Internalized stigma in psoriasis: A multicenter study.

Internalized stigma is the adoption of negative attitudes and stereotypes of the society regarding a person's illness. It causes decreased self-esteem and life-satisfaction, increased depression and suicidality, and difficulty in coping with the illness. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the internalized stigma state of psoriatic patients and to identify the factors influencing internalized stigma. The secondary aim was to identify the correlation of internalized stigma with quality of life and perceived health status. This multicentre, cross-sectional study comprised 1485 patients. There was a significant positive correlation between mean values of Psoriasis Internalized Stigma Scale (PISS) and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index, Body Surface Area, Dermatological Life Quality Index and General Health Questionnaire-12 (P < 0.001 in all). Lower percieved health score (P = 0.001), early onset psoriasis (P = 0.016), family history of psoriasis (P = 0.0034), being illiterate (P < 0.001) and lower income level (P < 0.001) were determinants of high PISS scores. Mean PISS values were higher in erythrodermic and generalized pustular psoriasis. Involvement of scalp, face, hand, genitalia and finger nails as well as arthropathic and inverse psoriasis were also related to significantly higher PISS scores (P = 0.001). Our findings imply that psoriatic patients experience high levels of internalized stigma which are associated with psoriasis severity, involvement of visible body parts, genital area, folds or joints, poorer quality of life, negative perceptions of general health and psychological illnesses. Therefore, internalized stigma may be one of the major factors responsible from psychosocial burden of the disease.

Periocular mexametric melanin and erythema indexes in adult glaucoma patients treated with topical prostaglandin analogs.

CONTEXT: Although topical prostaglandin analogs (PGAs) have been previously associated with periocular skin hyperpigmentation, studies using objective clinical methods are lacking. Furthermore changes in periocular skin erythema indexes associated with topical PGAs have not been reported previously. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate periocular melanin and erythema indexes in patients treated with topical PGA using an objective clinical method - Mexameter. METHODS: About 45 glaucoma patients treated with topical PGA therapy, and 30 age-, and sex-matched controls were enrolled in the study. Demographic data, medical history including duration of therapy, PGA type, involved eye (unilateral, bilateral) were noted, and skin phototypes were evaluated. Melanin and erythema indexes on medial and lateral upper and lower eyelids, and normal skin from the upper cheeks were measured using Mexameter MX-18. The index of difference for lower/upper eyelid was calculated. Reading results of patients and controls were compared. RESULTS: Melanin and erythema indexes of upper/lower eyelids, and the index of differences for upper/lower eyelids were significantly higher in patients despite similar clinical findings (p < 0.05). Duration of therapy and type of PGA were not associated with skin changes (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both periocular melanin and erythema indexes increased in both upper and lower eyelids due to PGA therapy compared to controls, despite similar clinical findings. Mexametric evaluation is more sensitive than clinical evaluation, and may be used as an objective, sensitive clinical method to evaluate periocular skin changes, even smallest changes, in such patients.

Frequency of body dysmorphic disorder among patients with complaints of hair loss.

BACKGROUND: Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a psychiatric condition in which a disabling preoccupation with a non-existent or slight defect in appearance is the main symptom. Hair concerns are frequent in patients with BDD. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of BDD among patients with complaints of hair loss. METHODS: A validated BDD questionnaire (BDDQ) was administered to 150 patients with complaints of hair loss and 150 control subjects who were selected from among general dermatology (GD) patients. Standard statistical tests were performed (descriptive analysis, chi-squared tests, non-parametric tests). Differences that achieved a P-value of <0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Among patients with complaints of hair loss, 42 of 142 subjects retained in the study (29.6%; 31 females and 11 males) were diagnosed with BDD. Furthermore, 25.6% of female patients and 52.4% of male patients were diagnosed with BDD (P = 0.013). Hair concerns were more common in males than in females (P < 0.05). In the GD group, four control subjects (2.7%, all female) were diagnosed with BDD; all of their concerns focused on the body and acne. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of BDD is about 10 times higher in patients with complaints of hair loss than it is in GD patients and is higher in males. Awareness of the condition and the referral of selected patients to mental health professionals is crucial.

Insulin resistance in patients with post-adolescent acne.

