Fixed drug eruption after pentavalent diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis, inactivated poliovirus and Haemophilus influenzae type b combined vaccine in an infant.

In Turkey, diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis-inactivated poliovirus and Haemophilus influenzae type b (DTaP-IPV-Hib) vaccine has been administered to all children in the second, fourth, sixth and 18th months within the scope of the national vaccination programme. Here we present a rare case of fixed drug eruption (FDE) that occurred as a result of the administration of a pentavalent DTaP-IPV-Hib combined vaccine in a 4-month-old girl. There was no history of taking any other medication before or when the lesion appeared. The lesion responded well to 1 week of topical methylprednisolone aceponate cream application and regressed within 1 week, leaving mild hyperpigmentation. Few cases of FDE have been reported occurring after administration of various vaccines and it is extremely rare in children. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of FDE developing in an infant after the combined pentavalent DTaP-IPV-Hib vaccine.

Cutaneous reactions after COVID-19 vaccination in Turkey: A multicenter study.

OBJECTIVES: In this study covering all of Turkey, we aimed to define cutaneous and systemic adverse reactions in our patient population after COVID-19 vaccination with the Sinovac/CoronaVac (inactivated SARS-CoV-2) and Pfizer/BioNTech (BNT162b2) vaccines. METHODS: This prospective, cross-sectional study included individuals presenting to the dermatology or emergency outpatient clinics of a total of 19 centers after having been vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccines. Systemic, local injection site, and non-local cutaneous reactions after vaccination were identified, and their rates were determined. RESULTS: Of the 2290 individuals vaccinated between April 15 and July 15, 2021, 2097 (91.6%) received the CoronaVac vaccine and 183 (8%) BioNTech. Systemic reactions were observed at a rate of 31.0% after the first CoronaVac dose, 31.1% after the second CoronaVac dose, 46.4% after the first BioNTech dose, and 46.2% after the second BioNTech dose. Local injection site reactions were detected at a rate of 35.6% after the first CoronaVac dose, 35.7% after the second CoronaVac dose, 86.9% after the first BioNTech dose, and 94.1% after the second BioNTech dose. A total of 133 non-local cutaneous reactions were identified after the CoronaVac vaccine (2.9% after the first dose and 3.5% after the second dose), with the most common being urticaria/angioedema, pityriasis rosea, herpes zoster, and maculopapular rash. After BioNTech, 39 non-local cutaneous reactions were observed to have developed (24.8% after the first dose and 5% after the second dose), and the most common were herpes zoster, delayed large local reaction, pityriasis rosea, and urticaria/angioedema in order of frequency. Existing autoimmune diseases were triggered in 2.1% of the patients vaccinated with CoronaVac and 8.2% of those vaccinated with BioNTech. CONCLUSIONS: There are no comprehensive data on cutaneous adverse reactions specific to the CoronaVac vaccine. We determined the frequency of adverse reactions from the dermatologist's point of view after CoronaVac and BioNTech vaccination and identified a wide spectrum of non-local cutaneous reactions. Our data show that CoronaVac is associated with less harmful reactions while BioNTech may result in more serious reactions, such as herpes zoster, anaphylaxis, and triggering of autoimmunity. However, most of these reactions were self-limiting or required little therapeutic intervention.

Subcutaneous emphysema after intralesional cryotherapy: An unusual complication.

BACKGROUND: Intralesional cryotherapy (ILC) is a safe and well tolerated by the patient. Subcutaneous emphysema (SE) cases after spray and contact cryotherapy have been described; however, this complication has not been previously reported after ILC. AIM: Our aim is to discuss the possible causes of SE development after ILC. METHOD: We present a young patient that developed SE after ILC applying by insertion of an open-ended needle to the tip of the cryotherapy gun. RESULTS: The development of SE following ILC may have been caused by inward clefting from the ear hole, the usage of an open-ended needle and a lack of safety system. CONCLUSION: It will be safer to apply special methods involving the usage of sealed distal type to prevent SE development.

Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Syndrome in Patients with Seborrheic Dermatitis: A Case-Control Study.

