Keratosis follicularis (Darier disease) - clinical characteristics and treatment - a review and update.

Darier disease is one of the most common genodermatoses. Although Darier disease was described in 1886, targeted therapies remain unknown. Current literature lacks specific guidelines for treatment of Darier disease. Treatment remains symptomatic and may be challenging for dermatologists. The aim of this article is to present clinical characteristics and treatment options. In a mild form of the disease with a small number of skin lesions, the symptoms can be reduced by the use of topical medications. Oral retinoids, alternatively doxycycline, seem to be beneficial in extensive and persistent lesions unresponsive to local treatment. In limited, hypertrophic forms, surgical methods, laser therapy and photodynamic therapy could be used.

Evaluation of the relationship between psoriasis, periodontitis, and markers of inflammation.

Introduction: Periodontal disease and psoriasis are chronic and multifactorial inflammatory conditions which share immunopathological mechanisms and risk factors. They often coexist and reflect each other as extensive research proved a correlation between the advancement of periodontitis and the severity of psoriasis. Aim: To assess the influence of the prevalence of psoriasis and periodontitis using the selected markers of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL) 1α (IL-1α) and IL-17. Material and methods: Test sample consisted of 30 psoriatic inpatients, subjected to dental examination and blood tests. 29 healthy individuals constituted the control group and underwent thorough clinical examination to rule out psoriasis. Results: Our results confirmed that all dental indices reflecting oral hygiene and periodontal health were significantly better in healthy controls than in patients with psoriasis. Further analysis revealed a statistically significant correlation between the levels of CRP, a few of the cytokines (IL-1, IL-17), and dental indices in psoriatic patients. Moreover, we found that patients with psoriasis visited the dentist less frequently than healthy participants. Conclusions: In order to fully establish the relationship between psoriasis, periodontitis and markers of inflammation, further research on larger sample sizes is needed. However, the results obtained point to the crucial role of diagnosing and treating periodontitis in preventing and mitigating psoriasis. Joint effort of physicians and dentists is necessary to ensure a comprehensive treatment of a psoriatic patient.

The role of the adjuvant aesthetic therapy in the lives of patients with psoriatic disease.

Introduction: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin, which greatly impairs the patients' self-esteem and consequently leads to a deterioration in their quality of life. Numerous therapeutic options available, when combined, enable to maintain a satisfactory control of the psoriatic lesions. Aesthetic dermatology also provides physicians with tools for targeting the disease symptoms, such as mesotherapy, sonophoresis and chemical peels. Aim: The main aim of the study was to quantify the effect of psoriasis on patients' lives, particularly their self-esteem and everyday life. Moreover, a follow-up survey was used to assess the patients' knowledge on professional and at-home care treatments. Material and methods: The sample consisted of 45 inpatients admitted to the Dermatology Clinic of the Heliodor Swiecicki Clinical Hospital of the Poznan University of Medical Sciences due to a psoriasis flare-up. Data were collected through the DLQI questionnaire, survey, personal interview and physical examination. Results: A vast majority of the respondents reported a strong negative impact of the disease on their self-esteem and this impact was stronger among women. Furthermore, almost all of the patients denied ever receiving aesthetic treatments. Conclusions: In accordance with previous research, this study also shows that skin imperfections drastically influence the perception of a patient in the society, therefore acknowledging and combining appropriate therapeutic methods should be a matter of vital importance.

The assessment of prophylactic and therapeutic methods for nail infections in patients with diabetes.

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease widespread around the world. It may lead to organ dysfunction, immunodeficiency, vascular complications, and peripheral neuropathy. These factors contribute to susceptibility to fungal and bacterial infections of the nails, which could have serious consequences. Aim: To evaluate the knowledge about infection prophylaxis, prevalence of pathogens and a change in quality of life among different groups of diabetic patients. Material and methods: The study was performed using the DLQI questionnaire, interview, physical examination, mycological tests, and a survey containing multiple choice questions. The sample consisted of 120 patients. We revealed the presence of the infection in almost all of the patients, both with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Results: A great number of the participants lacked a credible source of information on their disease and consequently had little understanding of possible complications and prophylaxis of the nail infections. An overwhelming majority of the patients experienced pronounced discomfort of the skin and nails and felt extremely embarrassed with their nail appearance. Conclusions: Further research needs to be conducted to determine the efficacy of different methods of preventing nail infections in diabetic patients. Physicians, aside from implementing appropriate treatment, need to ensure that high-risk patients receive sufficient education on the prophylaxis of nail infections and on proper foot care.