Journal of Dermatologic Research and Therapy

Submit Manuscript
  • For authors
  • ISSN 2471-2175
  • Open access · CC BY 4.0

Instructions for Authors

How to prepare and submit a manuscript to the Journal of Dermatologic Research and Therapy: submission routes, article types, manuscript structure, reporting standards, ethics statements and fees.

Submit a manuscriptFinal checklist

On this page

  1. Submission routes
  2. Article types
  3. Preparing the manuscript
  4. Reporting guidelines
  5. References, tables and figures
  6. Ethics and declarations
  7. Peer review and decisions
  8. Fees
  9. Final checklist
Submission

Submission routes

  • Primary route

    ManuscriptZone

    The publisher's online submission and review system. Register or sign in, choose the Journal of Dermatologic Research and Therapy and upload the manuscript files.

    Open ManuscriptZone

  • Alternative route

    Simple manuscript submission form

    A single-page form that opens with the Journal of Dermatologic Research and Therapy selected.

    Open the submission form

  • Assisted route

    Editorial email

    For authors who are unable to use either online route. Send the manuscript files with a cover letter to the editorial office.

    [email protected]

Authors must use only one submission route for the same manuscript.

Formats

Article types

JDRT publishes the article types below. Requirements depend on the format: hypotheses, outcomes, power calculations and a Methods and Results structure apply where the design calls for them. The scope of each type is set out in the Aims and Scope.

Original Research

Laboratory, translational and clinical studies, including trials, cohort, case-control, cross-sectional, qualitative and quality-improvement designs.

Abstract
Structured: Background, Methods, Results, Conclusions.
Main text
Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusions. State the research question and, where applicable, hypotheses, primary and secondary outcomes and the sample-size calculation. Laboratory studies describe models, reagents and replication.
Reporting
The guideline for the design, for example CONSORT, STROBE, STARD, ARRIVE, REMARK or MIQE.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Systematic syntheses of evidence on a defined dermatologic question, with or without meta-analysis, including scoping reviews that use systematic methods.

Abstract
Structured.
Main text
Introduction; Methods (eligibility criteria, information sources and full search strategy, selection, extraction, risk-of-bias assessment, synthesis); Results with a flow diagram; Discussion. Give the protocol registration, for example in PROSPERO, where applicable.
Reporting
PRISMA 2020; PRISMA-ScR for scoping reviews.

Review

Narrative or educational reviews of a topic in dermatology, including historical and mini-reviews, written by authors with expertise in the field.

Abstract
Brief, unstructured.
Main text
Free structure with descriptive headings. State how the literature was identified and selected, and keep conclusions proportionate to the evidence.
Reporting
Reference the evidence for each claim.

Methods and Protocols

New or validated experimental, imaging, analytical or clinical-assessment methods, and protocols for planned studies.

Abstract
Structured, with headings adapted to the method.
Main text
Rationale; a description of the method with the detail, materials or code others need to apply it; validation or a worked application; limitations. A protocol sets out the design, outcomes, analysis plan, ethics approval and registration, and has no Results section.
Reporting
SPIRIT for trial protocols, PRISMA-P for review protocols and TRIPOD for prediction models, where applicable.

Short Communication

A concise report of a focused or preliminary finding.

Abstract
Brief, structured.
Main text
A condensed Introduction, Methods, Results and Discussion centered on the main finding.
Reporting
As for Original Research, where applicable.

Data Note

A description of a dataset of value to dermatologic research, to support its reuse.

Abstract
Brief, unstructured.
Main text
Background and rationale; data collection methods; description of the dataset (variables, format, coverage); quality control; data access, with the repository, persistent identifier and license; limitations for reuse.
Reporting
Deposit the dataset in a recognized repository before submission.

Case Report

An individual case or short case series with a lesson for diagnosis, mechanism or treatment.

Abstract
Brief, unstructured.
Main text
Introduction; case presentation, with a timeline where useful; diagnosis and management; discussion and teaching points. A short case series is submitted as a Case Report. Hypotheses and power calculations do not apply.
Reporting
CARE. Consent for publication from the patient or a legal guardian, or a waiver documented by the ethics committee, where applicable; identifying details removed.

