Background: Laser procedures are integral to dermatologic practice, yet safety measures- particularly regarding ocular protection and plume control- are poorly studied in real-world settings. Objective: To evaluate current practices in eye protection, infection control, and occupational risk awareness among Korean dermatologists performing laser treatments. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among board-certified dermatologists at the 2024 Korean Society for Dermatologic Laser Surgery meeting. The questionnaire covered demographics, laser frequency, use of goggles and masks, infection control strategies, ophthalmologic monitoring, and history of warts or cancer. Results: Seventy-nine respondents completed the survey. All reported using protective goggles, but only 26.6% and 22.8% did so for CO 2 and erbium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet lasers, respectively. Only 24.1% underwent regular eye exams, and 13.9% reported eye conditions after starting laser practice. While 89.9% used masks, 40.8% used dental masks, which are inadequate for plume protection. Suction devices were used by 94.9%, though performance specifications were unclear. Warts were reported by 46.8% of respondents; two reported cancer diagnoses after initiating laser work. Conclusion Despite high overall adherence to basic safety practices, critical gaps remain. Our findings highlight the need for standardized guidelines and long-term occupational health monitoring to ensure safe laser practice.

Background: Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by erythema, papules, ocular symptoms, and heightened sensitivity. Patients with neurogenic symptoms such as burning or stinging remain particularly difficult to manage. Current guidelines often underrepresent energy-based devices (EBDs), pigmentary sequelae, psychosocial burden, and ocular comorbidities. Objective: To examine Korean dermatologists’ expert perspectives on rosacea management, focusing on skin sensitivity, neurogenic symptoms, pigmentary changes, psychosocial impact, ocular involvement, and EBD use. Methods: A web-based, 29-item survey was administered to 25 board-certified Korean dermatologists (May–June 2025). Quantitative and qualitative responses were analyzed. Results: Erythematotelangiectatic and papulopustular phenotypes with sensitivity skin predominated. EBDs (pulsed dye laser, intense pulsed light) were frequently used but limited by cost and sensitivity issues. Neurogenic symptoms were recognized but rarely treated with neuromodulators. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation was infrequent, yet monitoring was inconsistent.Psychosocial and ocular aspects were acknowledged but seldomly systematically addressed.Respondents expressed interest in emerging adjunctive treatments such as cold plasma, skin boosters, and holistic care approaches. Conclusion Korean dermatologists adopt individualized strategies for rosacea, yet practice gaps remain regarding neurogenic symptoms, pigmentary complications, and psychosocial and ocular comorbidities. Findings support the need for updated multidisciplinary, phenotype-driven guidelines aligned with real-world practice.

In patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL), the risk of incidental durotomy (ID) during anterior cervical spine surgery is relatively high. However, the anterior surgical approach is technically demanding because of limited visualization and restricted operative space, which makes direct dural repair difficult. As a result, indirect repair techniques are typically employed, but these approaches can pose significant postoperative management challenges, particularly in cases of symptomatic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. A 68-year-old male patient presented with right-sided symptoms involving both the upper and lower extremities. Radiological evaluation revealed C3–4–5 anterolisthesis, OPLL at the C4–5 level, and bilateral foraminal stenosis at C3–4 and C4–5. During anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), an ID occurred at the anterior aspect of the C4–5 segment and was managed with primary indirect repair. Approximately 2 weeks postoperatively, the patient developed symptomatic CSF leakage. Under fluoroscopic guidance, a needle was precisely positioned adjacent to the interbody cage at the anterior aspect of the C4–5 segment—the site of the durotomy—to administer a targeted anterior epidural blood patch (EBP). The procedure was completed successfully without complications and resulted in effective resolution of the CSF leak. ID at the anterior aspect of the spinal canal during ACDF may lead to persistent symptoms due to CSF leakage. In such cases, a minimally invasive strategy, such as a targeted anterior EBP performed under fluoroscopic guidance, may represent an effective alternative to surgical re-exploration for symptom resolution.

Background: The conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) grading system for foraminal stenosis (FS), known as the Lee classification, was introduced in 2010 and is widely utilized in clinical practice. Previous studies have reported that the conventional grading system for FS lacks prediction ability for surgical treatment. The purpose of this study was to develop a novel MRI grading system for lumbar FS with improved prediction ability for surgical treatment by incorporating facet effusion to indicate segmental instability. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients diagnosed with lumbar FS between 2011 and 2017 who had a follow-up period of at least 5 years. The FS severity was assessed using a conventional MRI grading system developed by Lee et al. We recorded whether the patient underwent surgical treatment for FS during the follow-up period and the time from the initial diagnosis to surgery. Survival analysis using a Kaplan-Meier curve and log-rank test was performed to verify the impact of FS severity on the surgical treatment. We performed additional survival analysis after modifying the grading system by incorporating the presence of excessive facet joint effusion assessed using axial MRI. We also compared the discrimination ability of the modified and conventional grading systems using Uno’s concordance index (C-index). Results: In total, 235 patients with a mean age of 63.7 years were included in this study. During the mean follow-up period of 8.1 years, 63 patients underwent surgical treatment for FS. The conventional grading system revealed no significant difference in survival between the grade 2 and 3 groups (p = 0.104). Conversely, the modified grading system revealed a significant difference in survival between the new grade 2 and 3 groups (p < 0.001). After modification, the discrimination ability, assessed using Uno’s Cindex, significantly improved from 0.69 to 0.73. Conclusions The Facet Effusion-Incorporating Grading System, which adds excessive facet joint effusion to the conventional MRI grading framework, demonstrated improved predictive value for surgical treatment and better discriminatory ability compared with the original system.

