S2k guideline: Diagnosis and therapy of localized scleroderma.

The updated S2k guideline deals with the diagnosis and therapy of localized scleroderma (LoS). LoS represents a spectrum of sclerotic skin diseases in which, depending on the subtype and localisation, structures such as adipose tissue, muscles, joints, and bones may also be affected. Involvement of internal organs or progression to systemic sclerosis does not occur. LoS can be classified into four main forms: limited, generalized, linear, and mixed forms, with some additional subtypes. For cases of limited skin involvement, the guideline primarily recommends therapy with topical corticosteroids. UV therapy can also be recommended. In subtypes with severe skin or musculoskeletal involvement, systemic therapy with methotrexate is recommended. During the active phase of the disease, systemic glucocorticosteroids can be used additionally. In cases of methotrexate and steroid refractory courses, contraindications, or intolerance, mycophenolate mofetil, mycophenolic acid, or abatacept can be considered as second-line systemic therapies. In the case of linear LoS, autologous adipose-derived stem cell transplantation can also be performed for correcting soft tissue defects.

Clinical spectrum and long-term outcomes of mpox: a cohort study spanning from acute infection to six-month follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Cases of mpox have been reported worldwide since May 2022. Limited knowledge exists regarding the long-term course of this disease. To assess sequelae in terms of scarring and quality of life (QoL) in mpox patients 4-6 months after initial infection. METHODS: Prospective observational study on clinical characteristics and symptoms of patients with polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-confirmed mpox, including both outpatients and inpatients. Follow-up visits were conducted at 4-6 months, assessing the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS), the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and sexual impairment, using a numeric rating scale (NRS) from 0 to 10. RESULTS: Forty-three patients, age range 19-64 years, 41 men (all identifying as MSM) and 2 women, were included. Upon diagnosis, skin or mucosal lesions were present in 93.0% of cases, with 73.3% reporting pain (median intensity: 8, Q1-Q3: 6-10). Anal involvement resulted in a significantly higher frequency of pain than genital lesions (RR: 3.60, 95%-CI: 1.48-8.74). Inpatient treatment due to pain, superinfection, abscess or other indications was required in 20 patients (46.5%). After 4-6 months, most patients did not have significant limitations, scars or pain. However, compared to patients without such complications, patients with superinfection or abscess during the acute phase had significantly more extensive scar formation (median PSAS: 24.0 vs. 11.0, p = 0.039) and experienced a significantly greater impairment of their QoL (median DLQI: 2.0 vs. 0.0, p = 0.036) and sexuality (median NRS: 5.0 vs. 0.0, p = 0.017). CONCLUSION: We observed a wide range of clinical mpox manifestations, with some patients experiencing significant pain and requiring hospitalization. After 4-6 months, most patients recovered without significant sequelae, but those with abscesses or superinfections during the initial infection experienced a significant reduction in QoL and sexuality. Adequate treatment, including antiseptic and antibiotic therapy during the acute phase, may help prevent such complications, and hence, improve long-term outcomes.

S3 Guideline Atopic dermatitis: Part 1 - General aspects, topical and non-drug therapies, special patient groups.

This S3 guideline was created based on the European S3 guideline, with special consideration of the medical conditions in the German-speaking region and incorporating additions from the previous German-language version. The interdisciplinary guideline commission consisted of representatives from the German Dermatological Society, the Professional Association of German Dermatologists, the Austrian Society of Dermatology and Venereology, the Swiss Society of Dermatology and Venereology, the German Society for Allergology and Clinical Immunology, the German Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, the Professional Association of Pediatricians and Adolescent Medicine, the Society for Pediatric Allergology and Environmental Medicine, the German Society for Pediatric Rehabilitation and Prevention, the German Society for Psychosomatic Medicine and Medical Psychotherapy, the German Network for Health Services Research, the German Eczema Association and the German Allergy and Asthma Association. This first part of the guideline focuses on the definition and diagnostic aspects of atopic dermatitis (AD), addressing topical therapy as well as non-pharmacological treatment approaches such as UV therapy, psychoeducational therapy, dietary interventions for AD, allergen immunotherapy for AD, and complementary medicine. This part of the guideline also covers specific aspects of AD in children and adolescents, during pregnancy and lactation, and in the context of family planning. Additionally, it addresses occupational aspects of AD and highlights the perspective of the patients. The second part of the guideline, published separately, addresses the systemic therapy of AD.

[Current guidelines for the management of anogenital diseases]. / Aktuelle Leitlinien zur Diagnostik und Therapie von Erkrankungen im Anogenitalbereich.

