Dermatology Unit Research Articles

Lack of oral involvement in a large cohort of women with vulvar lichen sclerosus - a multicenter prospective study.

We assessed the prevalence of oral lichen sclerosus in a cohort of women affected with vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS). This prospective, observational study included adult female patients with a histologically proven VLS who attended the Vulva Clinics of three Dermatology Units from January 2020 to July 2023. During this period, all VLS patients were asked to be examined in their oral cavities in order to detect any possible sign of oral diseases, which were then biopsied. Three hundred women (mean age 64.5 ±13.0years) were included, of whom 21 (7%) had a concurrent extragenital LS. In six (2%) patients, white, non-removable lesions were found at oral inspection and biopsied. All cases were histologically lichen planus. No other clinically relevant oral lesions were found. The six women with histologically proven oral lichen planus had more frequent periodontal and autoimmune diseases than the other included subjects. Our findings confirm the absolute rarity of oral involvement in patients with VLS. They suggest that the oral mucosa, unlike the genitals, is a setting which weakly leads to development of LS, also in predisposed subjects.

Non-Invasive Imaging Including Line-Field Confocal Optical Coherence Tomography (LC-OCT) for Diagnosis of Cutaneous Lymphomas

Background/Objectives: Primary cutaneous lymphomas (PCL) are a heterogeneous group of non-Hodgkin lymphomas arising from malignant T (CTCL) or B (CBCL) cells, often mimicking other skin conditions. Recently, non-invasive diagnostic imaging modalities, including dermoscopy, Reflectance Confocal Microscopy (RCM), and Line-field Optical Coherence Tomography (LC-OCT), have become increasingly important, supporting clinicians in clinical practice. Hence, our study aimed to describe dermoscopic, RCM, and LC-OCT features of PCL and to explore their role in PCL management. Methods: Between December 2022 and January 2024, 40 lesions of 25 patients with PCL were retrospectively analyzed at the Dermatologic Unit of the University of Siena, Italy. Predefined dermoscopic, LC-OCT, and RCM criteria were assessed and their frequencies were calculated. Results: At dermoscopy, CTCL lesions were characterized by pinkish structureless areas (58,6%) and homogeneous distributed dotted vessels (35,7%), whereas 57.1% of CBCL presented with orange-yellow structureless areas. Considering CTCL, lymphocytes in the epidermis, dermal-epidermal junction, and dermis were detected by LC-OCT in 73.1%, 66.7%, and 51.9% and by RCM in 72.2%, 55.6%, and 61.1% of cases, respectively. The detection of lymphocytes was more precise using RCM than LC-OCT in CTCL (p < 0.001). Dermal infiltration of medium-reflective cells was visible in 80% and 40% of CBCL cases by LC-OCT and RCM, respectively. Conclusions: Non-invasive imaging techniques may support clinicians in managing PCL; however, further studies are mandatory in this field.

Prospective Real-Life Multicenter Study of Tildrakizumab 200 mg for Moderate-to-Severe Psoriasis: Who Is the Ideal Patient?

Introduction: Tildrakizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting the p19 subunit of interleukin-23 (IL-23), has shown promise in the management of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, offering potential improvements in clinical outcomes and quality of life. Objectives: The study aimed to identify patient characteristics that indicate the initiation of a 200-mg dosage of tildrakizumab in a real-world setting, focusing on factors that enhance treatment efficacy and safety. Methods: This prospective study included 54 adult patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis treated with tildrakizumab 200 mg from March 2023 to March 2024 across 13 Italian Dermatology Units. Data collected included demographics, disease duration, comorbidities, and previous treatments. PASI, BSA, and DLQI scores were recorded at baseline, week 4, 16, and 28. Safety was assessed through adverse event reporting. Univariate analysis was performed to identify baseline characteristics significantly associated with achieving PASI ≤ 5 at week 16. Results: Significant reductions in PASI scores were observed at week 4 (9 ± 6.9, p<0.001), with further improvements at weeks 16 (3.9 ± 4.2, p<0.001) and 28 (2.9 ± 4.4, p<0.001). Univariate analysis showed that obese patients (BMI > 30) had higher odds (OR = 4.333, p < 0.05) of achieving PASI ≤ 5. Longer disease duration and starting with a 100 mg dose also correlated with better outcomes. The safety profile was favorable, with minimal adverse events reported. Conclusions: Tildrakizumab 200 mg is effective and safe for moderate-to-severe psoriasis, particularly in obese patients. These findings support its use as a long-term treatment option.

