Burden of Aquagenic Pruritus in Polycythaemia Vera.

Aquagenic pruritus (AP) has a significant influence on quality of life (QoL) in patients with polycythaemia vera. This study analysed the impact of AP on patient well-being in 102 patients with polycythaemia vera. Intensity of pruritus was evaluated using a visual analogue scale (VAS), verbal rating scale (VRS) and a 4-item Itch Questionnaire. Psychosocial aspects of AP were assessed with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), EQ-5D and itch-specific QoL questionnaire (ItchyQoL). AP of mean duration 6.6 ± 8.6 years and intensity 4.8 ± 1.9 points (VAS) was present in 42/102 individuals. The prevalence of depression and anxiety among patients with AP was 23.8% and 9.5%, respectively. Depression was more frequent in the AP group (vs. non-AP). Moreover, patients with AP had higher HADS-anxiety scoring than those without pruritus (p = 0.005). A negative correlation was found between duration of AP and EQ-5D-VAS. The ItchyQol score of 37.3 ± 12.3 points was influenced by the extent (p =0.01) and duration of episodes of AP (p = 0.02). In conclusion, AP places an additional burden on patients with polycy-thaemia vera, negatively influencing their QoL.

Clinical Characteristics of Pruritus and Pain in Patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa.

A growing body of research has indicated that pruritus is an important feature of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). This study evaluated pruritus and pain among 103 patients with HS. Pruritus and pain intensity were assessed with a visual analogue scale, numerical rating scale and 4-item Itch Questionnaire. Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) was implemented to assess quality of life (QoL) issues. Various clinical features and factors influencing pruritus were also examined. Pruritus and pain during the last week were reported among 41.7% and 77.5% of patients, respectively. The presence of pruritus did not have an impact on DLQI, nor did it show interaction with the pain in this regard. The presence of pain was a crucial contributor, even more relevant than disease severity. None-theless, intensity of pruritus correlated positively with DLQI. The most troublesome symptom of HS was pain, followed by exudation, pruritus, appearance and smell, consecutively. Pruritus of mild-to-moderate intensity is a common HS-associated symptom that adversely affects patients' QoL.

Aquagenic Pruritus in Polycythemia Vera: Clinical Characteristics.

Aquagenic pruritus is one of the main clinical features of polycythemia vera. The aim of this study was to analyse the clinical characteristics of aquagenic pruritus. The study group comprised 102 patients with molecularly confirmed polycythemia vera. Demographic data, data on disease history, polycythemia vera status and treatment modalities were collected. Moreover, various clinical features of aquagenic pruritus (including intensity, localization, quality, descriptors) and the most common factors responsible for its aggravation or alleviation were examined. Aquagenic pruritus was observed in 41.2% of individuals, mean duration 6.6 ± 8.6 years, and its onset was noticed in the majority of patients (52.4%) before the diagnosis of polycythemia vera. The mean intensity of aquagenic pruritus was 4.8 ± 1.9 points (visual analogue scale). One-third of patients with aquagenic pruritus avoided any contact with water. Antipruritic treatment was received only by 3 patients. Aquagenic pruritus seems to be an important, but frequently neglected, symptom in patients with polycythemia vera.

Insights into Gut Microbiome Composition in Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Comprehensive Examination of Dietary Habits and Environmental Influences.

This study explores the relationship between dietary habits, environmental influences, and gut microbiome composition in individuals with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a chronic inflammatory skin condition. A cohort of 80 participants, equally divided into HS patients and healthy controls, was assessed through comprehensive questionnaires capturing demographics, dietary habits, and other health-related information. Fecal samples were collected and analyzed using next-generation sequencing to examine microbiome composition. Despite previous studies suggesting gut dysbiosis in HS, this research found no significant differences in alpha-diversity and Shannon diversity index between the groups. However, significant disparities in dietary habits were observed, with HS patients showing higher sugar and milk consumption. The study also identified a significant correlation between coffee consumption and the presence of certain bacterial genera. While the study did not reveal major differences in microbiome diversity, the findings on dietary habits and specific microbiome components suggest potential targets for therapeutic intervention. These results underscore the importance of further research into the gut-skin axis and its role in HS, aiming to enhance management strategies through dietary modifications and lifestyle interventions.

Skin and Gut Microbiome in Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Systematic Review.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin disease that significantly impairs the quality of life of affected individuals. The disease is characterized by persistent purulent lesions in specific anatomical areas, and its pathophysiology involves multiple factors, including inflammation, genetics, the microbiome, and environmental components. Recent research suggests a potential role for pathogenic bacteria in HS, highlighting the importance of the communication between the human host and the microbiome in maintaining homeostasis and immune system reactivity. However, the exact mechanisms underlying the gut-skin microbial interactions in HS remain unclear. This systematic review aims to examine the existing literature on the differences in skin and gut microbiome composition between HS patients and healthy controls. The review identifies methodological inconsistencies and calls for further research to elucidate the microbiome's role in HS pathogenesis and to explore new therapeutic interventions. The review highlights the need for advancements in microbiome research methodologies, such as metataxonomics and metagenomics, to improve our understanding of the microbiota's impact on health and disease.

Cutaneous larva migrans: A One Health Perspective on Familial Infection Among Tourists Returning from Southeast Asia.

Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) is a dermatosis caused by accidental infestation with animal hookworms and is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. Humans become infected when their skin comes into contact with soil contaminated with dog faeces. The filariform larvae penetrate and burrow into human skin, causing a condition known as "creeping eruption". We describe a case, well-documented by photos, of CLM infection in a family of three who returned from Thailand.