BACKGROUND: Anogenital disorders encompass a broad spectrum of conditions with diverse pathogenetic origins, often presenting with nonspecific symptoms and overlapping causative factors, thereby posing diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Effective management requires interdisciplinary knowledge and the use of medical guidelines. Guidelines can play an important role in translating current knowledge into clinical practice and ensuring consistent care, minimizing complications, and optimizing patient outcomes. OBJECTIVE: The dermatologically relevant guidelines for anogenital disorders, categorized by etiological groups, are reviewed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A selective literature review was conducted, incorporating data from the guideline repository of the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany (AWMF). RESULTS: A broad range of current guidelines pertinent to the management of anogenital disorders with relevance for dermatologists is available. These encompass guidelines for the management of chronic inflammatory dermatoses with (potential) involvement of the anogenital region, such as anal eczema, psoriasis, lichen sclerosus, or lichen ruber, as well as sexually transmitted infections and associated conditions, involving a broad range of pathogens, including gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, or human papillomaviruses (HPV)-associated disorders. In this article, we provide an overview of the available guidelines. CONCLUSION: The present article does not claim to be exhaustive. The validity of the mentioned guidelines and the availability of updates needs to be verified in each case.

Position statement of the German STI Society on the prophylactic use of doxycycline to prevent STIs (Doxy-PEP, Doxy-PrEP).

Over the past two decades, there has been a rise in the incidence of syphilis, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM). This has sparked interest in studying the prophylactic use of doxycycline to prevent syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), commonly referred to as Doxycycline Pre- or Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (Doxy-PrEP, Doxy-PEP). At the same time, demand from potential users for this preventive measure is increasing. Several randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that the prophylactic use of doxycycline in MSM and trans women using HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (HIV-PrEP) or living with an HIV infection effectively reduces the risk of syphilis and chlamydia infections. At present, however, unresolved questions remain, particularly regarding implications of a broad implementation of prophylactic doxycycline to prevent STIs on tetracycline and other antimicrobial resistance in bacterial STIs, non-STI-related bacterial pathogens, and the microbiome. In response to the increasing demand and the challenge of balancing effectiveness, safety, and the risk of promoting antibiotic resistance, the German STI Society (DSTIG) has issued a position statement, providing specific recommendations regarding potential indications, criteria, and occasions for the use of doxycycline in STI prevention. These recommendations are based on current evidence and expert opinion.

S3 guideline Atopic dermatitis: Part 2 - Systemic treatment.

The present S3 guideline was created based on the European English-language S3 guideline, with special consideration given to the medical conditions in the German-speaking region, and with additions from the previous German-language version, in accordance with the criteria of the AWMF. This second part of the guideline addresses the systemic therapy of atopic dermatitis (AD). It covers topics such as the indication for systemic therapy in children, adolescents, and adult patients with AD. Furthermore, it addresses all medications approved for AD, such as the biologics dupilumab and tralokinumab, the Janus kinase inhibitors abrocitinib, baricitinib, and upadacitinib, as well as conventional immunosuppressive therapies with systemic glucocorticosteroids and ciclosporin. Additionally, it discusses systemic off-label therapies. The first part of the guideline, published separately, includes the definition and diagnostic aspects of AD, describes topical therapy, non-drug therapy approaches, and addresses aspects related to special patient groups.

S2k guideline: Rosacea.

This updated and upgraded S2k guideline deals with the diagnosis and treatment of rosacea, which is a common, chronic inflammatory skin disease mostly affecting the face. Initially, rosacea is characterized by recurrent erythema, telangiectasia and flushing. Later, the inflammatory component predominates, with persistent erythema with follicular papules, papulopustules and pustules. The development of phyma, which usually occurs on the acral localizations, is the most severe manifestation. For the treatment of rosacea, the interdisciplinary guideline committee, with representatives of the German Dermatological Society (DDG), the Professional Association of German Dermatologists (BVDD), the German Opthalmological Society (DOG), the Society for Dermopharmacy (GD), the Swiss Society for Dermatology and Venereology (SGDV) and the German Rosacea Aid e. V., recommends the avoidance of trigger factors and topical applications of metronidazole, azelaic acid or ivermectin. For symptomatic treatment of persistent centrofacial erythema, the topical vasoconstrictors brimonidine or oxymetazoline can also be used. Systemic therapy is recommended for therapy-resistant and severe forms of rosacea papulopustulosa. The drug of choice is low-dose doxycycline. Alternatively, low-dose isotretinoin can be recommended. Ocular rosacea should be treated with lid margin hygiene. For topical treatment, ciclosporin eye drops, azithromycin, ivermectin or metronidazole are suggested.