Background: Our knowledge of the systemic effects of seborrheic dermatitis (SD) as a chronic inflammatory skin disease remains limited. We aimed to evaluate metabolic syndrome (MS) and glucose metabolism disorders in patients with SD. Methods: The study includes 53 patients over the age of 18 diagnosed with SD and 50 age-, gender-, and body mass index-matched healthy controls. Demographic data, anthropometric measurements, blood pressure levels, family history of SD and metabolic disorder, smoking history, and severity of the disease in SD patients were obtained. Fasting plasma glucose, insulin, hemoglobin A1c, lipid profile levels, and two-hour plasma glucose in the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT 2-h PG), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and presence of MS were determined. Results: Weight, waist circumference, family history of SD, family history of metabolic disorder, and smoking status were significantly higher in the SD group compared with the control group (P = 0.04, P = 0.007, P = 0.004, P = 0.004, and P = 0.048, respectively). The levels of fasting plasma insulin and triglyceride, HOMA-IR and OGTT 2-h PG were also significantly higher in the SD group than in the control group (P = 0.0001, P = 0.033, P = 0.0001, and P = 0.049, respectively). In addition, the number of those with insulin resistance was significantly higher in the group with SD (n = 31, 58.49%) than in the control group (n = 11, 22%) (P = 0.0001). Although the rate of MS was higher in patients with SD (n = 12, 22.64%) than the controls (n = 6, 12%), the difference was not significant (P = 0.155). Conclusion: Our findings suggest an association between SD and insulin resistance, which may be due to their common inflammatory pathogenesis. This may be an indicator of susceptibility to diabetes, and these patients can be followed up for conditions associated with insulin resistance and encouraged to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

Do nonobese patients with Behçet's disease have insulin resistance?

BACKGROUND: Some studies have investigated the relationship between Behçet's disease (BD) and insulin resistance; however, since they did not exclude obese patients from their sample, it remains unclear whether BD itself causes insulin resistance independently of obesity. METHODS: The study included 60 patients with BD and 45 age-, gender-, and body mass index (BMI)-matched healthy controls. Obese patients with a BMI of ≥30 kg/m² were excluded. Insulin resistance according to the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), fasting plasma glucose, and one-hour and two-hour plasma glucose in the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT 1-h and OGTT 2-h PG, respectively) were evaluated in all patients. RESULTS: The mean fasting plasma glucose levels and the rate of those with impaired glucose tolerance according to OGTT 2-h PG were significantly higher in the BD patients compared to the controls. The rates of those with insulin resistance according to HOMA-IR and QUICKI were significantly higher in the BD patients than in the controls. When compared to the control group, the rates of those with impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance were significantly higher, and the mean QUICKI value was significantly lower in the active group, in contrast to the inactive group. CONCLUSIONS: Insulin resistance occurs in BD patients independently of obesity. In the follow-up of BD patients, especially in the active phase, not only fasting blood glucose but also other diagnostic tests for insulin resistance should be added to the examination panels.

Pagetoid dyskeratosis with a palmar localization: Rapid resolution following biopsy.

BACKGROUND: Pagetoid dyskeratosis (PD), which is found in more than 2% of skin biopsy specimens, is accepted as a histopathological finding reflecting the abnormal keratinization process. However, to date, only a limited number of cases have been described to have brown pigmentation on the hands, triggered by friction, and present with pagetoid dyskeratosis as the only sign on histopathology and a parallel ridge pattern on dermoscopy. AIM: To present and discuss the typical clinical, histopathological, and dermoscopic features of pagetoid dyskeratosis, and to draw attention to the spontaneous resolution following biopsy. PATIENT: We present a case of pagetoid dyskeratosis with a palmar localization, which rapidly resolved following biopsy, in a patient with no history of friction. RESULTS: PD is the only important histopathological finding in typical irregular pigmented lesions located in the hand. PD should also be considered in the differential diagnosis of lesions that show parallel ridge pattern on the hand. Two weeks after the biopsy, disappearance of the lesion may be due to the effect of inflammatory response revealed by biopsy. CONCLUSIONS: Although the cause of this condition is not yet fully understood, most cases being associated with friction or rapid spontaneous resolution following biopsy, as in the current case, may indicate the reactive nature of the lesion. Further researches are required to be clarify etiology of PD.

Investigation of the prevalence of hand eczema among healthcare professionals in Turkey: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Hand eczema is one of the common occupational dermatoses, having high prevalence among healthcare professionals (HCP). We found no epidemiological data in the literature concerning the prevalence of hand eczema among HCP in Turkey. AIMS: The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of hand eczema among HCP in Turkey and to determine the demographic characteristics and risk factors that cause eczema. METHODS: A clinical assessment- and questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted with 734 HCP working in a tertiary hospital. Demographic characteristics and personal and occupational risk factors were evaluated in terms of the development of hand eczema. RESULTS: The survey response rate was 81.8%. The point prevalence of eczema was 27.6%, and the 12-month prevalence was 45.9%. Age, occupation, duration of work, atopic diseases, handwashing frequency, dry skin, moisturizing frequency, and presence and duration of glove use were important factors in the development of hand eczema. Powdered glove reaction was significantly higher in those with hand eczema (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of hand eczema is high among HCP in Turkey. Combining self-reported questionnaires with clinical examination findings can provide a more accurate calculation of the prevalence of hand eczema. The availability of epidemiological data on hand eczema can provide guidelines for the prevention and treatment of this condition. Except for situations requiring absolute handwashing, disinfecting hands with alcohol-based lotions and applying a powder-free policy in all healthcare centers will reduce the prevalence of hand eczema among HCP.

