Wiley

Skin Research and Technology

Published by Wiley and International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin

Online ISSN: 1600-0846

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Print ISSN: 0909-752X

Disciplines: Dermatology

Journal websiteAuthor guidelines

Top read articles

1,531 reads in the past 30 days

Primary skin lesions contain primary skin lesions such as macules, patches, papules, plaques, vesicles, bulla, pustules, and nodules that occur as an unswerving effect of the disease process.
Secondary skin lesions are because by rubbing, scratching, local applications, or treatment such as atrophy, scaling, crust, Tylosis, and excoriation.
Shows different numbers of skin lesions including plaque, guttate, scalp, pustular, erythrodermic, etc.
Bayesian‐Edge intelligence‐based skin lesions segregation image processing, for the detection of skin lesions within human skin images.
Illustrating skin lesion categories in the dataset including macule, patch, papule, plaque, vesicle, bulla, pustule, nodule, atrophy, scaling, crust, tylosis, and excoriation classes.

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Bayesian‐Edge system for classification and segmentation of skin lesions in Internet of Medical Things

July 2024

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2,583 Reads

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2 Citations

Shahid Naseem

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Muhammad Sheraz Arshad Malik
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Aims and scope


Skin Research and Technology is a clinically oriented, open access journal on biophysical methods, imaging, skin pharmacology, and radiation therapy techniques and how they are used in dermatology, plastic surgery and in cosmetic and pharmaceutical sciences. Papers are invited on the development and validation of methods and applications in the characterization of diseased, abnormal and normal skin. Contributions should be clear, experimentally sound and novel.
As part of Wiley’s Forward Series, this journal offers a streamlined, faster publication experience with a strong emphasis on integrity. Authors receive practical support to maximize the reach and discoverability of their work.

Recent articles


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  • Article

October 2024


Metabolomic differences between exanthematous drug eruption and infectious mononucleosis
  • Article
  • Full-text available

October 2024

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10 Reads

Background Exanthematous drug eruption and infectious mononucleosis (IM) are both exanthematous diseases. Current research on exanthematous drug eruption and IM mainly targets identifying these disorders, the resulting differences at the metabolism level have not yet been systematically analyzed. Materials and methods A total of 30 cases of exanthematous drug eruption and IM, 10 patients without exanthema and 10 healthy volunteers were enrolled, 3 mL of fasting venous blood was collected, the serum metabolite content was detected by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry metabolomics. Results A total of 165 metabolites were identified, exhibiting significant differences in plasma metabolic trends between exanthematous drug eruption and IM, and pinpointed 28 potential biomarkers. Notable changes were seen in the metabolic activities of the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA‐cycle), and galactose metabolism, characterized by increased levels of gluconate, gluconolactone, glucose, galactaric acid, and mannose, along with decreased amounts of pyruvic acid, succinic acid, malic acid, and glycerol, indicating an impairment in the exanthematous drug eruption group's capacity to endure oxidative stress and regulate energy metabolism. In contrast to its medication without rash counterpart, the exanthematous drug eruption group's plasma displayed distinct metabolic routes, predominantly in the processing of arginine and proline, along with the TCA. This resulted in a marked reduction in urea levels and a rise in pyruvate, citrate, and ornithine, indicating hypoxic stress as the primary cause of these rashes. In contrast to the healthy control group, the IM group showed 26 potential biomarkers, marked by increased levels of ketoglutaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, and oxoglutaric acid, and reduced amounts of glutamine, galacturonic acid, arachidonic acid, trimethylphosphonic acid ester, gluconolactone, and indole acetic acid. Mainly, the metabolic pathways included the TCA, breaking down alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, and the processing of D‐glutamine and D‐glutamate metabolism, underscoring the body's crucial role in generating energy and inflammatory agents through the citric acid cycle. Conclusions The comparison of serum metabolomic features of exanthematous drug eruptions and IM outlines a unique pattern closely related to the differences in the pathogenesis of these two exanthematous diseases.


