Indian Journal of Skin Allergy - Embracing new horizons

Allergy is derived from the Greek language “allos” that means other, different, or strange, and “ergon” meaning activity.^[1] The strange activity involves the largest organ in the human body, and the skin is indeed diverse and presents with a wide spectrum of presentation. In layman’s language, most of these dermatoses are clubbed together under the term “Eczema.” Research in this domain has often lagged behind other more high-profile dermatoses. A journal focused on this niche topic seemed unlikely, but as Nelson Mandela said, “It always seems impossible until it is done,” and indeed, the Indian Journal of Skin Allergy (IJSA) was initiated to increase the interest in this subspecialty and give an impetus to research in this focused area in 2022 by the Skin Allergy Research Society (SARS), with Professor Kiran Godse as the Editor in Chief.

In 2023, in a unique coming together of two like-minded societies, the Society for Eczema Studies collaborated with the SARS to jointly bring out the IJSA. It is remarkable and indicative of the huge interest in this area of Dermatology, that IJSA with only three past issues, that included a total of 31 articles, has already achieved a usage statistic of a total of 37,972 article downloads (Accessed on October 11, 2023). It is largely attributable to the commendable efforts of the first editor Professor Kiran Godse and his editorial team. As I take over the editorial reins of this young journal from this issue, I am aware of the mammoth task at hand. I welcome the very competent editorial team members and we hope that with the contributions from researchers working in this field, we will make IJSA achieve greater heights. We have modified the submission categories to include more clinically relevant submissions and also included a section with a focus on research.

The current IJSA issue highlights the wide diversified presentation of skin allergy. Atopic dermatitis is seeing an upsurge, even in the developing world and an important aspect, reactive versus proactive topical therapy is reviewed by an expert in the field – Professor Christian Vestergaard from Denmark. Atopic dermatitis in adults is often neglected ; we have a report on a series of patients from Brazil, with a focus on the clinical features and the psychological burden. Finally, a review of the current status of biologics in atopic dermatitis provides a succinct overview of this hot topic. We have 3 very interesting articles on the other quintessential marker of allergy, urticaria. These articles cover the current priorities in research and management of patients, that is biomarkers and patient reported objective measures in chronic urticaria, and finally, a brief report on Vitamin D in chronic spontaneous urticaria. Two very interesting presentations of urticarial vasculitis should make for an informative read, including a report of disease onset after COVID-19 vaccination. An article on the often ignored, nail involvement in hand eczema figures in this issue of IJSA, as do reports of interesting adverse drug cutaneous manifestations. To encourage the readers to attend conferences that include allergy as a focus area, we summarize upcoming conferences and to encourage our young colleagues to specialize in allergy management, we have a summary of training opportunities in this field, wherein the author provides several useful tips and suggestions based on his personal experience.

Last but not least, in line with new beginnings, we have included a section with a focus on research methodology and publication. Several times, readers may be unaware of technical terms that are tossed around. This section covers an exhaustive review of digital object identifiers that we hope will be an interesting read. Finally, Dr. Saumya Panda in his commentary summarizes the current status of research in India, the constraints, and pitfalls. With his vast experience as a journal editor, it is an article that gives the reader an insider view of how to get it right. I would sign off by stressing what he concludes with, that with ethical research and scientific paper writing, we can generate high-quality research focused on epidemiology, clinical presentation, and management of skin allergy. Hope IJSA fulfills its aim of providing a one-point update source in the area of skin allergy. We look forward to receiving your contributions to the journal and welcome feedback at editor@skinallergyjournal.com.