Plasma matrix metalloproteinase-9 level change with omalizumab treatment in chronic spontaneous urticaria.

BACKGROUND: Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is an enzyme that contributes to inflammation and tissue remodelling. In chronic urticaria, increased plasma levels of MMP-9 and its correlation with disease severity have been shown in several studies, suggesting that MMP-9 could be used to evaluate the effects of new treatments. We aimed to compare MMP-9 levels in chronic urticaria patients with those of healthy patients. Then we planned to investigate the changes in plasma MMP-9 levels with chronic urticaria treatment, the role of this enzyme in demonstrating the efficacy of treatment, and its correlation with C-reactive protein (CRP). METHODS: Forty-one patients with chronic urticaria who were scheduled for omalizumab treatment and 41 sex- and age-matched healthy volunteers were included in the study. In the patient group, before treatment and at the end of the 12th week, the urticaria activity score used for 7 consecutive days (UAS7) was calculated, and the MMP-9 and CRP levels were measured. Plasma MMP-9 levels were measured from venous blood in the control group. RESULTS: The plasma MMP-9 levels of the patients before treatment were significantly higher than those of the control group (P < .01). In the patient group, there was no significant relationship between the UAS7 score and the MMP-9 and CRP levels before treatment. The UAS7 values were 28 ± 7 before omalizumab treatment and 5 ± 6 at the end of the 12th week (P < .0001). The post-treatment MMP-9 levels (1818 ± 297 pg/mL) were higher compared with the pre-treatment values (1617 ± 380) (P < .05). The post-treatment CRP levels of the patients (2.41 ± 2.17 mg/L) were lower than their pre-treatment CRP levels (8.20 ± 19.70) (P < .05). CONCLUSION: MMP-9 levels were not associated with the severity of disease, and MMP-9 levels were not decreased with treatment response. Therefore, MMP-9 cannot be used as a parameter of disease activity in chronic urticaria or to evaluate the efficacy of new treatments.

Effect of video-based patient information on patients' anxiety and pain levels before skin biopsy: a randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVES: Effective use of technology can provide advantages for both patients and physicians in skin biopsy practice. We aimed to investigate the effects of video-based information on the anxiety, pain and satisfaction levels of patients undergoing biopsy. METHODS: Patients were randomized and divided into two groups as video-informed and verbally informed. The anxiety levels were evaluated using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and measuring the physiological parameters, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate. After the informing process, the STAI's state form was reevaluated, and physiological parameters were measured again. After the biopsy, the level of pain was evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS), and patient satisfaction was assessed with the satisfaction scale. RESULTS: Fifty-two in the video-informed group and 50 in the verbally informed group completed the study. Compared to the baseline values, the STAI and STAI-state scores, systolic blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate of the patients in the video-informed group decreased (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, p = 0.003, p = 0.007, and p < 0.0001, respectively), and the systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate values decreased in the verbally informed group (p < 0.0001, p = 0.014, p = 0.005, and p < 0.0001, respectively). According to VAS, 98.1% of the patients in the video-informed group and 86% of those in the verbally informed group described no or mild pain, and pain levels were lower in the video-informed group (p = 0.030). CONCLUSIONS: Video-based information prior to skin biopsy may be more useful in managing anxiety and pain in patients than traditional verbal information.

Exogenous nail and skin pigmentation associated with the artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.).

BACKGROUND: Nail dyschromia occurs for various reasons and presents with different clinical appearances. Exogenous causes, such as occupational agents, trauma, and infection can cause discoloration in the nail. AIMS: Reports of pigmentation on skin and nails caused by contact with plants are very rare. Here, we report the development of artichoke-related brown discoloration in the nails and fingers of a patient seasonally employed in cleaning and peeling artichokes and briefly discuss its possible mechanism. PATIENTS: The clinical features and cause of brown pigmentation on the all nails in a man are presented. RESULTS: In our patient, seasonally recurrent brown nail and skin pigmentation occurred secondary to exogenous contact with the artichoke. We consider that when our patient cut or peeled the head and leaves of the artichoke, the pigments formed by the enzymatic browning mechanism caused discoloration in his skin and skin appendages upon contact. CONCLUSIONS: With this paper, we have contributed a new cause of exogenous nail pigmentation to the literature.

