Demodex prevalence in mine, textile and food factory workers with dermatosis: a cross-sectional, multicenter study.

Demodex, a type of mite, lives in human hair follicles. They can multiply very quickly in some conditions and then start to irritate the skin by causing skin disorders. This study aims to investigate if working environment conditions affect the prevalence of Demodex. A cross-sectional, multicenter study was conducted with three different occupational groups: mine, textile and food factory workers (n = 102). Determined industry workers who applied to our outpatient dermatology clinics with the complaint of dermatosis in three different cities were included in the study. Demodex positivity was checked by dermoscopy. Differences between categorical variables examined with Chi-square analysis and T test was used to compare continuous variables between groups. 50% Demodex positivity was found in mine workers, 45.3% in food factory workers and 66.7% in textile manufacturing workers. A high rate of Demodex positivity was observed in all three occupational groups. Although the highest positivity rate was observed in textile manufacturing workers, no significant difference was found between the groups (p = 0.320). The overall prevalence of Demodex in female workers was statistically significantly higher than in male workers (p = 0.029). Exposure of workers to a wide variety of factors in work environments such as textile factories and the fact that women are more sensitive to external factors may have caused the prevalence of Demodex to be higher in these groups. So, a change in the work environment or the use of suitable protective equipment may benefit the treatment of diseases caused by Demodex. But, further studies are needed with larger and various industry groups to make more certain views.

The potential role of human HIV-1 TAT-Interactive Protein 2 levels in the pathogenesis of contact dermatitis

Background/aim: Human HIV-1 TAT interactive protein 2 (HTATIP2/TIP30) is a gene that is extensively expressed in human tissues as well as in tumor tissues. This study aimed to explore the potential role of HTATIP2/TIP30 in contact dermatitis (CD), which is one of the most common inflammatory cutaneous conditions. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study involved adult patients with acute contact dermatitis who were admitted to the outpatient dermatology clinic of a tertiary hospital and healthy adult volunteers without any cutaneous or systemic diseases. The blood concentration of HTATIP2/TIP30 was measured using ELISA kits. Results: The research sample consisted of 31 patients with CD (18 males, 13 females) and 20 healthy control subjects (14 males, 6 females). The mean ages of the patients with CD and healthy volunteers were 37 and 30 years, respectively (p > 0.05). The mean value of serum HTATIP2/TIP30 levels in patients with CD was 1.65 ng ml­1, which is 0.60 ng ml­1 in the control group (p = 0.02) Conclusion: In this study, serum levels of HTATIP2/TIP30 were statistically significantly higher in patients with CD when compared to healthy controls. This outcome may indicate possible role of HTATIP2/TIP30 in the pathogenesis of CD.

The role of oxidative stress in onychomycosis: Thiol/disulphide homeostasis.

OBJECTIVES: Onychomycosis is the general term to define fungal nail infections that arise from dermatophytes, non-dermatophytic moulds and yeasts. Thiol/disulphide homeostasis is a new indicator of oxidative stress. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of thiol/disulphide balance in the pathogenesis of onychomycosis. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included adult patients with onychomycosis who were admitted to the dermatology department and healthy adult volunteers without any dermatologic or systemic condition. The patients and controls were evaluated in terms of native thiol, total thiol, and disulphide levels, and disulphide/native thiol, disulphide/total thiol and native thiol/total thiol ratios. The possible association between these parameters and clinical subtypes of onychomycosis and demographic characteristics was also investigated. RESULTS: A total of 52 patients with onychomycosis and 50 healthy subjects were enrolled in the study. The patient group showed lower levels of total thiol, native thiol and native thiol/total thiol ratio, and higher ratios of disulphide/native thiol and disulphide/total thiol. No statistically significant relationship was found between the parameters, clinical subtypes of onychomycosis and demographic characteristics (p > .05). CONCLUSION: Patients with onychomycosis showed a shifted thiol/disulphide homeostasis towards oxidative stress with a reduction in thiols and an increase in disulphide/native thiol, and disulphide/total thiol ratios. These findings may indicate the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of onychomycosis.

Dermoscopic diagnosis of subungual hematoma: new observations.

INTRODUCTION: There are very few studies focusing on the dermoscopic features of subungual hematoma which is one of the major imitators of subungual melanoma. AIM: To identify the dermoscopic findings of subungual hematoma, which will facilitate the diagnostic process by reducing the use of more invasive diagnostic methods like nail avulsion or biopsy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study, clinical and dermoscopic findings of the cases were reviewed. The diagnosis of subungual hematoma was confirmed by observing progression of the colour change to the distal edge of the nail plate in all the cases. RESULTS: A total of 47 subungual hematomas were enrolled in the study. The most common colour was purple-black (53%). Blue-white colour was observed in 12 (26%) lesions. 9 (19%) lesions showed granular leukonychia. All of the lesions had a homogenous pattern. In 25 (53%) lesions, a globular pattern was observed. 14 (30%) lesions showed a streaks pattern. Peripheral fading and periungual haemorrhage were present in 14 (30%) and 9 (9%) lesions, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We detected two new findings which have not been described previously for subungual hematoma: the first one is "blue-white colour" which is known as an important clue to melanoma. The second one is granular leukonychia localized on the hematoma. We suggest that in any case of the nail discoloration, a thorough dermoscopic examination should be performed. Moreover, progression of the colour change to the distal edge should be observed to ensure that a possible melanoma is not overlooked.