Lentigo Maligna and Lentigo Maligna Melanoma of the External Ear: Clinical and Dermoscopic Features of 19 Patients.

External ear lentigo maligna/lentigo melanoma (LM/LMM) represents approximately 1%-4% of all primary cutaneous melanomas. Over the past 20 years, dermoscopy has proven highly effective in early detection of LM/LMM, with recent studies identifying perifollicular linear projections (PLP) as a specific diagnostic criterion for early LM. However, in clinical practice, LM and LMM turn out to be very difficult to distinguish based on dermoscopic findings. Therefore, our retrospective monocentric study aimed to investigate dermoscopic characteristics, as well as the epidemiological and clinical data of 19 patients diagnosed with the external ear (EE) LM/LMM at the Oncologic Dermatology Unit in Bologna. Dermoscopic images were obtained using the FotoFinder Medicam 800HD, and specific criteria validated by the International Dermoscopy Society (IDS) for atypical pigmented facial lesions were assessed. Fisher's exact test was primarily used for statistical comparisons. As results, most of the patients were male (74%) with an average age (± SD) at diagnosis of 69.8 (± 15.1) years old. LMM appeared more commonly observed in elderly patients as compared to LM (mean 71.6 vs. 66.7, p = 0.514), presenting as pigmented macule (89.5%) of the ear lobule (23.9%). A statistically significant difference (p = 0.01) of tumour' diameter between LMM and LM was reported with the first resulting more than twice the size of the latter. Concerning dermoscopic findings, asymmetric pigmented follicles, obliteration of the follicular openings and grey circles were more frequently observed in LMM compared to LM (63.2% vs. 31.6%; 63.2% vs. 26.3%; 47.4% vs. 15.8%, respectively).

A Rapidly Growing Nodule on the Eyebrow of a Pediatric Patient

A 11-year-old Caucasian girl presented to our Dermatology Unit with a 2-month history of an erythematous nodule, localized to the medial portion of her left eyebrow, rapidly growing in the two weeks before presentation. The histopathological examination revealed a dermal multi-nodular epithelial neoplasm composed of clear cells, squamous cells, and glandular cells, characterized by cytologic atypia, high mitotic activity, and an infiltrative deep growth pattern. The immunohistochemical profile of the lesion was as follows: CKAE1/AE3+, EMA+, CK8/18+, CK7+, CK19+, AR negative, p63 focally +, Ki67 25%, rare cells GCDFP15+, p53+.

Dermoscopic Features and Algorithm- A Guide to Detecting Pre-Malignant Facial Pigmented Skin Lesions in Ethnic Skin

Introduction: Detection of pre malignant facial pigmented lesions on a photo damaged ethnic skin has been crucial for dermatologists in preventing malignant transformation. Facial Pigmented Skin Lesions (FPSLs) that render a diagnostic challenge include, Pigmented Actinic Keratosis (PAK), early Seborrheic Keratosis (SK), Solar Lentigo (SL) and Lentigo Maligna (LM). Dermatoscopy or epiluminescence microscopy, is skin surface microscopy that has demonstrated to be a non-invasive, in vivo, high yield technique to evaluate a pigmented macule for an atypical evolution. Objective: To establish dermatoscopic findings of clinically challenging FPSLs conforming PAK, SK, SL and LM and derive an Algorithm with diagnostic features for detecting Premalignant Facial Pigmented Skin Lesions. Subjects and Methods: We here in conducted a largest case study a cross-sectional analysis of clinically challenging 182 flat FPSLs, evaluated dermoscopic images consistent to pigmented AK, early SK, SL and LM and subsequently biopsied for histopathological evidence. Four major dermoscopic features were appraised: pigment pattern, sharp demarcation, vascular criteria and follicular/epidermal pattern. Study Design: Cross sectional validation-study Setting: Department of Dermatology Unit II, King Edward Medical University, Mayo Hospital Lahore. Study was conducted for a period of six months. Result: We derived an “Algorithm” elucidating diagnostic findings of FPSLs. Pigmented AK on dermoscopy has strawberry pattern in 42% of lesions (pink to red pseudo-network with erythematous background, prominent follicular ostia fenced by a white targetoid halo), while Sharp demarcation (57.15%) and follicular/epidermal pattern (cerebriform pattern 100% of lesions, milia-like cysts, 50%, and comedo-like openings 38.57%) are distinctively observed SK. In SL, homogenous structureless pigmentation is significant entirely (100%). However, in LM predominates pseudonetwork (89.47%), homogenous structureless pigmentation (78%) and vascular patterns while strawberry pattern is observed in (26.31%) of lesions. Conclusion Our “Dermoscopic Algorithm” constitutes diagnostic characteristics of “Facial Pigmented Skin Lesions,” that would not only aid in early corrective detection of clinically similar lesions with different biologic behavior, but serve the the purpose to prevent vigorous malignant transformation in photo damaged ethnic skin, particularly Lentigo Maligna turning into a potential Melanoma, Hence, Sharp demarcation with cribriform pattern is specific of Sebhorric Keratosis (SK), while homogenous structureless pigmentation without prominent vascular pattern is distinctive of Solar Lentigo (SL). Pigmented Actinic Keratosis (AK) is described by prominent strawberry pattern. Nonetheless, homogenous structureless pigmentation and vascular pattern with pseudonetwork are featured in Lentigo Maligna (LM), lacking of prominent strawberry pattern. Conflict of Interest: The Authors have no conflict of interest to disclose.

