Background: Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with mounting evidence associating it with systemic disorders. Cancer, induced or facilitated by chronic inflammatory microenvironment, shares common pathogenic mechanisms with rosacea. Objectives: We performed a population-based cohort study to investigate the risk of developing cancer among people with rosacea in Taiwan. Methods: A total of 65,526 patients with rosacea and 262,104 age-, sex-, and comorbidity-matched controls were identified from the Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database between 1997 and 2013. All participants were followed up for 2–12 years. Incidence rates (IRs) of overall and specific types of cancer were calculated. Cumulative incidences of cancer were compared between the two cohorts by Kaplan–Meier method and modified log-rank test. Hazard ratios (HRs) adjusted for age, sex, and comorbidities for overall and specific malignancies were estimated using subdistribution proportional hazard models. Results: The IR (per 1000 person-years) of cancer was 2.83 in patients with rosacea and 3.00 in controls. There was no difference in cumulative incidence of cancer between patients with or without rosacea (P = 0.109). The risk of developing cancer did not increase among patients with rosacea (HR = 1.04; 95% confidence interval = 0.98–1.11). In addition, patients with rosacea did not have a significantly increased risk of developing any specific type of cancer. Conclusion: We found no association between rosacea and malignancy. These results did not agree with those reported in previous studies. Further research should be conducted to clarify the association between rosacea and cancer, especially focusing on the pathophysiology.

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Atopic dermatitis (AD) is generally considered a T-helper type 2-dominated disease. Adult AD is often more severe and less manageable by topical therapies and may require systemic immunosuppressants that bear notable side effects and organ toxicities. There is an unmet need for safe and effective long-term therapy in this population. Dupilumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody, dually inhibits interleukin (IL) IL-4 and IL-13 signaling and has demonstrated promising efficacy and acceptable safety profile in several Phase III trials, followed by recent Food and Drug Administration approval for the treatment of moderate-to-severe AD in adults whose disease is inadequately controlled with topical therapies. Dupilumab may also serve as a new treatment option when other systemic medications have failed or are inadvisable. Nevertheless, long-term safety data beyond 1 year and comparison with the existing therapies remain to be investigated. Other emerging agents targeting pruritogenic proteins, chronic inflammation, and epidermal hyperplasia are under vigorous clinical development. In particular, nemolizumab, blocking IL-31-mediated pruritus, has been reported in Phase II trials to provide symptom relief by interrupting the itch-scratch cycle. Accompanied by thorough characterization of different phenotype and endotype subsets, the era of precision medicine could bring new prospects in the optimal treatment of AD.

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Background: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that has been associated with various inflammatory comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease and uveitis. Asthma involves inflammation of the airway. The two diseases share cytokine-mediated inflammatory mechanisms. Objectives: The main objective of the study was to examine the association of psoriasis with asthma. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies that examined the association of psoriasis with asthma. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL from inception to May 2, 2019 for relevant case–control, cross-sectional, or cohort studies. The risk of bias of included studies was assessed by using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. The random-effects model meta-analysis was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) for case–control/cross-sectional studies and hazard ratio (HR) for cohort studies. Results: We included six case–control/cross-sectional (one case–control and five cross-sectional studies) and one cohort studies. Three studies were rated with a high risk of bias in case definition, representativeness of the cases, selection of controls, definition of controls, and ascertainment of exposure. Psoriasis was associated with significantly increased odds (OR 1.29; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20-'1.37) and risk (HR 1.38; 95% CI 1.23-'1.54) for asthma. A subgroup analysis revealed increased odds for asthma in both pediatric and adult patients with psoriasis (pooled OR being 1.24 [95% CI 1.10-'1.41] and OR 1.38 [95% CI 1.27-'1.50], respectively). Conclusion: The current evidence indicates a significant association of psoriasis with asthma. When psoriasis patients present with respiratory symptoms for shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness, referral to pulmonologist may be considered.

