Open research questions in Dermatologic Treatments and Research
73 unresolved questions extracted from the limitations and future-work sections of 279 Dermatologic Treatments and Research papers in our library. Each links back to the study that raised it.
What the literature leaves open
Future studies may investigate the impact of laser intervention at different time points post-surgery. Future studies may assess the effectiveness of CO fractional laser intervention in human subjects.
The study identifies a gap in understanding the optimal timing of CO fractional laser intervention for scar formation.
Conventional RF cautery has limitations, including a significant risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and scarring. The risk of recurrence is high, especially in darker skin types. There is a need for a safe and effective cosmetically superior alternative for treating xanthelasma palpebrum.
The study faced challenges in terms of limited sample size and duration. The study also faced challenges in terms of variability in patient response to treatment.
Efficacy of glycolic acid peels in combination with topical therapy in common facial melanosis in skin of color: A randomized clinico-dermoscopic study · 2026 · DOIMechanical tension remains a primary driver of fibrosis. Pathological scars, such as hypertrophic scars and keloids, can form when the balance of cellular activity is disrupted. Complete functional and aesthetic tissue restoration remains difficult with conventional treatment.
SCAR AND WOUND MANAGEMENT: FROM CONVENTIONAL THERAPIES TO ADIPOSE-DERIVED AND EXOSOME-BASED REGENERATIVE APPROACHES · 2026 · DOIDiffuse melasma and lentigines are complex pigmentary disorders that involve increased melanin production and irregular melanosome distribution. The process of melanogenesis depends on multiple enzymatic pathways, particularly the activity of tyrosinase. Current treatments often have limited efficacy and may be associated with significant side effects.
Diffuse Facial Melasma and Lentigines Treated With the NewMelan Multimodal Depigmentation Protocol: A Case Report · 2026 · DOIThe evidence base for IV micronutrient infusions is limited and varies markedly by ingredient and indication. There is a need for standardized medical governance and responsible practice. Marketing claims often exceed clinical evidence.
Intravenous Micronutrient Infusion Therapy in Aesthetic and Preventive Medicine: A Narrative Review · 2026 · DOIThe complex interplay of biochemical, biophysical, and cellular signals in scar formation. The limited translational relevance of commonly used animal models. Barriers to clinical and economic translation.
A comprehensive review on scar formation and influencing factors: insights into mechanisms and therapeutic strategies · 2026 · DOIScars can be difficult to treat due to their complex pathophysiology. Current treatments are often expensive or invasive. There is a need for simple, low-cost, and effective treatments.
The Effects of Turmeric, Aloe Vera, and Honey as Natural Remedies for Reducing Scar Visibility_ A Pilot Clinical Trial · 2026 · DOIABSTRACT Background Frozen section analysis enables rapid diagnosis, but its diagnostic accuracy in the setting of severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs) remains poorly defined.
The Accuracy of Frozen Section Histopathology in the Rapid Diagnosis of Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis · 2026 · DOIThe use of hydroquinone (2–4%) or other topical agents before resurfacing remains controversial: while some trials sug- gest modest reductions in PIH severity [5, 11], others find no significant benefit over sunscreen alone [13].
The need for further experiments in models that better recapitulate periocular skin complexity. The need for additional studies using hydration measurement methods using validated equipment and in vivo human models.
PVA and HPMC E4M-based patches for periorbital hyperpigmentation containing açaí oil, barbatimão extract and hyaluronic acid: Preliminary evaluation of skin hydration · 2026 · DOIThere is a limited literature describing melasma in men. Extra-facial melasma is less frequently reported and is most often described in postmenopausal women.
The presentation in this case - a male patient with isolated, symmetric involvement of the bilateral forearms - represents an uncommon clinical scenario and contributes to the limited literature describing melasma in men. Although there is limited literature directly addressing melasma development in previously burned skin, thermal injury is known to result in long-term alterations in melanocyte density, function, and dermal remodeling [8].
This is a single case report with a short observation period. No statistical analysis was performed due to the small sample size. Longer-term evaluation is needed to establish the efficacy of the treatment.
There is a lack of evidence for the use of fat grafting in mixed-type atrophic acne scars. The current treatment options for atrophic acne scars are limited.
The field of non-light-based energy devices in dermatology is rapidly evolving, with emerging innovations and current evidence summarized in this review. There is a need for further research on the efficacy and safety of these devices.
Energy-Based Non-Light Devices for Dermatological Conditions: Current Indications and New Innovations · 2026 · DOIBy minimising the thermal damage and ensuring better lesion clearance, this technique addresses the key limitations of conventional RF treatment, i.
There is a need for a systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of combining rhEGF with fractional CO2 laser therapy. The current evidence on the combination therapy is limited and inconsistent.
Efficacy and safety of recombinant human epidermal growth factor combined with fractional carbon dioxide laser for facial atrophic acne scars: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials · 2026 · DOISmall sample size. Lack of multivariate control. Wide confidence interval (0.7-92.3) indicating substantial uncertainty in the estimate.
Melasma and prolonged oral contraceptive use: a community-based retrospective cohort study · 2026 · DOIMore robust, prospective cohort studies are needed to confirm the findings. Further research is required to understand the relationship between hormonal contraceptives and melasma. Studies should investigate the effects of prolonged COC use on melasma in different populations.
Melasma and prolonged oral contraceptive use: a community-based retrospective cohort study · 2026 · DOIThere is a need for effective and regenerative aesthetic treatments. The clinical efficacy of exosomes with PDRN needs to be consolidated.
