Prevalence of Skin Injuries in Beach Volleyball Athletes in Greece.

Background: Skin injuries often affect the sports community. Almost every type of athletic activity is associated with traumatic skin injuries, such as surface wounds, bruising, abrasions, subcutaneous hematomas, blunt trauma, nail injuries, friction burns, and blisters. Methods: The aim of this study was to assess the rates, location sites, and seasons of appearance of skin injuries in beach volleyball athletes in Greece. Seven hundred and eighty-five beach volleyball athletes participated in this study. The average age was 28.4 years. Skin injuries included superficial wounds (erosions, incisions, lacerations), deep wounds, hematomas, nail lacerations, friction burns, and friction blisters. The recorded variables encompassed gender, age, the time of year when athletes might be at higher risk of injuries, and the specific body regions affected. Additionally, data regarding training details such as years of practice, weekly training frequency, and daily training duration were also documented. Results: Incidence rates correlated to gender: (a) superficial wounds (p < 0.001), (b) years of training: hematomas (p < 0.001), and (c) average hours of daily training: superficial wounds (p < 0.001), deep wounds (p < 0.001), and friction blisters (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Although early detection, recognition, and treatment are essential, the prevention of skin injuries can also be linked to health and athletic performance.

Prevalence of sunscreen use and sunburn in Greek athletes: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Athletes participating in outdoor sports are in a high-risk category for prolonged sun exposure. This study investigates whether swimmers and beach volleyball athletes adopt appropriate measures to protect their skin from the sun. Sunscreens play a key role in protecting the skin from solar radiation and preventing premature aging. The study assesses the frequency of sunscreen use and the incidence of sunburn among athletes. METHODS: Athletes completed a self-administered questionnaire regarding their sun protection and exposure habits. Participants aged 9 to 60 years, engaged in swimming (N.=1047) and beach volleyball (N.=785), were included in this study. RESULTS: In the group of swimmers (N.=858), a notable percentage never used sunscreen, and among those who did, (N.=137), natural products were predominantly applied. Gender differences revealed a significantly higher sunscreen usage (P<0.001) among female swimmers compared to males. Among beach volleyball athletes, sunscreen use was notably higher (90%), with 55.6% applying natural sunscreen and 44.4% opting for non-natural alternatives. Regarding the incidence of sunburn, the occurrence among both male and female swimmers was observed to be very low. Among those with sunburn, females exhibited a significantly higher frequency than males (P<0.001). Conversely, in beach volleyball athletes, sunburn affected a higher percentage of males (49.8%) than females (43.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Sunscreen utilization is notably insufficient among athletes, reflecting a limited awareness of the potential risks associated with sun exposure, even though they frequently suffer from sunburn. This heightened susceptibility places them at an increased risk of developing skin lesions. Initiating and disseminating awareness campaigns that specifically emphasize the importance of sunscreen use within the outdoor sports community is imperative.

Calcipotriol/betamethasone foam for proactive management of plaque psoriasis: four case reports.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting about 100 million people worldwide. Around 80% of patients can be treated with topical agents, most commonly corticosteroids and vitamin D analogues. A topical foam formulation of calcipotriol (50 µg/g) and betamethasone dipropionate (0.5 mg/g) (Cal/BD foam; Enstilar®) is approved for the daily treatment of psoriasis for up to 4 weeks and twice-weekly thereafter as maintenance treatment (after initial 4-week treatment success). Long-term proactive maintenance with Cal/BD foam for plaque psoriasis has been shown to prolong the time to first relapse, reduce the number of relapses and increase days in remission in the PSO-LONG trial. Four case studies of proactive management with Cal/BD foam for the treatment of plaque psoriasis for up to 12 months from initial presentation are described. These case studies provide real-world evidence on the long-term effectiveness of proactive management with Cal/BD foam as well as the improvement and maintenance of health-related quality of life. Cal/BD foam was well tolerated.

Perifolliculitis Capitis Abscedens et Suffodiens Treated with Systemic Isotretinoin Monotherapy: Case Report and Review of Current Therapeutic Options.