Trichoscopic findings of trichotillomania: new observations.

INTRODUCTION: Recently, dermoscopy of the hair and scalp, also known as trichoscopy, has become an important diagnostic tool in the diagnosis of hair diseases. There are few studies describing trichoscopic findings of trichotillomania (TTM). AIM: To evaluate and identify specific trichoscopic features of TTM. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 20 patients diagnosed with TTM on the basis of the clinical history, physical examination and trichoscopic findings. All of the trichoscopic images of the patients were retrospectively reviewed and the findings identified were recorded. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: The findings detected were broken hairs at different levels (100%), short vellus hairs ( 90%), black dots (85%), trichoptilosis (75%), V hair (70%), hair powder (65%), yellow dots (55%), Mace hair (45%), coiled hairs (45%), exclamation mark hair (40%), blood spots (40%), branched hair (40%), angulated hair (40%), concentric hair (35%), flame hair (30%), and tulip hair (25%). CONCLUSIONS: Here we have documented trichoscopic findings of TTM retrospectively. Trichoptilosis, V hair and hair powder were the most frequent relatively specific findings. We tried to define novel findings that we named branched hair and concentric hair. We also detected Mace hair in 9 cases. Mace hair was previously described just in 3 cases of TTM in a case study. Angulated hairs, to the best of our knowledge, were also firstly described for TTM in the present study. Lack of a comparison group is the main limitation of the study.

Psoriasis and COVID-19: A narrative review with treatment considerations.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). COVID-19 outbreak has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 2020. The pandemic has affected the management of psoriasis not only for those who are under treatment but also for those who are about to begin a new therapy to control their disease. An increasing number of studies in the current literature have focused on the relationship between psoriasis and COVID-19 from different perspectives. This narrative review includes searching the PubMed and Web of Science databases using the keywords "psoriasis," "psoriatic arthritis," "coronavirus," "COVID-19," and "SARS-CoV-2." The search was supplemented by manual searching of reference lists of included articles. A total of 11 relevant original investigations and 6 case studies was identified. The search was updated in May 2019. Due to the absence of randomized controlled trials, it is not likely to have a robust evidence-based approach to psoriasis management in the era of COVID-19. However, the current literature may provide some clues for safety considerations. Conventional immunosuppressive therapies such as methotrexate and cyclosporine, and anti-tumor necrosis factor agents should not be preferred due to increased risk of infection, especially in high-risk areas. The use of cyclosporine may pose additional risk due to the side effect of hypertension, which has been reported to be associated with susceptibility to severe COVID-19. Considering that the current literature has provided no conclusive evidence that biologics increase the risk of COVID-19, withdrawal of these agents should be reserved for patients with COVID-19 symptoms. The treatment approach should be personalized, considering the advantages and disadvantages for each case separately.

Dermoscopic findings of fungal melanonychia.

INTRODUCTION: There are very few studies about dermoscopic findings of fungal melanonychia (FM) apart from the case reports. AIM: To reveal and identify dermoscopic findings which facilitate diagnosis of the FM. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included a total of 42 nails from 33 patients diagnosed with FM on the basis of the clinical history, physical examination, dermoscopic findings and microbiological investigation. All of the dermoscopic images were retrospectively reviewed and the findings identified were recorded in a period of 1 year. RESULTS: The most common presentation was homogenous brown pigmentation (n = 15, 35.7%). The other presentations included: homogenous black (n = 9, 21.4%), homogenous grey (n = 9, 21.4%), clumped/granular black (n = 7, 16.6%) and irregular longitudinal black (n = 4, 9.5%) pigmentation. Superficial transverse striation was observed in 11 (26.1%) nails. Twenty (47.6%) nails showed white streaks (white longitudinal striae) and 6 (14.2%) nails showed distal white jagged edge (also known as "spikes"). Twenty-two (52.3%) nails had at least one of white streaks and jagged edge findings. 4 (9.5%) nails showed pseudo Hutchinson's sign. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the most comprehensive study regarding the dermoscopic patterns of FM. Here, we also evaluated onychomycosis associated dermoscopic findings like white longitudinal striae and jagged edges. Our study, along with the previous studies, showed that dermoscopy can be a very helpful method in the diagnosis of FM. Long disease duration, homogenous pigmentation pattern, presence of white streaks and jagged edges are the main clues to FM.

Dermoscopic Features of Lower Lip Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Descriptive Study.