Análise da performance de ativos regenerativos associados ao microagulhamento no envelhecimento facial · 2026 · DOI9.1. Integration with nanotechnology One of among the most promising methods to improve the effectiveness of anti-melasma formulations is the combination of nanotechnology and herbal treatment. Conventional herbal creams and gels frequently have drawbacks such limited stability, poor solubility, insufficient skin penetration, and quick active chemical breakdown. These difficulties can be solved by phytosomes, nanotechnology-based such carriers liposomes, niosomes, nanoemulsions, lipid solid nanoparticles (SLN), and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC). These systems preserve and enhance the dermal absorption of bioactive herbal substances such as quercetin, glabridin from licorice, catechins from green tea, and curcumin from turmeric. For instance, research has demonstrated that SLN gels enriched with curcumin lessen pigmentation more successfully than traditional creams. In a comparable way, licorice extract liposomes reduce increasing bioavailability and skin penetration into the epidermis. These nano-formulations' controlled release characteristics enable long-lasting therapeutic activity, frequency, and improve patient compliance, making them an effective treatment for long-term ailments like melisma. improve epidermal retention and irritation while lower dosage and and lack extract quality, thorough carefully planned 9.2. Evidence-based herbal therapy scientific Evidence-based methods validation are essential for the future of herbal therapy in the treatment of melasma. Although preclinical research has shown promise for several herbal drugs, clinical data is frequently restricted because of small sample numbers, of inconsistent standardization. To assess effectiveness, safety, and results, long-term randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using standardized herbal extracts and contemporary administration methods are required. For research to be repeatable and consistent, turmeric or like curcumin active in standardized.
HERBAL TOPICAL FORMULATIONS FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF MELASMA: PHYTOCONSTITUENTS, MECHANISMS, AND RECENT ADVANCES · 2026 · DOIHigh recurrence rates and inconsistent long-term outcomes with current treatment modalities. Limited efficacy of single-modality treatments for auricular keloids.
Helix Advancement Flap Reconstruction Combined with Intralesional Triamcinolone Acetonide and 5-Fluorouracil for Auricular Keloids: A Prospective Pilot Study · 2026 · DOIThe study does not mention any specific limitations. However, it can be inferred that the study may have limitations due to its relatively small sample size and limited duration.
Efficacy of glycolic acid peels in combination with topical therapy in common facial melanosis in skin of color: A randomized clinico-dermoscopic study · 2026 · DOI
Most-cited papers in Dermatologic Treatments and Research
- Scar Contractures, Hypertrophic Scars, and Keloids · Facial Plastic Surgery · 2001 · 179 citations
- The Potential of Topical and Injectable Growth Factors and Cytokines for Skin Rejuvenation · Facial Plastic Surgery · 2014 · 104 citations
- Endogenous stimuli-responsive separating microneedles to inhibit hypertrophic scar through remodeling the pathological microenvironment · Nature Communications · 2024 · 85 citations
- Acellular Dermal Matrix in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery · Physiological Research · 2022 · 27 citations
- Autolougous platelet concentrates in esthetic medicine · Periodontology 2000 · 2024 · 24 citations
- Cosmetic Treatments with Energy-Based Devices in Skin of Color · Facial Plastic Surgery · 2023 · 20 citations
- Effect of low-level laser therapy on wound healing after depigmentation procedure: A clinical study · Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology · 2016 · 15 citations
- A Comparison of Intralesional Verapamil and Triamcinolone Monotherapy in the Treatment of Keloids in an African Population · Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice · 2021 · 14 citations
- Self-assembling peptides for managing white spot lesions: a systematic review and meta-analysis · European Archives of Paediatric Dentistry · 2023 · 9 citations
- Novel flapless esthetic procedure for the elimination of extended gingival metal tattoos adjacent to prosthetic teeth: Er:YAG laser micro-keyhole surgery · Journal of Prosthodontic Research · 2021 · 8 citations
Most recent work
- First Insights on the Upcoming Role of Next-generation PLLA-LASYNPRO in Aesthetic and Regenerative Medicine: A Survey of Experts—the PLLA-LASYNPRO Rationale · Facial Plastic Surgery · 2026
- Successful treatment of lower lip venous lake using CO2 fractional laser therapy · Medicine · 2026
- Successful Management of a Facial Traumatic Asphalt Tattoo Using Sequential Q‐Switched Nd:YAG and Fractional CO₂ Lasers · Lasers in Surgery and Medicine · 2026
- Facial laser complications (A Five Year Review) · Lasers in Medical Science · 2026
- Platelet-rich plasma and ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser therapy for chronic scar management: a systematic review · Lasers in Medical Science · 2026
- Efficacy of Fire Needling Combined with 420 nm Intense Pulsed Light in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris · Acupuncture & Electro-Therapeutics Research · 2026
- PVA and HPMC E4M-based patches for periorbital hyperpigmentation containing açaí oil, barbatimão extract and hyaluronic acid: Preliminary evaluation of skin hydration · In vitro models · 2026
- Understanding exosomes in facial esthetics and skin aging · Periodontology 2000 · 2026
- A rapid single session in vivo method to quantify blue light protection using immediate pigmentation darkening · International Journal of Cosmetic Science · 2026
- Extra-facial Melasma Presenting With Isolated Forearm Involvement in a Male Patient · Cureus · 2026
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