Functional Properties and Components of Koenigia alpina Extract

October 2024

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34 Reads

Background Koenigia alpina (All.) T.M.Schust. & Reveal (alpine knotweed) is a perennial herb belonging to the Polygonaceae family. Several studies have examined Polygonaceae species’ potential applications as cosmeceutical materials; however, the potential of K. alpina as a cosmeceutical has not yet been studied. Materials and Methods Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and lipopolysaccharide were used to induce an inflammatory response in RAW 264.7 cells. 2,2‐Diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals and H2O2 were used to evaluate the free‐radical scavenging activity of K. alpina extract and its protective effect against reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐induced cell damage. The whitening, antiaging, and cell proliferation/migration effects of the extracts were evaluated via tyrosinase inhibition, collagenase/elastase inhibition, and wound healing assays, respectively. The anti‐inflammatory effect was confirmed by evaluating nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW 264.7 cells. High‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), UV, and MS/MS were used to determine the main components of the extract and fractions. Results The ethyl acetate (EA) fraction and its aglycone fraction showed very high free‐radical scavenging activities (47.5 and 47.1 µg/mL, respectively). The extract/fractions also showed significant tyrosinase inhibition (IC50 = 0.38 mg/mL in EA fraction), collagenase inhibition (IC50 = 0.21 mg/mL in EA fraction), and elastase inhibition (IC50 = 0.57 mg/mL in aglycone fraction). NO production in lipopolysaccharide‐induced RAW 264.7 cells was inhibited by the extract/fractions. The extract also promoted the closure of scratch wounds in HaCaT cells. The K. alpina extract/fractions contained cardamonin, quercetin, and quercitrin. Conclusion K. alpina extracts/fractions showed antioxidant, antiaging, whitening, and anti‐inflammatory activities, suggesting they may have potential as antiaging cosmeceuticals.




Comparison of the number of participants in the survey between 2019 and 2022 in different provinces.
Basic characteristics of the respondents in 2019 and 2022.
Use of dermatoscopes by dermatologists in 2019 and 2022.
Construction of the prediction model for dermatoscope use by Chinese dermatologists. (A) Shrinkage coefficient plot. (B) Ten‐fold cross‐validation plot. (C) Prediction model ROC curve. (D) Prediction model calibration chart. (E) Clinical decision curve.
Nomogram of the probability of dermatologists using dermatoscopes.
Multivariate Analysis and Prediction Model Construction for Dermatoscope Use by Chinese Dermatologists via an Online Survey

October 2024

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5 Reads

Background The use of dermatoscopes is constantly increasing globally, but to date, there are no studies on the use of dermatoscopes by Chinese dermatologists. Objective To determine factors influencing the use of dermatoscopes in China. Methods A web‐based questionnaire was designed by the Department of Dermatology at Huashan Hospital affiliated with Fudan University and was published online via the Shanghai Wheat Color Intelligent Technology Company, China. In 2019 and 2022, 1581 and 1507 dermatologists, respectively, were recruited and completed the questionnaire online. Results In China, the application rate of dermatoscopy is higher in eastern provinces than in western and remote areas. The proportion of doctors from public tertiary hospitals is the highest, with females being the majority. The age range of 30–40 years has the highest proportion, the proportion of doctors with professional titles of attending physician or above is the highest, and the proportion of doctors with a bachelor's degree or above is the highest. Conclusions By improving the education and professional standards of doctors, providing more training opportunities, simplifying access, and promoting dermatoscopy in grassroots hospitals, we can increase the confidence of dermatologists in the use of dermatoscopy.



Relationship Between Cytokines and Face Skin Symptoms in Newborns in Two Japanese Cities

October 2024

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5 Reads

Aim Several skin disorder symptoms may appear in infants, each resulting from a different inflammatory response. In this study, we investigated the relationship between skin cytokine levels and skin symptoms in newborns. Methods This cross‐sectional study was conducted in Tokyo and Oita, two Japanese cities. The participants were healthy, 1‐month‐old infants and their parents. Symptoms including erythema, papules, dryness, and exudate/yellow scaling on infant faces were evaluated as outcomes. Cytokine levels (interleukin [IL]‐4, IL‐6, IL‐8, and IL‐17) were measured by skin blotting. A multilevel analysis using a mixed‐effects model was conducted to account for regional differences. Results A total of 231 infants (119 from Tokyo and 112 from Oita) participated in this study. Erythema, papules, dryness, and exudate/yellow scaling were present in 59 (25.5%), 133 (57.6%), 37 (16.0%), and 16 (6.9%) of the infants, respectively. In terms of the associations between symptoms and cytokines, there was a significant association between papules and IL‐8 positivity (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.94, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09–3.47) even after adjustment for differences in barrier function, area, and skin care. Conclusions This study demonstrated that cytokines were linked to skin conditions, even after accounting for regional differences and genetic factors. This suggests that different symptoms point to the involvement of various cytokines in skin conditions in neonates, with mechanisms varying based on the symptoms. These findings could aid in developing specific preventive strategies in the future.