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Objectives: This is a cross-sectional study to investigate the attachment styles and their impact on depression, anxiety, and quality of life in people with psoriasis. Methods: All participants completed socio-demographic and illness specific questionnaires along with Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Adult Attachment Style Scale (AASS). 100 individuals with psoriasis and 130 individuals with no dermatological problems participated in the study. Results: HADS scores for depression (38% versus 15.4%, P < .001) and anxiety (28% versus 6.9%, P < .001) were higher in participants with psoriasis compared to the healthy participants in the control group. AASS scores of participants for anxious/ambivalent attachment (13.7±4.0 versus 13.3±3.9, P = .465), secure attachment (15.8±4.4 versus 16.2±3.9, p = .510), and avoidant attachment (11.0±3.6 versus 11.3±3.6, P = .598) did not differ significantly in two groups. There was a significant correlation between DLQI scores and anxious/ambivalent attachment scores of participants with psoriasis (P < .05, r = .222). HADS scores of participants with psoriasis were also found significantly correlated with insecure attachment styles; anxious/ambivalent attachment (depression, P < .001/ anxiety, P < .001), avoidant attachment (depression, p < .001/ anxiety, p < .01). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that there is a relationship between the insecure attachment styles and depression, anxiety and reduced quality of life in people with psoriasis and also support the idea that attachment insecurities can impair the physiological stress response by increasing the perceived stress in these patients.

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Background: The associations between psoriasis, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular events are increasingly recognized. Studies have shown decreased cardiovascular events with the treatment of methotrexate and anti-tumor necrosis factor-α. However, effects of interleukin (IL)-12/23 blockade remain debatable. Objectives: Our study sought to investigate the effect of IL-12/23 blockade on the metabolic parameters in patients with psoriasis. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study to assess 93 consecutive patients with moderate-to-severe plaque-type psoriasis who received IL-12/23 blockade (ustekinumab) for 24 weeks between January 2012 and May 2016. Results: Metabolic parameters and disease activity (psoriasis area severity index score) at baseline and 24 weeks of treatment were collected. At week 24 (wk24), the disease activity improved significantly (mean: baseline, wk0: 21.35 ± 11.55 to wk24: 6.87 ± 6.81, P < 0.0001), with a significant reduction of erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Conversely, body mass index was significantly elevated in PASI-75 responders at wk24 of treatment and was independent of disease severity. Fasting sugar and triglyceride level were elevated at wk24. Cholesterol (Chol), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) remained unchanged. These metabolic parameters were not correlated with the improvement in disease severity after ustekinumab treatment. Nonetheless, the atherogenic index, LDL/HDL ratio, and Chol/HDL ratio remained unchanged. Male gender is a predictor of elevated plasma triglyceride level. Conclusion: Our results suggest that despite tremendous improvement in disease activity after ustekinumab treatment, obesity, fasting sugar, and hypertriglyceridemia are still present in these patients. Regular screening of lipid profile and obesity control is advised during the treatment of ustekinumab, especially in male psoriasis patients with predisposing cardiovascular risks.

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Background: Psoriasis is frequently associated with obesity and cardiovascular diseases. Adipocytokines have been implicated in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and its cardiometabolic comorbidities. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the roles of leptin, resistin, and high-molecular-weight (HMW) adiponectin in psoriasis as well as their relationship with Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), obesity, and insulin resistance. Materials and Methods: Forty-six psoriasis patients and equivalent age-, sex-, and body mass index (BMI)-matched controls were recruited in this study. PASI, waist and hip circumferences, and waist/hip ratio (WHR) were recorded, and total body fat mass (TBFM) values were measured using a bioimpedance body composition analyzer. Fasting serum leptin, resistin, and HMW adiponectin levels were measured, and homeostasis model assessment values for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were calculated. Results: After the adjustment for anthropometric variables, leptin levels did not differ significantly between the groups (P = 0.736). The patient group showed significantly elevated resistin and lower HMW adiponectin levels (P = 0.007, P= 0.010, respectively). The correlation of serum leptin, resistin, and HMW adiponectin with PASI was not significant (r = −0.100, P= 0.506; r = −0.053, P= 0.726; r = −0.103, P= 0.494, respectively). HOMA-IR positively correlated with leptin and negatively correlated with HMW adiponectin (r = 0.426, P < 0.001; r = −0.393, P < 0.001, respectively). The correlation of leptin and resistin with BMI was direct while that of HMW adiponectin with BMI was inverse (r = 0.532, P < 0.001; r = 0.240, P= 0.021; r = −0.408, P < 0.001, respectively). No significant differences were detected regarding TBFM, and waist and hip circumferences (P = 0.187, P = 0.090, P= 0.543, respectively). However, WHR was significantly higher in the patient group (P = 0.015). Conclusion: Altered adipocytokine levels in psoriasis patients suggest a possible role of adipocytokines in the relationship between psoriasis and its metabolic comorbidities. Fat distribution is also different from the healthy population with similar TBFM values, and abdominal obesity, which is an independent cardiovascular risk factor, is more prevalent in psoriasis patients.

