1.Assessing Laser Safety in Dermatology:Eye Protection and Infection Control Practices Among Board-Certified Korean Dermatologists
Sejin OH ; Yeong Ho KIM ; Bo Ri KIM ; Hyun-Min SEO ; Soon-Hyo KWON ; Hoon CHOI ; Hae Woong LEE ; Jung-Im NA ; Chun Pill CHOI ; Joo Yeon KO ; Hwa Jung RYU ; Suk Bae SEO ; Jong Hee LEE ; Chang-Hun HUH ; Hei Sung KIM
Annals of Dermatology 2026;38(1):69-74
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.
2.Current Clinical Perspectives on Rosacea Management: Insights From a Korean Multicenter Expert Opinion Survey
Bo Ri KIM ; Sejin OH ; Ju Hee HAN ; Jimyung SEO ; Hyun-Min SEO ; Soon-Hyo KWON ; Hoon CHOI ; Jung U SHIN ; Jae We CHO ; Boncheol Leo GOO ; Jung-Im NA ; Dong Hun LEE ; Chun Pill CHOI ; HaeWoong LEE ; Joo Yeon KO ; Hwa Jung RYU ; Nark-Kyoung RHO ; Hyunjo KIM ; Ga-Young LEE ; Jong Hee LEE ; Nala SHIN ; Sang Ju LEE ; Suk Bae SEO ; Geun Soo LEE ; Hei Sung KIM ; Chang-Hun HUH
Annals of Dermatology 2026;38(1):42-50
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.
3.New-Onset Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder during Pregnancy: A Case Report
So Hee LEE ; Seongheon KIM ; Se Jin LEE ; Sung Hun KIM ; Sunghun NA
Perinatology 2025;36(1):32-36
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a rare inflammatory disease that most often affects the optic nerves and spinal cord. We describe a case of 36-year-old woman presented at 13 weeks of gestation with 4 extremities paresthesia and weakness that had lasted for two months at her first visit to our hospital. She had two previous uncomplicated full-term vaginal deliveries and no significant medical or family history. Spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed extensive cervical cord lesion and aquaporin-4 antibodies were strongly positive, confirming the diagnosis of NMOSD. Initial management with high-dose corticosteroids and plasmapheresis was done and she showed substantial improvement, but she revisited hospital at 26 weeks of gestational age due to visual disturbance and aggravated weakness. Relapse of NMOSD was confirmed by spine MRI, so rituximab therapy was initiated at 28 weeks of gestational age for prevention of recurrence.The patient showed clinical improvement with no adverse effects and relapse of symptoms. She successfully delivered a healthy male infant at 39 weeks and 3 days of gestational age through uncomplicated vaginal delivery. This case demonstrates successful management of new-onset NMOSD during pregnancy using a multi-modal treatment approach including rituximab.
4.New-Onset Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder during Pregnancy: A Case Report
So Hee LEE ; Seongheon KIM ; Se Jin LEE ; Sung Hun KIM ; Sunghun NA
Perinatology 2025;36(1):32-36
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a rare inflammatory disease that most often affects the optic nerves and spinal cord. We describe a case of 36-year-old woman presented at 13 weeks of gestation with 4 extremities paresthesia and weakness that had lasted for two months at her first visit to our hospital. She had two previous uncomplicated full-term vaginal deliveries and no significant medical or family history. Spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed extensive cervical cord lesion and aquaporin-4 antibodies were strongly positive, confirming the diagnosis of NMOSD. Initial management with high-dose corticosteroids and plasmapheresis was done and she showed substantial improvement, but she revisited hospital at 26 weeks of gestational age due to visual disturbance and aggravated weakness. Relapse of NMOSD was confirmed by spine MRI, so rituximab therapy was initiated at 28 weeks of gestational age for prevention of recurrence.The patient showed clinical improvement with no adverse effects and relapse of symptoms. She successfully delivered a healthy male infant at 39 weeks and 3 days of gestational age through uncomplicated vaginal delivery. This case demonstrates successful management of new-onset NMOSD during pregnancy using a multi-modal treatment approach including rituximab.
5.New-Onset Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder during Pregnancy: A Case Report
So Hee LEE ; Seongheon KIM ; Se Jin LEE ; Sung Hun KIM ; Sunghun NA
Perinatology 2025;36(1):32-36
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a rare inflammatory disease that most often affects the optic nerves and spinal cord. We describe a case of 36-year-old woman presented at 13 weeks of gestation with 4 extremities paresthesia and weakness that had lasted for two months at her first visit to our hospital. She had two previous uncomplicated full-term vaginal deliveries and no significant medical or family history. Spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed extensive cervical cord lesion and aquaporin-4 antibodies were strongly positive, confirming the diagnosis of NMOSD. Initial management with high-dose corticosteroids and plasmapheresis was done and she showed substantial improvement, but she revisited hospital at 26 weeks of gestational age due to visual disturbance and aggravated weakness. Relapse of NMOSD was confirmed by spine MRI, so rituximab therapy was initiated at 28 weeks of gestational age for prevention of recurrence.The patient showed clinical improvement with no adverse effects and relapse of symptoms. She successfully delivered a healthy male infant at 39 weeks and 3 days of gestational age through uncomplicated vaginal delivery. This case demonstrates successful management of new-onset NMOSD during pregnancy using a multi-modal treatment approach including rituximab.
