Dermatology Outpatient Clinic Research Articles

Characterizing differences inoutpatient dermatologic care utilizationamong disaggregated Asian American subgroups.

Despite having significantly higher rates of atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and pigmentary disorders compared to White patients, studies suggest that Asian Americans are underrepresented in outpatient dermatology clinics. In this study, we utilize the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) and prioritize disaggregated analyses to evaluate differences between the most populous Asian American subgroups (Chinese, Filipino, Indian, and "Other") in utilization of outpatient dermatologic care. We utilized multivariable logistic regression to compare outpatient dermatologic care use between each Asian American subgroup and Non-Hispanic Whites. Out of 96,559 adults, our study included 5264 self-identified Asian American and 91,295 non-Hispanic White adults. Most Asian participants were female, had health insurance, and had incomes > 2 times above the federal poverty line. We found that, compared to 21.4% for NH whites, lifetime prevalence of total body skin exam was highest among Filipino Americans (12.3%) and lowest among Indian Americans (7%). Additionally, all Asian American subgroups had a significantly lower odd than NH Whites of ever having a total body skin exam, with Indian Americans having the lowest odds. While thebenefitofTBSEs inIndian Americansis unclear,it is possible that differing cultural perceptions about dermatologic needs,barriers to care,orimmigration status may be contributing tothe observed difference. Furthermore, the Indian diaspora encapsulates a range of skin tones, risk factors, and behaviors that maydifferentiallyinfluencedermatologic disease risk,similar totrends identified among Hispanic patients (Trepanowski et al. in J Am Acad Dermatol 88:1206-1209, 2023). Additional researchutilizingthe sevennational databasesthat have been identifiedasprovidingdisaggregated Asian racial information (Kamal et al. in J Am Acad Dermatol, 2023)maybe useful to furtherilluminate avenues for intervention.

The Relationship between Vitamin D, Body Mass Index and some Dietary Products with Acne Vulgaris; A Case-Control study in Baghdad/Iraq

Objective: To investigate the association of vitamin D level and moderate to severe acne as a primary outcome, and its association with BMI, dairy products, and chocolate consumption. Subjects and Methods: A case-control study was conducted in a dermatology outpatient clinic. Patients, diagnosed with moderate to severe acne vulgaris that warrant treatment with oral antibiotics, and had global acne grading system (GAGS) score of >=19 were eligible to be selected as cases. Aged matched, with no or mild cases of acne were eligible to be selected as controls. The participant height, weight, BMI, and serum circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D level were measured. A modified food frequency questionnaire was used for dietary history. Results: Comparing Cases (N = 101) and Control (N = 134), the mean of vitamin D level in cases were lower than that in the controls, however no statistically significant difference is observed. There were statistically insignificant differences between the studied groups regarding milk (whole, low fat, skimmed and any type of milk), cheese, yogurt, other dairy products, and chocolate consumption. However, a statistically significant disparity in weight is noted, but not in BMI. Conclusion: The results did not reveal any statistically significant associations between vitamin D level, BMI, dairy and chocolate consumption, and moderate to severe acne. However, it is important to note that this does not definitively rule out the possibility of any potential relationships or effects.

Nutrition's effect on male fertility: A retrospective study

Objective: The aim of this study was to clarify the effect of food on male fertility in a sample of Egyptian men. Background: Eating a varied and healthful diet may be an essential aspect of sustaining good overall health. However, specific vitamins and food groups may have a more substantial impact on reproductive health than others. A male's diet may affect his fertility. Method: Type of study Case control nested in a cross-sectional study It was conducted during the period from September 1st, 2021, to 1st of September 1st, 2022, in Dermatology and Andrology Outpatient Clinic in Menoufia University. Results: The results Twenty hundred and fifty-seven married men who have a regular sexual relation, eating different types of food accepting to participate in this study, the highest percentage of the participants were from urban areas, aged 30-39 years, weighed more than 90 kg, were 170-180 cm tall and had secondary education. Conclusion: Nutrition can both negatively and positively affect the quality of semen. The diet should include vegetables and fruit, fish and seafood, nuts, seeds, whole-grain and fibre-rich products, poultry, and low-fat dairy products.

Prevalence and characteristics of Epidermophyton floccosum skin infections: A 12-year retrospective study.

