Clinical and immunopathological characteristics of autoimmune blistering skin diseases.

Autoimmune blistering skin diseases (AIBDs) encompass several heterogeneous conditions clinically characterized by blisters and erosions on the skin and mucous membranes and are immunopathologically characterized by autoantibodies against structural proteins of the skin. Those proteins are responsible for the intercellular contact between epidermal keratinocytes and adhesion of the basal keratinocytes to the dermis. Therefore, AIBDs are divided into two main groups: intraepidermal (the pemphigus group) and subepidermal (the pemphigoid) groups. The diagnostic methods for AIBDs have made tremendous progress in the last 2 decades due to the availability of standardized serological assays that allow precise diagnosis in most patients. If left untreated, these diseases are potentially life-threatening due to superinfections and loss of body fluids, and in some severe cases due to restricted food intake. Based on the available literature, this paper provides an overview of the clinical and immunopathological characteristics of the most common AIBDs.

Concomitant Chemoradiotherapy Using Carboplatin and Etoposide-induced Cutaneous Vasculitis in a Patient with Small Cell Lung Cancer.

Drug-induced vasculitis occurs after drug exposure and consequent inflammation of small blood vessels which can lead to damage of affected tissue. Rare cases of drug-induced vasculitis during chemotherapy or concomitant chemoradiotherapy have been described in the literature. Our patient was diagnosed with stage IIIA (cT4N1M0) small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Four weeks after the application of the second cycle carboplatin and etoposide (CE) chemotherapy, the patient developed cutaneous vasculitis and rash on the lower extremities. CE chemotherapy was discontinued and symptomatic therapy with methylprednisolone was administered. On prescribed corticosteroid therapy, there was an improvement in local finding. After completion of chemoradiotherapy, the patient continued treatment with four cycles of consolidation chemotherapy with cisplatin (six cycles of chemotherapy in total). Clinical examination verified further regression of the cutaneous vasculitis. Elective radiotherapy of the brain was performed after completion of consolidation chemotherapy treatment. The patient was clinically monitored until disease relapse. Subsequent lines of chemotherapy for platinum-resistant disease were administered. The patient died seventeen months after diagnosis of SCLC. To our knowledge, this is the first described case of a patient who developed vasculitis of lower extremities during concomitant administration of radiotherapy and CE chemotherapy as a part of the primary treatment for SCLC.

Sensitive Skin in the Population of Herzegovina-Neretva County: Prevalenceand Clinical Data.

INTRODUCTION: Sensitive skin has been described as a syndrome defined by the occurrence of unpleasant sensations (stinging, burning, pain, pruritus, and tingling sensations) in response to stimuli that normally should not provoke such sensations. Although often transient, and in many cases unaccompanied by visual dermatological responses, sensitive skin affects the quality of life. The aim of this survey was to assess the prevalence of sensitive skin and collect clinical data on sensitive skin in the population of Herzegovina-Neretva County. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The survey included a total of 73 participants, 45 female and 28 male, aged 20 years and above, with a diagnosis of sensitive skin syndrome (SSS) confirmed by physicians. A dermatological exam assessing skin type, phototype and skin sensitivity was performed. The survey collected an assortment of information including demographics and included customized standardized questionnaires that closely examine skin sensitivity and the burden of sensitive skin. RESULTS: Findings concurred with existing evidence that individuals with sensitive skin represent almost half the examined population. The prevalence of perceived sensitive skin was significantly higher in females than in males. The main skin symptom was itching, followed by prickling, warmth and numbness. Our results clearly show that there is a burden of sensitive skin. CONCLUSION: This study investigated the prevalence of sensitive skin and the burden of sensitive skin in the population of Herzegovina-Neretva County. It is the first to focus on sensitive skin among Herzegovina-Neretva County population. Further studies are needed to bolster epidemiological data and physiological pathways of sensitive skin syndrome.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors of Mostar University Students on the Harmful Effects of Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure - A KAB Study.

Various reports suggest that adolescents seem to be obsessed with tanning. Existing evidence on attitudes demonstrate that young adults focus on improving appearance through a tan, with protective behaviors often being absent. The popularity of tanning, primarily among the young adult population, further promotes unsafe sun-related behaviors. The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge level of Mostar University students on the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation (UVR), their attitudes and sun-related behaviors, and whether medical students are more likely to apply preventive measures against UVR in comparison with students from other faculties. The survey included a total of 140 undergraduate Mostar University students: 70 medical students and 70 non-healthcare-related faculty students. The data were collected by completing the personal design questionnaire created for this study. This study shows that Mostar University students have a high level of knowledge about UVR and skin cancer, but their behavior is not sufficiently preventive and appropriate to their knowledge. Medical students often use UV protection measures and employ more preventive behavior than that of other faculty students, but it is still at a low level of prevention. Findings concurred with existing evidence that the knowledge of associated risks from UVR was not sufficient to motivate safer sun-related practices.

Psychological Status and Quality of Life in Acne Patients Treated with Oral Isotretinoin.

INTRODUCTION: The acne patients are at higher risk of acquiring depresion and anxiety, which can lead to reduced quality of life. Effective treatment of acne can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and significantly improve other physiological parameters and quality of life of these patients. The aim of this study was to determine the psychological status and quality of life of acne patients before, during and after the treatment with oral isotretinoin. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The prospective study included a total of 127 patients suffering from moderate to severe form of acne. To assess the psychological status and quality of life of studied groups the following standard psychometric questionnaires were performed before, during and after the treatment with oral isotretinoin: Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Assessments of the Psychological and Social Effects of Acne (APSEA), State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Measure of Psychological Stress (MPS) and Dermatology Specific Quality of Life (DSQL). RESULTS: Results of the present study indicate that there is no increase in depressive and anxiety symptoms in the patients treated with oral isotretinoin. The psychological status by gender has shown the existence of differences between the genders in all measures of psychological status. Statistically significantly better quality of life was observed after healing than before treatment. CONCLUSION: The results of our study showed no higher risk of depression and anxiety within the patients with acne treated with oral isotretinoin. Improvement of quality of life after the treatment of acne with oral isotretinoin was confirmed.

Cutis Verticis Gyrata - A Case Report.

Cutis verticis gyrata (CVG) is a skin condition characterized by excessive growth of the skin of the scalp, resulting in furrows and folds which are similar to the gyri of the brain cortex. CVG can be classified into two forms: primary (essential and non-essential) and secondary. We report the case of a 53-year-old male patient with the primary type of CVG. The patient did not present with any cutaneous complication. His main complaint was the unaesthetic aspect of his scalp related to a psychological inferiority complex.