Prevalence of CDKN2A, CDK4, POT1, BAP1, MITF, ATM, and TERT Pathogenic Variants in a Single-Center Retrospective Series of Patients With Melanoma and Personal or Family History Suggestive of Genetic Predisposition.

Approximately 20%-45% of familial melanoma (FM) cases are associated with genetic predisposition. This single-center retrospective study aimed to assess the frequency of pathogenic variants (PV) in the main melanoma-predisposing genes in patients with cutaneous melanoma and investigate the clinical predictors of genetic predisposition. Patients included were those diagnosed with cutaneous melanoma at the Dermatology Unit of the University Hospital of Verona, Italy, from 2000 to 2022, presenting at least one of the followings: multiple melanomas (≥ 3); personal/family history of pancreatic cancer (PC) (up to 2nd-degree relatives); ≥ 2 1st-degree relatives with melanoma; ≥ 1 1st-degree relatives with early-onset (<45 years) melanoma and tested for CDKN2A, CDK4, POT1, BAP1, MITF, ATM, and TERT. During the study period, 35 out of 1320 patients (2.7%) underwent genetic testing. Four patients (11.4%) harbored a PV in a melanoma-predisposing gene, three in CDKN2A (8.6%), and one in MITF (2.9%). Variants currently classified as being of unknown clinical significance (VUS) were detected in CDKN2A (N = 1), MITF (N = 1), and ATM (N = 2). Family history of PC and ≥5 melanomas, personal history of ≥50 nevi, and ≥4 melanomas were significantly associated with PV in tested genes (P < 0.05). The prevalence of PV in predisposing genes in FM was lower than previously reported in Italian registries. Possible reasons include deleterious variants in untested intermediate/low-penetrance genes or yet-to-be-discovered high-penetrance genes and environmental risk factors. A family history of PC, a high number of nevi and melanomas predict a monogenic predisposition to melanoma.

Spectrum of Inpatient Pediatric Dermatology Cases at a Tertiary Health Care Centre in South India.

Background Dermatologists and pediatricians commonly encounter pediatric dermatology cases in their clinical practice, and the number has risen for the past decade. While numerous studies have addressed adult inpatient dermatology cases, there is a lack of data on the same for the pediatric population. Aim The study aimed to investigate the spectrum and outcomes of inpatient pediatric dermatology cases at a tertiary health care center. Methods This was a hospital-based, cross-sectional study that included children under the age of 16 years with primary skin disorders who were admitted to the pediatric dermatology unit. Patients were categorized into six groups based on their provisional diagnosis for better analysis. Results A total of 105 children were admitted, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.2:1. The average age of admitted children was 5.8 years, with the majority belonging to the school-going age group, accounting for 44% of the patients. Conclusion Inflammatory skin conditions like childhood psoriasis and erythroderma were the most common group of disorders presented to us, followed by hereditary conditions like keratinization disorders and mechanobullous disorders. Pediatric dermatology emergencies (PDEs) require an inter-professional approach for timely intervention and management.