Comprehensive Assessment of Dermatologic and Dysmorphic Manifestations in Patients With Down Syndrome

October 2024

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30 Reads

Background Down syndrome (DS), a common chromosomal anomaly caused by trisomy of chromosome 21, is characterized by a broad spectrum of phenotypic characteristics across multiple organ systems, including cardiac defects and leukemia. Dermatological findings are prevalent among individuals with DS; however, these issues are frequently underrecognized and inadequately researched, resulting in a significant gap in the provision of comprehensive healthcare strategies. Given the increased life expectancy of patients with DS and delayed manifestation of many dermatoses, physicians are increasingly encountering dermatological findings in this population. Objective This study aimed to assess the prevalence and types of dermatological findings in individuals with DS, compare them with those in a control group, and emphasize the necessity of incorporating dermatological evaluations into routine health monitoring. Methods This prospective cross‐sectional study was conducted from June 2023 to June 2024 and involved 100 genetically confirmed individuals with DS and 100 age‐ and sex‐matched controls. Comprehensive demographic, clinical, and karyotype data were collected for the DS group, and all the participants underwent detailed morphological evaluations. Results The DS group had a mean age of approximately 6.37 years, whereas the controls were around 7 years old, with no significant differences in age or sex distribution between the groups. Karyotype analysis showed that trisomy 21 was present in 92% of the cases, mosaicism in 6%, and translocation in 2%. Common dermatological findings in the DS group included xerosis cutis (49%), thin and sparse hair (48%), dental caries (34%), delayed tooth eruption (28%), nail dystrophy (25%), fissured tongue (23%), and cheilitis (18%). Significant differences were noted in the prevalence of scabies, bacterial infections, and café au lait macules between the DS and control groups (p < 0.01). Dysmorphic findings in the DS group included epicanthal folds (97%), upslanted palpebral fissures (97%), brachycephaly (91%), and single transverse palmar crease (89%). Significant gender differences were noted in the prevalence of brachycephaly and the sandal gap (p < 0.01). Conclusions This study highlights the importance of regular dermatological care in enhancing the health management and quality of life of individuals with DS due to the prevalence and variability of dermatological conditions.






Test spots with respective color‐code (a) example, (b) closeup, and in (c) protocol sketch of systematic placement of test spots on back and lower legs (not to scale).
SCAI interface for (a) the smartphone app and (b) the backend AI algorithm.
SCAI‐app output example on a volunteer's back (a) before test spot application; (b) after test spot application; (c) SCAI‐app detection with red rings. In this figure, additional arrows mark true‐positives (green) and false‐positives (red), no false‐negatives in this example.
Artificial Intelligence Smartphone Application for Detection of Simulated Skin Changes: An In Vivo Pilot Study

October 2024

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26 Reads

Background The development of artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly expanding, showing promise in the dermatological field. Skin checks are a resource‐heavy challenge that could potentially benefit from AI‐tool assistance, particularly if provided in widely available AI solutions. A novel smartphone application(app)‐based AI system, “SCAI,” was developed and trained to recognize spots in paired images of skin, pursuing identification of new skin lesions. This pilot study aimed to investigate the feasibility of the SCAI‐app to identify simulated skin changes in vivo. Materials and methods The study was conducted in a controlled setting with healthy volunteers and standardized, simulated skin changes (test spots), consisting of customized 3‐mm adhesive spots in three colors (black, brown, and red). Each volunteer had a total of eight test spots adhered to four areas on back and legs. The SCAI‐app collected smartphone‐ and template‐guided standardized images before and after test spot application, using its backend AI algorithms to identify changes between the paired images. Results Twenty‐four volunteers were included, amounting to a total of 192 test spots. Overall, the detection algorithms identified test spots with a sensitivity of 92.0% (CI: 88.1–95.9) and a specificity of 95.5% (CI: 95.0–96.0). The SCAI‐app's positive predictive value was 38.0% (CI: 31.0–44.9), while the negative predictive value was 99.7% (CI: 99.0–100). Conclusion This pilot study showed that SCAI‐app could detect simulated skin changes in a controlled in vivo setting. The app's feasibility in a clinical setting with real‐life skin lesions remains to be investigated, where the challenge with false positives in particular needs to be addressed.



