Sleep quality in patients with Behçet's disease.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate sleep quality and the related variables in patients with Behçet's disease (BD). METHOD: One hundred and twelve patients diagnosed with BD and 67 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were enrolled in the study. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used for the evaluation of sleep disturbance in all participants. The quality of life (QoL) of all patients were evaluated by Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), and anxiety and depression which were assessed by Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). RESULTS: The patients with BD had significantly higher scores in subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep efficiency, sleep disorder, functional disorder in the morning and total PSQI score compared to the healthy control group. According to Pearson's analysis, there was a significantly higher correlation between the anxiety, depression and all components of NHP scores and the total PSQI score. Logistic regression analyses indicated that genital ulcer and arthritis were predictors for poor sleep quality. CONCLUSION: Sleep quality is disturbed in patients with BD. The lower quality of sleep is greatly associated with anxiety, depression, QoL, genital ulcers and arthritis.

Sleep quality in patients with psoriatic arthritis.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) on sleep quality and investigate the association between sleep quality and clinical parameters of PsA, quality of life and psychological state in patients with PsA. METHOD: Forty-one patients with PsA and 38 healthy volunteers were included in this study. In both patients and healthy controls, sleep quality was assessed by means of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and anxiety and depression were assessed by means of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). In addition, PsA Quality of Life (PsAQoL) Index and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) were used on patients. Generalized pain was assessed by means of a visual analogue scale (VAS). RESULTS: Subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration, habitual sleep efficiency, sleep disturbance, daytime dysfunction and total PSQI scores were significantly higher in patients with PsA compared to healthy controls. Total PSQI scores significantly correlated with anxiety, generalized pain, PsAQoL scores, enthesitis and levels of C-reactive protein (CPR) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (P < 0.05). Also, multiple regression analysis indicated that ESR level was independently associated with total PSQI score (P < 0.05, R2  = 0.325). CONCLUSION: Sleep quality is diminished in patients with PsA. Sleep disturbance is particularly associated with generalized pain, anxiety, enthesitis and levels of CRP and ESR in patients carrying the diagnosis of PsA.

The performance of psoriatic arthritis classification criteria in Turkish patients with psoriatic arthritis.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate performance of some of the published psoriatic arthritis (PsA) classification criteria as well as Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS) criteria for peripheral spondyloarthritis (SpA) in Turkish patients with PsA (in early and late disease subgroups). METHODS: Patients were recruited using case report forms and physical examination methods proposed by the Anatolian Group for the Assessment in Rheumatic Diseases (ANGARD). The Moll and Wright (MW), modified Fournie (MF), modified McGonagle (mMG), Vasey and Espinoza (VE), classification of PsA (CASPAR) criteria and ASAS criteria were assessed in patients with PsA who were diagnosed based on expert opinion. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-eight patients with PsA (58 male, 70 female, mean age 41.8 years) were included. Thirty patients were in the early PsA and 98 patients were in the late PsA groups. Diagnostic delay was 2.6 years. In the 15.6% of patients arthritis developed before the skin findings. The proportion of patients fulfilling the MW, MF, mMG, VE, CASPAR and ASAS criteria were at a ratio of 90.6%, 82.8%, 62.5%, 84.4%, 96.1% and 76.5%, respectively. In early PsA (< 12 months disease duration) the proportions were 93.4%, 83.3%, 76.7%, 76.7%, 96.7% and 66.6%, respectively. On the other hand, in late PsA the proportions were 89.8%, 82.6%, 57.1%, 86.7%, 95.9%, 79.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Even though the sensitivity of PsA classification criteria in Turkish patients changes, the CASPAR criteria seems to be more prominent among all criteria for both early and late cases with its high sensitivity.

Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of malignant melanoma in Southeast Anatolia in Turkey.