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Background: Patients with severe alopecia areata (AA), including alopecia totalis (AT) and alopecia universalis (AU), are usually resistant to treatment. While tofacitinib is emerging as a promising therapy for severe AA, little is known about its efficacy and safety in Asians. Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of tofacitinib for treating severe AA. Methods: We included patients with ≥50% scalp hair loss, disease for ≥6 months, and tofacitinib therapy for ≥4 months. The efficacy, evaluated based on the percent change in severity of alopecia tool (SALT) score, and response time, defined as time from baseline to reach >50% improvement in SALT score, were assessed. Results: We included 35 patients (21 with AA, 3 with AT, and 11 with AU). There were 18 men and 17 women (median age: 39 [range: 12–68] years). After 4–24 months of treatment, 74.3% showed clinical response, with 51.4% of the patients achieving ≥50% hair regrowth. Patients with AA showed higher percent change in SALT score than patients with AT/AU (median [interquartile range]: 60.7% [0–98.2] vs. 41.1% [8.9–98.7], P = 0.047). Initial SALT score was negatively associated with the latest percent change in SALT score (P = 0.025). Duration of disease and current episode were positively associated with response time to tofacitinib (P = 0.018 and 0.026, respectively). Patients tolerated tofacitinib well without serious adverse events. Conclusion: Tofacitinib effectively promoted hair regrowth in Asian patients with severe AA. Randomized controlled trials with larger sample size are needed to confirm the long-term efficacy and safety of tofacitinib for treating severe AA.

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Background: Previous studies showed a higher risk of renal disease among patients with psoriasis; however, this association has been inconsistent. Objectives: This study aimed to carry out a comparison in the probability from suffering renal diseases—including chronic kidney disease (CKD), end-stage renal disease (ESRD), IgA nephropathy (IgAN), glomerular disease (GD), and those resulting in death caused by other renal diseases—in patients with psoriasis. Methods: The systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to identify cohort studies with reported hazard ratios (HRs) and a 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the renal outcomes among patients with psoriasis. The meta-analysis was analyzed with the random-effects modeling and was further stratified by psoriasis severity. Results: Three studies were included. Compared to controls without psoriasis, patients with psoriasis had increased risks of CKD (HR: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.20–1.96) and ESRD (HR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.06–1.46). The risks of CKD (HR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.78–2.05) and ESRD (HR: 2.72, 95% CI: 1.71–4.34) were increased in servere psoriasis patients. Due to substantial heterogeneity across enrolled studies (I² = 95%), the risk of CKD in mild psoriasis was insignificant (HR: 1.14, 95% CI 0.87–1.48). Two studies identified severe psoriasis were related to higher risks of IgAN and GD, whereas one study found that mild psoriasis was associated with an increased risk of death from renal disease. Conclusion: Patients with severe psoriasis have a higher risk of incident CKD, ESRD, and GD. However, we only identified two cohort studies that compared the risk of IgAN and GD in psoriasis patients to general populations. It is difficult to conclude that severe psoriasis was associated with higher risks of IgAN and GD. For mild psoriasis, the association with renal disease was less consistent.

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Background: C-reactive protein to albumin ratio (CAR) is an inflammatory marker that is considered to have prognostic value in many inflammatory diseases. Objectives: In this study, we aimed to investigate whether there is a correlation between CAR value and disease severity in patients with psoriasis. Methods: The study included 70 plaque-type psoriasis patients and 67 healthy controls. CAR value was calculated after C-reactive protein (CRP) and albumin analysis was performed, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores were documented. CAR value was compared with PASI scores in patient group. White blood cell count, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, platelet to lymphocyte ratio, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and mean platelet volume and CAR values were compared among these groups. We investigated the most significant parameter for disease severity. In addition, to detect relationship between CAR, disease duration and patients' age and healthy controls, correlation analysis was performed. Results: The median CAR value was found statistically significant higher in the patient group than in the control group (P < 0.001). A significant difference of median CRP, albumin, CAR (all P values are <0.001) and ESR (P = 0.024) were found among the three groups which were arranged according to the severity of the disease. Among these parameters, CAR was found as the most associated parameter with the severity of psoriasis using receiving operator characteristic analysis. Conclusion: CAR value could be a useful parameter for evaluating disease severity, management of disease activity, and follow-up strategies.

