Search

Background Methods Results Conclusions Skin cancer incidence increases globally, requiring effective preventive measures and evidence‐based treatment strategies. Current guidelines advocate for surgical excision as a first‐line treatment for most early skin cancers. The study investigated practices regarding changing scalpel blades when excising multiple skin lesions in the same patient during the same visit (CSB) and explored how beliefs about iatrogenic seeding influence individual norms of practice.A multidisciplinary survey was conducted among 173 medical specialists involved in skin cancer care. Participants provided demographic information, years of experience, and practices regarding CSB in four clinical scenarios (first excised tumor: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma suspect, and evident melanoma). Practice variations based on specialty, experience, and beliefs about seeding risk were statistically assessed.Surgeons exhibited a significantly higher tendency to change blades compared to non‐surgeons across all diagnoses. Iatrogenic seeding (56.52%) and clinical training (18.84%) were the main reasons provided for CSB. Beliefs about seeding risk did not differ significantly between specialties.Although the practice of CSB lacks strong scientific rationale, the approach to this practice significantly varies among different medical specialties. Healthcare professionals should critically evaluate and standardize evidence‐based practices to ensure optimal patient care and mitigate potential harm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acne is a common skin condition affecting both adolescents and adults, and it can profoundly impact patients' quality of life and mental well-being. This prospective cross-sectional study aims to explore the differences in psychosocial aspects between male and female acne patients in Poland. A total of 104 consecutive acne patients were included in this study. Clinical severity, patients' quality of life, stigmatization levels, and psychiatric disturbances were evaluated using the following instruments: Investigator Global Assessment (IGA), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Cardiff Acne Disability Index (CADI), 6-Item Stigmatization Scale (6-ISS), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). This study found that female patients exhibited significantly less severe acne and experienced significantly decreased quality of life and increased levels of stigmatization. Furthermore, anxiety levels among female patients exceeded those observed in their male counterparts. Notably, no disparities in the severity of depression were observed between the two gender groups. Correlations were discerned among all psychosocial parameters in the entire study cohort and in the female subgroup, while such correlations were not uniformly observed among male participants. This study underscores the importance of considering psychosocial aspects and implementing routine measurements in the management of acne to improve patients' well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The relationship between rosacea and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is still not known. Almost all reports questioning the relation between BCC and rosacea are focused on rhinophyma. Aim: To examine the possible connection of BCC and rosacea. Material and methods: 110 patients with BCC located on the face treated surgically in the Dermatosurgery Unit in 2020-2021 were included in the study. A trained dermatologist assessed the presence or absence of concomitant rosacea and assessed its severity according to the Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA). Results: Fifty-one (46.4%) subjects with BCC and concomitant clinically diagnosed rosacea were found. In our group 35.5% of women had BCC located on the cheeks, while in men most cancers were located on the nose (55%, n = 11), however this difference has not reached statistical significance. Conclusions: The incidence of rosacea in our population was undoubtedly higher, comparing to the normative population. Both rosacea and BCC share the same risk factors -- UV exposure, the potential association should not be neglected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pruritus in pregnancy is a common and burdensome symptom that may be a first sign of a pregnancy-specific pruritic disease (atopic eruption of pregnancy, polymorphic eruption of pregnancy, pemphigoid gestationis, and intrahepatic cholestasis in pregnancy) or a dermatosis coinciding with pregnancy by chance. Despite its high prevalence, pruritus is often underrated by physicians, and data regarding the safety profiles of drugs for pruritus are very limited. In this review, we illustrate the epidemiology, possible pathophysiology, clinical characteristics, and diagnostic workup of various pregnancy-related diseases and discuss antipruritic treatments. The prevalence of pruritus in pregnancy demonstrates the importance of symptom recognition and the need for an holistic approach, taking into account both the potential benefits for the patient and the potential risks to the fetus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common cancer in humans, but the reporting of patients with BCC is still not complete. There are a limited number of analyses in the literature on BCC epidemiology. Aim: To study the epidemiological as well as clinical aspects of BCC by analysing a single centre's experience in the Lower Silesia region of Poland. Material and methods: We investigated 180 patients with BCC treated in the Unit of Dermatosurgery, Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Allergology of Wroclaw Medical University between September 2017 and December 2019. Results: The mean age of patients with BCC was 70.5 ±11.9 years. The most frequently diagnosed type of BCC was nodular type, at 72% of all patients. BCC occurred most commonly on the face and neck area, at 132 (73.3%), without a statistical difference between males and females. The vast majority of cancers were located on the nose. There was a personal history of skin cancer in 29% of our patients. In 127 (70.6%) subjects, the diameter of the BCC on the day of excision was less than 2 cm. Conclusions: The clinical characteristics of our cohort of BCC patients has some similarities with that reported from central Poland and other European countries. However, we found an increase in the incidence of BCC among females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of basal cell carcinoma has increased in recent years. The aim of this study was to analyse the influence of itch on quality of life and psychosocial status of patients with basal cell carcinoma. A total of 180 patients with basal cell carcinoma were included in the study. Itch intensity was assessed with Numerical Rating Scale and 4-Item Itch Questionnaire (4IIQ). Quality of life in basal cell carcinoma was assessed with the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), 6 Item Stigmatization Scale (6-ISS) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Mean DLQI in the study group was 2.0 ± 2.0, while mean SF-36 was 71.38 ± 15.77 points. The intensity of itch assessed with 4IIQ correlated negatively with SF-36 (R = -0.48, p = 0.003). The mean ± SD BDI score was 6.16 ± 5.72 points and mean 6-ISS score was 0.66 ± 1.24. In conclusion, presence and intensity of itch may debilitate quality of life among patients with basal cell carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is associated with several skin manifestations, however the association with itch remains unclear. Aim: To present a detailed literature review in order to analyse the frequency, pathogenesis, and course of itch in diabetes mellitus. Material and methods: Data were collected from the PubMed and Cochrane databases. Articles were excluded if the populations presented with comorbidities or received treatment with drugs affecting the skin. Also, animal studies, studies with poor methodology and pilot studies were excluded. Results: Among the 5 original articles included, the epidemiology of itch in diabetes varies from 18.4% to 27.5%. Two main factors are associated with the pathogenesis of itch in diabetes, namely skin xerosis and diabetic polyneuropathy. It is still poorly defined how glycaemic control is associated with generalized itch. No treatment of choice is available; however, topical therapy (emollients) provides significant relief in varying percentages of patients. Conclusions: The results indicate a benefit of diabetes screening in individuals presenting with chronic itch without primary skin lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which aims to assess small-fibre neuropathy (SFN) as a potential cause of itch in diabetes mellitus (DM). It mentions that the study analyzes other factors that may contribute to itch in DM, such as glycaemic control and skin xerosis. It informs that SFN was assessed with intraepidermal nerve fibre density (IENFD).