Epidermophyton floccosum (E. floccosum), an anthropophilic dermatophyte, is the primary causative agent of skin conditions such as tinea cruris, tinea pedis and tinea corporis. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and characteristics of E. floccosum-induced dermatophytosis, with particular emphasis on the types of infections and demographic profiles. In this retrospective study, patient records from the dermatology outpatient clinic were scrutinized, covering the timeframe from January 2009 to December 2020. Eligibility for the study required a dermatophytosis diagnosis verified by microscopic examination and fungal culture. Of the 4669 confirmed dermatophytosis cases, 82 (1.8%) were attributable to E. floccosum infection. The proportions of male and female patients with E. floccosum infections were 50.0% each. The most common presentation was tinea pedis (39.0%), followed by tinea cruris (37.8%) and tinea corporis (26.8%). The mean age at disease onset for tinea cruris was 38.7 ± 18.7 years, which was lower than that for tinea pedis (50.6 ± 14.2 years) and tinea corporis (53.5 ± 16.4 years). However, these age differences were not statistically significant. A continuous decrease in E. floccosum isolation was observed over the study period. There was a steady decline in the prevalence of E. floccosum dermatophytosis over the 12-year study period. Despite the decreasing trend, tinea cruris, tinea corporis and tinea pedis remained the predominant clinical manifestations of E. floccosum infection.

Comparative Study of Trichoscopic Features of Alopecia Areata between Adults and Children and between Different Body Parts (Scalp, Beard, Eyebrow, and Moustache).

Round patches of baldness on the scalp or entire body are typically caused by the common, non-scarring hair loss condition known as alopecia areata (AA). Follicular units with two to four terminal hairs and one or two vellus hairs can be seen on a healthy, typical scalp trichoscopy. To compare trichoscopic features between adults and children and between different body parts. A cross-sectional observational study was performed on 90 patients; AA of the scalp and other body parts attended the dermatology out-patient clinic. A Gen Dermlite D100 Dermoscope was used to examine AA lesions and compare their features according to age and different body parts. Scalp was the most common area among all patients, 65.6% (among adults, it was 50%, and among children, it was 85%), with a significant difference, P = 0.001. The most common trichoscopic feature among all patients was empty follicular opening in 74 (82.2%) lesions; among children, it was honeycomb pigment in 35 (87.5%) lesions, while among adults, it was empty follicular opening in 40 (80%) lesions. Tulip hair was significantly higher among adults, P = 0.036. At the same time, honeycomb pigment patterns and pohlpinkus constriction were significantly higher among children, P = 0.044 and P < 0.001, respectively. The most common trichoscopic feature of adult lesions was empty follicular opening, while honeycomb pigment was dominant among children. Tulip hair was higher among adults, while honeycomb pigment patterns and pohlpinkus constriction were higher among children.

Cumulative incidence and risk factors for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma metastases in organ transplant recipients: The Skin Care in Organ Transplant Patients in Europe-International Transplant Skin Cancer Collaborative metastases study, a prospective multicenter study

Solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) are believed to have an increased risk of metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), but reliable data are lacking regarding the precise incidence and associated risk factors. In a prospective cohort study, including 19 specialist dermatology outpatient clinics in 15 countries, patient and tumor characteristics were collected using standardized questionnaires when SOTRs presented with a new cSCC. After a minimum of 2years of follow-up, relevant data for all SOTRs were collected. Cumulative incidence of metastases was calculated by the Aalen-Johansen estimator. Fine and Gray models were used to assess multiple risk factors for metastases. Of 514 SOTRs who presented with 623 primary cSCCs, metastases developed in 37 with a 2-year patient-based cumulative incidence of 6.2%. Risk factors for metastases included location in the head and neck area, local recurrence, size > 2cm, clinical ulceration, poor differentiation grade, perineural invasion, and deep invasion. A high-stage tumor that is also ulcerated showed the highest risk of metastasis, with a 2-year cumulative incidence of 46.2% (31.9%-68.4%). SOTRs have a high risk of cSCC metastases and well-established clinical and histologic risk factors have been confirmed. High-stage, ulcerated cSCCs have the highest risk of metastasis.

Facial Mimicry and Doctor-Patient Satisfaction: The Feasibility of Artificial Empathy in a Clinical Video Data.