BACKGROUND: Post-adolescent acne has been defined as acne in a patient aged >25 years. Acne vulgaris first develops at the onset of puberty as a result of hormonal changes. During puberty, there is a transient decline in insulin sensitivity. We hypothesized that insulin resistance might persist after puberty in patients with post-adolescent acne. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted in order to investigate the relationship between post-adolescent acne and insulin resistance. METHODS: The study population comprised 35 patients with post-adolescent acne and 35 healthy control subjects. The parameters measured were fasting blood glucose, insulin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index was calculated for each individual. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed between patients with post-adolescent acne and control subjects in fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, AST, ALT, triglyceride and HDL-C levels, and HOMA-IR index. There were also no correlations between these parameters and the severity of acne. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that insulin resistance may not play a major role in the pathogenesis of post-adolescent acne. Hormonal changes, genetic susceptibility, stress, the use of cosmetics, drugs, and environmental factors should be considered in the development of post-adolescent acne.

Psoriasis y alopecia areata con traquioniquia concurrente en una paciente pediátrica con síndrome de Turner / Coexistence of psoriasis, and alopecia areata with trachyonychia in a pediatric patient with Turner Syndrome

El síndrome de Turner es un trastorno genético caracterizado por anomalías del cromosoma X. Se ha descrito en asociación con muchas enfermedades autoinmunitarias y con dermatosis como psoriasis, vitiligo y alopecia areata. La traquioniquia se caracteriza por el aspecto opaco irregular de la lámina ungueal de las 20 uñas. Puede manifestarse en forma idiopática o puede estar asociada con otras dermatosis. En este documento, presentamos el caso de una niña de seis años de edad con síndrome de Turner y diagnóstico de psoriasis, alopecia areata y traquioniquia, y quisiéramos remarcar una posible relación entre estas enfermedades.(AU)

Turner syndrome is a genetic disorder characterized by abnormalities of the X chromosome. An association with many autoimmune diseases is described as well as skin diseases such as psoriasis, vitiligo and alopecia areata. Trachyonychia is characterized by irregular opaque appearance on the nail plate of all 20 nails. It may be idiopathic or it can be associated with other dermatological diseases. Herein, we present a 6 years old girl with Turner syndrome who had diagnoses of psoriasis, alopecia areata and trachyonychia and we would like to draw attention to the possible relationship between these diseases.(AU)

Psoriasis y alopecia areata con traquioniquia concurrente en una paciente pediátrica con síndrome de Turner / Coexistence of psoriasis, and alopecia areata with trachyonychia in a pediatric patient with Turner Syndrome

El síndrome de Turner es un trastorno genético caracterizado por anomalías del cromosoma X. Se ha descrito en asociación con muchas enfermedades autoinmunitarias y con dermatosis como psoriasis, vitiligo y alopecia areata. La traquioniquia se caracteriza por el aspecto opaco irregular de la lámina ungueal de las 20 uñas. Puede manifestarse en forma idiopática o puede estar asociada con otras dermatosis. En este documento, presentamos el caso de una niña de seis años de edad con síndrome de Turner y diagnóstico de psoriasis, alopecia areata y traquioniquia, y quisiéramos remarcar una posible relación entre estas enfermedades.

Turner syndrome is a genetic disorder characterized by abnormalities of the X chromosome. An association with many autoimmune diseases is described as well as skin diseases such as psoriasis, vitiligo and alopecia areata. Trachyonychia is characterized by irregular opaque appearance on the nail plate of all 20 nails. It may be idiopathic or it can be associated with other dermatological diseases. Herein, we present a 6 years old girl with Turner syndrome who had diagnoses of psoriasis, alopecia areata and trachyonychia and we would like to draw attention to the possible relationship between these diseases.

Coexistence of psoriasis, and alopecia areata with trachyonychia in a pediatric patient with Turner Syndrome.

Turner syndrome is a genetic disorder characterized by abnormalities of the X chromosome. An association with many autoimmune diseases is described as well as skin diseases such as psoriasis, vitiligo and alopecia areata. Trachyonychia is characterized by irregular opaque appearance on the nail plate of all 20 nails. It may be idiopathic or it can be associated with other dermatological diseases. Herein, we present a 6 years old girl with Turner syndrome who had diagnoses of psoriasis, alopecia areata and trachyonychia and we would like to draw attention to the possible relationship between these diseases.

