Self-reported Skin Research Articles

Sleep and its association with depressive and anxiety symptoms during the last weeks of pregnancy: A population-based study

ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between sleep characteristics and depressive and anxiety symptoms during the immediate postpartum period. MethodsPeople who had hospital births during 2019 in the municipality of Rio Grande (southern Brazil) were assessed with a standardized questionnaire concerning sociodemographic (eg, age and self-reported skin color) and health-related variables (eg, parity and stillbirth) (n = 2314) 24-48 hours after birth. We used the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire to assess sleep latency, inertia, duration, and chronotype; the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale for depressive symptoms; and the General Anxiety Disorder 7-Item Scale to evaluate anxiety symptoms. We used logistic regression models to calculate odds ratios. ResultsThe prevalence of depressive symptoms was 13.7%, and of anxiety symptoms was 10.7%. Depressive symptoms were more likely in those with vespertine chronotype (odds ratios = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.14-2.35) and those with a sleep latency of more than 30 minutes (OR = 2.36; 95% CI: 1.68-3.32). The probability of depressive symptoms decreased by 16% for each additional hour of sleep (OR = 0.84; 95% CI: 0.77-0.92). Sleep inertia of 11-30 minutes increased the probability of anxiety on free days (OR = 1.73; 95% CI: 1.27-2.36) and increased the probability of depressive (OR = 2.68; 95% CI: 1.82-3.83) and anxiety symptoms (OR = 1.69; 95%CI: 1.16-2.44) on workdays. ConclusionParticipants with vespertine chronotype or shorter sleep duration were more likely to have depressive symptoms. Those who took more time to fall asleep or get out of bed were more likely to have both anxiety and depressive symptoms, but the association was stronger for depressive symptoms.

A Quantitative Investigation of Mental Fatigue Elicited during Motor Imagery Practice: Selective Effects on Maximal Force Performance and Imagery Ability.

In the present study, we examined the development of mental fatigue during the kinesthetic motor imagery (MI) of isometric force contractions performed with the dominant upper limb. Participants (n = 24) underwent four blocks of 20 MI trials of isometric contractions at 20% of the maximal voluntary contraction threshold (20% MVCMI) and 20 MI trials of maximal isometric contractions (100% MVCMI). Mental fatigue was assessed after each block using a visual analogue scale (VAS). We assessed maximal isometric force before, during and after MI sessions. We also assessed MI ability from self-report ratings and skin conductance recordings. Results showed a logarithmic pattern of increase in mental fatigue over the course of MI, which was superior during 100% MVCMI. Unexpectedly, maximal force improved during 100% MVCMI between the 1st and 2nd evaluations but remained unchanged during 20% MVCMI. MI ease and vividness improved during 100% MVCMI, with a positive association between phasic skin conductance and VAS mental fatigue scores. Conversely, subjective measures revealed decreased MI ability during 20% MVCMI. Mental fatigue did not hamper the priming effects of MI on maximal force performance, nor MI's ability for tasks involving high physical demands. By contrast, mental fatigue impaired MI vividness and elicited boredom effects in the case of motor tasks with low physical demands.

Associations of self-reported skin symptoms with age, sex, and living with a partner: Findings from a representative survey in view of the biomedical and the biopsychosocial model.

Social and demographic characteristics are crucial determinants of health. The objective of this contribution is to study the associations of skin symptoms and sociodemographic variables in the general population, and to discuss these findings in view of the biomedical and the biopsychosocial models of skin diseases. A national face-to-face household survey with a representative sample of the German general population assessed 19 self-reported skin symptoms (N = 2,487). Associations with age, sex, and living situation (alone vs. with partner) were analyzed using logistic regression analyses. The frequencies of pimples and biting of the nails decreased by approximately 30% per age decade, and oily skin, the feeling of disfigurement, excoriations, and sun damages decreased by 8%-15% per age decade. Dryness of the skin increased by 7% per decade. Sensitive skin and dryness were approx. twice as likely in females as in males. Dryness of the skin, itch, and excoriations were 23%-32% more frequent in participants living without a partner. The biomedical model explains some of the findings well (e.g., reduction of pimples with age). The interpretation of other results is facilitated by the biopsychosocial model (e.g., association of living without a partner and itch). This suggests a stronger integration of psychological and social factors into the understanding and treatment of symptoms of the skin.