Anxiety and depression in pediatric patients with vitiligo and alopecia areata and their parents: A cross-sectional controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Alopecia areata (AA) and vitiligo are associated with various psychiatric comorbidities, and the care of a child with AA or vitiligo may be associated with higher anxiety and depression than healthy children. AIMS: We aimed to identify psychiatric findings in children and adolescent groups with AA and vitiligo and to evaluate the levels of anxiety and depression in their parents. METHODS: This study included 31 patients with AA and 29 patients with vitiligo, aged seven to 17 years, and their parents. Age- and gender-matched 30 controls and their parents were included. The patients and controls completed the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scales-Child version (RCADS-C), and their parents completed the parent version (RCADS-P). The parents also completed the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). In addition, the stressful event history of all cases was noted. RESULTS: Stressful event history was higher in the vitiligo group compared to the AA group, and it was higher in the AA and vitiligo groups compared to the control group. Separation anxiety, generalized anxiety, social phobia, and major depressive disorder (MDD) scores were higher in the AA group than controls according to the RCADS-C. According to the RCADS-P, panic disorder (PD), MDD, and total anxiety scores were higher in the AA group. Only the PD and MDD scores were higher in the vitiligo group than those of the controls based on the RCADS-P. Lastly, no significant difference was observed between the three groups concerning the parents' BAI and BDI scores. CONCLUSIONS: Stressful events were more common in pediatric patients with vitiligo than those with AA. Anxiety symptoms were more prevalent in patients with AA than those with vitiligo.

Effect of omalizumab use on glucose homeostasis in non-diabetic patients with chronic urticaria.

PURPOSE: In some diabetic patients receiving omalizumab therapy, blood glucose regulation is impaired. However, the effect of omalizumab on glucose homeostasis in non-diabetic patients remains unknown. METHODS: The patients were given subcutaneous omalizumab at a dose of 300 mg every four weeks for the treatment of chronic urticaria in this study. Fasting blood glucose, fasting plasma insulin, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and high-density (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were studied before and at the 12th week of treatment. The homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was used to determine insulin resistance. RESULTS: Forty of the 45 patients included in the study completed 12 weeks of treatment. While fasting blood glucoses (p = 0.011) and HOMA-IR values (p = 0.027) were significantly increased in the 12th week, the increase in fasting insulin level was not significant (p = 0.07). After treatment, 10 patients developed impaired fasting glucose and 13 developed insulin resistance. CONCLUSION: The increase in blood glucose levels may be associated with the paradoxically increase of histamine levels in the blood by omalizumab. If this increase cannot be balanced with insulin, patients may develop impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance. Therefore, we suggest that patients using omalizumab should be followed up for glucose homeostasis and insulin resistance.

Dermoscopic characteristics of acral melanocytic nevi in children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: There are limited data on the dermoscopic characteristics of acral nevi in the population under 18 years old. Our aim was to determine the frequency of acral volar nevi in children and adolescents, characterize their dermoscopic patterns, and identify relationships with age and location. METHODS: We prospectively examined the palms and soles of 1319 patients presenting to our outpatient clinic from July 2018 to April 2019. RESULTS: Acral volar nevi were observed in 28% of the children and adolescent population included in the study. A total of 474 nevi from 365 patients were examined. The presence of nevi increased with age. The most common dermoscopic pattern was parallel pigmented furrows, detected in 57.8% of nevi. The other patterns observed were combination (14.1%), fibrillar (10.1%), and latticelike (8.8%). The parallel furrow and globulostreak-like patterns were more common on the palms, whereas the fibrillar and combination patterns were more frequently seen on the plantar surfaces. While the frequency of the parallel pigmented furrow pattern did not differ between the 0- to 12-year and 13- to 18-year age-groups, the dotted variants of the parallel furrow were observed more frequently in the 0- to 12-year-olds (58.2%) than in the 13- to 18-year-olds (41.7%). A combination pattern and its most common variant, parallel furrow + crista dotted pattern, were detected at a significantly higher rate in the 0- to 12-year group (22.1% and 16.3%, respectively) compared to the 13- to 18-year group (11.4% and 6%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Acral melanocytic nevi are common in children and adolescents, and their dermoscopic patterns may be associated with anatomic localization and age.