Good nonverbal communication between doctor and patient is essential for achieving a successful and therapeutic doctor-patient relationship. Increasing evidence has shown that nonverbal communication mimicry, particularly facial mimicry, where one mirrors another's facial expressions, is linked to empathy and emotion recognition. Empathy is also the key driver of patient satisfaction. This study explores how facial expressions and facial mimicry influence doctor-patient satisfaction during a clinical encounter. We used a facial emotion recognition-based artificial empathy model to analyze 315 recorded clinical video data of doctors and patients in a dermatology outpatient clinic. The results show a significant negative correlation between patients' emotions of sadness and neutral and doctor satisfaction, but no correlation between the duration of doctors mimicking patient emotions and patient satisfaction. These findings provide valuable insights into the future design of systems that can further enhance clinician awareness to maintain communication skills in the search for better doctor-patient satisfaction.

Lack of Association of Acne Severity with Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and Eating Attitudes: A Cross-Sectional Study.

this study aimed to investigate the relationship between acne severity and depression, anxiety, stress, and negative eating attitudes in patients with acne vulgaris. This study was conducted with 81 patients with acne vulgaris who applied to the dermatology outpatient clinic of Karaman Training and Research Hospital. The patients were asked to complete a sociodemographic data form, the three-factor nutrition questionnaire (TFEQ-21), and the depression anxiety stress scale (DASS-21). Acne severity was assessed using the global acne grading system (GAGS) by an expert dermatologist. Of the 81 patients, 74.1% were female and the average age of the cohort was 22.86 years. The average body mass index of the patients was 21.78 and the GAGS average score was 24.25. Correlation tests revealed the lack of any relationship between the GAGS score and the DASS-21 and TFEQ-21 scale scores (and their subscales). The DASS-21 depression subscale was correlated with the TFEQ-21 total score, and TFEQ-21 emotional eating and TFEQ-21 uncontrolled eating scores. Additionally, a relationship was identified between the DASS21-stress subscale score and TFEQ-21 uncontrolled Eating and TFEQ-21 total score, as well as between the DASS21-anxiety scale and the TFEQ-21 total score and TFEQ-21 uncontrolled eating subscale score. Although no relationship was found between acne severity and depression, anxiety, or eating disorders, these conditions can increase the risk of eating disorders among acne patients. Therefore, it is critical to take the necessary precautions for the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders in this patient population.

Exploring the Effectiveness of Biological Therapy in Patients with Psoriasis: Body Image and Quality of Life.

Background and Objectives: Psoriasis is a chronic, long-term, incurable skin inflammatory disease characterized by the excessive proliferation of epidermal keratinocytes, dilation of blood vessels, thickening of the skin, and the formation of visible red patches of variable sizes. The impact on patients differs with the severity of the disease, leading to physiological discomfort and psychological distress, which significantly affect the quality of life. The etiology of psoriasis is not completely clear, but immune cells, including type 1 and type 17 cytokine-producing cells modulated by regulatory T cells (Tregs), play a critical role in driving the disease pathogenesis. With the ability to specifically target inflammatory markers, biologics can efficiently inhibit the spread of inflammation to achieve therapeutic effects. The goal was to explore the changes in body image and quality of life in psoriasis patients undertaking therapies with biologic agents. Materials and Methods: This study employed a quasi-experimental, single-sample, pretest-posttest design. Forty-four psoriasis patients were recruited from the dermatology outpatient clinics at two medical centers in northern Taiwan. A structured questionnaire, including demographic information, the Body Image Scale (BIS), and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), was used as a research tool. Questionnaire assessments were conducted both before and three months after the biologic agent intervention. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 22.0. Results: Our results indicated a significant difference in body image between psoriasis patients before and after intervention with biologic agents. In addition, overall quality of life (QoL) also showed significant improvements before and after biologic agent intervention. There was a positive correlation between body image and quality of life in psoriasis patients. Conclusions: The treatment for psoriasis has evolved rapidly in recent years, and biologic agents have proven to be effective therapies to improve the quality of life for psoriasis patients. Our study suggests that health-related education and psychological support can further benefit psoriasis patients to willingly and positively undertake treatment and therefore improve their positive body image and quality of life.

Comparing quality of life, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, and associated factors in vitiligo and alopecia areata patients.