Management of proliferative thrombovascular necrosis of pinna in a Chippiparai dog

A three-year-old male, Chippiparai dog was presented to the Dermatology unit of Madras Veterinary College Hospital with the complaint of bleeding from right ear tip. History revealed normal appetite, regular deworming and vaccination schedule (recent Anti rabies vaccination). The general clinical examination revealed parameters within the normal range except for the presence of a wedge-shaped ulcerated lesion at the ear tip. Haemogram and serum biochemistry revealed parameters within the normal range. Based on the history of recent vaccination and clinical presentation, the case was diagnosed as proliferative thrombovascular necrosis of the pinna. Treatment was initiated with oral pentoxifylline, doxycycline, niacinamide, vitamin E supplementation and topical tacrolimus application. Uneventful recovery was noticed after one month of treatment.

Pigmented nonmelanoma skin cancers of the genital area: adiagnostic and therapeutic challenge - monocentric experience and review of the literature.

Nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSC), comprising basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), are typically encountered on photo-exposed skin. Nevertheless, several cases of NMSC have been described in covered areas such as the genital region; furthermore, some of these lesions may express a variable degree of pigmentation. Due to the existence of mucosal melanoma, an accurate diagnosis is paramount. In this narrative review, we focused our attention on management and - in particular- diagnosis of pigmented NMSC (pNMSC) located in the genital region, emphasizing the features assessed by dermoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy. As an implementation, we included data on pNMSC from the Dermatology Unit of the University of Campania Vanvitelli. BCC in the genital region represents only 1% of all BCC cases. It has been supposed that the mutation of patched 1 may lead to the development of BCC even without concomitant UV exposure. Pigmented variants on genitals have seldom been described. More prominent dermoscopic features seem to be blue-gray ovoid nests and arborizing vessels associated with whitish structureless areas. SCC and Bowen's disease (BD) - a variant of in situ SCC - may be encountered in the genital area and are sometimes associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Pigmented SCC is very rare, and most of the literature is focused on pigmented BD (pBD), which is mainly characterized by gray-brown dots in a linear fashion and glomerular vessels without evident scales. In conclusion, pNMSC is rarely encountered on genitals; evaluation with dermoscopy or other ancillary devices like RCM is important both to exclude benign lesions like seborrheic keratosis and lentigo and to rule out melanoma.

Anti-aging Effects of Tirbanibulin 1% Ointment: A Real-Life Experience.

Tirbanibulin 1% ointment has been licensed to treat non-hyperkeratotic actinic keratosis (AKs) on the face and scalp in adults to ensure excellent patient tolerability due to the mild side effects and the brief application time compared to other topical therapies on the market. A growing body of evidence suggests that, beyond their primary function, the treatments for AKs and the cancerization field may inadvertently confer substantial cosmetic benefits to patients. We report a single-center retrospective case series of patients referred to the Dermatology Unit of the University Hospital of Messina, Italy, between February and December 2023 seeking treatment for AKs in the context of photodamaged areas in which the application of tirbanibulin 1% ointment induced, besides clearance of AKs, anti-aging effects on both skin texture and solar lentigos. Seven patients affected by Olsen grade1-2 AKs experienced a powerful rejuvenating effect in the treated areas, with a marked efficacy in skin lightening and clearance of solar lentigo. Tirbanibulin 1% ointment seems able to improve skin aging as a desirable side effect at the site of application for AKs on chronic photodamaged skin. Such preliminary observation needs further confirmation in real-life studies on larger cohorts of patients, to explain the pathogenic mechanisms responsible for such aesthetically relevant results.

Estudio de los factores de riesgo de la presencia de los nevus interdigitales de los pies

Background and objectivesNo studies focused on counting the interdigital acquired melanocytic nevi (AMN) of the foot (IDNf) have ever been conducted. Therefore, our objective was to study the relationship between the presence of IDNf and the total number of AMN in the feet and the rest of the body, the racial phenotypic characteristics, and other risk factors for melanoma. Material and methodsWe conducted a cross-sectional observational study with 255 patients ≥18 years old who attended our Dermatology Unit from September 2020 through February 2021, and included all AMN ≥1mm from the feet and ≥2mm from the rest of the bod. The association between the variables was studied using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. ResultsThe presence of IDNf was significantly and independently associated with the presence of plantar AMN and body counts ≥50 AMN. However, no significant differences were observed regarding sex, age, personal history of melanoma, presence of nevi on the dorsum of the foot, history of sunburn or UV rays, or racial phenotypic characteristics. ConclusionsThe presence of IDNf is associated with a higher count of plantar nevi and total AMN in the body, meaning that interdigital spaces of the foot—anatomical expansions of the sole and other possibly genetic causes—could be responsible for the number of AMN found in this location, as these regions are not photoexposed.