Clinical Image

An instructive clinical, dermoscopic or histopathologic image with a brief legend.

Abstract
None.
Main text
One to a few images with a brief legend giving the clinical context, the diagnosis and the teaching point.
Reporting
Consent for publication as for Case Reports. Images at 300 dpi or higher, supplied as separate files.

Commentary

An evidence-based argument on a current issue in dermatology or on published research. Perspectives and viewpoints are submitted as Commentaries.

Abstract
Brief, unstructured.
Main text
Free structure with descriptive headings; claims supported by cited evidence and conclusions proportionate to it. Methods and Results sections are not required.
Reporting
Reference the evidence for each claim.

Letter

A brief response to an article published in JDRT, or a short observation of relevance to dermatology.

Abstract
None.
Main text
Short text without section headings and with a small number of references. A letter about a published article cites it in full, and its authors may be invited to reply.
Reporting
Reference the article or evidence discussed.

Length. There are no fixed length limits for any article type; manuscripts should be concise and proportionate to their content.

Choosing a type. Where a manuscript sits between types, choose the closest type and explain the choice in the cover letter; the editors confirm the classification. A short case series is classified as a Case Report, a scoping review as a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, and a study protocol as Methods and Protocols.

Manuscript

Preparing the manuscript

These requirements apply to every article type. The structure of the main text follows the guidance for the type above.

Files
The main text as an editable word-processing file (for example, Microsoft Word), with figures, tables that cannot be edited in the text, and supplementary material supplied as separate files.
Title page
A concise, informative title; full names, affiliations and ORCID iDs (recommended) of all authors; and the corresponding author's contact details.
Double-blind review
For double-blind review, remove author names, affiliations, acknowledgments, funding details, institution names, and other identifying information from the reviewer manuscript. Provide identifying information separately in the title-page file or submission form.
Abstract
As set for the article type. Structured abstracts use the headings Background, Methods, Results and Conclusions.
Keywords
A short list of specific, searchable terms; Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) are recommended.
Statistics
Describe statistical methods in enough detail for replication; report effect estimates with confidence intervals, give exact p-values where statistical tests are used, and name the software and version.
Declarations
Author contributions (CRediT), funding, conflicts of interest (including relationships with pharmaceutical, device and cosmetic companies), ethics approval and consent where applicable, data availability and any use of AI tools.
Cover letter
States the article type and the relevance of the work to dermatology, confirms that the manuscript is not under consideration elsewhere, and notes any preprint and any request for double-blind review.
Language
Clear American English, used consistently, with abbreviations defined at first use. Authors who would like language support before submission may ask the editorial office.
Reporting standards

Reporting guidelines

Report the study following the guideline that matches its design and upload the completed checklist as a supplementary file. The guidelines are available from the EQUATOR Network.

Reporting guidelines by study design
Study designGuideline
Randomized trialsCONSORT
Non-randomized evaluations of interventionsTREND
Observational studies (cohort, case-control, cross-sectional)STROBE
Systematic reviews and meta-analysesPRISMA 2020
Scoping reviewsPRISMA-ScR
Trial and review protocolsSPIRIT; PRISMA-P
Diagnostic accuracy studiesSTARD
Prediction modelsTRIPOD
Tumor marker prognostic studiesREMARK
Quantitative PCR experimentsMIQE
Qualitative researchSRQR or COREQ
Economic evaluationsCHEERS 2022
Quality improvement studiesSQUIRE 2.0
Case reportsCARE
Animal researchARRIVE 2.0
Presentation

References, tables and figures

Reference style
Numbered in order of first citation. List the first five authors, then et al., and give a DOI or stable URL where one exists. Authors are responsible for the accuracy of references.
Tables
Numbered consecutively, each with a descriptive title, in an editable format; abbreviations and symbols explained in a footnote.
Figures
High resolution (at least 300 dpi) in TIFF, EPS, PNG or high-quality JPEG, with a caption for each figure and text that remains legible after reduction. Histology and microscopy images state the stain and the magnification or scale bar.
Clinical photographs
Supplied as separate files with written patient consent for publication; identifying features are removed unless essential and covered by that consent, and eyes are masked unless essential to the diagnosis.
Supplementary files
Numbered (for example, Supplementary Table S1), cited in the text and listed with short titles at the end of the manuscript. They are published as supplied, so they must be final and free of participant identifiers.
Reused material
Written permission from the copyright holder to reproduce or adapt published figures, tables or text, unless the material is already available under a license that permits reuse; the source is cited in the legend.