6.New-Onset Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder during Pregnancy: A Case Report
So Hee LEE ; Seongheon KIM ; Se Jin LEE ; Sung Hun KIM ; Sunghun NA
Perinatology 2025;36(1):32-36
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a rare inflammatory disease that most often affects the optic nerves and spinal cord. We describe a case of 36-year-old woman presented at 13 weeks of gestation with 4 extremities paresthesia and weakness that had lasted for two months at her first visit to our hospital. She had two previous uncomplicated full-term vaginal deliveries and no significant medical or family history. Spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed extensive cervical cord lesion and aquaporin-4 antibodies were strongly positive, confirming the diagnosis of NMOSD. Initial management with high-dose corticosteroids and plasmapheresis was done and she showed substantial improvement, but she revisited hospital at 26 weeks of gestational age due to visual disturbance and aggravated weakness. Relapse of NMOSD was confirmed by spine MRI, so rituximab therapy was initiated at 28 weeks of gestational age for prevention of recurrence.The patient showed clinical improvement with no adverse effects and relapse of symptoms. She successfully delivered a healthy male infant at 39 weeks and 3 days of gestational age through uncomplicated vaginal delivery. This case demonstrates successful management of new-onset NMOSD during pregnancy using a multi-modal treatment approach including rituximab.
7.New-Onset Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder during Pregnancy: A Case Report
So Hee LEE ; Seongheon KIM ; Se Jin LEE ; Sung Hun KIM ; Sunghun NA
Perinatology 2025;36(1):32-36
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a rare inflammatory disease that most often affects the optic nerves and spinal cord. We describe a case of 36-year-old woman presented at 13 weeks of gestation with 4 extremities paresthesia and weakness that had lasted for two months at her first visit to our hospital. She had two previous uncomplicated full-term vaginal deliveries and no significant medical or family history. Spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed extensive cervical cord lesion and aquaporin-4 antibodies were strongly positive, confirming the diagnosis of NMOSD. Initial management with high-dose corticosteroids and plasmapheresis was done and she showed substantial improvement, but she revisited hospital at 26 weeks of gestational age due to visual disturbance and aggravated weakness. Relapse of NMOSD was confirmed by spine MRI, so rituximab therapy was initiated at 28 weeks of gestational age for prevention of recurrence.The patient showed clinical improvement with no adverse effects and relapse of symptoms. She successfully delivered a healthy male infant at 39 weeks and 3 days of gestational age through uncomplicated vaginal delivery. This case demonstrates successful management of new-onset NMOSD during pregnancy using a multi-modal treatment approach including rituximab.
8.Consensus-Based Guidelines for the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis in Korea (Part II): Biologics and JAK inhibitors
Hyun-Chang KO ; Yu Ri WOO ; Joo Yeon KO ; Hye One KIM ; Chan Ho NA ; Youin BAE ; Young-Joon SEO ; Min Kyung SHIN ; Jiyoung AHN ; Bark-Lynn LEW ; Dong Hun LEE ; Sang Eun LEE ; Sul Hee LEE ; Yang Won LEE ; Ji Hyun LEE ; Yong Hyun JANG ; Jiehyun JEON ; Sun Young CHOI ; Ju Hee HAN ; Tae Young HAN ; Sang Wook SON ; Sang Hyun CHO
Annals of Dermatology 2025;37(4):216-227
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.
9.Consensus-Based Guidelines for the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis in Korea (Part I): Basic Therapy, Topical Therapy, and Conventional Systemic Therapy
Hyun-Chang KO ; Yu Ri WOO ; Joo Yeon KO ; Hye One KIM ; Chan Ho NA ; Youin BAE ; Young-Joon SEO ; Min Kyung SHIN ; Jiyoung AHN ; Bark-Lynn LEW ; Dong Hun LEE ; Sang Eun LEE ; Sul Hee LEE ; Yang Won LEE ; Ji Hyun LEE ; Yong Hyun JANG ; Jiehyun JEON ; Sun Young CHOI ; Ju Hee HAN ; Tae Young HAN ; Sang Wook SON ; Sang Hyun CHO
Annals of Dermatology 2025;37(4):201-215
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.
10.2023 Consensus Korean Diagnostic Criteria for Atopic Dermatitis
Ji Hyun LEE ; Sul Hee LEE ; Youin BAE ; Young Bok LEE ; Yong Hyun JANG ; Jiyoung AHN ; Joo Yeon KO ; Hyun-Chang KO ; Hye One KIM ; Chan Ho NA ; Young-Joon SEO ; Min Kyung SHIN ; Yu Ri WOO ; Bark Lyn LEW ; Dong Hun LEE ; Sang Eun LEE ; Jiehyun JEON ; Sun Young CHOI ; Tae Young HAN ; Yang Won LEE ; Sang Wook SON ; Young Lip PARK
Annals of Dermatology 2025;37(1):12-21
Background:
In 2006, the Korean Atopic Dermatitis Association (KADA) working group released the diagnostic criteria for Korean atopic dermatitis (AD). Recently, more simplified, and practical AD diagnostic criteria have been proposed. Objective: Based on updated criteria and experience, we studied to develop and share a consensus on diagnostic criteria for AD in Koreans.
Materials and Methods:
For the diagnostic criteria, a questionnaire was constructed by searching the English-language literature in MEDLINE and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. A modified Delphi method composed of 3 rounds of email questionnaires was adopted for the consensus process. Fifty-four KADA council members participated in the 3 rounds of votes and expert consensus recommendations were established.
Results:
Diagnostic criteria for AD include pruritus, eczema with age-specific pattern, and chronic or relapsing history. Diagnostic aids for AD encompass xerosis, immunoglobulin E reactivity, hand–foot eczema, periorbital changes, periauricular changes, perioral changes, nipple eczema, perifollicular accentuation, and personal or family history of atopy.
Conclusion
This study streamlined and updated the diagnostic criteria for AD in Korea, making them more practicable for use in real-world clinical field.

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