearm for treating her myalgia, developed painful papules. Histologically, the biopsy specimen showed characteristic ballooning degeneration and inclusion bodies in the epidermis and mid-dermis. These clinical and histological findings were consistent with the diagnosis of HSV infection.

A Case of Lichen Planus Pigmentosus-inversus in a Korean Patient

Lichen planus pigmentosus-inversus is a rare variant of lichen planus pigmentosus. The eruption of lichen planus pigmentosus-inversus occurs mainly in the flexural regions and presents with brownish macules and patches. Here we describe the case of a 31-year-old Korean woman who presented with hyperpigmented lesions over her antecubital and popliteal area and groin. Physical examination revealed multiple brownish macules and patches on the intertriginous area without pruritis, and histologic findings showed a regressive pattern of lichen planus. These clinical and histological findings were consistent with a diagnosis of lichen planus pigmentosus-inversus.

A Case of Acrodermatitis Enteropathica Localized on the Hands and Feet with a Normal Serum Zinc Level

Acrodermatitis enteropathica is classified as a congenital autosomal recessive type and an acquired transient type. This disease manifests as acral and periorificial dermatitis, alopecia, intractable diarrhea, and failure to thrive. Whereas the autosomal hereditary type is caused by malabsorption of zinc in the intestine, the acquired type is caused by low nutritional support or decreased peripheral release of zinc from blood. We experienced a case of a 5-month old, breast feeding, full-term female presenting with only acral bullous dermatitis without diarrhea, periorificial dermatitis and an abnormal serum zinc level.

Late-onset eccrine angiomatous hamartoma associated with a ganglion cyst on the sole of the foot.

Eccrine angiomatous hamartoma (EAH) is a benign, uncommon, combined vascular and eccrine malformation. Most cases of this disorder have been single or multiple nodules or plaques that appear red, yellow, blue, violaceous, or skin colored. EAH may be congenital or appear later in childhood; it rarely arises during puberty or adulthood. A 52-year-old female patient visited our department for tender subcutaneous cystic tumor on the right sole with a one month history. Histopathologic examination confirmed EAH. During excisional biopsy procedure, mucinous discharges were observed which were histopathologically diagnosed as ganglion.

Long-Term Utility and Durability of the Therapeutic Effects of Bimatoprost 0.03% for Eyelash Augmentation in Healthy Asian Subjects

Background: Eyelashes of Asians differ from those of Caucasians in morphology and growth characteristics. Ethnic differences also exist for the tolerability profile of prostaglandin analogues. Objective: To evaluate the long-term utility and durability of bimatoprost 0.03% in eyelash augmentation in Asian females. Methods: One cohort received bimatoprost 0.03% for 36 weeks and another for 20 weeks, with the latter cohort followed for 16 weeks after treatment cessation. The primary endpoint was the percent change in eyelash length at week 20. Secondary measures included percent change in eyelash thickness and darkness, physicians Global Eyelash Assessment and patient satisfaction. Results: At week 20, eyelash length was enhanced in a time-dependent manner, with maximum improvement achieved (19.3%; p < 0.0001). Significant improvements in thickness and darkness were also achieved (22.9%, 6.0%; p < 0.0001). 77.8% of subjects improved by ≥1 grade on Global Eyelash Assessment, with 83.1% satisfied/very satisfied. Improvements were maintained with ongoing treatment to 36 weeks, while these effects were progressively lost with discontinuation. Conclusion: Bimatoprost 0.03% safely enhanced eyelashes in Asian females, maintained with ongoing treatment. Cessation of treatment was associated with progressive loss of effects.