Reference examples

Journal article
Author AA, Author BB, Author CC, Author DD, Author EE, et al. (Year) Title of the article. Journal Name. Volume(Issue):pages. DOI: 10.xxxx/xxxxx
Book
Author AA, Author BB (Year) Title of the Book. Edition. Place of publication: Publisher.
Report or webpage
Organization Name (Year) Title of the report or page. URL (accessed Month Day, Year)
Dataset
Author AA, Author BB (Year) Title of the dataset. Version. Repository Name. DOI or accession number
Preprint
Author AA, Author BB (Year) Title of the preprint. Preprint Server Name [Preprint]. DOI: 10.xxxx/xxxxx
Trial registration
Sponsor or Principal Investigator (Year) Title of the trial. Registry Name. Registration number. Registered Month Day, Year. URL
Research ethics

Ethics and declarations

Each manuscript includes the statements below that apply to it. The full policies are set out in the Editorial Policies.

Human participants
The name of the approving ethics committee or institutional review board and the approval reference number, and confirmation of informed consent, or a waiver documented by the ethics committee, where applicable. Studies of anonymized or routinely collected data state whether ethics review was required.
Clinical trials
Interventional clinical trials must be registered in an accepted public trial registry at or before the first participant provides consent for enrollment. The registry name, registration number, and registration date must be reported in the manuscript.
Animal research
Approval from the institutional animal care and use committee or animal ethics committee with its reference number, compliance with animal-welfare regulations and the 3Rs, and reporting in line with the ARRIVE guidelines.
Case Reports and Clinical Images
Informed consent for publication from the patient or a legal guardian, or a waiver documented by the ethics committee, where applicable, with identifying details removed.
Conflicts of interest and funding
All financial and non-financial interests of every author, each source of funding and the role of the funder.
Data availability
Every empirical research manuscript must include a data-availability statement. It explains where the data can be found or the conditions for access.
Use of AI tools
Any use of AI tools in writing, analysis or figure preparation, with the tool named and its use described. AI tools are not listed as authors.
After submission

Peer review and decisions

All submissions undergo initial editorial screening, including a similarity check with Crossref Similarity Check. Manuscripts that meet the journal's scope and minimum requirements proceed to independent peer review.

Single-blind by default; double-blind review is available on request.

Manuscripts that proceed to external peer review are normally evaluated by at least two independent subject-matter experts. Editorial decisions are based on scope, scientific quality, methodological rigor, ethical compliance, reporting quality, and relevance to the journal.

Revised manuscripts are accompanied by a point-by-point response to the reviewers' comments. After acceptance, authors check the proofs, and the article is published open access under CC BY 4.0 with a Crossref DOI.

Charges

Fees

USD 1,499 article processing charge for every article type.

The article processing charge is payable only after acceptance; withdrawal after submission is subject to the journal's withdrawal policy.

No charge is made at submission. Fee-relief inquiries are considered case by case; contact the editorial office before or at submission. Full details are on the Article Processing Charges page.

Before you submit

Final checklist

A fuller checklist and the submission routes are on the Submit a Manuscript page.

  • The manuscript addresses a question about the skin or its diseases and uses one of the article types above.
  • The title page, abstract, keywords and main text follow the guidance for the article type.
  • For double-blind review, the reviewer manuscript is anonymized and identifying information is in the title-page file.
  • Ethics approval, consent or waiver, and trial registration are reported where applicable.
  • The completed reporting checklist is attached where applicable.
  • Declarations cover contributions, funding, conflicts of interest, data availability and AI use.
  • Figures, tables and supplementary files are cited in the text, and permissions and patient consent are in place.
  • A cover letter accompanies the submission, which is made through one route only.
Questions

Author inquiries

Questions about preparing or submitting a manuscript can be sent to the editorial office at [email protected].

Submit a manuscriptEditorial Policies

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