Hand hygiene for the prevention of infections in neonates.

Hand hygiene for the prevention of infections in neonates.

Is stress related to itch in German students? Results of an online survey.

German students report to be more stressed than the general population. Highly stressed students from other countries (United States, Australia, Saudi-Arabia) were found to have more skin symptoms, including itch, than lowly stressed students. The current study aimed to assess whether itch is associated with stress in a larger sample of German students. 838 students (3.2% of all invited students) took part in the questionnaire based study and filled in the Perceived Stress Questionnaire as well as a modified version of the Self-Reported Skin Questionnaire. Students were categorized into highly (HSS) and lowly stressed students (LSS) by determination of the 25th and 75th percentile. Itch occurred significantly more often in HSS compared to LSS (OR = 3.41 (2.17-5.35)). In addition, itch intensity was significantly related to perceived stress. These findings not only highlight the importance of offering stress management trainings also to students in Germany in order to minimize itch, but also encourage future research on stress and itch in certain student subgroups.

HLA-B27 positivity in a large miscegenated population of 5,389,143 healthy blood marrow donors in Brazil

BackgroundThe prevalence of HLA-B27 gene positivity in healthy Caucasian communities varies between 8 and 14%. However, there is a lack of information in countries with a high rate of miscegenation, such as Brazil.AimTo estimate the frequency of HLA-B27 in the Brazilian general population using a large national registry database.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional ecological study using the Brazilian Registry of Volunteer Bone Marrow Donors (REDOME) database on HLA-B27 allelic frequency and proportion of positives of healthy donors (18–60 years old). Data were analyzed according to sex, age, race (by self-reported skin color recommended by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics - IBGE), and geographic region of residence.ResultsFrom 1994 to 2022, a total of 5,389,143 healthy bone marrow donors were included. The overall positivity for HLA-B27 was 4.35% (CI 95% 4.32–4.37%), regardless of sex and age (57.2% were women, mean age was 41.7yo). However, there was a difference between races: 4.85% in Whites; 2.92% in Blacks; 3.76% in Pardos (Browns i.e. mixed races); 3.95% in Amarelos (Yellows i.e. Asian Brazilians); and 3.18% in Indigenous. There was also a difference regarding geographic region of residence (North: 3.62%; Northeast: 3.63%; Southeast: 4.29%; Midwest: 4.5% and 5.25% in South). The homozygosity rate for the HLA-B27 was 1.32% of all the positives and only 0.06% in the general population.ConclusionsOur findings provide the first Brazilian national prevalence for HLA-B27 in 4.35%. There is a gradient gene positivity from North to South, suggesting that the genetic background related to the miscegenation due to colonization, slavery, and some later waves of immigration together with internal migratory flows, could explain our findings.

Contact allergy investigations in healthcare workers with face mask-related skin disease.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of face masks has increased among healthcare workers (HCWs). Questionnaire studies have shown a high frequency of self-reported facial adverse skin reactions. Case reports have been published on face mask-induced allergic contact dermatitis and urticaria. To describe the results of the contact allergy investigations in consecutive HCWs investigated for skin reactions to face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic and the results of the chemical investigations of face masks supplied by the hospital. Participants were patch tested with baseline series and chemicals previously reported in face masks not included in the baseline series. Face mask(s) brought by the HCW were tested as is and/or in acetone extract. Chemical analyses were performed on nine different face masks for potential allergens. Fifty-eight HCWs were investigated. No contact allergies were found to the face mask(s) tested. Eczema was the most common type of skin reaction, followed by an acneiform reaction. Colophonium-related substances were found in one respirator and 2,6-di-t-butyl-4-methylphenol (BHT) were found in two respirators. Based on this report, contact allergies to face masks is uncommon. Patch test with colophonium-related substances and BHT should be considered when investigating adverse skin reactions to face masks.