Perioperatives Management von Antithrombotika in der Dermatochirurgie - Eine Umfrage unter Dermatologen in Deutschland.

Hintergrund und Zielsetzung: Wir haben in zwei Querschnittsumfragen in den Jahren 2012 und 2017 eine erhebliche Heterogenität im perioperativen Management von Antithrombotika unter Dermatologen in Deutschland festgestellt. Die erste deutsche Leitlinie zu diesem Thema wurde 2014 veröffentlicht und im Jahr 2021 aktualisiert. Wir wollten herausfinden, wie sich der Umgang mit Antithrombotika verändert hat. Methodik: Wir haben eine papierbasierte Umfrage an 1115 Dermatologen in ganz Deutschland versandt und sie zu ihrem perioperativen Management von Antithrombotika bei Operationen an der Haut sowie zu ihrer Vertrautheit mit der Leitlinie befragt. Ergebnisse: Wir erhielten Antworten von 65 stationär tätigen und 202 niedergelassenen Dermatologen. Die meisten Dermatologen gaben an, Antithrombotika bei kleineren Operationen fortzuführen. Ein nennenswerter Anteil der Dermatologen gab an, bei invasiveren Operationen die Behandlung mit Phenprocoumon perioperativ zu pausieren und mit Heparin zu überbrücken. Bei Kombinationstherapien war das Fortführen der Behandlung weniger verbreitet. Schlussfolgerungen: Der Anteil der Dermatologen in Deutschland, die angaben, Antithrombotika bei Operationen an der Haut leitlinienkonform zu managen, ist seit 2012 gestiegen. Das Fortführen von Antithrombotika bei großen Exzisionen und Wächterlymphknotenexstirpationen, der Verzicht auf die Überbrückung von Phenprocoumon mit Heparin und das perioperative Fortführen antithrombotischer Kombinationstherapien müssen jedoch weiterhin propagiert werden, insbesondere unter niedergelassenen Dermatologen.

Perioperative management of antithrombotic drugs in skin surgery - A survey of dermatologists in Germany.

BACKGROUND: We identified substantial heterogeneity in the perioperative management of antithrombotic drugs in skin surgery in Germany in 2012 and 2017 in two cross-sectional surveys. The first national guideline on this subject was published in 2014 and updated in 2021. We sought to identify whether the management of these drugs had changed. METHODS: We sent a paper-based survey to 1115 dermatologists throughout Germany asking them about their perioperative management of antithrombotic drugs in skin surgery, as well as their familiarity with the guideline. RESULTS: We received responses from 65 hospital- and 202 office-based dermatologists. Most dermatologists reported continuing antithrombotic drugs in their patients when performing minor surgeries. A notable proportion of dermatologists reported discontinuing phenprocoumon treatment perioperatively and bridging patients with heparin when performing more invasive surgeries. Continuation was less common during combination therapies. CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of physicians in Germany who reported managing antithrombotic drugs during skin surgery in ways that are in concordance with the national guideline has increased since 2012. However, continuing antithrombotic drugs during large excisions and sentinel lymph node biopsies, abstaining from bridging patients on phenprocoumon with heparin, and continuing antithrombotic combination therapies perioperatively need to be further encouraged, especially among office-based dermatologists.

[Herpes zoster-prevention, diagnosis, and treatment]. / Herpes zoster ­ Prävention, Diagnostik und Behandlung.

BACKGROUND: Herpes zoster (HZ) is a common skin disease resulting from a regionally limited reactivation of a latent infection with the varicella zoster virus (VZV). Despite its usually self-limiting course, HZ is associated with a considerable individual and public health burden of disease, particularly due to its high rate of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). OBJECTIVES: To improve knowledge of the current recommendations for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Narrative review and summary of current guideline recommendations. RESULTS: In Germany, the recombinant VZV subunit zoster vaccine is recommended for all adults of 60+ years and for immunocompromised persons of 50+ years. The diagnosis of HZ is clinical; in case of uncertainty, laboratory investigations can help confirm the diagnosis. For patients with HZ ophthalmicus, HZ oticus or neurological complications, an interdisciplinary approach is advantageous. Antiviral treatment should be started as early as possible; various factors, including the duration and location of the disease, the patient's age and signs of a complicated course, serve to determine the indication to initiate an antiviral medication. The choice of the appropriate treatment depends, among other factors, on the intravenous availability, comorbidities and intake preferences. Early and sufficient analgesic treatment according to the WHO pain ladder and, if required, with anticonvulsant adjuvants is necessary to treat acute pain and to reduce the risk for PHN. CONCLUSION: Implementation of the current recommendations for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of HZ and PHN is important to reduce the high burden of disease and improve quality of life of the patients.