Perifolliculitis capitis abscedens et suffodiens (PCAS) is a rare, suppurative dermatosis of the scalp, the etiology of which remains unknown. It is characterized by the development of comedones, perifollicular pustules, firm or fluctuant and itchy or painful nodules and abscesses of the scalp, connected by communicating sinuses that may lead to the formation of scarring and irreversible alopecia. Treatment of PCAS is challenging, often leading to unsatisfactory results. We present a case of a 23-year-old Caucasian man with PCAS who was treated successfully with systemic isotretinoin monotherapy and we review the current therapeutic options.

Prevalence of Common Viral Skin Infections in Beach Volleyball Athletes.

Viral skin infections often affect the sports community. The aim of this study was to assess the rates, location sites, and seasons of appearance of common viral cutaneous diseases in beach volleyball athletes in Greece. Five hundred and forty-nine beach volleyball athletes participated in this study. The average age was 28.4 years. The viral infections were herpes simplex (type 1), molluscum contagiosum and warts. The measured parameters included: gender, age, the season when athletes may be more susceptible to infections and the location of infection in the body. Practicing information such as the number of training years, number of weekly trainings, and average hours of daily training was also recorded. Incidence rates correlated in relation to age: (a) warts (p < 0.001), molluscum contagiosum (p < 0.001), and herpes simplex (p = 0.001); (b) years of training: warts (p < 0.001), molluscum contagiosum (p < 0.001), and herpes simplex (p = 0.004); (c) average hours of daily training: molluscum contagiosum (p = 0.006) and herpes simplex (p < 0.010). The skin is the largest organ, and the risk of infection should not be underestimated. Prevention, early detection, recognition, and treatment are related to health and athletic performance, but also to the risk of transmission.

Social-economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic on aesthetic centers in Greece.

BACKGROUND: Epidemics are a major cause of health problems in developing countries, preventing the accumulation of human capital and economic growth. On the appearance of the pandemic of the new coronavirus COVID-19 worldwide, this survey was carried out in the 4th week of the occurrence of the cases in Greece. OBJECTIVES: The investigation was aimed at the social and economic impact caused by this COVID-19 pandemic and the state's decision to suspend the operation of businesses and stores in Greece. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and fifty-eight esthetic centers from various areas of Greece were participated in this study, and the questionnaires were sent electronically to the business owners. Statistical analyzes were conducted using Google Forms and the questionnaires analyzed through PSPP software. RESULTS: Based on their answers and the statistical analyzes, it was calculated the reduction of the monthly income for the first month of suspension of the operation of their companies. Additionally, social-related matters were examined as, how they experience this period, psychologically, financially, what problems they believe that they will face, and what changes in their work that could result from the pandemic. DISCUSSION: There is no similar study and experience for esthetic centers from a viral pandemic in literature. The suspension of operations provoked serious financial problems and significant psychological burden about what "tomorrow will bring" with returning to "normalcy."

Descriptive Epidemiology of Hidradenitis Suppurativa in Greece: A Study of 152 Cases.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease that remarkably affects the patients' quality of life. A prospective study of 152 HS patients was conducted in order to depict the clinico-epidemiological characteristics of HS patients in Greece. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From February 2015 to August 2016, 152 patients attended the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Outpatient Clinic of our department. The most important clinico-epidemiological data of the patients were registered. Descriptive statistics and an ordered logistic regression analysis were performed. RESULTS: Of the 152 patients, 60.5% were females. Their median age was 37 years. A total of 26.3% of the patients suffered from Hurley stage I, 44.7% from Hurley stage II, and 29.0% from Hurley stage III. The median duration of disease was 9 years. The most common site of involvement was the groins. The mean Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) was higher for Hurley stage III. In multivariable analysis, only the body mass index was found to independently predict the disease severity. CONCLUSION: Among the factors examined, the body mass index appears to independently predict the disease severity. Quality of life evaluation revealed a stronger impact compared to the international experience. To our knowledge, this is the first descriptive epidemiological study among HS patients in Greece.