INTRODUCTION: The present study aimed to establish the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients who were histopathologically diagnosed with malignant melanoma (MM). METHODS: The present study retrospectively analyzed the data of 78 patients who were histopathologically diagnosed with MM in Dicle University Medical Faculty, Dermatology and Medical Oncology departments between 2005 and 2014. RESULTS: The study included 78 patients in total with 44 (56.4%) male and 34 (43.6%) female. Median age of the patients was 62.50 years (range: 27 - 84 years). Of the patients, 78.2% (n = 61) had cutaneous melanoma, 8.9% had solid organ melanoma, and 2.5% had ocular and mucosal melanoma. The most common tumor localization among the patients was the lower extremities with 29.4% (n = 23). The most common histopathological type was nodular malignant melanoma with 35.8% (n = 28). Based on TNM, Clark and Breslow classifications, 26.9% (n = 21) of the patients were stage 4, 26.9% (n = 21) were Clark stage 4, and 37.1% (n = 29) were Breslow stage 4. Median overall survival in all patients was 14.9 months (95% CI 10.9 - 18.8 months). In the multivariate Cox analysis, only stage statistically significantly affecting survival [odds ratio (OR): 0.54; (95% CI 0.16-1.82, p = 0.02)]. CONCLUSION: Malignant melanoma data are also important for the optimal utilization of effective methods and healthcare resources to prevent the disease. In order to minimize MM mortality and morbidity, not only the society but also physicians from primary and secondary care hospitals should become familiar with melanoma.

Immunohistochemical and histopathological changes in the skin of rats after administration of lead acetate / Alteraciones inmunohistoquímicas e histopatológicas en la piel de ratas tras la administración de acetato de plomo

Lead acetate is a chemical compound. Sources of human exposure to this metal include many foods, drinking water and dust. The aim of this study was to determine the immunohistochemical and histopathological changes on the face skin after lead acetate application. Wistar Albino rats (180-200 g body weight) were divided into a controlled and lead acetate-exposed group. Rats received lead acetate at 500 ppm in their drinking water for 60 days. Both groups were fed with the same standard food, but lead acetate was added to the drinking water. During the experimental period, blood samples were drawn from the abdominal aorta of the anesthetised animals. At the end of exposure, body weight and blood lead levels were measured. Sections of rat facial skin were examined histopathological and immunohistochemical. In the group treated with lead acetate, minimal to slight multifocal hydropic degeneration of basal cell layer, depending on the thinning of the epidermis, the cellular degeneration in the dermis and a increase in the number of necrotic cells was observed in sebaceous glands of the hair follicle hemorrhage. The immunohistochemical results of the present work demonstrated an increase in Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunoreactivity in skin specimens from lead acetate treated animals. Vimentin immunoreactivity was very dense in hair follicle of the subepidermal region. It was also strongly stained around the myoepithelial cells surrounding sebaceous and stromal cells.

El acetato de plomo es un compuesto químico. Las fuentes de exposición humana a este metal incluyen una gran variedad de alimentos, agua potable y el polvo. El objetivo fue determinar los cambios inmunohistoquímicos e histopatológicos en la piel de la cara después de la aplicación de acetato de plomo en ratas Wistar albinas (180 a 200 g de peso corporal) las que fueron divididas en un grupo control y otro expuesto al acetato de plomo. Las ratas expuestas recibieron acetato de plomo en dosis de 500 ppm en el agua que bebían durante 60 días. Ambos grupos fueron alimentados con el mismo pellet estándar. Durante el período experimental, se extrajeron muestras de sangre desde la parte abdominal de la aorta con los animales anestesiados. Al final de la exposición, se midió el peso corporal y los niveles de plomo en la sangre. Secciones de piel de la cara se examinaron y estudiaron con procediminetos histopatológicos e inmunohistoquímicos. En el grupo expuesto, se observó una degeneracion hidrópica multifocal desde mínima a ligera de la capa de células basales; dependiendo del adelgazamiento de la epidermis, se observó degeneración celular en la dermis y un aumento en el número de células necróticas en las glándulas sebáceas de folículos pilosos hemorrágicos. Los resultados inmunohistoquímicos demostraron un aumento de inmunoreactividad al antígeno nuclear de células en proliferación (PCNA) en las muestras de piel de los animales tratados con acetato de plomo. La inmunoreactividad a vimentina fue muy densa en los folículos pilosos de la región subepidermal. También se observó una fuerte tinción alrededor de las células mioepiteliales que rodean las células sebáceas y estromales.

Serum GDF-15 level in Behçet's disease: relationships between disease activity and clinical parameters.

Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15), a member of the transforming growth factor-ß superfamily of cytokines, plays an important role in cell growth, signal transduction, and apoptosis regulation. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum GDF-15 levels and their relationships with disease-related variables in patients with Behçet's disease (BD). Forty-six patients diagnosed with BD and 30 demographically matched healthy control subjects participated in the study. GDF-15 levels were measured in blood samples from patients and controls. The Behçet's Disease Current Activity Form (BDCAF) was used to evaluate the disease activity of BD. There were no significant differences between the two groups in C-reactive protein (CRP) level, mean erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), age, body mass index, and mean GDF-15 levels (P > 0.05). Serum GDF-15 levels were positively correlated with findings for peripheral arthritis and CRP, and with BDCAF erythema nodosum, BDCAF arthralgia, and BDCAF arthritis scores. Patients with BD were divided into two groups according to the presence of peripheral arthritis; nine subjects (20%) were positive for peripheral arthritis. Serum ESR, CRP, white blood cell counts, and GDF-15 levels were significantly higher in the group that was positive for peripheral arthritis (P < 0.05). GDF-15 may play a role in the progression and pathway of Behçet's joint involvement and erythema nodosum that is independent of classic inflammatory response measures.

High Frequency of Fibromyalgia in Patients With Acne Vulgaris.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the frequency of fibromyalgia syndrome and to specify fibromyalgia syndrome-associated clinical symptoms in patients with acne vulgaris. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighty-eight patients (28 males, 60 females; mean age 23.2±5.1 years; range 18 to 40 years) with acne vulgaris and age, sex- and body mass index-similar 76 healthy controls (14 males, 62 females; mean age 24.5±2.9 years; range 18 to 35 years) were included. Acne vulgaris was evaluated by using the Global Acne Scale, while Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used to evaluate anxiety. RESULTS: Fibromyalgia-associated pain, sleep disturbance, anxiety, and menstrual cycle disturbance were significantly more frequent in patients with acne vulgaris than controls. Also, the severity of anxiety and the number of tender points were significantly higher in the acne vulgaris patients than controls. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that patients with acne vulgaris have increased frequency of fibromyalgia syndrome than healthy controls (21.6% versus 5.3%, respectively).

Serum levels of alpha-1 acid glycoprotein and pentraxin 3 in patients with Behçet's disease and relationship with disease activity.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the relationship between disease activity and levels of alpha 1-acid glycoprotein and pentraxin 3 in patients with Behçet's disease (BD). METHODS: Forty-eight patients with BD and 29 age- and gender-matched healthy control subjects were included in the study. Serum pentraxin 3 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ng/ml), and alpha 1-acid glycoprotein levels were measured using nephelometry (mg/dl). Disease activity was assessed using the BD Current Activity Form (BDCAF). RESULTS: Serum alpha-1 acid glycoprotein levels were significantly higher in patients with BD compared to the control group (P = 0.048). There were no significant differences between two groups in terms of levels of pentraxin 3 (P = 0.697). According to Pearson's analysis, alpha 1-acid levels are significantly positively correlated with erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and skin lesions and arthritis of BDCAF scores. Pentraxin 3 levels did not correlate with erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, or any domains of BDCAF scores. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study demonstrate that serum levels of alpha-1 acid glycoprotein were significantly higher in patients with BD relative to the control group. Alpha-1 acid glycoprotein is greatly associated with skin lesions and arthritis in patients with BD. We did not find high serum levels of PTX3 in patients with BD compared to healthy controls, and pentraxin 3 is not associated with disease activity in BD.

Cutaneous anthrax in Southeast Anatolia of Turkey.

CONTEXT: Anthrax is a rare disease cause by Bacillus anthracis, a Gram-positive, rod-shaped endospore-forming capsuled bacterium. Anthrax is manifest in three primary forms: cutaneous, respiratory, and gastrointestinal. Cutaneous anthrax accounts for approximately 95% of all cases of anthrax in humans. OBJECTIVE: In the present study, we evaluated the clinical diagnosis and treatment of cutaneous anthrax, a rare disease that nonetheless remains a serious healthcare problem in developing countries. METHODS: The complete medical records of patients diagnosed with cutaneous anthrax between January 2001 and December 2012 were examined in a retrospective manner. Cutaneous anthrax was diagnosed by the identification of typical anthrax lesions and/or the presence of Gram-positive-capsuled bacillus after staining with Gram stain and methylen blue in pathology samples obtained from these lesions and the presence of characteristic scarring with a history of severe swelling, black eschar, and positive response to treatment form the basis of diagnosis in cases where cultures were negative for the presence of bacillus. RESULTS: A total of 58 patients were admitted to the hospital with cutaneous anthrax between January 2001 and December 2012. This included 32 (55.2%) males and 26 (44.8%) females, with an age range of 15-82 years and a mean age of 38 ± 13.8 years. The incubation period for the infection ranged between 1 and 20 d (mean 3.7 ± 1.4 d). The most common symptoms at the time of hospital referral were swelling, redness, and black eschar of the skin. The most common lesion site was the hand and fingers (41.3%). Isolated of bacteria was used to diagnose the disease in six cases (23.8%), detection of Gram-positive bacillus in samples of characteristic lesion material was used in seven (28.5%) cases, and the presence of a characteristic lesion was the sole diagnostic criteria in 45 (77.6%) cases. Treatment consisted of penicillin G (12 cases), ampicillin-sulbactam (30 cases), Cefazolin (12 cases), or ciprofloxacin (4 cases). CONCLUSION: Although the prevalence of anthrax is a decreasing worldwide, it remains a significant problem in developing countries. Rapid identification of the signs and symptoms of cutaneous anthrax is essential for effective treatment. Early supportive treatment and appropriate antimicrobial measures are necessary to address this potentially life-threatening disease.