Skin Cancer Diagnosis Among People With Disabilities

People with disabilities face unique challenges that may affect skin cancer prevention, diagnosis, and access to treatment. These challenges could be exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, the prevalence of self-reported skin cancer diagnoses, delayed medical care because of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and skin cancer risk factors among people with disabilities were estimated. Data from the 2020 National Health Interview Survey (N=31,568 U.S. adults) were analyzed. Skin cancer diagnosis, age at the time of skin cancer diagnosis, skin cancer risk factors (e.g., sun protection), and delayed medical care because of the COVID-19 pandemic were included. Disability status was measured using the Washington Group Short Set on Functioning, which includes vision, hearing, mobility, communication, self-care, and cognitive disabilities. Although 8.8% of U.S. adults reported having a disability, people with disabilities accounted for 14.7% of all self-reported skin cancer diagnoses, including 17.5% of melanoma diagnoses. Notably, people with disabilities were on average, older (mean age=59.8 years) than people without disabilities (mean age=46.8 years). Models that adjusted for age and other demographics revealed that people with disabilities had higher odds of delaying medical care because of the COVID-19 pandemic (OR=1.65, 95% CI=1.41, 1.94); people with disabilities reported being diagnosed with skin cancer later in life (age 61.5 vs 54.0 years; p<0.001) but had odds of reporting any skin cancer (OR=1.11, 95% CI=0.93, 1.32) or melanoma diagnosis (OR=1.33, 95% CI=0.95, 1.87) similar to those of people without disabilities. Because of disability-related challenges, older age, and delaying medical care during the pandemic, people with disabilities may be at increased risk for inequitable skin cancer outcomes.

Characterisation of superficial corneocytes in skin areas of the face exposed to prolonged usage of respirators by healthcare professionals during COVID-19 pandemic

IntroductionDuring the COVID-19 pandemic healthcare workers (HCWs) have used respiratory protective equipment for prolonged periods, which has been associated with detrimental effects on the underlying skin. The present study aims to evaluate changes in the main cells (corneocytes) of the stratum corneum (SC) following prolonged and consecutive use of respirators. Methods17 HCWs who wore respirators daily during routine hospital practice were recruited to a longitudinal cohort study. Corneocytes were collected via tape stripping from a negative control site (area outside the respirator) and from the cheek which was in contact with the device. Corneocytes were sampled on three occasions and analysed for the level of positive-involucrin cornified envelopes (CEs) and the amount of desmoglein-1 (Dsg1), as indirect measurements of immature CEs and corneodesmosomes (CDs), respectively. These were compared to biophysical measurements (Transepidermal water loss, TEWL, and SC hydration) at the same investigation sites. ResultsA large degree of inter-subject variability was observed, with maximum coefficients of variation of 43% and 30% for the level of immature CEs and Dsg1, respectively. Although it was observed that there was not an effect of prolonged respirator usage on the properties of corneocytes, the level of CDs was greater at the cheek than the negative control site (p < 0.05). Furthermore, low levels of immature CEs correlated with greater TEWL values after prolonged respirator application (p < 0.01). It was also noted that a smaller proportion of immature CEs and CDs was associated with a reduced incidence of self-reported skin adverse reactions (p < 0.001). ConclusionsThis is the first study that investigated changes in corneocyte properties in the context of prolonged mechanical loading following respirator application. Although differences were not recorded over time, the levels of CDs and immature CEs were consistently higher in the loaded cheek compared to the negative control site and were positively correlated with a greater number of self-reported skin adverse reactions. Further studies are required to evaluate the role of corneocyte characteristics in the evaluation of both healthy and damaged skin sites.

Domestic burns that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil: a descriptive cross-sectional study.

Due to "stay at home" restrictions during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, people spent more time at home leading to an increase in home accidents, including burns. To investigate the epidemiology of burns that occurred within homes during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. This was a quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional study with a non-probabilistic sample. Data were collected through the distribution of survey links on social networking sites and websites, and through email between December 2020 and February 2021. Participants were over 18 years of age, living in Brazil. Data analysis was performed using descriptive and dispersion statistics. A total of 939 adults (aged > 18 years) participated in this study. The mean age was 37.2 years (standard deviation [SD] = 12.5), 75.6% were female, 70.0% self-reported white skin color, 74% had completed higher education, and 28.1% had an income of 3 to 6 times the monthly minimum wage. A total of 21.6% suffered burns during the pandemic, 44.3% from a hot object. Approximately 49.3% never had access to a burn prevention campaign. It is necessary to develop burn prevention strategies that reach a wider population and to strengthen public policies to reduce the prevalence of domestic burns, especially during the pandemic.

Factors Associated with Leg Ulcers in Adults with Sickle Cell Disease in Brazil.

