New Perspectives and Challenges in the Mechanisms, Diagnosis and Management of Skin Diseases

Dear Colleagues,

Advances in molecular pathogenesis and the rapid integration of technologies are reshaping the landscape of dermatological research, driving a transformative shift in the understanding, diagnosis and management of skin diseases. The development of sophisticated molecular classifiers that combine gene and protein expression profiles from both lesional and non-lesional skin has paved the way for a shift towards stratified and personalised medicine. Thanks to improvements in lipidomics technologies, it is now possible to comprehensively map lipid alterations down to the single-cell level, opening up new avenues for the discovery of valuable biosignatures. In parallel, genetic and pharmacogenomic screening is emerging as a powerful tool for identifying individual susceptibility to chronic inflammatory and autoimmune skin disorders and predicting patient-specific responses to targeted therapies. This precision-medicine framework is further reinforced by growing research into the skin microbiome and the gut–skin axis, which emphasises the significance of systemic, multiorgan interactions in disease pathogenesis and treatment outcomes.

Technological innovation has also transformed the field of dermatological diagnostics. Deep learning and artificial intelligence can detect and classify skin cancers with expert-level accuracy. Furthermore, non-invasive imaging techniques such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) and reflectance confocal microscopy enable real-time, high-resolution visualisation of skin architecture, tumour margins, and cellular morphology, thereby reducing the need for invasive biopsies. In terms of therapy, the management of skin diseases has been significantly advanced by the introduction of targeted biologics, such as monoclonal antibodies and Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, which selectively modulate key immune pathways and offer improved efficacy and safety profiles.

Additionally, regenerative medicine approaches, including exosome-based therapies and stem cellderived treatments, are becoming increasingly important due to their ability to promote tissue repair, modulate inflammation, and enhance skin regeneration and longevity.

This Special Issue will provide a platform for communicating recent, promising and novel research trends that combines AI, molecular biology and personalised care as a paradigm shift toward precision, integration and regeneration in dermatological research and clinical practice. Reviews, original papers, commentaries, perspectives and case studies on inflammatory skin diseases, skin cancers, skin aging, stemness and skin regeneration are welcome.

Dr. Emanuela Bastonini
Dr. Daniela Kovacs
Dr. Giorgia Cardinali
Guest Editors

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