Does sensitive skin lie in epidermal barrier impairment or abnormalities? Results from an observational study assessing biophysical parameters.

The pathophysiology of sensitive skin is largely unknown and no univocal data on the role of the epidermal barrier impairment have been identified. The aim of this study was to assess whether subjects with or without sensitive skin differ for some biophysical skin parameters, which reflect skin barrier integrity or skin hyperactivity. This observational, cross-sectional study included adult volunteers not affected with chronic inflammatory skin diseases who attended the Unit of Dermatology and the Center of Cosmetology of the University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy, between March 2021 and November 2022. All subjects, subdivided into those with or without sensitive skin, based on either Lactic Acid Stinging Test (LAST) result or a questionnaire-based skin sensitivity score ≥4, were tested for transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin elasticity and hydrations and dermographism. One hundred and eighty-seven subjects were included. No significant differences in terms of TEWL, elasticity and hydration levels were recorded between subjects with sensitive skin and those without, subdivided according to both the LAST result and the questionnaire score. Dermographism was elicited more in subjects with sensitive skin than in the others, although without statistical significance. The study failed to find significant biophysical differences between sensitive and non-sensitive skin. Therefore, the role of skin barrier impairment does not appear to be a necessary condition in determining an abnormal skin sensitivity to potentially unpleasant and irritating stimuli. These findings indirectly support the relevance of a peripheral sensory neural hyperactivity in the pathophysiology of sensitive skin.

Pilomatricoma: Clinical, Dermoscopic Findings and Management in 55 Pediatric Patients and Concise Review of the Literature with Special Emphasis on Dermoscopy.

Pilomatricoma is a benign adnexal dermal or subcutaneous tumor derived from immature hair matrix cells. The aim of our study is to evaluate clinical and dermoscopic features of pilomatricomas, with a specific focus on pediatric lesions, and to provide a concise review of the existing literature. A single-center retrospective study was undertaken on 55 patients with a histopathological diagnosis of pilomatricoma referred to the Dermatology Unit, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy, between 2005 and 2023. Pilomatricomas were retrospectively evaluated relying on clinical and dermoscopic images. A PubMed search was conducted. All the relevant research up to July 31, 2023, was reviewed. We classified the cases as "typical" or "atypical" based on whether they were suspected of being pilomatricomas or not. A total of 55 children with pilomatricomas were observed and studied. Two patients presented with 2 pilomatricomas, leading to the identification of 58 pilomatricomas. 'Typical' pilomatricomas were observed in 79% of cases as nodular and pigmented lesions with one or more colors, ranging from blue-gray to red to yellow/white, evident on clinical examination and even better on dermoscopy. In 21% of cases, pilomatricomas presented in an 'atypical' form, which did not allow for a well-founded suspicion, placing them in differential diagnosis with other lesions and therefore requiring histological examination. According to our case series and systematic review of the literature, clinical appearance and dermoscopy may be sufficient to diagnose or suspect pilomatricoma in around 80% of cases, while histological examination is necessary to confirm the diagnosis in the remaining 20% of cases.

Paediatric cutaneous lymphomas including rare subtypes: A 40-year experience at a tertiary referral centre.

Primary cutaneous lymphomas are neoplasms of the immune system with a distinct tropism for the skin and an absence of extracutaneous manifestations at the time of diagnosis. Studies focusing on cutaneous lymphomas in children and adolescents remain scarce and often do not encompass the rare subtypes. To address this knowledge gap by describing the clinical, histological and molecular characteristics of a large group of paediatric patients affected by primary cutaneous lymphoma. We also provided the Paediatric Primary Cutaneous Lymphoma Atlas that illustrates the clinicopathological spectrum of observed presentations, in the hope of supporting other physicians in the diagnostic process. Retrospective chart review of paediatric patients diagnosed with primary cutaneous lymphomas between 1980 and 2022 at the Paediatric Dermatology Unit of Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan. A total of 101 patients (58 males, 43 females) met the inclusion criteria. The most common subtypes were lymphomatoid papulosis (n = 48) and mycosis fungoides (n = 31). These were followed by primary cutaneous CD4+ small/medium T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders (n = 7), primary cutaneous anaplastic large-cell lymphomas (n = 5), primary cutaneous marginal zone B-cell lymphomas (n = 3), primary cutaneous follicle centre lymphomas (n = 2), subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphomas (n = 2), primary cutaneous peripheral T-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified (n = 1), primary cutaneous precursor B-lymphoblastic lymphoma (n = 1) and Sézary syndrome (n = 1). Clinical follow-up data covering a median of 70.8 months (range 1-324) were available for 74 patients, of whom three died due to cutaneous lymphoma. Our findings shed light on the peculiar aspects and long-term outcomes of paediatric cutaneous lymphomas, particularly emphasizing their distinctive features in comparison to their adult counterparts and exploring the less common subtypes. Further larger-scale studies are warranted to better characterize these entities and to achieve a more rapid and accurate diagnosis.