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Background/Objectives: Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease characterized by erythematous squamous plaques. It has negative physical, psychological, and social effects. Psychiatric comorbidities such as anxiety and depression can accompany to psoriasis. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the anxiety sensitivity (AS) in psoriasis patients. Methods: We included 89 psoriasis patients, 44 controls with nonpsychodermatological disease and 59 healthy volunteers to study. Dermatological examinations were performed, and the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) values were calculated. Participants completed a sociodemographic information form, Beck Anxiety Inventory and AS Index-3. Results: Both the psoriasis group and the control group with nonpsychodermatological disease had higher anxiety scores than the healthy control group. Psoriasis patients were found to have higher AS scores than both control group with nonpsychodermatological disease and healthy controls. When the psoriasis group was divided into two groups according to the presence of systemic disease or psoriatic arthritis; there was no difference between the groups in terms of psychometric measurements. Furthermore, there was no significant correlation between PASI scores and disease duration and psychometric evaluations. Conclusion: Our study is the first to show that the AS of psoriasis patients is significantly higher than healthy controls and of those with nonpsychodermatological diseases. It is not clear that high AS in these patients is a predisposing factor to the disease or a consequence of the disease.

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Background/Objective: Secukinumab is an effective treatment for psoriasis, and it has been reported to be effective in patients who failed on multiple prior biologics. However, treatment failure of secukinumab is possible and the alternative management in these patients remains poorly studied. Methods: We reviewed the treatment efficacy of all patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis who used secukinumab as monotherapy and did not reach Psoriasis Area Severity Index 75 (PASI 75) response at week 16 (primary failure) or later (secondary failure). The treatment response of these patients during subsequent treatments was recorded. Optimal PASI improvement between weeks 12 and 20 and at the end of observation period was recorded. Results: Traditional systemic treatment (n = 4), etanercept (n = 1), adalimumab (n = 6), secukinumab weekly reloading (n = 2), or ustekinumab (n = 4) was administered in 16 patients (one with both ustekinumab and adalimumab). Six patients reached PASI 75 at week 16, including three (50%) with adalimumab. PASI 75 response was maintained in four patients at the end of observation period. Two (50%) of them used adalimumab, one used methotrexate plus acitretin, and the other used secukinumab. Conclusion: Adalimumab demonstrates better response in patients with refractory psoriasis to secukinumab. Traditional systemic medication and re-loading of secukinumab can also provide some benefits.

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There are limited studies regarding childhood and adolescent psoriasis in Taiwan. A total of 86 pathologically confirmed cases diagnosed from 1989 to 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Mean disease onset age was 10.51 years, and plaque psoriasis was the most common type. Compared to studies on Caucasian and other Asian populations, we found a lower estimated prevalence, higher rate of psoriasis limited to the nail at presentation, and higher prevalence of psoriatic arthritis. The most common comorbidities were related to atopy and metabolic syndrome. Positive family history of psoriasis and psoriasis preceded by infection were significantly associated with moderate-to-severe disease.

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Endometriosis has been associated with the risk of several autoimmune diseases; however, its relationship with alopecia areata (AA) remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the risk of AA in patients with endometriosis. Participants were recruited from the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan. We identified female patients with endometriosis between January 1, 1998 and December 31, 2011. For each patient with endometriosis, four control subjects were included in the control group matched for age, sex, monthly premium, and residence. Patients and control subjects were followed up until AA diagnosis, death, or December 31, 2013, whichever occurred first. The Cox regression model was used for the analyses. Overall, we included 35,123 patients with endometriosis and 140,492 control subjects. Compared with control subjects, patients with endometriosis had an adjusted hazard ratio of 5.60 (95% confidence interval 4.03–7.79) for AA after controlling for age, socioeconomic status, and comorbidities. In conclusion, patients with endometriosis had a significantly increased risk of AA. Further studies are necessary to investigate the pathophysiology underlying the relationship between endometriosis and AA.