To define the prevalence of leg ulcers and identify the clinical and laboratory factors associated with leg ulcers in adult participants. The authors conducted a cross-sectional study of 1,109 patients who were 18 years or older with SS or Sβ0-thalassemia genotypes from a Brazilian cohort. Investigators assessed the prevalence of factors associated with leg ulcers from 2013 to 2017. The prevalence of leg ulcers was 21%. Increasing age (odds ratio [OR], 1.07; range, 1.06-1.09), male sex (OR, 2.03; range, 1.44-2.87), treatment with chronic transfusion therapy (OR, 1.88; range, 1.15-3.03), higher indirect bilirubin levels (OR, 1.48; range, 1.02-2.16), and low hemoglobin levels (OR, 2.17; range, 1.52-3.11) were associated with leg ulcers. Participants who self-reported as Black (OR, 6.75; range, 2.63-21.32), mixed (OR, 3.91; range, 1.55-12.20), and other/unknown (OR, 3.84; range, 1.04-15.24) were more likely to have leg ulcers compared with those who self-reported as White. The prevalence of leg ulcers in this Brazilian cohort was higher than the prevalence reported in developed countries. Known factors such as age and male sex were corroborated. The increased bilirubin level and decreased hemoglobin levels among participants with leg ulcers support the hypothesis that hemolysis is correlated with leg ulcer pathogenesis. Self-reported black skin color was an independent predictor of leg ulcers and warrants further study to understand the etiology and implications of this finding.

Racial and ethnic disparities in the perception of respect from physicians among skin cancer patients in the United States

Racial and ethnic minority groups are at increased risk of poor skin cancer outcomes. Successful patient-physician communication is linked to better health outcomes, but it is unknown whether disparities in perceived care exist among skin cancer patients. To investigate whether there are racial and ethnic disparities in the perception of physicians showing respect, listening, and explaining during clinical encounters. A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from participants with a self-reported skin cancer history from the 2008 to 2017 and 2019 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. Race and ethnicity were self-identified. Of 5570 participants, 5263 were non-Hispanic White and 307 were racial and ethnic minority individuals. Racial and ethnic minority participants were less likely to report that their doctors show them respect, listen to, and explain to them than non-Hispanic White participants, even when adjusting for age, sex, insurance type, health status, and survey year. Among racial and ethnic minority participants, perceptions of physicians listening and explaining were strongly associated with perceived respect. Lack of disaggregated racial and ethnic subgroup analysis. Our findings suggest racial and ethnic disparities in perceived care among skin cancer patients. Future research is warranted to determine whether such perceptions contribute to disparities in skin cancer care and/or outcomes.

Meibomian Gland Assessment in Routine Ophthalmology Practice.

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the connection between meibomian gland (MG) excreta quantity and quality after MG expression (MGX), dry eye disease (DED) symptoms, and objective DED signs and to clarify the relationship between dry eye and MG function in DED pathophysiology. The study included 200 subjects, 100 with and 100 without dry eye symptoms. Schein questionnaire was used to determine the severity of dry eye symptoms and self-reported skin type for facial skin dryness self-evaluation. Objective dry eye signs were assessed by monitoring conjunctival hyperemia, lid parallel conjunctival folds (LIPCOF), tear break-up time (TBUT), fluorescein surface staining and digital MGX. Subjects with DED symptoms had significantly lower MG quantity scores than healthy controls (p < 0.001). Meibum quality and quantity scores significantly correlated with female gender (p = 0.002), Schein questionnaire score (p < 0.001), fluorescein corneal staining score (p = 0.019), self-reported skin type (p < 0.001), TBUT (p < 0.001) and LIPCOF (p = 0.041). After adjustment for age and gender in a logistic regression analysis, dry eye was independently and significantly associated with self-reported skin type (OR 0.73, p < 0.001), LIPCOF (OR 1.04, p < 0.001), fluorescein corneal staining (OR 1.05, p = 0.019), TBUT (OR 0.77, p < 0.001) and meibum quantity score (OR 0.59, p < 0.001). Dry eye symptoms and objective signs correlated well in this study. MGX discriminated between the subjects with and without DED symptoms and was associated with other objective DED signs. Results showed a significant association between meibum quality and quantity, MG function, DED and facial skin dryness self-perception. This paper established a correlation between dry eye symptoms caused by MG dysfunction and dry skin, which can help general health practitioners consider dry eye as a cause of chronic eye complaints with patients who report dry skin.

