With the spread of COVID-19 and influenza virus infections, the frequency of mask usage and the number of patients reporting mask-related skin issues have increased. However, no studies have yet investigated the material properties of masks in detail. We analyzed the microscopic structure, breathability, friction, and light-blocking properties of different mask materials. Masks are available in several types. Non-woven masks are particularly complex in structure; they consist of two, three, or four layers, each serving different functions. The occurrence of skin disorders related to mask-wearing is multifaceted; however, in all cases, the degree of stratum corneum exfoliation is high, and the skin barrier function is reduced. We suggest that appropriate guidance on mask usage and daily skin care is necessary.

We retrospectively analyzed 11 cases of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis that we experienced in our department during the recent 12 years. Patients included 7 males and 4 females. All except 2 cases had asthma and various organ involvement; renal (n=4), cardiac (n=2), peripheral nerve (n=9), pulmonary (n=6), and gastrointestinal (n=3) manifestations were observed. Laboratory findings included increased levels of IgE (n=9), peripheral blood hypereosinophilia (n=10), and positive antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) (n=4). Fourteen biopsy specimens revealed prominent eosinophil infiltration in the dermis in every case. In addition, we observed various cutaneous vasculitis variants including leukocytoclastic vasculitis (n=4), eosinophilic vasculitis (n=3), and granulomatous arteritis (n=3). This study examined various types of cutaneous vasculitis and their associations with ANCA and organ involvement.

Eccrine angiomatous hamartoma (EAH) is a rare hamartoma of unknown etiology characterized by the complex proliferation of eccrine sweat glands and blood vessels. Clinically, it primarily manifests on the extremities as hard nodules accompanied by sweating, pain, and excessive hairiness. Various dermoscopic findings have been reported, but disease-specific findings for EAH have been indentified. In our case, we observed small white dots that pathologically corresponded to dilated sweat duct openings. We propose that this finding has diagnostic value for EAH.

Herpes zoster (HZ) disease burden and HZ-related healthcare resource utilization are significant in the Japanese super-aged society. Vaccines are available in Japan for the prevention of HZ (include recombinant zoster vaccine [RZV] for individuals ≥50 years of age [YOA] and those ≥18 YOA at high risk of HZ; and varicella vaccine live for individuals ≥50 YOA), but vaccination rates remain low. This review summarizes the efficacy and safety data of RZV from key clinical trials as well as the public health impact and cost-effectiveness data among Japanese residents. We discuss the potential benefits of including HZ vaccination in Japan's National Immunization Program (NIP) to reduce the burden of HZ by improving access and uptake of HZ vaccination. The impact of an aging population on HZ burden and the potential challenges that affect HZ vaccination rates in Japan are also explored.