Schematic diagram of the image‐based skin tone mapping methods. (A) The proposed approach consists of two components: skin tone map generation and skin segmentation. The skin tone map, which is perceived by the eyes, is modeled by combining the spectral power distribution of the illuminant, skin reflectance, and the stimulus functions of the standard observer. The skin reflectance is primarily influenced by melanin and hemoglobin, which form the axes of the generated map. The skin segmentation model detects the skin region in a facial image, and the skin tone mapping module identifies the average skin color and its closest match on the generated skin tone map. (B) The ITA method calculates the angle formed by L* and b* in the Lab* color space, based on the average color of the segmented skin region. ITA, individual typology angle.
Illustration of skin segmentation and the ITA concept. (A) The input to the skin segmentation model is a face image, which produces a binary mask as the output. This mask is then overlaid on the original image, with the skin regions displayed in white and the nonskin regions, including the background, shown in black. (B) The ITA diagram illustrates how skin tones are categorized based on the angle between L* and b* in the Lab* color space, with L* = 50 serving as the reference point for representing skin tone. ITA, individual typology angle.
Application of skin tone maps to simulation images. (A) Skin tone maps generated under three standard illuminants: D45 (warm light), D65 (standard), and D85 (cool light). The x‐ and y‐axes correspond to melanin and hemoglobin, respectively. (B) Pigment simulation images showing reduced (−0.6) and enhanced (+0.6) (left) melanin and (right) hemoglobin levels. (C) Coordinate changes (blue = x‐axis, yellow = y‐axis) in the skin tone map due to pigment level variations (−0.6 to +0.6) for the simulation images. ITA, individual typology angle.
Comparison of the proposed method with ITA. (A) (left) The skin tone map and the (right) ITA transformed map, where the skin tone map's colors have been converted into ITA degrees to illustrate a range of pseudo colors from dark to light skin tones. (B) Skin tone mapping positions for subjects with similar ITA angles (left: 33, right: 26). (C) Comparison of ITA (left) and skin tone mapping positions (right) in response to pigment level variations. ITA, individual typology angle.
Skin Tone Analysis Through Skin Tone Map Generation With Optical Approach and Deep Learning

October 2024

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62 Reads

Background Skin tone assessment is critical in both cosmetic and medical fields, yet traditional methods like the individual typology angle (ITA) have limitations, such as sensitivity to illuminants and insensitivity to skin redness. Methods This study introduces an automated image‐based method for skin tone mapping by applying optical approaches and deep learning. The method generates skin tone maps by leveraging the illuminant spectrum, segments the skin region from face images, and identifies the corresponding skin tone on the map. The method was evaluated by generating skin tone maps under three standard illuminants (D45, D65, and D85) and comparing the results with those obtained using ITA on skin tone simulation images. Results The results showed that skin tone maps generated under the same lighting conditions as the image acquisition (D65) provided the highest accuracy, with a color difference of around 6, which is more than twice as small as those observed under other illuminants. The mapping positions also demonstrated a clear correlation with pigment levels. Compared to ITA, the proposed approach was particularly effective in distinguishing skin tones related to redness. Conclusion Despite the need to measure the illuminant spectrum and for further physiological validation, the proposed approach shows potential for enhancing skin tone assessment. Its ability to mitigate the effects of illuminants and distinguish between the two dominant pigments offers promising applications in both cosmetic and medical diagnostics.





Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) for fibrosis on the cheeks. A 41‐year‐old female patient with granulomatous nodular lesions and deep dermal fibrosis on the cheeks after poly‐L‐lactic acid injection who had been treated with 15 sessions of combined focused shock wave therapy (F‐SWT; 3000 shocks/session) and radial shock wave therapy (R‐SWT; 6000 pulses/session) at 1–2‐week intervals. Clinical and ultrasonographic photographs (A, B) before and (C, D) after ESWT. Ultrasonographic images were obtained (E) before and (F) after ESWT. (A, C) Broken circles, granulomatous nodular lesions, and deep dermal fibrosis on the cheeks. (B, D) Arrows represent poly‐L‐lactic acid‐associated granulomatous nodular lesions.
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) for fibrosis on the cheeks and chin. A 45‐year‐old female patient with deep dermal and subdermal fibrosis on the chin after surgery who had been treated with nine sessions of combined focused shock wave therapy (F‐SWT; 3000 shocks/session) and radial shock wave therapy (R‐SWT; 6000 pulses/session) at intervals of 1–2‐weeks. Clinical images (A, B) before and (C, D) after ESWT. Clinical images (A, B) before and (C, D) after ESWT. Images were taken while pronouncing (A, C) ‘e’ and (B, D) ‘o’ to compare the degree of asymmetrical facial expressions.
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) for fibrosis on the chin. A 37‐year‐old male patient with deep dermal and subdermal fibrosis on the chin after surgery who had been treated with 12 sessions of combined focused shock wave therapy (F‐SWT; 2000 shocks/session) and radial shock wave therapy (R‐SWT; 4000 pulses/session) at intervals of 1‐week. Images were captured at (A, C) resting state by releasing the muscles and (B, D) stressed state by squeezing the muscles. Ultrasonographic images were obtained (E) before and (F) after ESWT. Arrows represent surgical metal screws and wires.
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) for fibrosis on the submentum. A 26‐year‐old female patient with deep dermal and subdermal fibrosis on the submentum and right cheek after liposuction who had been treated with 2 sessions of combined focused shock wave therapy (F‐SWT; 4000 shocks/session) and radial shock wave therapy (R‐SWT; 8000 pulses/session) at intervals of 1‐week. Clinical photographs (A, B) before and (C, D) after ESWT. Arrows represent fibrotic areas on the submentum and right cheek.
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) for fibrosis on the abdomen. (A, B) A 41‐year‐old female patient with deep dermal and subdermal fibrosis on the abdomen after liposuction who had been treated with 3 sessions of combined focused shock wave therapy (F‐SWT; 4000 shocks/session) and radial shock wave therapy (R‐SWT; 8000 pulses/session) at intervals of 1‐week. (C, D) A 55‐year‐old female patient with deep dermal and subdermal fibrosis on the abdomen after liposuction who had been treated with three sessions of R‐SWT (8000 pulses/session) at intervals of 1‐week. Clinical photographs (A, C) before and (B, D) after ESWT.
Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Low‐Energy Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for Various Conditions of Deep Dermal and Subdermal Fibrosis

October 2024

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61 Reads

Background Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) enhances extracellular matrix remodeling and tissue regeneration by promoting growth factor release, regulating blood and lymphatic flows, and reducing fat and fibrotic tissues. Focused shock wave therapy (F‐SWT), radial shock wave therapy (R‐SWT), and combined F‐SWT and R‐SWT have been used to deliver different patterns of shock energy depending on the characteristics of the target lesions. Methods We investigated the efficacy and safety of ESWT in patients with dermal and subdermal fibrosis. Fifty‐two patients treated with F‐SWT and/or R‐SWT for dermal and subdermal fibrosis caused due to various reasons were retrospectively analyzed by reviewing their medical records, clinical images, and ultrasound study images. Results The mean number of pulses administered for F‐SWT on the cheek, temple, and chin were 2600.0 ± 1040.8 shocks/session and for R‐SWT were 5080.0 ± 2234.6 pulses/session, and the number of treatment sessions were 8.0 ± 4.4. In patients who were treated with ESWT on the abdomen, the mean number of pulses for F‐SWT were 2600.0 ± 2408.3 shocks/session and for R‐SWT were 8400.0 ± 894.4 pulses/session, and the number of treatment sessions were 3.2 ± 1.6. Most patients were satisfied with the results. Pain during ESWT was well tolerated and post‐ESWT edema was more common in R‐SWT than in F‐SWT. Conclusion Our data demonstrated that ESWT effectively and safely improved the clinical appearance and functional movement of patients with dermal and subdermal fibrosis caused due to various reasons.







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2.0 (2023)

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78%

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3.3 (2023)

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13 days

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