Contextual, maternal, and infant factors in preventable infant deaths: a statewide ecological and cross-sectional study in Rio Grande do SUL, Brazil

BackgroundEnding preventable deaths of newborns and children under five by 2030 is among the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This study aimed to describe infant mortality rate due to preventable causes in Rio Grande do Sul (RS), the Southernmost state in Brazil. With 11,329,605 inhabitants and 141,568 live births in 2017, RS was the fifth most populous state in the country.MethodAn ecological and cross-sectional statewide study, with data extracted from records of the Mortality Information System, Death Certificates, and Live Birth Certificates for the year 2017. Preventability was estimated by applying the List of Causes of Deaths Preventable through Intervention of SUS (acronym for Sistema Unico de Saude - Brazilian Unified Health System) Intervention. Rates of preventable infant mortality (PIMR), preventable early neonatal mortality (PENMR), preventable late neonatal mortality (PLNMR), and preventable post-neonatal mortality (PPNMR) per 1000 live births (LB) were quantified. Incidence ratios, according to contextual characteristics (human development index of the health region and of the municipality; Gini index of the municipality), maternal characteristics at the time of delivery (age, education, self-reported skin color, presence of a partner, number of antenatal care consultations, and type of delivery), and characteristics of the child at the time of birth (gestational age, weight, and pregnancy type) were calculated.ResultsIn 2017, there were 141,568 live births and 1425 deaths of infants younger than 1 year old, of which 1119 were preventable (PIMR = 7.9:1000 LB). The PENMR, PLNMR, and PPNMR were 4.1:1000 LB; 1.5:1000 LB; and 2.3:1000 LB, respectively. More than 60% of deaths in the first week and 57.5% in the late neonatal period could be reduced through adequate care of the woman during pregnancy. The most frequent preventable neonatal causes were related to prematurity, mainly acute respiratory syndrome, and non-specified bacterial septicemia. In the post-neonatal period, 31.8% of deaths could be prevented through adequate diagnostic and treatment.ConclusionsThe strategies needed to reduce preventable infant deaths should preferably focus on preventing prematurity, through adequate care of the woman during pregnancy.

Conhecimento e utilização de direito à saúde por usuários com diabetes: pesquisa de métodos mistos

Abstract Objectives to verify the factors related to the level of use of the right to health of users with type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus and understand the knowledge and the use of rights to health of these users. Methods mixed methods study, convergent type, conducted with 206 participants between November 2020 and April 2021. Data analysis was supported using SPSS® and IRAMUTEQ® software, as well as the adoption of Bardin's theoretical-methodological reference guidelines. Results a relationship was found between the score of the level of use of the right to health with monthly family income and self-reported skin color; and it was verified that the more economically vulnerable a population, the more they seek for rights, besides being evident the disparity related to ethnic groups and access to the right to health. Conclusion and implications for practice the combination of quantitative and qualitative data allowed a broader view of the knowledge and use of the right to health by individuals with diabetes. Thus, it is expected that the data obtained can contribute to a deeper reflection on the subject, favoring a qualified, informative and humanitarian assistance as a way to guarantee the right to health.

Characteristics of Physiological Skin Changes in Pregnancy in a Public Maternity in Southern Brazil

This is a descriptive study, carried out in a public maternity hospital in southern Brazil, from June to August 2021 through a randomized sample of puerperal women. Through a self-reported interview, maternal-fetal data, sun exposure, photoprotection and skin changes were analyzed.

Risk factors for intensive care unit admission and death from COVID-19 in fully vaccinated patients hospitalized for severe COVID-19, Brazil, 2021-2022.

To assess factors associated with admission to an intensive care unit (ICU) and death from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in fully vaccinated patients with severe COVID-19 in Brazil and the association between ICU admission and death from COVID-19. This was retrospective study of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 from February 12, 2021 to January 10, 2022 across Brazil who were fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before hospitalization. Outcomes were admission in an ICU for COVID-19 and death from COVID-19. Variables evaluated were: sex; age; self-reported skin color; macroregion; comorbidities; time between full vaccination and onset of symptoms; and time between onset of symptoms and hospitalization. A Poisson regression model was used to estimate crude and adjusted risk ratios. Of 74 991 patients hospitalized for severe COVID-19, 67.28% were ≥ 70 years and 68.32% had at least one comorbidity. Men, patients aged 60-69 years, and patients aged 18-39 years with obesity had the greatest risk of ICU admission. Patients aged 18-39 years with obesity, diabetes, or renal diseases had the highest risk of death from COVID-19. When age and time between onset of symptoms and hospitalization were considered effect modifiers, patients admitted to an ICU 9-13 days after symptom onset in each age category had the greatest risk of death from COVID-19. Although older patients were at greatest risk of ICU admission and death from COVID-19, the difference in the risk of dying from COVID-19 between patients admitted to an ICU and those not admitted was greatest for young adults.

