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.

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: Skin rejuvenation has become an increasingly popular noninvasive approach to address age-related changes such as sagging, wrinkles, and skin laxity. Energy-based devices (EBDs) and injectables are widely used, but their application requires careful customization based on individual patient characteristics to optimize outcomes and minimize potential adverse effects. Objective: This study aimed to explore clinical practice patterns among board-certified dermatologists in South Korea, focusing on their strategies for tailoring skin rejuvenation treatments to individual patients, including the integration of EBDs, injectables, and senotherapeutics. Methods: A structured survey comprising 10 questions was administered to 13 experienced dermatologists specializing in skin rejuvenation. The survey covered treatment strategies for patients with varying facial fat volumes, pain management approaches, and the use of EBDs, injectables and senotherapeutics. Results: High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and radiofrequency (RF) were the most employed EBDs, often combined with injectables for enhanced outcomes. For patients with higher facial fat, HIFU and deoxycholic acid injections were preferred for contouring and tightening. For those with lower facial fat, biostimulatory agents such as poly-D, L-lactic acid and microneedle RF were favored to restore volume and elasticity. Pain management strategies included topical anesthetics and stepwise protocols. Although less commonly used, senotherapeutics were occasionally prescribed for specific conditions, such as melasma and extensive photoaging. Conclusion Dermatologists in South Korea employ a variety of patient-specific strategies for skin rejuvenation, combining various EBDs, injectables, and senotherapeutics. These findings highlight the importance of personalized treatment protocols and the need for further research to optimize treatment efficacy and safety.

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common nonscarring hair loss condition that affects both men and women, often resulting in psychological distress and reduced quality of life. AGA pathogenesis involves genetic predisposition and androgen influence, primarily dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which leads to hair follicle miniaturization and progressive hair thinning. AGA remains challenging to manage due to its chronic progression and the combined influence of genetic and environmental factors. Topical minoxidil and oral finasteride are the most widely used treatments for AGA, addressing follicular miniaturization. However, their reliance on long-term use and potential for side effects or inconvenience has prompted increasing interest in alternative therapies. The mainstream of current AGA treatment can be categorized into androgen-targeting and non-androgen-targeting approaches. Finasteride and dutasteride, both 5-α-reductase inhibitors that reduce DHT levels in hair follicles, are key androgen-targeting treatments, with newer formulations like topical and injectable options emerging alongside traditional oral forms.Topical minoxidil remains central to non-androgen-targeted AGA treatments, though growing evidence supports the efficacy and safety of its low-dose oral form. Additionally, therapies like low-level light therapy, platelet-rich plasma, and exosome treatments are being explored.Recently, therapies targeting the androgen receptor, including small interfering RNA-based approaches, have been developed and are currently in clinical trial stages, offering innovative potential for AGA treatment. This review explores current and emerging treatments for AGA, addressing both androgen-targeted and non-androgen-targeted approaches with an emphasis on their mechanisms, efficacy, and safety. It ultimately aims to provide a comprehensive update on the latest advancements in AGA management.

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread globally, leading to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Because a significant proportion of the COVID-19 confirmed cases were concentrated in the capital metropolitan area of South Korea, and a large proportion of the population in the area had been adequately vaccinated against COVID-19, we conducted a seroprevalence surveillance study focusing on the residents of the capital metropolitan area in South Korea. Methods: We used a quota-sampling method to obtain blood samples from 1,000 individuals per round, equally stratified across seven age categories and sexes and regions, from five medical institutions located within the capital metropolitan area of South Korea. During five consecutive months (rounds) between January 2022 and May 2022, a total of 5,000 samples were analyzed for anti-spike (S) and anti-nucleocapsid (N) antibodies. Results: High anti-S seropositivity was observed in all age groups, which corresponded to the vaccine coverage during the study period. Both the cumulative incidence based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the estimated seroprevalence based on anti-N seropositivity increased in the fourth and fifth rounds, which corresponded to April 2022 and May 2022. Seroprevalence coincided with the cumulative incidence during the first three rounds, but exceeded from the fourth survey onwards when infection with omicron variants was increased rapidly in Korea. Conclusion Seroprevalence confirmed the number of infection cases outside of PCR testing-based surveillance. Seroepidemiological surveillance can help us understand vaccine responses and detect hidden infections, thereby providing appropriate public health guidance for achieving population-level immunity.