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is an infectious disease, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)‐CoV‐2, that broke out in December 2019. In just 4 months it has spread to almost every country in the world and up to April 18, 2020, the virus has infected more than two million people. Itch is the most common symptom in dermatology and a frequent one of systemic diseases. The association of itch and viral diseases has been widely documented; however, the actual prevalence of itch in the patients suffering from new the SARS‐CoV‐2 infection is still unknown. In this paper, we present a review of the available literature on the topic of itch in the affected population. Moreover, we have also analyzed different aspects of itch associated with COVID‐19 pandemic, not directly related to the viral infection. Those included use of chemicals, hand sanitizers, common use of personal protective equipment and psychosocial stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is reported to be one of the most common medical conditions in school-age youth and is ranked third in the prevalence of pediatric conditions. Only a few studies have investigated the occurrence of itch in diabetes mellitus, reporting conflicting data. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of itch in T1D to provide itch characteristics and to explore the potential underlying causes. Methods: This prospective study evaluated itch among 100 children with T1D. Itch intensity was assessed with the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and the 4-Item Itch Questionnaire (4IIQ). The Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) was implemented to assess the quality of life issues. Various clinical features and factors influencing itch were also examined. Skin dryness was evaluated clinically by non-invasive assessment of epidermis moisturizing. Results: Itch occurred in 22% of children with T1D with the mean maximal intensity of 5.9 ± 3.0 points in NRS and 6.7 ± 3.5 points in 4IIQ (median, 5.5 points). In the majority of patients, the itch was limited to a few regions of the body; usually, the upper limbs (68.2%) were affected, followed by the lower limbs (50%) and the trunk (31.8%). Clinically examined skin xerosis was significantly more advanced in children with itch compared with those without itch (p < 0.01). The mean CDLQI score in the itchy group was 4.0 ± 4.7 points (median, 2.5 points), indicating a small impairment of quality of life. The intensity of itch (both NRS last 3 days and NRS last 24 h) correlated positively with life quality impairment (R = 0.7; p = 0.015 and R = 0.8, p = 0.002, respectively). Conclusions: Our study found itch as a moderately frequent symptom in children with T1D; however, itch presence and intensity may relevantly debilitate quality of life among subjects. We suggest that dryness of the skin may play a role in the pathogenesis of itch in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Rhinophyma is a relatively rare form of rosacea, while basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most frequent skin cancer in humans - both diseases prevail in the elderly. Aim: To analyse patients with rhinophyma treated surgically in the Dermatosurgery Unit and look for possible cases with BCC within the rhinophyma. Material and methods: We performed a retrospective review of all treated rhinophymas in the Dermatosurgery Unit in 2004-2019. Results: Among 140 rhinophyma patients 2 (1.4%) subjects with concomitant clinically diagnosed and histologically confirmed BCC were found, with BCC located in the hypertrophic tissue of the nose. There were no patients with BCC located in other anatomical regions of the skin. Both of these patients were in more advanced age. Conclusions: Taking into consideration these two conditions: advanced age and anatomical location, typical for BCC, one may speculate that the development of BCC within rhinophyma is rather a simple coincidence. However, more numerous series of patients with rhinophyma are needed to clear the controversy of BCC within rhinophyma hypertrophic tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a quiz regarding diagnosis of a 60-year-old woman presented with right facial muscle paralysis together with otalgia and local pruritus of the affected ear.