Molecular typing and virulence characteristics of Escherichia coli strains isolated from hospital and community acquired urinary tract infections.

The main causes of hospital- and community-acquired urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a group of Escherichia coli (E. coli) strains with multiple virulence factors known as uropathogenic E. coli. One hundred E. coli isolates from the urine specimens of hospital- and community-acquired UTI patients were characterized based on their virulence factors and genetic relatedness using PCR and RAPD‒PCR, respectively. Among all, the traT (71%), sitA (64%), ompT (54%), malX (49%), ibeA (44%), tsh (39%), hlyD (18%) and cnf1 (12%) genes had the highest to lowest frequencies, respectively. There was no significant difference between the frequency of tested virulence genes in E. coli isolates from inpatients and outpatients. The frequency of the hlyD gene was significantly greater in E. coli isolates from patients hospitalized in gynecology, dermatology and intensive care unit (ICU) wards than in those from other wards. Eight virulence gene patterns were common among the isolates of inpatients in different wards of the same hospital, of which five patterns belonged to the isolates of inpatients in the same ward. More E. coli isolates with similar virulence gene patterns and greater genetic similarity were found in female patients than in male patients. The analysis of the RAPD‒PCR dendrograms revealed more genetic similarities among the E. coli isolates from inpatients than among those from outpatients. Our findings indicate the presence of a wide variety of virulence factors in E. coli isolates and the possibility of spreading the same clones in different wards of the hospital.

Efficacy of Oral Sarolaner in Canine Demodicosis

Dogs presented to small animal dermatology unit of Veterinary Clinical Complex, Rajendranagar with a comprehensive history of widespread itching, alopecia, thickened skin, skin discoloration, formation of scales and crusts with normal deworming and vaccination status were taken for the study. Clinical examination was carried out and dogs having signs of lichenified skin, alopecia, erythema, papules, comedones, as well as the presence of Demodex mite on skin scrapping were included in the study. these dogs were treated by randomly dividing them into two groups, viz., group I (n=28) treated with tab. ivermectin (400 mcg/kg, PO, SID) until two successive negative scrapings and group II (n=28) treated with tab. Sarolaner, an iso oxazoline-class parasiticide administered orally at a dosage of 2 mg/kg once a month. Mites were counted once in 15 days in both groups. Parasitological cure in group I was 60.71, 78.57 and 92.85 percent respectively, in subsequent months, whereas in group II 67.85 and 100 percent respectively, after the first and second month of therapy. Remarkably, the dogs of group II exhibited complete clinical recovery by the second month of treatment without any relapse. Additionally, all the dogs were also managed with chlorhexidine shampoo bath weekly once and immune-boosting syrup once a day.

Epidemiological and clinical analysis of exposure-related factors in non-melanoma skin cancer: A retrospective cohort study

BackgroundThe incidence of non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) increased over last decades, probably due to environmental concerns or to the increase of frail patients with age related comorbidities. Currently, the relationship of increasing global skin cancer rates with increased ultraviolet radiations (UVRs) resulting from stratospheric ozone depletion, global warming, and air pollution from fossil-fuel combustion. AimsWe conducted a retrospective epidemiological study including 546 NMSC patients managed at the Dermatology Unit of the Tor Vergata Hospital to highlight different trends of sun exposure or different comorbidities. MethodsDescriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed to evidence differences between continous variable and Spearman rank test for dicotomical variables. Charlson Comorbidity Index was calculated to obtain the 10-years survival rate in order to identify the mean comorbidity burden of our patients. ResultsConsidering patients with comorbidities (73.81%), actinic keratoses (AKs) was the most frequent lesion. In patients with a history of previous melanoma, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) was predominant (ANOVA test, p < 0.05) with a statistically significant correlation (rho = 0.453; p < 0.01). Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) showed a higher rate in arterial hypertension patients, followed by the chronic heart failure and hematologic neoplasms (60%, 29.7% and 32.1%, respectively) groups. Men were more affected than women, representing 61.54% of patients. Chronic sun exposure is directly correlated with SCC rho = 0.561; p < 0.01), whereas BCC correlated with a history of sunburns (rho = 0.312; p < 0.05). ConclusionsHistory of photo-exposition had an important role on NMSC development especially for work or recreational reasons. Sex, age, and presence of comorbidities influenced different NMSC types. BCC was more frequent in younger patients, associated with melanoma and sunburns. The presence of SCC is associated with older patients and the hypertension group. AKs were diagnosed predominantly in oldest men, with a chronic sun-exposure history, and hematologic neoplasms group.