Serum Cytokine Levels in Behçet's Disease.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to investigate and compare the serum levels of various cytokines in patients with Behçet's Disease and healthy controls. METHODS: Thirty-five patients with Behçet's disease and 29 age and sex-matched healthy controls were included in the study. The patients were separated into groups with active and inactive disease. Serum IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17A, and IFN-γ levels were determined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Cytokine levels of the two patient groups and healthy controls were compared using SPSS 15.0. RESULTS: Ten patients with active disease and 25 patients with inactive disease were present. Serum IL-8 levels of active BD patients were higher compared to inactive patients (P = 0.048) and healthy controls (P = 0.02). IL-8 levels were correlated with the duration of symptoms (r = 0.490, P = 0.003) and time passed since diagnosis (r = 0.579, P ˂ 0.001). CONCLUSION: Behçet's disease involves complex interactions of cells of the immune system, mainly T lymphocytes and neutrophils. Further studies on the cytokine profile in Behçet's disease will aid in elucidation of its pathogenesis.

Prevalencia de trastornos de la piel en niños que asisten a la escuela primaria en Diyarbakir, Turquía / Prevalence of skin disorders among primary school children in Diyarbakir, Turkey

Antecedentes. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la prevalencia de dermatosis pediátricas en Diyarbakir, provincia ubicada en la región sudeste de Turquía. Materiales y métodos. Este fue un estudio transversal realizado en abril de 2008 en alumnos que asistían a ocho escuelas primarias públicas de Diyarbakir seleccionadas al azar. Se examinó a los alumnos y se les administró un cuestionario para determinar el nivel socioeconómico y las características sociodemográficas. Resultados. Los dermatólogos evaluaron, en total, a 1932 alumnos. De ellos, 953 (49,32%) eran niñas, con una media de edad de 11,06 ± 2,13 años (rango: 6-17 años). La prevalencia puntual global de trastornos de la piel fue del 59,1%. En esta muestra, 776 niños (40,2%) tenían solamente una enfermedad de la piel, mientras que 299 (15,5%) tenían dos, y 67 (3,5%), al menos tres. La prevalencia puntual de los trastornos de la piel fue del 33,1% en los alumnos de primer grado y del 78,9% en los alumnos de octavo grado (p < 0,05). Las enfermedades de la piel más frecuentes fueron en primer lugar el eccema (32,8%), seguido de los trastornos de la pigmentación (17,2%), las infecciones cutáneas (13,4%), los trastornos del cuero cabelludo (10,1%) y el acné vulgar (9,6%). Las infecciones cutáneas, los trastornos de la pigmentación, los trastornos del cabello y del cuero cabelludo y el acné vulgar fueron mucho más frecuentes en las niñas que en los varones (p < 0,05). Además, las infecciones cutáneas fueron mucho más habituales en los alumnos pupilos que en los medio pupilos (p < 0,05). Conclusión. Los trastornos de la piel afectaron al 59,1% de los niños estudiados, y se observaron con mayor frecuencia en las niñas y en los pupilos. Es necesario prestar mayor atención a estos grupos a la hora de formular medidas preventivas.