Vertebral artery (VA) occlusion is often managed conservatively, but anterior spinal artery (ASA) involvement may cause rapid neurological deterioration. We report two contrasting cases of VA occlusion with ASA compromise. One patient achieved complete recovery after timely endovascular treatment (EVT) restoring ASA flow, whereas the other developed severe bilateral medial medullary infarctions following unsuccessful EVT. These cases highlight the prognostic importance of ASA involvement and suggest that EVT should be considered when ASA perfusion is threatened.

Objectives: In alignment with the World Health Organization’s goal of eliminating hepatitis C, this study assessed the current treatment status and reasons for non-treatment among patients with hepatitis C in Jeonbuk State, Republic of Korea, to inform strategies for improving care engagement. Methods: Among 311 individuals diagnosed with hepatitis C and reported through the NationalNotifiable Infectious Disease Surveillance system between January 2023 and June 2024, 208 patients were surveyed after excluding those who had died or could not be contacted.Statistical analyses included the chi-square test, the Cochran-Armitage test for trend, and logistic regression. Results: Overall, 116 participants (55.8%) reported having received antiviral therapy. Among the 92 untreated individuals, the most common reason for non-treatment was the absence of symptoms (n = 23; 25.0%), followed by the burden of drug costs (n = 21; 22.8%). Conclusion These findings highlight suboptimal treatment uptake and key barriers that may hinder progress toward hepatitis C elimination. Expanding screening and strengthening linkage-to-care strategies, while addressing financial barriers, will be essential to achievingnational elimination targets.

Background: Dutasteride, a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, is prescribed for male androgenetic alopecia (AGA) in Korea and Japan. Despite its efficacy, its use is limited by its long half-life, potent dihydrotestosterone suppression, and adverse effects. Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of 0.2 mg dutasteride for male AGA. Methods: Patients with male AGA were randomized to receive 0.2 mg dutasteride, placebo, or 0.5 mg dutasteride (2:2:1) once daily for 24 weeks. Safety and efficacy endpoints were assessed. Results: Overall, 139 men were analyzed. At week 24, the change in hair count within the target area at the vertex from baseline was significantly higher in the 0.2 mg dutasteride group than in the placebo group (21.53 vs. 5.96, p=0.0072). Dutasteride (0.2 mg) treatment led to greater hair growth improvement, as assessed by investigators at week 24 (p=0.0096) and an independent panel at weeks 12 and 24 (p=0.0306, p=0.0001). For all efficacy endpoints, 0.2 mg dutasteride was as effective as 0.5 mg dutasteride. The incidence of adverse events was low and not statistically different between the 0.2 mg dutasteride and placebo groups. The limitation of this study is the limited number of participants. Conclusion Low-dose (0.2 mg) dutasteride for male AGA showed significant efficacy and favorable safety profile.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04825561

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common skin disease with a wide range of symptoms. Due to the rapidly changing treatment landscape, regular updates to clinical guidelines are needed. Objective: This study aimed to update the guidelines for the treatment of AD to reflect recent therapeutic advances and evidence-based recommendations. Methods: The Patient characteristics, type of Intervention, Control, and Outcome framework was used to determine 48 questions related to AD management. Evidence was graded, recommendations were determined, and, after 2 voting rounds among the Korean Atopic Dermatitis Association (KADA) council members, consensus was achieved. Results: This guideline provides treatment guidance on advanced systemic treatment modalities for AD. In particular, the guideline offers up-to-date treatment recommendations for biologics and Janus-kinase inhibitors used in the treatment of patients with moderate to severe AD.It also provides guidance on other therapies for AD, along with tailored recommendations for children, adolescents, the elderly, and pregnant or breastfeeding women. Conclusion KADA’s updated AD treatment guidelines incorporate the latest evidence and expert opinion to provide a comprehensive approach to AD treatment. The guidelines will help clinicians optimize patient-specific therapies.

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common skin disease with a wide range of symptoms. Due to the rapidly changing treatment landscape, regular updates to clinical guidelines are needed. Objective: This study aimed to update the guidelines for the treatment of AD to reflect recent therapeutic advances and evidence-based practices. Methods: The Patient characteristics, type of Intervention, Control, and Outcome framework was used to determine 48 questions related to AD management. Evidence was graded, recommendations were determined, and, after 2 voting rounds among the Korean Atopic Dermatitis Association (KADA) council members, consensus was achieved. Results: The guidelines provide detailed recommendations on foundational therapies, including the use of moisturizers, cleansing and bathing practices, allergen avoidance, and patient education. Guidance on topical therapies, such as topical corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors, is also provided to help manage inflammation and maintain skin barrier function in patients with AD. Additionally, recommendations on conventional systemic therapies, including corticosteroids, cyclosporine, and methotrexate, are provided for managing moderate to severe AD. Conclusion KADA’s updated AD guidelines offer clinicians evidence-based strategies focused on basic therapies, topical therapies, and conventional systemic therapies, equipping them to enhance quality of care and improve patient outcomes in AD management.