Vitiligo and alopecia areata (AA) are two autoimmune skin diseases that affect patients' quality of life (QoL) and give rise to psychosocial complications, such as depression, negative self-image, less joyful social engagements, and low self-esteem. These two disorders have common and uncommon characteristics. Therefore, in this study, we tried to evaluate the similarities and differences in the psychological parameters including quality of life, sleep disturbance, anxiety, and depression levels between, vitiligo and AA patients. Patients with either vitiligo or AA visiting the outpatient dermatology clinic from November 2017 to December 2020 have been included in this study. Persian versions of three questionnaires including the dermatology life quality index (DLQI), hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS), and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), have been used to assess the QoL, sleep disturbance, anxiety, and depression levels in patients. In total, 188 patients, including 94 (50%) cases of AA and 94 (50%) patients with vitiligo, met the criteria. In AA patients, a significantly higher DLQI score was found (p-value = 0.002) compared to the vitiligo cases, which means a better QoL in vitiligo patients. Additionally, AA patients had higher scores of anxiety (P-value<0.001) and depression (p-Value<0.001). However, sleep disturbance (64.9% of AA patients vs. 59.3% of vitiligo patients; p-Value = 0.4888) was not significantly different between the two groups. Our data showed lower QoL and higher levels of anxiety and depression in AA patients compared to vitiligo cases, but no difference was seen in sleep disturbance in the PSQI-P score.

Effectiveness of adding educational video in patients with atopic dermatitis to facilitate shared decision-making

Abstract Background: Shared decision-making (SDM) is becoming more popular in various medical specialties as a core component of patient-centered care. However, patients’ lack of sufficient disease knowledge remains a barrier to implementing SDM. Objectives: This study aims to examine the effectiveness of two educational approaches for atopic dermatitis (AD) patients, a pamphlet and pamphlet plus video, using assessments of knowledge level and satisfaction. Methods: From August 2021 to February 2023, patients with AD from the dermatology outpatient clinic at Tri-Service General Hospital were included. Educational pamphlets were provided before educational videos, and patients were asked to complete an identical five-question test postpamphlet and postpamphlet plus video, respectively. A questionnaire was used to evaluate patients’ satisfaction. The two test scores were compared, and the satisfaction levels were analyzed. Results: The mean postpamphlet plus video score (94.84 ± 10.20) was significantly higher than the mean postpamphlet score (77.42 ± 17.17, P &lt; 0.001) across 62 eligible samples. Gender and age subgroups showed similar trends. In addition, most patients preferred educational pamphlet plus videos (ranging from 37.5% to 75.0% in different subgroups) compared with educational pamphlets (ranging from 0.0% to 3.85%). The educational pamphlet plus video demonstrated high satisfaction in promoting disease knowledge and treatment options for AD. Conclusion: Adding educational video is an efficient approach toward reinforcement of patients’ knowledge of AD and further facilitates the implementation of SDM in dermatology practice.

Clinicoepidemiological Spectrum of Connective Tissue Diseases in the Pediatric Population in a Tertiary Care Center in North India: A Cross-sectional Observational Study

Abstract Background: Connective tissue diseases (CTDs) are chronic in nature and carry a high risk of morbidity, disability, and mortality if not recognized and treated promptly. Data on clinical spectrum of CTDs in the pediatric age group are sparse from developing countries such as India. Objective: To study the clinicoepidemiological spectrum of CTDs in the pediatric age group. Methodology: A hospital-based, cross-sectional, observational study was undertaken over a period of 16 months from January 2021 to June 2022 in the dermatology outpatient department and pediatric rheumatology clinic in a tertiary care hospital in North India. Clinical and laboratory findings were recorded. Results: A total of 100 children diagnosed with a CTD were included in the study. The mean age was 11.11 ± 4.20 years. Out of 100 children, 55% were female and 45% were male with a male-to-female ratio of 1:1.2. Our study included 63% juvenile idiopathic arthritis, 17% systemic lupus erythematosus, 7% juvenile dermatomyositis, 6% Kawasaki disease, 3% systemic sclerosis, and 2% Henoch–Schonlein purpura and mixed CTD patients each. Mucocutaneous features commonly seen were rash (40%), oral ulcers (22%), and photosensitivity (18%). Commonly seen systemic features were joint pain (77%), followed by fever (63%). Conclusion: Mucocutaneous manifestations are frequently seen in CTDs and constitute a frequent and an early manifestation of CTD. Early recognition of CTD in the pediatric age group will help in timely initiation of treatment to prevent disabilities and mortality.