Risk Factors Associated with Onychomycosis in Patients Attending Dermatology Units of Some Hospitals in Benue State, Nigeria

Onychomycosis is caused by different organisms especially the genus Trichophyton responsible for fungal nail infection. If left untreated, infection can spread to every nail and over time, the nails become thick, brittle, and ingrown causing pain and discomfort. To investigate the risk factors associated with onychomycosis in patients attending some hospitals within Benue state. A total of 384 finger and toenail samples were collected, disinfected, and subjected to laboratory examination using standard microbiological procedures. Some risk factors for onychomycosis including age, occupation, gender, diabetes mellitus condition, household contacts with animals, use of occlusive footwears, obesity, immune status, family history of onychomycosis, exposure to humid environments among others were investigated using structured questionnaire. The logistic regression for multivariate analysis was further used to identify the relationship between risk factors and onychomycosis. From the 384 samples collected, 226 fungal species were isolated from culture of toeand fingernails samples. Tinea rubrum was identified in159 (70.36%) followed by As per gillusspp., 30 (13.27%), Candida (Yeast), 19 (8.41%), Trichophytoninterdigitale,11 (4.87%) and Epidermophy tonfloc cosum was8 (3.54%). Age was statistically significant toony chomycos is with a positive association (OR=3.06, P=0.02; ≤0.05), while gender (OR=0.85, P=0.45&gt;0.05)and occupation was not statistically significant (OR=1.21, P=0.66; &gt;0.05). Use of occlusive footwear, keeping of long nails, and wearing used shoes showed statistically significant associations with onychomycosis. Individuals who engaged in the afore mentioned risk factors had high odds ratio (39.0, 5.95 and 1.26 respectively). Diabetes mellitus condition, trauma/damage to nails, nail psoriasis, obesity, and immunosuppression also showed statistically significant associations with onychomycosis. Odds ratio was (1.27, 1.86, 4.12, 1.05 and 3.14) respectively. Onychomycosis remains the most common nail disorder with a significant burden. There is need for prevention through practice of good personal hygiene and prescribed treatment of onychomycosis as it can have a considerable impact on patients’ quality of life.

Characteristics of skin aging at the Dermatology and Venereology Outpatient Unit at Prof. dr. I Goesti Ngoerah Gde Ngoerah General Hospital, Denpasar from January to December 2019

Background: Skin aging is a complex biological process influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. In addition, national data regarding skin aging is still scant. This research was carried out to learn the characteristics of skin aging at the Dermatology and Venereology outpatient unit of Prof. Dr. I G. N. G. Ngoerah General Hospital, Denpasar, in January-December 2019. Methods: This research is a quantitative descriptive study with a cross-sectional design. Sampling was carried out by total sampling with research subjects consisting of skin-aging patients at the Dermatology and Venereology Outpatient Unit of Prof. dr. I G. N. G. Ngoerah General Hospital in January-December 2019. The data collected consists of age, gender, smoking history, alcohol consumption history, body mass index, usage of sunscreen, duration of sun exposure, and Glogau scale classification. Descriptive analysis was carried out using SPSS ver. 23. Results: Twenty cases of skin aging were included. Most cases of skin aging were in the age group of 36-45 years old, all of whom were female, all of whom had no history of smoking, all of whom had no history of alcohol consumption, most body mass index classification was overweight, most do not use sunscreen, the duration of the sun exposure is mostly 30 minutes-6 hours, and the highest classification of the Glogau scale is group III. Conclusion: In this study, body mass index, usage of sunscreen, and duration of sun exposure are the main factors affecting skin aging.