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Background: Psoriasis has been reported to impact patients' health-related quality of life. Limited data are available on patients' perception of this disease and the importance of clear/almost clear skin as a treatment goal in Taiwan. Objectives: A clear about Psoriasis worldwide survey was conducted among patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis to assess patients' perspective on the impact of psoriasis on their personal and professional lives, treatment satisfaction, and the importance of achieving clear/almost clear skin. Here, we report the data for the Taiwanese patient population. Methods: A 20-min survey consisting of multiple choice questions and validated scales to assess disease severity and patient' quality of life was conducted between October 2015 and March 2016. Patients (age ≥18 years) with medically diagnosed moderate-to-severe psoriasis (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index [PASI] score ≥10 or PASI >5 to <10, plaques on visible or sensitive areas), not participated in any online surveys on psoriasis in the past 4 weeks were included in the survey. Results: Eighty-four respondents (male, 56%) with an average PASI score of 17.1 were analyzed. The majority of respondents (77%) had not achieved clear/almost clear skin and 71% believed that it is unachievable. Overall, 20% of patients did not feel comfortable telling their doctor that they want clear/almost clear skin, and 32% had never discussed it. Furthermore, 19% of patients were dissatisfied with their current treatment and 46% were uncertain if they were satisfied or dissatisfied. Overall, 96% of respondents experienced either discrimination or humiliation in daily life and 51% felt that psoriasis affected their professional life. Conclusions: The results of this survey demonstrate that, despite significant progress in the management of psoriasis, the treatment satisfaction level of patients remains suboptimal in Taiwan. The data highlight the need for patients to discuss their treatment goals with clinicians.

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This article aims to present current COVID-19 vaccination considerations for patients on immunotherapeutics for the management of immune-mediated dermatological diseases and summarize the recommendations relevant to clinical practice in Taiwan. These Taiwan Dermatological Association (TDA) recommendations are intended to be dynamic in nature and serve as an interim guide to optimize patient care at this current juncture. It is expected that our clinical practice would continually evolve and be informed by new evidence that emerges in this pandemic.

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Immune checkpoint inhibitor-related Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) were rarely reported. We summarized the courses and the characteristics of two cases. The first case was a 74-year-old woman receiving pembrolizumab for Stage 2 urothelial cell carcinoma of the bladder. SJS developed 27 days after the first dose of pembrolizumab. The other case was a 67-year-old woman receiving atezolizumab for Stage 4 renal urothelial cell carcinoma. TEN developed after the eighth cycle of atezolizumab. Both patients were treated with low-dose corticosteroid and supportive management. Their wounds healed without dermatologic sequelae.

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Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a prevalent skin disease in Asia. Attitudes and practice vary among the Asian cities. Objectives: This study aimed to survey similarities and differences in dermatologists' attitudes and practice in Asian cities. Methods: A questionnaire survey was sent to 118 dermatologists in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. Results: About 30.8% of respondents from Taiwan and 44.4% of respondents from Hong Kong saw most of their patients presenting with severe AD. This is significantly higher than respondents from Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand (4%–12%). Majority of the respondents would use topical corticosteroids in infants and children with AD. About 55.6% of the respondents from Hong Kong used topical calcineurin inhibitors in AD, which is a significantly lower than the other countries. Top 3 most prescribed antibiotics in infected AD were cephalexin, cloxacillin, and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid combination. Most respondents used oral corticosteroids in severe AD. Many respondents from Singapore and Malaysia use cyclosporin (70%–92%), azathioprine (80%–100%), and methotrexate (72%–75%). Fewer respondents from Thailand, Taiwan, and Hong Kong used cyclosporin (22.2%–59%), azathioprine (0%–66.7%), and methotrexate (8%–25.6%). A large majority of respondents from Singapore, Taiwan, and Malaysia use phototherapy in management of AD (90%–100%). About 24% of respondents from Thailand and 33.3% of respondents from Hong Kong use phototherapy in AD. Conclusion: Compared to the previous study, there is improvement in the proportion of dermatologists in Asia using topical calcineurin inhibitors and phototherapy. This may signify better access to these treatment modalities throughout the region. Educational programs that allow a patient-centered approach should be recommended as an adjunct to medical therapy. The management of AD among Asians requires a holistic approach while considering accessibility and cultural differences.