Pain type and neuropathic pain components in acute herpes zoster.

The aim of this study was to investigate the pain type (nociceptive or neuropathic) and neuropathic pain components in patients with acute herpes zoster (HZ). Patients with acute HZ referred to the outpatient Dermatology and Venereology clinic between January 2021 and January 2022 were retrospectively detected. The demographic data including gender and age, rash localization, pain severity, and neuropathic pain components were recorded. Pain severity and neuropathic pain components were evaluated using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Douleur Neuropathique 4 (DN4), respectively. The study included a total of 58 patients, comprising 33 females and 25 males. Of these patients, 35 (60.3%) were found to have neuropathic pain. Itching, burning, pins and needles, and tingling were the most frequently reported neuropathic pain signs and symptoms. The proportion of female patients with neuropathic pain was found to be significantly higher than that of male patients (p=0.021). No significant differences were observed in the distribution of pain across different body sites or in the age of patients with neuropathic pain (p>0.05). Itching was significantly more common in younger patients (p=0.02). In conclusion, the study found that over half of the patients with acute HZ experienced neuropathic pain, and this was more frequently observed in female patients. Analysis of different components of neuropathic pain showed significant differences in age, gender, and site distribution. The findings of this study may have important implications for the manage-ment and treatment of acute HZ.

The prevalence of skin diseases among the elderly patients applying a tertiary dermatology outpatient clinic: A retrospective analysis of 2400 patients

Introduction: As the population ages, particular health issues affect this susceptible age group. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence, frequency, age, gender, and season-of-year distribution of dermatological disorders among geriatric patients. Materials and Method: This was a retrospective, descriptive study. Skin diseases were categorized into 12 different groups and analyzed according to the age groups, gender, and season of the application. Results: The study included 2431 patients (1203 were female and 1228 were male). The mean age of the patients was 74.02±7.07(65-100) years. For 23.1% of these patients, the problems were acute, and for 76.9%, they were chronic. The ratio of patients with one, two, and more than three complaints was 81.0%, 13.9%, and 5.1%, respectively. The most frequent diagnoses were pruritus (n=424, 17.4%); eczematous dermatitis (n=395, 16.2%); fungal infections (n=372, 15.3%); premalign and malign skin disorders (n=247, 10.2%); bacterial infections (n=147, 6%); viral infections (n=118, 4.9%); papulosquamous diseases (n=95, 3.9%); urticaria and adverse drug reactions (n=96, 3.9%); benign skin tumors (n=79, 3.2%); acneiform disorders (n=40, 1.6%); and vesiculobullous disorders (n=22, 0.9%). Conclusion: The majority of skin diseases among the elderly are not life-threatening, and they are preventable. Knowing the prevalence and distribution of skin diseases seen in the elderly can help prevent these disorders and develop policies for better management of elderly-related health issues. Keywords: Aged; Skin Diseases; Preventive Medicine; Skin Aging.

Studi Retrospektif Pasien Dermatitis Atopik Selama 5 Tahun di Poliklinik Rawat Jalan Kulit dan Kelamin Rumah Sakit Umum Daerah Provinsi Nusa Tenggara Barat

The prevalence of atopic dermatitis is starting to grow rapidly not only in the population of industrialized countries but also in developing countries. Data on the prevalence of AD at RSUDP NTB was last reported in the 2013-2014 period, so data updates are needed to determine the characteristics of AD at Dermatology and Venereology Outpatient Clinic at RSUDP NTB. This is a descriptive retrospective study by taking secondary data from medical records on AD patients for the period January 2017-December 2021 who came for treatment.The total number of new visits to DV outpatient clinic RSUDP NTB was 3120 patients. There were 78 new AD diagnosed patients, dominated by women (51,2%). The prevalence of AD between 2017-2021 is 2.5%. Most of patients is in pediatric age group (53,3%) and mostly live at rural area (56,4%) the most frequent comorbidity was scabies, namely 10 patients (12,8%). There was a decrease in the prevalence of AD compared to previous data. It is necessary to optimize medical records to determine trends in AD cases in patients visiting the DV Outpatient Clinic RSUDP NTB.

