Cutaneous lymphatics and skin diseases: mechanisms, imaging modalities, and future therapeutic strategies

Cutaneous lymphatic vessels are essential for maintaining tissue homeostasis and coordinating immune defence, making them vital to skin health. Recent advances in molecular biology and immunology have revealed the association between lymphatic dysfunction and various dermatological conditions, including skin aging, psoriasis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Lymphatic structure and function alterations influence immune regulation and play active roles in inflammatory responses and tissue repair processes. This study provides a systematic review of the biological characteristics of cutaneous lymphatic vessels, their mechanistic contributions to disease pathogenesis, and current lymphatic imaging methodologies. Emerging therapeutic strategies targeting lymphatic regulation represent a promising direction for dermatological interventions, with prospects for future research and clinical translation. By elucidating the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying cutaneous lymphatic activity, the aim of this review was to provide novel theoretical foundations and strategic insights for the prevention and treatment of related diseases.