Background. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of childhood dermatoses in Diyarbakir, which is located in the southeastern region of Turkey. Material and Method. This cross-sectional study was carried out in April 2008 among students of eight randomly selected public primary schools in Diyarbakir. Students were examined and questionnaire was applied to determine socioeconomic levels and socio-demographic features. Results. A total of 1932 students were examined by dermatologists. Nine hundred and fifty three (49.32%) girls, mean age was 11.06±2.13 (range 6-17). The overall point prevalence of skin disorders was 59.1%. Among this sample 776 children (40.2%) had only one skin disease whereas 299 (15.5%) had two and 67 (3.5%) had at least three. The point prevalence of skin disorders was 33.1% among students in grade 1 and 78.9% among students in grade 8 (p<0.05). The most common skin disease was eczema (32.8%), followed by pigmentation disorders (17.2%), skin infections (13.4%), scalp disorders (10.1%) and acne vulgaris (9.6%). Infectious skin problems, pigmentation disorders, hair and scalp disorders and acne vulgaris were more common among girls compared to boys (p<0.05). In addition, infectious skin problems were more common among boarders (p<0.05) compared to day students. Conclusion. Skin disorders affected 59.1% of the studied children. Skin disorders were more common among girls and boarders in this study, this group of children should be given specific attention in formulating preventive measures.

Demographical and Clinical Characteristics of Behcet's Disease in Southeastern Turkey.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to determine the demographic and clinical features of patients with Behcet's disease (BD) in Southeastern Turkey. METHODS: In this study, files of 132 patients with BD (76 females and 56 males) who were diagnosed with BD according to the International Study Group criteria at the Department of Dermatology of Dicle University Faculty of Medicine from 2005 to 2009 were evaluated retrospectively. Demographical and clinical characteristics of the cases were recorded. RESULTS: Mean age of the cases was 32.40 ± 9.4 years (range 15 - 59 years) and male/female ratio was 0.73. The mean age at diagnosis was 28.71 ± 9.1 years. Six cases were diagnosed as juvenile BD (4.45%). Oral aphthous lesions (100%) and genital ulcers (94%) were found to be the most common findings of the disease, followed by pathergy positivity (75%), papulopustular lesions (74.2%), erythema nodosum (43.2%), thrombophlebitis (6.8%) and extragenital ulcers (6.1%). Systemic involvement was noted as joint involvement in 79.5%, ocular involvement in 28.8%, vascular involvement in 9.8%, pulmonary involvement in 2.3%, neurologic involvement in 2.3% and genitourinary system involvement in 0.8%. There was no significant difference between mucocutaneous findings and systemic involvement ratios of male and female cases. CONCLUSION: Demographic and clinical features of BD may vary according to geographical region, gender and ethnicity. We hope that this study will contribute to the epidemiologic data of BD which may exhibit different clinical and demographic features in different parts of the world.

Prevalence of skin disorders among primary school children in Diyarbakir, Turkey.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of childhood dermatoses in Diyarbakir, which is located in the southeastern region of Turkey. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This cross-sectional study was carried out in April 2008 among students of eight randomly selected public primary schools in Diyarbakir. Students were examined and questionnaire was applied to determine socioeconomic levels and socio-demographic features. RESULTS: A total of 1932 students were examined by dermatologists. Nine hundred and fifty three (49.32%) girls, mean age was 11.06±2.13 (range 6-17). The overall point prevalence of skin disorders was 59.1%. Among this sample 776 children (40.2%) had only one skin disease whereas 299 (15.5%) had two and 67 (3.5%) had at least three. The point prevalence of skin disorders was 33.1% among students in grade 1 and 78.9% among students in grade 8 (p<0.05). The most common skin disease was eczema (32.8%), followed by pigmentation disorders (17.2%), skin infections (13.4%), scalp disorders (10.1%) and acne vulgaris (9.6%). Infectious skin problems, pigmentation disorders, hair and scalp disorders and acne vulgaris were more common among girls compared to boys (p<0.05). In addition, infectious skin problems were more common among boarders (p<0.05) compared to day students. CONCLUSION: Skin disorders affected 59.1% of the studied children. Skin disorders were more common among girls and boarders in this study, this group of children should be given specific attention in formulating preventive measures.

Immunohistochemical and histopathological changes in the skin of rats after maneb application.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the immunohistochemical and histopathological changes in facial skin after exposure to maneb (manganese ethylene bisdithiocarbamate), a fungicidal dithiocarbamate pesticide. STUDY DESIGN: In the experimental group maneb was administered by inhalation to 10 male Wistar albino rats for 5 days each week for 3 weeks. As a biological control, the control group (n = 10) received distilled water by spray for the same time period. The experiment was terminated after 3 weeks. Sections of rat facial skin were examined histopathologically. RESULTS: In the experimental group, microscopic examination of facial skin revealed degeneration of the epidermis, detection of mild inflammatory reaction, and vascular dilation in the connective tissue. Hair follicles and degenerative changes were observed in the deeper parts. In the experimental group, dilation of the blood vessels in the dermis and hemorrhage were supported by an increase in CD34 expression. In addition, a reduction in the number of melanocytes (hypopigmentation) was observed in the hair follicles and epidermis, along with a decrease in the expression of CD117. CONCLUSION: Epidermal degeneration, intradermal cell infiltration, vascular changes, and reduction in the number of melanocytes in the follicle and content of cytokeratin in both the epidermis and hair follicle keratinocytes were detected after maneb application. These findings may have important implications in the association with main signaling pathways, including keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation. Disruption of these pathways may cause some dermatoses.