Retrospective Analysis of Skin Changes and Dermatoses Observed in Pregnants Applying to the Dermatology Outpatient Clinic

Amaç: Gebelikte endokrinolojik, vasküler veya immünolojik değişiklikler deride birçok farklı klinik duruma neden olabilir. Dermatoloji polikliniğine başvuran gebe hastalarda gözlenen deri değişiklikleri ve dermatozların klinik analizini yapmak. Materyal ve metod: Çalışmaya Mart 2021 ile Eylül 2022 tarihleri arasında dermatoloji polikliniğine başvuran 112 gebe hasta dahil edildi. Bulgular: Hastaların yaş ortalaması 28,8±6.9 (min.18-max.44) idi. Gebelerin %58'i primigravida, %42'si multigravida idi. Gebeler sıklıkla 2. ve 3. trimesterde polikliniğe başvurdu (78.6%). Olguların %82.1'inde fizyolojik deri değişiklikleri görüldü. En sık stria gravidarum %51.8, kloazma %9, variköz venler ve spider anjiyom %5.4, linea nigra, akrokordon, cherry anjiyom ve saç dökülmesi %2.7, hirsutizm ve tırnak batması %1.8, pyojenik granülom %0.9 olguda görüldü. Olguların %33,9'unda cilt infeksiyonu saptandı. Mantar infeksiyonları (Dermatofitoz %9, pitriyazis versikolor %3.6, kandida %3.6) %14.3 ile en sık, uyuz %11.6 ile ikinci sıklıkta görüldü. Gebeliğin atopik erüpsiyonu, pemfigoid gestasyonis ve impetigo herpetiformis gibi gebeliğe özgü dermatozlar olgularının %2,7'sinde görüldü. Gebeliğe özgü olmayan dermatolojik hastalık oranı %27.7 iken, bu hastalıklar içinde seboreik dermatit %9, psoriazis %6.2 akne ve rozasea ise %3.6 oranındaydı. Primigravidalarda ve üçüncü trimesterde pigment değişiklikleri, stria gravidarum ve gebeliğe özgü dermatozlar istatistiksel olarak anlamlı düzeyde yüksekti (p&amp;lt;0.05). Multigravidalarda ve üçüncü trimesterde tekrarlayan poliklinik başvurularının istatistiksel olarak anlamlı olduğu gözlendi (p&amp;lt;0.05). Sonuç. Hamilelik sırasında en sık görülen deri değişikliği fizyolojik deri değişiklikleridir. Gebeliğe özgü dermatozlar nadir görülür. Gebelikte en sık görülen deri infeksiyonları mantar infeksiyonlarıdır. Üçüncü trimesterde deri değişiklikleri ve spesifik dermatozlar artar.

Bridging the diagnostic gap: liver function tests and IL-6 as potential early predictors of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in psoriasis

Background: Psoriasis goes beyond skin, intertwining with body systems, notably connecting to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study aims to explore the predictive potential: liver function tests and IL-6 as early markers for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in psoriasis patients. Methods: From March to November 2023, a case-control study was performed at the dermatological outpatient clinic of Baquba Teaching Hospital, Iraq. Individuals with confirmed psoriasis and those without underwent comprehensive clinical history and overall health examinations. The diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) was established using the Fatty Liver Index (FLI). Results: Among the 290 participants in this study, 103 with confirmed psoriasis displayed a Fatty Liver Index (FLI) score &gt;60, indicative of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The control group, comprising 101 individuals without psoriasis or NAFLD, provided a baseline for comparison. The mean ages were 32.5 ± 16.2 and 31.5 ± 14.3 years for the case and control groups, respectively. Notably, the case group exhibited significantly higher mean ± SD levels of ALT and AST (61 ± 29 vs. 33 ± 17 U/L, p &lt; 0.0001) and (55 ± 27 vs. 25 ± 15 U/L, p &lt; 0.0001), respectively. Moreover, FLI criteria were markedly elevated in the case group (p = 0.0007, p = 0.0005, p &lt; 0.0001, and p &lt; 0.0001, respectively), and IL-6 levels were significantly higher (p = 0.0003). Conclusion: The results proposed that liver function tests and IL-6 could act as early predictors for the detection of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease among individuals grappling with psoriasis.

