Medicine · Research topic

Open research questions in Dermatology and Skin Diseases

51 unresolved questions extracted from the limitations and future-work sections of 393 Dermatology and Skin Diseases papers in our library. Each links back to the study that raised it.

What the literature leaves open

  • Rather, this case suggests only a possible temporal association that warrants further investigation. 5)7)11) However, atopic dermatitis has not been previously reported as a caus- ative factor for hemorrhagic stroke in young adults.

    Dupilumab therapy for atopic dermatitis and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: A case report and literature review · 2026 · DOI
  • Despite the long-standing success of MPA, there are ar- eas for future research and opportunities to further opti- mize its use. One important avenue is the direct compar- ison of MPA with newer non-steroidal topical therapies, such as PDE4 inhibitors and topical Janus kinase inhib- itors, in various conditions. As novel agents emerge for atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, well-designed compar- ative effectiveness studies could better define the role of MPA in updated treatment algorithms, particularly for mild-to-moderate disease where choices are expand- ing. For instance, how does once-daily MPA cream stack up against a topical PDE4 inhibitor in terms of speed of itch relief or patient preference? These data would guide clinicians in choosing therapy or combinations thereof. Another area of interest is proactive management and skin barrier optimization. MPA is already used in Table 4. Local and systemic safety profile of methylprednisolone aceponate.

    Revisiting methylprednisolone aceponate: efficacy, safety and current positioning · 2026 · DOI
  • However, IEIs-A-associated eczema can differ from that of classic AD, and its frequency, genotype-specific clinical patterns and temporal relationships with other IEIs-A manifestations (infections, allergic manifestations, autoimmunity) remain poorly defined.

    Eczema in inborn errors of immunity with atopy: frequency, timing, phenotypic clustering · 2026 · DOI
  • By virtue of their ability to inhibit JAK–STAT signaling, JAK inhibitors are able to target the activity of cytokines and reduce inflammation in conditions including but not limited to atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, alopecia areata, vitiligo, and hidradenitis suppurativa.

    SAFETY OF SYSTEMIC JAK INHIBITORS IN DERMATOLOGIC DISEASES: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW · 2026 · DOI
  • The future of systemic JAK inhibitor therapy in dermatology will be associated with further development in terms of selectivity, safety profile, and personalized therapy approaches. Even though the existing drugs are quite effective in inflammatory or autoimmune skin diseases, the risks associated with infections, cardiovascular diseases, blood clots, and cancer require the implementation of new strategies for safe treatment. The current efforts in this field are focused on the creation of new selective JAK inhibitors, which will target only some pathways and minimize off-target immunosuppression. A major breakthrough in this area is related to the emergence of selective TYK2 inhibitors like Deucravacitinib. Further developments in precision medicine and pharmacogenomics will also be important for shaping the future application of systemic JAK inhibitors in dermatology. The discovery of predictive biomarkers can assist doctors in identifying those patients who stand to gain from treatment without incurring undue risks of adverse reactions. Tailored approaches to www.wjpps.com │ Vol 15, Issue 7, 2026. │ ISO 9001:2015 Certified Journal │ 226 Dheenadhaylan et al. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences treatment according to patients’ genetic predispositions, cytokine profiles, immunological characteristics, and condition severity may enhance the effectiveness of the drugs used and avoid unnecessary use of immunosuppressants. Artificial intelligence and machine learning systems can aid in predicting the outcome of treatment and potential side effects and contribute to evidence-based decision-making. In addition, future studies will focus on collecting long-term data on real-world safety, comparative efficacy analysis, and optimization of combined regimens. The implementation of comprehensive post-marketing surveillance schemes as well as patient registers internationally is required to gain more information on the risks related to long-term exposure to JAK inhibitors in relation to developing cancer and cardiovascular side effects. A possible improvement of therapy that can be achieved through the combination of JAK inhibitors with biologics, phototherapy, or topicals will provide an opportunity for increasing efficacy without the need to administer higher doses. It should also be noted that clinical trials among children, older patients, and those with various comorbid conditions will facilitate more informed dosing recommendations.

    SAFETY OF SYSTEMIC JAK INHIBITORS IN DERMATOLOGIC DISEASES: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW · 2026 · DOI
  • The data recorded in this study were limited by the constraints of the question- naire and the information recorded in patient charts. While these approaches are useful, other aspects of validating target criteria have not been explored. The rationale for deciding between treatment modifications was not captured in this study but warrants investigation in future prospective studies.