Treatment of primary hyperhidrosis with tap water iontophoresis in paediatric patients: a retrospective analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Primary hyperhidrosis is an under-recognized condition in children and adolescents. Iontophoresis is the second line of treatment for palmoplantar hyperhidrosis following topical treatment. The studies evaluating the efficacy of iontophoresis in children are limited. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and reliability of tap water iontophoresis in children with primary hyperhidrosis. METHODS: Twenty-one patients aged under 18 years, who received iontophoresis for primary palmoplantar hyperhidrosis, were included in the study. In our clinic, tap water iontophoresis was administered at regular intervals, starting with five times per week and decreased to once a week on fifth week. Then maintenance sessions once a week for 6 weeks are recommended. The presence of excessive sweating was scored by visual analogue scale (VAS): "0" as continuation of excessive sweating and "10" as the absence of excessive sweating. The demographic and clinical data were collected from files. Also, patients fulfilled a questionnaire for efficacy on follow-up visit. RESULTS: Nineteen patients completed the whole 21 sessions. The mean VAS score was 5.89 ± 1.49 at the end of the 15th session and 6.36 ± 2.06 at the end of the treatment. Side effects were well tolerated. Only seven patients were still free of excessive sweating on third months after treatment. The mean satisfaction score was 4.95 ± 2.38, as measured by VAS where 0 indicated dissatisfaction and 10 indicated high satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Tap water iontophoresis is an effective method of treatment for primary palmoplantar and axillary hyperhidrosis in paediatric patients. But there are still unanswered questions about the mechanism of action, ideal session intervals and protocols for maximum efficacy.

Tumoral melanosis in an adolescent after trauma: a clinicopathological dilemma.

Tumoral melanosis (TM) is a histologic term used to indicate a nodular accumulation of melanophages in the dermis clinically presenting as a pigmented lesion. It is usually associated with regression of melanoma and nonmelanoma melanocytic pigmented lesions. We present the case of a 16-year-old girl with a suspicious pigmented macule on her right knee that appeared after trauma. The lesion was completely excised and diagnosed as TM.

Evaluation of serum vitamins A and E and zinc levels according to the severity of acne vulgaris.

BACKGROUND: Although hyperseborrhea, follicular hyperkeratinization, Propionibacterium acnes colonization and inflammation are found to be responsible in the pathogenesis of acne, the exact mechanisms are unknown. Vitamin A and E are basic antioxidants vital for health. Zinc is also an essential element for human. But these parameters of the effects on skin are not fully understood. We aimed to evaluate plasma levels of vitamin A, E and zinc in acne patients in relation to the severity of the disease. MATERIAL AND METHOD: There were 94 acne patients who were referred to our clinic, all new diagnosed, and 56 age and sex matched healthy volunteers as control group. All patients are assessed according to Global Acne Grading System and grouped as mild, moderate, severe and very severe. Acne patients further grouped as group 1 consist of patients with mild to moderate disease; and group 2 consist of patients with severe to very severe acne. The patients with the controls and group 1 with group 2 was compared. RESULTS: The level of vitamin E, vitamin A and zinc were significantly lower than the control group (Table 1,p < 0.001). When the patient group is compared among each other there was no statistically significant difference for plasma vitamin A levels between group 1 and 2 whereas vitamin E and zinc levels were significantly low in group 2 than group 1. Thus there was a negative correlation between acne severity and vitamin E and zinc levels. CONCLUSION: Our study marks the importance of diet in patients with acne. We offer supportive dietary measures with foods rich in vitamin A and E and zinc in the acne prophylaxis and treatment. Supportive treatment with these vitamins and zinc in severe acne may lead to satisfactory results.

Coexistence of psoriasis, and alopecia areata with trachyonychia in a pediatric patient with Turner Syndrome. / Coexistence of psoriasis, and alopecia areata with trachyonychia in a pediatric patient with Turner Syndrome.

Turner syndrome is a genetic disorder characterized by abnormalities of the X chromosome. An association with many autoimmune diseases is described as well as skin diseases such as psoriasis, vitiligo and alopecia areata. Trachyonychia is characterized by irregular opaque appearance on the nail plate of all 20 nails. It may be idiopathic or it can be associated with other dermatological diseases. Herein, we present a 6 years old girl with Turner syndrome who had diagnoses of psoriasis, alopecia areata and trachyonychia and we would like to draw attention to the possible relationship between these diseases.