Evaluation of Misbeliefs, Myths and Knowledge About Nevi and Skin Cancer in Dermatology Patients

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the misbeliefs and myths about nevus and skin cancer, knowledge about melanoma, and compare the results between the sexes, education levels, and age groups in the Turkish population. Methods: The study was conducted between August 2020 and November 2021 in a tertiary dermatology outpatient clinic. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. The questions were about demographic data, awareness and beliefs about nevus features, beliefs about nevus and skin cancer relation, and melanoma knowledge. Results: A total of 517 patients, 69.1% (n=357) females and 30.9% (n=160) males were included. Of the participants, 15.3% (n=79) had heard of melanoma, 84.7% (n=438) had not. 16.2% (n=84) of the patients responded that excising nevi causes a risk of skin cancer. 50.5% of the patients answered that nevi turn into skin cancer. 44.3% of the patients considered as traumatized nevus turns into skin cancer. These beliefs were more common in females and varied according to different stages of age and education levels. Conclusion: Nevus and skin cancer continue to carry misbeliefs and myths which are significant problems in public health because they cause difficulties in the treatment and management of skin cancer. Accurate knowledge through education programs is necessary for debunking myths. Keywords: nevi, nevus, skin cancer, melanoma

Pigmented basal cell carcinoma in an old man treated with surgical excision and flap reconstruction: a case report

Background: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) stands as the prevailing form of malignancy, and its prevalence is on the rise. While BCC carries a minimal risk of mortality, it can induce notable morbidity, chiefly due to localized damage. The incidence of BCC increases significantly after the age of 40 years, especially in women who are caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. There are a variety of surgical and non-surgical treatments for BCC. In general, surgical methods are used more frequently because of their higher cure rates. We are reporting a case of pigmented basal cell carcinoma in an old Asian man who was treated with surgical excision with wound reconstruction using flap surgery. Case Report: A 70-year-old man sought consultation at the Dermatology and Venereology outpatient clinic of Dr. Soetomo Regional Public Hospital. His main complaint was a wound on his forehead from two years ago. Initially, it appeared as a small lump with skin color. Over time, the lump got bigger and then turned into a wound that got wider. He also felt pain and itchy on the wound. For the past year, the wound had become easily bleeding. Dermatological examination revealed an ulcer with a clean base, not sharply marginated, asymmetry, and a size of 1,8 x 1,6 cm, with a rolled-up margin and an elevated edge. There was a translucent hyperpigmented nodule on the edges and a sign of bleeding in the center of the ulcer. A dermoscopy examination showed a blue-gray ovoid nest, shiny white structureless area, arborizing vessels, and ulceration. Histopathological results from both biopsies showed the proliferation of anaplastic basal cells was a monotonous rounded nucleus, coarse chromatin, several prominent nuclei, and narrow cytoplasm to moderately that partially contained melanin. The patient was diagnosed with Pigmented BCC. The treatment plan was to use surgical excision with advancement flap reconstruction. Postoperative lesions showed improvement and healed after three weeks post-surgery. Conclusion: The management of BCC is determined based on the anatomical location and histological features. Widely used therapeutic approaches such as standard excision surgery or other invasive methods are significant therapeutic options.

A Study of Community-Acquired Pyodermas with Special Reference to Panton-Valentine Leukocidin (PVL)-Positive Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus.

Community-acquired (CA) pyodermas are one of the most common infections encountered in the dermatology outpatient clinics. A significant number of these conditions are caused by Staphylococcus aureus. CA-methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and CA-methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) have specific virulence genes which are associated with these diseases, particularly the Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) genes. The presence of the PVL gene as a virulence factor may be associated with recurrent and severe skin infections. A prospective study was conducted with 205 cases of CA pyodermas, of which five were discarded due to mixed isolates. Clinical details were taken and wound exudate was sent for bacteriological examination. Further, the molecular study was performed on all MRSA (7) isolates and 13 randomly selected MSSA isolates using polymerase chain reaction for mecA and PVL genes. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common organism (90%) isolated from primary or secondary CA pyodermas. The prevalence of CA-MRSA among all pyodermas was 3.5% in our community. The PVL gene was not detected in all tested CA-MRSA and CA-MSSA isolates. While pyodermas are common, the prevalence of MRSA is low in the CA pyodermas in our region. PVL does not appear to be a virulence factor among the isolated MRSA. Larger, multicentric, and periodic studies are, however, required to further justify these claims.