Background: Primary cicatricial alopecia (PCA) is a rare disease that causes irreversible destruction of hair follicles and affects the quality of life (QOL). Objective: We aimed to investigate the disease awareness, medical use behavior, QOL, and real-world diagnosis and treatment status of patients with PCA. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was administered to patients with PCA and their dermatologists. Patients aged between 19 and 75 years who visited one of 27 dermatology departments between September 2021 and September 2022 were included. Results: In total, 274 patients were included. The male-to-female ratio was 1:1.47, with a mean age of 45.7 years. Patients with neutrophilic and mixed PCA were predominantly male and younger than those with lymphocytic PCA. Among patients with lymphocytic PCA, lichen planopilaris was the most common type, and among those with neutrophilic PCA, folliculitis decalvans was the most common type. Among the total patients, 28.8% were previously diagnosed with PCA, 47.0% were diagnosed with PCA at least 6 months after their first hospital visit, 20.0% received early treatment within 3 months of disease onset, and 54.4% received steady treatment. More than half of the patients had a moderate to severe impairment in QOL. Topical/intralesional steroid injections were the most common treatment. Systemic immunosuppressants were frequently prescribed to patients with lymphocytic PCA, and antibiotics were mostly prescribed to patients with neutrophilic PCA. Conclusion This study provides information on the disease awareness, medical use behavior, QOL, diagnosis, and treatment status of Korean patients with PCA. This can help dermatologists educate patients with PCA to understand the necessity for early diagnosis and steady treatment.

Background: A set of criteria for severity classification is essential in alopecia areata (AA). Currently, no guidelines are universally accepted for defining AA severity. Objective: This study aimed to establish a set of consensus criteria for classifying the severity of and identifying treatment refractoriness in AA. Methods: A preliminary draft of the definition for moderate-to-severe AA was crafted based on available evidence, and members of the Korean Hair Research Society (KHRS) subsequently endorsed the recommendation through an online survey. Results: In the first Delphi round, consensus was attained on 15 questions. After refining certain items in the second round, consensus was achieved on 23 out of 26 questions. The KHRS first defined AA severity using the severity of alopecia tool (SALT). SALT ≥50 was defined as severe, 20≤ SALT <50 as moderate, and SALT <20 as mild. Moderate AA was considered severe if it meets one or more of the following criteria: dermatology life quality index >10, presence of accompanying eyebrow or eyelash loss, positive hair loss activity, or treatment-refractory AA. Conclusion These consensus criteria can help clinicians accurately diagnose AA, provide appropriate treatment, and monitor its progression.

Background: Alopecia areata (AA) is characterized by hair loss on the scalp and body, significantly impacting patients’ quality of life based on its severity. Objective: This study aims to identify crucial factors influencing the perception of severe AA from the patients’ viewpoint. Methods: A web-based survey was conducted among AA patients attending dermatology departments at 21 university hospitals in Korea. The survey comprised 17 criteria, exploring both clinical characteristics of AA patients and subjective determinants of disease severity. Results: A total of 791 AA patients and their caregivers participated in the survey. Approximately 30% of respondents developed AA during childhood, with 43.5% experiencing chronic courses lasting over 3 years. Half of the participants exhibited more than 20% scalp hair loss, and 42% reported additional hair loss on other body parts, such as eyelashes and nose hair.Most respondents agreed that patients with ≥20% scalp hair loss should be categorized as having severe AA. They also identified longer disease duration, involvement of non-scalp body hair, treatment refractoriness, and social or mental impairment requiring medical intervention as factors indicating increased disease severity. Conclusion This survey underscores the significant impact of AA on patients’ quality of life and highlights existing unmet needs in current treatment modalities.

Background: With the increasing demand for surgical procedures in dermatology, resident education in surgical dermatology has become important for delivering high-quality treatment.However, it remains unclear if a sufficient number of residency programs with quality standards exist, as there has been little research on this subject in South Korea. Objective: To identify the status of surgical dermatology education among residents and assess dermatologists’ perceptions of the subject. Methods: A 35-question survey was developed and distributed to all resident training hospitals and local clinics listed by the Korean Society of Dermatologic Surgery. Only third- and fourthyear residents were included and board-certified specialists from training hospitals and local clinics responded to the surveys. Results: Survey participants included 88 residents and 120 specialists of whom one-quarter of the residents attended regular monthly educational sessions. Most residents (93%) participated in cosmetic procedures, and many performed laser therapy. However, the opportunity for toxin or filler injection was rare, with only 12% of the residents having experience with filler injections. In response, 49% of residents and 32% of specialists said that more cosmetic training was required, whereas 28% of residents and 50% of specialists said that more training for both cosmetic and conventional surgeries was necessary. Conclusion The survey demonstrated a need for more training programs in surgical dermatology during residency and a perception gap between residents and specialists. Therefore, developing educational residency programs that focus on basic dermatologic surgery principles and their applications in cosmetic procedures is essential.