ABSTRACT Background Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is an inflammatory condition associated with cysts of the folliculopilosebaceous unit primarily affecting intertriginous areas. HS has been correlated with smoke exposure in the adult population, but there is a knowledge gap in understanding its effect in pediatric and adolescent patients. This study assesses correlations between active and passive smoke exposure and the development of HS in the pediatric and adolescent population. Methods A retrospective case–control study was conducted at Mayo Clinic (2010–2023) of patients diagnosed with HS before the age of 18 years who were age‐, sex‐, and race‐matched to healthy controls in a 1:3 ratio, analyzed using Fisher exact for categorical variables and Kruskal–Wallis for continuous. Results One hundred and seventy‐four cases and 522 controls met inclusion criteria. The prevalence of active and passive smoke exposure was significantly higher in patients with HS compared to controls ( p = 0.001), with passive smoke accounting for 64.6% ( N = 31/48) of smoke exposure in patients with HS. Smoke exposure was associated with a significant increase in the odds of an HS diagnosis, with an odds ratio of 4.8 (95% CI: 3.06–7.61) for passive and/or active exposure, and 1.64 (95% CI: 1.01–2.61) for passive exposure alone. Smoke exposure was associated with a later age of diagnosis than those with no smoke exposure ( p < 0.001). Conclusion Prevalence of active and passive smoke exposure was higher in pediatric and adolescent patients with HS compared to age, sex, and race‐matched healthy controls. Smoke exposure increased the odds of having HS and was associated with a later age at diagnosis.
Darier disease—A review highlighting new insights from the Darier Disease International Task Force
Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology | June 1, 2026 | Volume: No volume available | Issue: No issue available | Pages: No page available
Abstract Darier disease (DD) is a rare autosomal dominant genodermatosis. This comprehensive review, developed by the Darier Disease International Task Force (DDITF), consolidates current knowledge on the genetic basis, molecular pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis and management of DD, offering a global perspective that unites shared expertise. The disease arises from pathogenic variants in the ATP2A2 gene, which encodes sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca 2+ ‐ATPase isoform 2 (SERCA2), leading to disrupted calcium homeostasis and impaired desmosomal integrity. Clinically, DD is classified based on lesion type (classic vs. non‐classic) and is often accompanied by significant extracutaneous manifestations. Management remains challenging and requires a multifaceted approach, including topical therapies, systemic retinoids and lifestyle modifications. Emerging treatments that target the underlying molecular mechanisms offer promise for improved outcomes. This review aims to provide an updated reference and practical guidance for clinicians involved in the care and study of DD.
Women’s sexual health in epidermal differentiation disorders: a call for action
American Journal of Medical Genetics Part C: Seminars in Medical Genetics | February 13, 2026 | Volume: No volume available | Issue: No issue available | Pages: No page available
ABSTRACT Myhre syndrome is a rare multisystem disorder characterized by distinctive facial features, hearing loss, and progressive fibrosis affecting the skin, joints, lungs, and cardiovascular system. It is caused by heterozygous pathogenic variants in the SMAD4 gene. In this review, we detail the cutaneous manifestations observed in two previously reported patients with genetically confirmed Myhre syndrome. While skin biopsies demonstrated pan‐dermal thickening of collagen bundles, the immunohistochemical staining patterns were distinct from those seen in other inflammatory sclerosing disorders. Additionally, we conducted a comprehensive literature review of the cutaneous features associated with Myhre syndrome, identifying 175 patients with confirmed SMAD4 pathogenic variants. The most reported cutaneous finding was thickened or stiff skin (76%), followed by keratosis pilaris (22%) and impaired wound healing or abnormal scarring (18%). Genotype–phenotype analysis suggested a diagnostic delay in patients with the codon 496 variant, who were more frequently diagnosed in adulthood. This variant may also be associated with a milder cutaneous phenotype, highlighting the clinical heterogeneity of Myhre syndrome. These findings underscore the importance of recognizing cutaneous features as potential early diagnostic clues in patients with suspected Myhre syndrome.