Evaluation of the Preliminary Safety, Tolerability and Colonisation Efficacy of Topical Probiotic Formulations Containing Micrococcus luteus Q24 in Healthy Human Adults

Probiotics developed for topical applications in humans have the potential to beneficially modulate microbial imbalances on the skin surface and thereby improve skin health. This study was conducted to determine whether topical formulations containing the human skin commensal Micrococcus luteus strain Q24 (BLIS Q24) are safe, tolerable and efficacious when used by healthy human subjects. M. luteus Q24 was assessed in vitro for haemolytic activity and its antibiotic susceptibility profile. Formulations of strain Q24 were evaluated for the preliminary safety and tolerability in healthy human participants. Forty-seven adults were randomly assigned to four single-site, single-blind randomised placebo or baseline controlled or active-controlled trials. Skin swab samples were collected for differential viable counts to monitor levels of probiotic colonisation. M. luteus Q24 was found to be non-haemolytic and susceptible to commonly used antibiotics. The M. luteus Q24 formulations were safe and tolerable and &gt;90% of the participants reported improvements from baseline in the appearance (e.g., radiance and hydration) of their treated skin. Additionally, participants observed a reduction in pore size, skin clarity and enhanced skin softness. No adverse effects were reported. A dose-related significant increase was observed in the levels of M. luteus Q24 isolated from skin swabs of the probiotic-treated subjects. Placebo-controlled trials in human subjects involving the topical application of different doses of M. luteus Q24 formulations were supportive of the safety, tolerability and efficacy of probiotic M. luteus Q24. Self-reported skin health assessments by the subjects indicated that M. luteus Q24 has good potential as a probiotic for improving skin health quality.

Skin Protective Measures Taken during the 2017 North American Solar Eclipse in Georgia

A total solar eclipse occurred over North America on 21 August 2017 and was a much-publicized astronomical event whose observance depended upon favorable weather. The eclipse also was a biometeorological event because people needed to both protect their both eyes and skin from the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. Although much attention was devoted in the media to the visual experience of the eclipse and to eye protection, skin protection received almost no emphasis. Thus, the authors surveyed 1014 university students in Athens, Georgia shortly after the eclipse event about their skin protective behaviors. Overall, people observed the eclipse outside for approximately one hour. The time spent outside differed significantly according to peoples’ self-reported skin response to the sun. The respondents also indicated that that they observed the eclipse for significantly longer periods of time than would be needed for them to receive a sunburn. Other than wearing sunglasses and using eclipse glasses, the most frequent skin protective measures were to seek shade and to wear short-sleeve shirts. Wearing additional clothing, hats, or any type of sunscreen were comparatively infrequent. We discussed the need for safeguarding the skin because every sunburn event at younger ages can increase the likelihood of skin cancers.

Prevalence and Increase over Time of Twelve Self-reported Skin Symptoms: Data from Two Representative Samples from 1998 and 2015.

Point prevalence estimates for common skin symptoms vary widely. Most research has focussed on a few symptoms and a single point of observation. The aim of this study is to determine point prevalence rates for 12 self-reported skin symptoms in 1998 and 2015 and to assess changes in the reporting of skin symptoms over time. Symptoms were assessed by 2 national face-to-face household surveys of representative samples of the German general population (n1998=2,079, n2015=2,511). Point prevalence ranges were 6.8-26.2% in 1998 and 11.6-32.1% in 2015. Dandruff, body odour, pimples, and an itchy scalp were the 4 most common skin symptoms, each of which affected more than 20% of the population at both time-points. For almost all symptoms, a statistically significant increase, with very small to small effect sizes, was observed over time. The increase in skin symptoms over time is congruent with the increase in skin diseases reported by the Global Burden of Disease study.