Melanotan II User Experience: A Qualitative Study of Online Discussion Forums.

BACKGROUND: Melanotan II (MT II) is a synthetic analogue of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone that, via interaction with the melanocortin 1 receptor, induces skin hyperpigmentation. The unregulated acquisition of MT II injections via the internet and other outlets has become popular over the last decades in order to exploit its properties for use as a tanning agent. Due to the covert nature of MT II use, it is difficult to assess the extent of its use among the general population and to characterise any associated side effects. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to qualitatively examine MT II use, as portrayed on online forums, and to explore the motivations for its use and side effect profile. METHODS: Data were extracted retrospectively from UK and Ireland online chatrooms and forums from January 2016 to October 2017. Inclusion criteria were active MT II chatrooms and forums considered to be within the public domain. An inductive thematic analysis identified themes within discussion threads. RESULTS: A total of 623 discussion entries were extracted; 205 participants contributed to these entries. Emergent themes included motivation for MT II use, misinformation in the context of using an unregulated product, product preparation and administration, dosing regimens, sunbed use, side effects and concerning practices associated with MT II use. CONCLUSION: Motivations for MT II use included the pursuit of a tanned appearance, often in anticipation of sun holidays and fitness/body building competitions. Clinicians should be aware not only of the potential risks in relation to pigmented skin lesions, but also remain cognisant of the other medical hazards associated with the use of this substance, namely transmission of infectious diseases, use of potentially contaminated products, polypharmacy, and sunbed exposure.

FOXN1 Duplication and Congenital Hypertrichosis.

We report a case of congenital hypertrichosis and FOXN1 duplication. FOXN1 is a member of the forkhead box gene family, located on chromosome 17. Its function includes differentiation of epithelial cells and regulation of keratinocytes, especially hair keratins. Loss of function of these transcription factors leads to a disruption in hair growth. As far as we are aware, this is the first case of FOXN1 duplication associated with congenital hypertrichosis to be reported in the literature.

Beliefs, behaviours, and attitudes towards tanning and melanoma in the Irish population.

Background: The incidence of melanoma continues to rise in Ireland. Skin cancer prevention campaigns rely on promoting knowledge to improve sun-related behaviour. Objectives: To explore beliefs, behaviours, and attitudes towards tanning, and confidence in identifying signs of melanoma in the Irish population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed via an online questionnaire, with questions related to tanning, sun exposure, and skin cancer behaviours. Respondents were recruited according to gender, age and geographic region. Results: The questionnaire was completed by 1043 respondents (response rate 85%). Mean age was 41 years (range 20-72 years). Participants had mixed awareness of risk reduction strategies for melanoma but had high perceived concerns about developing melanoma. However, 48.9% regularly sunbathed when sunny in Ireland and 41.5% had used tanning beds. The most common reason for not photoprotecting while sunbathing was because it prevented tanning. Nearly half (45.9%) of those who sunbathed agreed that it was worth getting sunburned to get a tan, and 69.4% reported feeling and looking better with a tan. Less than half (42.4%) felt confident about what to look for when checking their skin for melanoma. Conclusions: This study underscores the importance of addressing the cultural and aesthetic aspects of sun-tanning behaviour in skin cancer prevention efforts, as well as increasing awareness of skin cancer signs and self-examination. Further research into the potential addictive nature of UV-seeking behaviour may offer new avenues for intervention and support for individuals who are addicted to tanning.

High Levels of Psychological Distress, Sleep Disturbance, and Alcohol Use Disorder in Adults With Atopic Dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: The burden of illness associated with atopic dermatitis (AD) is significant and multidimensional, especially in those with moderate to severe disease. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to evaluate the disease burden of patients with AD in relation to psychological distress, sleep disturbance, and alcohol misuse. METHODS: Patients with AD, attending 2 tertiary referral centers in Dublin, Ireland, were recruited. A series of validated questionnaires were used including the Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale, Quality of Life in Atopic Dermatitis Questionnaire, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The Eczema Area and Severity Index was calculated contemporaneously with the questionnaire completion. RESULTS: One hundred patients completed the questionnaire, of whom 52% were female. Sixty-three percent of patients experienced impaired quality of life as measured by the DLQI. Higher DLQI scores correlated with decreasing age (r = 0.3277, P < 0.0009). Thirty percent were found to be at risk of clinical depression, and higher Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale scores correlated with a younger age and eczema severity. Sleep disturbance was greater in those at risk of depression (mean = 10.40 vs 5.79, P < 0.0001). Patients with moderate to severe AD were more likely to score higher on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, and 25% met the criteria for alcohol use disorder. In relation to sleep, 73% of patients scored higher than 5 on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, which signifies poor sleep quality. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with AD endure a significant burden on health with regard to mental well-being, alcohol use, and sleep quality. Clinicians should consider screening patients for these comorbidities.

Refractory pemphigus foliaceous treated with rituximab.

Autoimmune blistering diseases are rare but potentially life-threatening conditions. Pemphigus foliaceus is one of these conditions, characterised by superficial erosions of the skin without mucosal involvement. We report the case of a 57-year-old woman who presented with a 4-week history of rash affecting her scalp with associated hair loss. Clinical and histopathological findings were in keeping with pemphigus foliaceus. She was successfully treated with rituximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody against CD20, leading to a transient depletion of B cells. After 5 months of follow-up, her rash had cleared, and her hair had completely regrown.

The use of SLICC and ACR criteria to correctly label patients with cutaneous lupus and systemic lupus erythematosus.

The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria for lupus and Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) criteria are designed to classify disease. However, they have become widely used as diagnostic criteria in clinical situations. Patients may be labelled as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in their medical records, when in fact they have cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) without systemic symptoms. We sought to investigate how many of our cutaneous lupus patients attending a dermatology lupus clinic were mislabelled as either CLE or SLE using the ACR and SLICC criteria. Thirty-six patients with biopsy-proven cutaneous lupus were identified. Fourteen (39%) of the patients were labelled as 'SLE' in their medical notes, either by dermatology or another medical team. Of these 14 patients, 12 (86%) fulfilled the ACR and SLICC criteria; however, two (14%) did not meet the criteria for SLE. Of the remaining 22 patients who were not labelled as having SLE, four (18%) met both the SLICC and ACR criteria, one (5%) met the ACR criteria and one (5%) met the SLICC criteria. These patients had a history of discoid or subacute lupus, with very few systemic symptoms. They met the criteria for SLE primarily on their cutaneous signs and positive serology. It is important to screen patients with CLE routinely for SLE. Although the ACR and SLICC criteria can be helpful as they have a high sensitivity for systemic lupus, their use needs to be paired with the clinical context and patient evolution. We found patients were labelled as SLE when in fact they had no evidence of systemic involvement, as well as patients labelled as cutaneous lupus who fulfilled the criteria for SLE, although unlikely having any systemic involvement. It is important to correctly identify patients as 'cutaneous lupus' or 'systemic lupus erythematosus' and documentation in clinical notes should be accurate to avoid confusion and allow appropriate treatment.