    Achieving Canadian Treat-to-Target Criteria in Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis: A Retrospective Analysis of Outcomes from Real-World Canadian Practice · 2026 · DOI
  • These hypothesis-generating findings support further investigation of the gut-skin axis in AD development and provide a rationale for future interventional studies targeting the microbiome and metabolome.

    Non-invasive detection of pediatric atopic dermatitis based on fecal microbiota and metabolite profiles: a diagnostic approach · 2026 · DOI
  • ABSTRACT Dermatitis is a common skin health problem among adolescents due to limited knowledge and inadequate implementation of clean and healthy lifestyle behaviors (PHBS).

    Cegah Dermatitis Sejak Dini melalui Edukasi Kesehatan Kulit Pada Siswa/I SMP N 1 Puspahiang, Kabupaten Tasikmalaya · 2026 · DOI
  • Atopic dermatitis (AD) and rosacea are common chronic inflammatory skin disorders traditionally regarded as distinct disease entities. However, accumulating epidemiological, clinical, and basic research evidence reveals significant overlap in both pathophysiological mechanisms and clinical manifestations between these conditions. Shared pathological features include microbiome alterations, aberrant immune responses, and neurovascular dysregulation. Clinically, the differential diagnosis between AD and rosacea remains particularly challenging in adult facial dermatitis, and their coexistence is not uncommon, further compounding disease burden. Currently, prospective cohort studies elucidating the true epidemiological characteristics and risk factors for AD-rosacea comorbidity are lacking. Nevertheless, the shared clinical trajectory- characterized by high prevalence, physiological-psychological vicious cycles, and substantial economic burden-mandates more comprehen- sive and standardized management approaches. With advancements in specialized clinics and chronic disease management programs, future initiatives should focus on comorbidity risk assessment to enable precision management strategies that alleviate disease burden. Future research directions should prioritize (1):employ- ing multi-omics technologies (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, microbiomics) to delineate shared and distinct pathogenic pathways (2); developing novel targeted therapeutics for common pathways (3); establishing optimized diagnostic criteria and evidence-based treatment guidelines grounded in pathophysiological features, utilizing advanced imaging modalities including dermatoscopy and video capillaroscopy (4); exploring personalized treatment strategies and predicting thera- peutic responses based on individual molecular profiles.

    The association between atopic dermatitis and rosacea: a comprehensive review from comorbidities to pathogenic mechanisms · 2026 · DOI
  • to assess whether non-responders differed Patients with asthma and those with concomitant AD were identified in the NPR using validated ICD-10 codes (29, 51), supporting population validity. Despite the low response rate, which may introduce bias and reduce generalizability, and our inability from responders in terms of socioeconomic characteristics, the cohort included 4,126 adults with asthma. Asthma and AD severity were evaluated using GINA and PO-SCORAD, both wellestablished selfassessment, potentially introducing variability compared with clinician-rated measures (21). The study examined AD in asthma patients; however, asthma with concomitant AD and AD with concomitant asthma represent the same disease overlap from different perspectives. Outcomes were survey-based, tools.

    Clinical characteristics and severity of concomitant atopic dermatitis in adults with asthma: a nationwide population-based registry study · 2026 · DOI
  • The therapeutic translation of gut microbiota-derived metabo- lites, such as SCFAs, with strong immunomodulatory effects in pre- clinical models remains limited because of the challenges in dose standardization, delivery, and bioavailability. Not all studies report positive outcomes, and some fail to demonstrate significant clinical improvements. These inconsistencies underscore the complexity of host gut microbiome interactions and emphasize the need for well- designed, large-scale, and standardized clinical trials before these approaches can be reliably integrated into clinical practice.

    Gut dysbiosis and microbial metabolites in atopic dermatitis: implications for immune regulation along gut-skin axis · 2026 · DOI
  • Future research should focus on elucidating exact mechanisms by which miR-1-3p contributes to AD pathogenesis. Additionally, miR-1-3p should be explored through interventional studies, assessing how modulating its levels affects AD severity and inflammation.

    The diagnostic value of miR-1-3p in atopic dermatitis and its correlation with inflammatory factors · 2026 · DOI
  • The study uses only female BALB/c mice (6 weeks old) in the animal model, limiting generalizability to other mouse strains, ages, and sexes, which may respond differently to AG treatment.