AIM: Dermoscopic features of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) have been well described; however, there are a few studies focused on the dermoscopic aspect of lip SCC. In this study, we aimed to identify dermoscopic findings of lower lip SCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical and histopathologic features, dermoscopic images, and demographic data of the patients with histologically approved lip SCC were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 10 lesions were enrolled in the study. Milky red structureless background (100%) and keratin scale (100%) were present in all the lesions. Blood spots on thick keratin scale were observed in eight lesions. Seven lesions showed white structureless areas. Two lesions exhibited ulceration and one of the lesions had structureless brown pigmentation. The most common vascular pattern observed was polymorphous vascular pattern (60%). CONCLUSION: White and milky red structureless areas, blood spots on thick keratin scale, and polymorphous vascular pattern are the main dermoscopic clues to lip SCC. The presence of these findings should direct the clinician to the possibility of SCC. The dermoscopic findings observed may also reflect histological grade of the lesion.

Investigation of oxidant and antioxidant levels in patients with psoriasis

Background/aim: Psoriasis is an immune-mediated chronic inflammatory skin disease that is seen in 1%­3% of the population. It is characterized by symmetrical papulosquamous lesions on the scalp, knees, elbows, sacral region, and extensor surfaces of the extremities. Psoriasis affects both sexes equally. It is thought that reactive oxygen species have an important role in inflammatory skin diseases, especially in psoriasis. There are few studies investigating serum oxidant-antioxidant levels in psoriasis. In this study, we aimed to investigate serum oxidant and antioxidant levels in psoriasis and their effects on its pathogenesis. Materials and methods: Included in this study were 50 patients with psoriasis who had not been treated with any systemic medication and 45 healthy volunteers (control group). The total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and 8-hydroxy 2'-deoxyguanosine (8H2D) were studied via venous blood sampling. The parameters were measured spectrophotometrically. The study was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of the Atatürk University Faculty of Medicine. Results: The mean ages of the patients and control group were 32.48 (±14.45) and 35.64 (±17.40) years, respectively. Of the patients, 23 were male and 27 were female. Of the healthy volunteers, 20 were male and 25 were female. The mean disease duration was 8.77 (±6.90) years. The mean Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score was 11.41 (±9.62). The mean TOS levels of the patient and control groups were 63.12 (±33.23) and 4.50 (±9.74), respectively. This difference was statistically significant (P = 0.00). The mean TAS levels of the patient and control groups were 3.15 (±0.70) and 3.16 (±0.44), respectively, without any statistically significant difference. The mean MDA levels in the patient and control groups were 14.84 (±6.66) and 12.77 (±4.87), respectively, without any statistically significant difference. The mean 8H2D levels of the patient and control groups were 16,781.2 (±5918.95) and 15,276.13 (±6084.95), respectively. This difference was also not statistically significant. There was no correlation between PASI scores and the above-mentioned parameters. Conclusion: In the present study, the TOS levels showed a significant statistical difference between the psoriasis and control groups. This finding supports the effect of the oxidant system in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. This was the first study to investigate MDA, TOS, TAS, and 8H2D levels together in patients with psoriasis. More studies are needed to clearly understand the relationship between psoriasis and the oxidant-antioxidant system.

Dermoscopic profile of pigmented purpuric dermatosis: new observations.

INTRODUCTION: Pigmented purpuric dermatosis (PPD) describes a cutaneous eruption that presents with asymptomatic or pruritic macules, and petechiae with red and brown pigmentation. Dermoscopy is a non-invasive diagnostic method making a more detailed examination possible and provides important clues to many dermatologic conditions. There are few original studies focusing on the dermoscopic aspect of PPD apart from case reports. AIM: To identify dermoscopic findings of pigmented purpuric dermatosis, which will facilitate diagnosis by reducing the use of invasive procedures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included the patients with histopathologically confirmed pigmented purpuric dermatosis. Demographic, clinical and dermoscopic features of all the cases were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: The study enrolled 15 (60%) men and 10 (40%) women. The mean age of the patients was 42 (age range: 28-72). The most common dermoscopic findings were red globules and red dots which were observed in all the cases (100%), followed by coppery brown background (72%), brown lines reticular (40%) and subtle brown dots (40%). The other findings were brown circles (32%), red circles (32%), grey dots (32%), red background (8%), serpentine vessels (8%), rosette structures (8%), thick brown lines (4%), and thick linear vessels (4%). CONCLUSIONS: The characteristic dermoscopic findings of PPD have been defined in the relevant literature. Here we have identified some dermoscopic findings which have not been described previously: red circles, brown circles, rosette structures, light brown background and red background. Dermoscopic examination may facilitate the diagnostic process by reducing the use of invasive methods.

[A case of palmoplantar dysesthesia syndrome caused by capecitabine]. / Kapesitabine bagli gelisen bir palmoplantar dizestezi sendromu olgusu.

Palmoplantar dysesthesia is a dermatologic toxic reaction caused by chemotherapeutics. Also known as hand-foot syndrome, it is not life-threatening, but does decrease quality of life. Dysesthesia, erythema, edema, and desquamation on palmoplantar region are observed clinically. Palmoplantar dysesthesia syndrome may be caused by chemotherapeutics including cytarabine, doxorubicin, capecitabine, epirubicin, docetaxel, vinorelbine, and 5-fluorouracil. The case of a 62-year-old woman who presented with diffuse erythema on palmoplantar area after use of capecitabine for metastatic breast carcinoma is described in the present report. Palmoplantar dysesthesia syndrome caused by capecitabine may affect patient compliance.