Comparative study of 5% and 2.5% potassium hydroxide solution for molluscum contagiosum in children.

BACKGROUND: Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a pediatric viral infection that is fairly contagious. Although various treatment methods are available, the presence of facial lesions limits options of therapy. AIM: We aimed to test an alternative treatment consisting of application of two different concentrations of potassium hydroxide (of KOH 5% solution and of KOH 2.5% solution) aqueous solution. METHODS: In this study we evaluated the effectiveness and side-effects of daily applications of potassium hydroxide (KOH) aqueous solution at 2.5% and 5% concentrations, twice daily in 29 children with MC. Out of a total of 29 patients with molluscum contagiosum included in the study, 13 patients in the 2.5% KOH group and 12 patients in the KOH 5% group completed the study. Families were instructed to apply potassium hydroxide twice a day. The assessment of response and side-effects were performed on days 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 (visits were numbered 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, respectively) and one month after. RESULTS: We had a total of 11 (44%) patients who completely recovered after the fifth visit. While eight (66.7%) of these 11 patients were in the 5% treatment group, three (23.1%) patients were in the 2.5% treatment group, and there was a statistically meaningful difference (p < 0.047). Patients with fewer lesions remitted better (p < 0.05). When number of lesions were taken into consideration, difference between the two treatment groups appeared after the fourth visit (p < 0.001). There were no statistical differences between the two groups with respect to side-effects (p = 0.682). CONCLUSIONS: Potassium hydroxide solution at a concentration of 5% was more effective than 2.5% in our patients. The treatment was well-tolerated on the face with the advantage of administration of lower concentrations. This study suggests potassium hydroxide may be a more preferable mode of treatment for molluscum contagiosum lesions on the face.

Occupational skin diseases in automotive industry workers.

CONTEXT: Studies on occupational skin diseases in workers of the automotive industry are few. AIM: To investigate the prevalence of occupational skin diseases in workers of the automotive industry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between September and December 2011, a total of 405 workers from the automotive repair industry in Diyarbakir were interviewed. They were active workers in the repair industry who had been employed for at least six months. Business owners, sellers of spare parts and accounting officers were not included. The employees were examined at their workplaces and the working conditions were observed. Detailed dermatological examination was performed. RESULTS: The mean age of the 405 workers who participated in the study was 27.7 ± 10.3. The mean working time of employees was 13.3 ± 10.4 years. All of the employees were male. Dermatological diseases were not detected in 144 out of 405 workers (35.6%) and at least one condition was diagnosed in 261 (64.4%). The most frequent diagnosis was callus, hyperkeratosis, clavus (27.7%), followed by nail changes (16.8%) and superficial mycoses (12.1%). Contact dermatitis was seen at a rate of 5.9%. DISCUSSION: Traumatic lesions such as hyperkeratotic lesions and nail changes were found most frequently. Traumatic lesions were common among individuals who did not use gloves. Most nail changes were localized leuconychia, a finding not reported in the studies on automotive industry workers. In accordance with the literature, irritant contact dermatitis was observed in patients with a history of atopy and who had been working for a long time. CONCLUSION: Occupational skin diseases comprise an important field in dermatology, deserving much attention. Further studies on occupational dermatology are necessary.

Acquired vulvar lymphangioma circumscriptum.

Lymphangioma circumscriptum (LC) is a benign dilation of lymph channels localized to the skin and subcutaneous tissues. It is generally localized in mouth mucosa, tongue, proximal regions of arms and legs, groin, axilla, and trunk. Primary vulvar involvement is very rare. Vulvar involvement occurs in various clinical settings. Here, two uncommon cases with giant lymphangioma circumscriptum mimicking genital warts will be presented: a 55-year-old female patient with extensive lymphangiectasic lesions and genital wart-like papular lesions in the vulva secondary to diffuse scrofuloderma scars and a 60-year-old female patient with verruca-like lesions secondary to chronic inflammation.