    Topical acacia gum reshapes staphylococcal dysbiosis and inflammation in atopic dermatitis · 2026 · DOI
  • The paper excerpt ends abruptly mid-sentence during the AD-like mouse model description ('In the AD+AG group, 5% AG in sterilized water (150 μl) was used to topic'), leaving the experimental protocol incomplete and preventing full assessment of methodology.

    Topical acacia gum reshapes staphylococcal dysbiosis and inflammation in atopic dermatitis · 2026 · DOI
  • Journal of Biomedical Science (2026) 33:35 Page 15 of 17 It remains unclear whether intrathecally adminis- tered opioids induce pruritus solely through central mechanisms or also involve peripheral pathways. On the other hand, although we cannot entirely exclude the possibil- ity that BAM8-22 may be altered in AD, its involvement remains unclear, and no evidence currently indicates elevated BAM8-22 levels in AD skin. Further research is needed to determine whether the OPRM1/MRGPRX1 heterodimer functions similarly in humans and contrib- utes to opioid-induced pruritus in clinical settings. In addition, although the OPRM1/MRGPRX1 heterodi- mer does not alter the G-protein coupling preferences of either receptor, other downstream signaling pathways or receptor interactions that may influence opioid-induced itch were not investigated.

    OPRM1/MRGPRX1 heterodimers drive opioid-induced itch through a peripheral mechanism · 2026 · DOI
  • Immature organoids showed some limited evidence of barrier impairment with <ns4:italic>FLG</ns4:italic> knockdown, but the mature organoids showed no difference in transepidermal water loss, water content or dye penetration.

    Functional and proteomic analysis of a full thickness filaggrin-deficient skin organoid model · 2019 · DOI
  • Loss-of-function mutations in the gene encoding filaggrin ( <ns4:italic>FLG</ns4:italic> ) are a major risk factor, but the mechanisms by which filaggrin haploinsufficiency leads to atopic inflammation remain incompletely understood.

    Functional and proteomic analysis of a full thickness filaggrin-deficient skin organoid model · 2019 · DOI
  • Intradermal testing was performed in horses presented to The Liphook Equine Hospital for further investigation of AD or RU between June 2002 and March 2009.

    Results of intradermal testing for the investigation of atopic dermatitis and recurrent urticaria in 50 horses in the south of England · 2010 · DOI
  • How‑ ever, the methodological approach, specifi‑ cally using the withdrawal arm as a common comparator during the maintenance period, is insufficient to adequately address the research question posed.

    Letter to the Editor Regarding “Anchored Matching-Adjusted Indirect Comparison of the Long-Term Maintenance of Efficacy of Tralokinumab and Lebrikizumab in Patients with Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis” · 2026 · DOI
  • Nummular eczema (NE) and atopic dermatitis (AD) share clinical features, yet their skin microbiomes remain insufficiently characterized.

    Taxonomic and Functional Skin Microbiome Profiles in Nummular Eczema, Atopic Dermatitis, and Mixed Phenotypes: An Exploratory Shotgun Metagenomic Pilot Study · 2026 · DOI
  • In this context, the present analysis should be regarded as a trial-level pooled synthesis of closely related randomized controlled trials, and the generalizability of the pooled estimates to broader clinical settings remains uncertain.

    Efficacy and safety of the JAK1 inhibitor abrocitinib for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis · 2026 · DOI
  • However, further studies evaluating dose-response relationships, protein- level cytokine expression, serum IgE, pruritus-related outcomes, and skin-barrier function are warranted to further characterize the therapeutic potential of I3C in atopic dermatitis.

    Indole-3-carbinol attenuates DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis in mice by reducing inflammation and IL-4/IL-13 expression · 2026 · DOI
  • Given the gap in the literature documenting dupilumab-associated psoriasis in elderly patients, this case is also valuable, as clinicians consider systemic medications, such as dupilumab, for older adults with refractory dermatitis.

    Dupilumab-Induced Psoriasiform Eruption in an 83-Year-Old Patient · 2026 · DOI
  • The use of blood-specific IgE or skin prick tests to guide dietary exclusions with the goal of improving disease severity or control remains controversial, with very limited evidence of benefit.

    A Narrative Review of Dietary Interventions and Supplementation for the Prevention and Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis · 2026 · DOI
  • Even though itch is a major component in the pathology of AD, the biological underpinnings are not fully understood.

    The role of the neutrophil receptor Mrgpra2 in the formation of itch in atopic dermatitis · 2026 · DOI

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51 open questions have been extracted from the limitations and future-work passages of 393 Dermatology and Skin Diseases papers in our library. Each one below links back to the study that raised it, so you can read the original claim in context.

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