Skin Diseases and Dermatologic Comorbidities

A special issue of Life (ISSN 2075-1729). This special issue belongs to the section "Physiology and Pathology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2025 | Viewed by 1512

Special Issue Editors


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IDI-IRCCS Istituto Dermopatico dell’Immacolata, Rome, Italy
Interests: vitiligo; immune-mediated skin diseases; lichen sclerosis; wound healing
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Guest Editor
Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Fondazione Luigi Maria Monti—Istituto Dermopatico dell’Immacolata (IDI)—IRCCS, Via Monti di Creta, 104, 00167 Rome, Italy
Interests: chronic inflammatory skin diseases; immunopathogenesis; inflammatory pathways; biomarkers; cytokines; biologics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Dermatology Clinic, Department of Clinical Internal, Anesthesiological and Cardiovascular Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
Interests: melanoma; non melanoma skin cancer; dermoscopy; reflectance confocal microscopy; immunotherapy

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce the launch of a Special Issue focused on skin diseases and their comorbidities. This issue aims to explore the complex relationship between dermatological conditions and other systemic health disorders. Skin diseases, often viewed in isolation, are increasingly recognized as indicators of broader health concerns. In fact, dermatological disorders are often accompanied by cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, psychiatric and/or neurological conditions, hormone imbalance, metabolic disturbances as well as neoplasms.

This Special Issue will feature original research, clinical studies, and reviews that highlight the multifaceted nature of these comorbidities, offering insights into their shared pathophysiology, diagnostic challenges, and therapeutic strategies. We seek contributions that explore novel biomarkers, the impact of environmental and genetic factors, and advancements in integrated care models for patients with both dermatological and systemic conditions.

We aim to promote a more integrated approach to patient care by enhancing our understanding of how skin diseases intersect with other health conditions. By shedding light on these connections, we hope to inspire more holistic strategies for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. We invite contributions from experts across the fields of dermatology, internal medicine, immunology, and related disciplines to share their research and clinical perspectives on this important and timely subject.

Dr. Alessia Paganelli
Dr. Emanuele Scala
Dr. Flavia Persechino
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • skin diseases
  • dermatologic comorbidities
  • metabolic impairment
  • autoimmunity
  • cytokines
  • serum markers

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 726 KB  
Article
Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Risk Factors: Are Current Criteria Still Valid? A Retrospective, Monocenter Analysis
by Maike Kaufhold, Sepideh Asadi, Yalda Ghoreishi, Annika Brekner, Stephan Grabbe, Henner Stege and Hadrian Nassabi
Life 2025, 15(8), 1257; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15081257 - 7 Aug 2025
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Abstract
Introduction: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common skin cancer entity in Germany, following basal cell carcinoma. Its incidence has increased fourfold over the past three decades. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for achieving favorable outcomes. Our study aims [...] Read more.
Introduction: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common skin cancer entity in Germany, following basal cell carcinoma. Its incidence has increased fourfold over the past three decades. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for achieving favorable outcomes. Our study aims to identify prognostic factors based on real-world data to improve follow-up protocols and raise clinical vigilance. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, monocenter analysis with a total of 124 patients with at least one cSCC thicker than 3 mm, treated at the Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Mainz, between 2010 and 2020. Tumor-specific criteria were correlated with patient-specific data, such as gender, age, immunosuppression, UV exposure and mortality. Results: A higher incidence of cSCC was found on UV-exposed skin (91.1%); however, tumors on non-UV-exposed skin were on average thicker (6.55 mm vs. 9.25 mm, p = 0.011) and associated with higher metastasis rates (10.6% vs. 63.3%, p < 0.001). Immunosuppression was strongly associated with a younger age at diagnosis (74 years vs. 81 years), a higher metastasis rate (29% vs. 10.8%, p = 0.021) and a worse 5Y-OS-rate (36.1% vs. 97.8%, p = 0.04). SLNB was performed in eight patients, with one positive SLN identified (12.5%). Local recurrence was observed in 18.1% (n = 21) of patients who did not experience SLNB, whereas no local recurrences (0%) were reported in patients with SLNB (p = 0.349). Discussion: Tumors on non-UV-exposed areas were thicker and more often metastatic, suggesting delayed detection or more aggressive tumor subtypes. Immunosuppression was associated with worse outcomes, underscoring the need for intensified follow-up. SLNB was rarely performed, and larger studies are needed to assess its role. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Skin Diseases and Dermatologic Comorbidities)
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14 pages, 2871 KB  
Article
Disrupted Redox Regulation and Inflammatory Response in Pyoderma Gangrenosum
by Simona Roxana Georgescu, Clara Matei, Corina Daniela Ene, Cristina Capusa, Mircea Tampa, Madalina Irina Mitran, Cristina Iulia Mitran, Gheorghe Nicolae and Ilinca Nicolae
Life 2025, 15(4), 611; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15040611 - 6 Apr 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 691
Abstract
Introduction. The pathophysiology of Pyoderma Gangrenosum (PG) involves altered innate and adaptive immunity, mutagenic and epigenetic changes, the autoinflammatory state, and the overexpression of cytokines. This study investigated the potential contribution of inflammation, redox signaling, and the immune system in the pathogenesis of [...] Read more.
Introduction. The pathophysiology of Pyoderma Gangrenosum (PG) involves altered innate and adaptive immunity, mutagenic and epigenetic changes, the autoinflammatory state, and the overexpression of cytokines. This study investigated the potential contribution of inflammation, redox signaling, and the immune system in the pathogenesis of PG. Materials and Methods. This case–control study included 36 patients with PG and 30 controls. We have determined the serum concentrations of acute phase proteins (C-reactive protein—CRP, alpha1 glycoprotein acid—AGPA, Albumin), interleukin-17A -IL-17A, β2 microglobulin-β2MG, reduced glutathione-GSH, oxidized glutathione- GSSG, the GSH/GSSG ratio, and hematological parameters (white blood cells-WBC, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio-NLR, erythrocyte sedimentation rate-ESR) in patients with PG compared with controls. Furthermore, we have evaluated the variations in these markers before and after treatment in PG patients. Results. The serum concentrations of acute phase proteins (CRP, AGPA, and Albumin) and the IL-17A, β2MG, GSH, GSSG, and GSH/GSSG ratio were significantly different between the PG group and controls. Hematological parameters (WBC, NLR, and ESR), acute phase proteins (CRP, AGPA, and albumin), and IL-17A showed an exaggerated and persistent inflammatory response in patients with PG. In patients with PG associated with systemic diseases, the dysregulation of the biochemical events was more severe. Conclusions. The acute phase proteins, β2MG-MHC class I complex, and the GSH-GSSG system are unbalanced in PG. Our results could improve the diagnosis and our understanding of the pathogenic basis of PG. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Skin Diseases and Dermatologic Comorbidities)
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