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Social media provides a readily accessible means to promote user-generated content, broaden interpersonal connections, and encourage social collaboration. In this paper, we will review the use of popular social media platforms within dermatology along with the potential benefits and harms of these platforms when used by dermatology providers and their patients. Social media has also found a place in medicine and presents new opportunities and challenges for health care professionals. In dermatology specifically, social media has become a platform for patient education, public outreach, and professional development and networking. Although there are many risks associated with social media use in dermatology, there is also opportunity to promote public health, patient education, and professional interactions.

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Although biologic agents have emerged as the preferred strategy for moderate-to-severe psoriasis, sparing around injection sites may be an underreported effect and represent inadequate systemic efficacy with fair local response of biologic treatment for psoriasis. Herein, we report six cases of extensive psoriasis presenting injection site sparing at biologics administration sites.

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Background: Striae gravidarum is a commonly occurred physiological change among women with pregnancy. Although these changes are accepted as physiological, the lack of therapeutical and preventive techniques led to impaired quality of life of women. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of striae gravidarum on quality of life in a sample of Turkish pregnant woman population and the usage of cream/lotion to prevent the striae. Methods: Women with pregnancy whose completed 36 weeks of their pregnancy and admitted to the Obstetrics and Gynecology outpatient unit between March 2017 and August 2017 were included in the study. The severity of striae was assessed using Davey's score. The effects of striae on patient's quality of life were evaluated by Skindex-29 questionnaire. The usage of cream/lotion whether or not was also asked and recorded. Results: A total of 153 women with pregnancy were included in the study. Of those 43.1% (n = 66) was primiparae and 56.9% (n = 87) was multiparae. The prevalence of striae gravidarum in total, primiparae and multiparae was 75.8%, 66.7%, and 82.7%, respectively. There was a weak positive correlation found between the parity and severity of striae (ρ =0.190, P = 0.018). The emotion and symptom score of primiparae women with severe striae were higher than women without striae (P = 0.001; P = 0.028, respectively). The usage of cream/lotion was significantly higher in primiparae compared to multiparae (P < 0.001). The symptom and emotion scores of the women with striae those applied cream were higher than nonusers (P < 0.001; P = 0.038, respectively). Conclusions: Striae gravidarum may cause psychological and physical effects among women, especially primiparae women with severe striae and negatively affects the quality of life. Cream/lotion may be used to prevent striae development and reduce symptoms of pregnant women with higher emotion scores.

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Background: Although the clinical features of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection are mainly based on respiratory system symptoms, different types of skin manifestations have been described in the literature. Objectives: We investigated COVID-19 cases in Kocaeli, Turkey, in a period of 3 months to identify and figure out the real burden of skin lesions associated with COVID-19 infection. Methods: A total of 266 patients who had positive results on reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction analysis of nasopharyngeal swab for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 between March 2020 and June 2020 at our region were investigated for the study. Results: A total of 266 patients was included in this study, 92 (34.6%) patients were male and 174 (65.4%) were female. The mean ± standard deviation age of the patients was 49.2 ± 18.69 (range: 18–96 years). During clinical examination, 5 (1.9%) patients demonstrated skin lesions that might be associated with COVID-19 infection. These lesions consisted of urticaria in three patients and vesicular eruption in two patients. Conclusion: Although the incidence of cutaneous manifestations was lower than expected, these symptoms are valuable clues to identify patients or asymptomatic individuals in high-risk populations. Further prospective studies in larger populations are needed to better define the real cutaneous aspect of the disease.

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Melanogenesis is a melanin-forming process responsible for protecting the skin against ultraviolet radiation damage. An excess production of melanin, however, may result in hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) to adverse dermatological effects (freckles, solar lentigines, and melasma) and skin cancer. These hyperpigmentary skin disorders may also have a major effect on a person's appearance and could even result in emotional and mental distress, as well as a diminished quality of life. A large number of melanogenesis inhibitors have been discovered, but most of them appeared to have undesirable side effects. Therefore, in order to better understand the mechanisms of hyperpigmentary skin disorders and to establish effective and safe melanogenesis inhibitors, more fundamental research is needed. Apart from tyrosinase blockers, there are also alternative approaches that involve the manipulation of melanogenesis regulatory pathway such as α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone blockers, melanosome transferase inhibitors, and cytokines. This review abridges data on the different melanogenesis inhibitors and depigmentation agents from both natural and synthetic agents from the last few years.

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