Bullous lichen planus - a review.

Bullous lichen planus is a rare variant of lichen planus. It is characterized by vesicles or bullae, which usually develop in the context of pre-existing LP lesions. It is often misdiagnosed and should be differentiated from other subepidermal bullous diseases especially lichen planus pemphigoides. The diagnosis is based on clinical suspicion and is confirmed by histopathology and immunofluoresence. The clinical features of bullous lichen planus include typical lichen planus lesions, accompanied by the formation of bullae on the affected or perilesional skin. This is evident on histology, with alteration of the dermo-epidermal junction and intrabasal bullae as a consequence of extensive inflammation. The histologic features in conjunction with the negative immunofluoresence indicate that bullous lichen planus is a form of "hyper-reactive lichen planus" rather than a distinct entity. There is no standard treatment of bullous lichen planus. Topical and systemic corticosteroids, dapsone and acitretin have been described as effective choices.

Pubic Majocchi's Granuloma Unresponsive to Itraconazole Successfully Treated with Oral Terbinafine.

Majocchi's granuloma (MG) is an uncommon deep fungal infection. It is usually caused by Trichophyton rubrum and may develop in any hair-bearing skin, commonly on the face and the extremities. We present a 27-year-old female with MG of the pubic area treated unsuccessfully with itraconazole capsule 100 mg for 4 weeks. The medication was discontinued and switched to terbinafine, which proved efficacious. The pubic tinea clinically presented in conjunction with fever, lymphadenopathy, inflammatory plaques, follicular lesions and subcutaneous nodules. It was considered that the fungal infection was initially transmitted from skin to skin during sexual practices with her husband. The repeated shaving of her pubic area, the misdiagnosis as bacterial infection and the use of topical corticosteroid on a preexistent tinea probably predisposed the patient to MG.

Pigmented perianal macules.

Primary mucosal melanoma occurs in under 2% of melanomas. Anorectal melanoma is a rare disorder, approximately accounting for 1% of all anorectal carcinomas. Primary anorectal melanoma presents predominantly in women, in the 4th-6th decade of life. Typical clinical manifestations include rectal bleeding and tenesmus. The prognosis remains poor.

Surgical suturing-induced melanocytic nevi. A new type of eruptive melanocytic nevi?

BACKGROUND: Nevogenesis is a complex process involving several pathogenetic mechanisms, including genetic factors, hormonal influences and UV-radiation. Trauma has been described as a triggering factor for an alternative pathway of nevogenesis. Eruptive melanocytic nevi (EMN), related either to immunosuppression or to blistering disorders, represent a special type of nevi probably induced by the disruption of the dermo-epidermal junction and consequent proliferation of quiescent pigment cells during re-epithelization. MAIN OBSERVATIONS: We report two patients with three melanocytic nevi that developed de novo along the direction of surgical suturing, following surgical operation for other reason. The lesions exhibited special dermoscopic characteristics and histology revealed features of acquired melanocytic nevi. CONCLUSIONS: Such cases may represent a new type of eruptive nevus, the surgical suturing-induced nevus, which should be included in the differential diagnosis of new pigmentation developing within a scar.

Successful treatment of bullous lichen planus with acitretin monotherapy. Review of treatment options for bullous lichen planus and case report.

BACKGROUND: Bullous lichen planus (BLP) is a rare variant of lichen planus, characterized by the development of vesicular and bullous lesions, of skin, nails, hair and/or mucosa. MAIN OBSERVATIONS: We present a case of 63-year-old woman with BLP, unresponsive to previous therapies with topical corticosteroids, topical calcipotriol, antihistamines and oral cyclosporine (4 mg/kg/day for 4 months). She was already receiving treatment for arterial hypertension, hyperlipidemia, atrial fibrillation and uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. Acitretin was administered for 5 months with complete remission of BLP lesions and no major side effects. CONCLUSIONS: This is probably the first reported case of BLP treated with acitretin monotherapy. In this case acitretin was an efficacious and well-tolerated therapeutic option for BLP.