The article presents a case of a 33-year-old female who was presented to a dermatology clinic due to papular non-itchy skin lesions to discuss the cutaneous disorder pityriasis lichenoides (PL) triggered by human papillomavirus vaccine. Also cited are the three forms of PL like pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta (PLEVA), pityriasis lichenoides chronica (PLC), and severe febrile Mucha Habermann's disease, as well as PLEVA as a side effects of the HPV vaccine Gardarsil 9.

Simple Summary: Although it is well accepted that itch might be one of the symptoms related to diabetes mellitus, very little is known about this topic from previous studies. In the current study, we aimed to investigate itch sensation in type 2 diabetes mellitus with special emphasis on the potential underlying causes. According to our study, itch was a relatively frequent symptom, present in about 36% of subjects, causing significant impairment to quality of life. Based on our findings and previous literature data, it seems that the primary cause of itch in this group of subjects is poor diabetes control with subsequent skin dryness and diabetic polyneuropathy. Background: Despite growing interest in itch, data regarding itch in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) are still limited, and mostly based on outdated studies. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics of itch in the adult population with DM2 and explore potential underlying causes. Methods: The study group consisted of 109 adult patients with DM2. Standardized questionnaires were completed in order to assess the itch intensity [Numerical Rating Scale (three days, 24hours) (NRS)] and the Four-item Itch Questionnaire (4IIQ) and to assess the psychological impact of itch [ItchyQoL, Six-Item Stigmatization Scale (6-ISS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)]. Skin dryness was evaluated clinically and by non-invasive assessment of epidermis moisturizing. Neuropathy was assessed using the clinical Katzenwadel neuropathy scale. Results: Itch occurred in 35.8% of adult patients with DM2, with NRSmax three days 6.31 ± 2.16 and 8.1 ± 3.5 points in 4IIQ. Itchy patients have had significantly higher FPG levels compared with the non-itchy population (p = 0.01). Patients with itch had a significantly higher possibility of neuropathy compared with non-itchy subjects (p < 0.01). Skin xerosis was significantly more advanced in patients with itch compared to those without (p < 0.01). The mean ItchyQol score was assessed as 41.2 ± 13.4 points, indicating mild life quality impairment and correlated positively with itch intensity. Itchy subjects had significantly higher scores in both anxiety and depression dimensions of HADS (in each p < 0.01). Conclusions: We suggest that the primary cause of itch is prolonged poor diabetes control with altered glucose and insulin levels, subsequently causing skin dryness and neuropathy in long-lasting DM2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses case of 55-year-old, incapacitated patient with multiple skin lesions. The patient presented pitted depressions on his hands, macrocephaly, high arched eyebrows, and multiple scars from previous surgeries. The car accident in the medical history probably led the neurologist to suggest the diagnosis of post-traumatic encephalitis. patient was diagnosed as having Gorlin–Goltz syndrome (GGS) with numerous basal cell carcinomas (BCCs).

In common knowledge, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is known to be asymptomatic, but in clinical practice, at least some patients complain of itching. The present study group comprised of 180 patients with histologically confirmed BCC. Detailed information on demographics, clinical history, and physical findings was recorded. Moreover, various clinical features of itch (including intensity, localization, quality, descriptors) and the most common factors responsible for its aggravation or alleviation were examined. The itch was present in 21.1% of patients with BCC and was limited to the tumor. The mean intensity of the itch was 3.1 ± 1.2 points (Numerical Rating Scale), indicating moderate itch intensity. Among the patients, 22.4% reported that itching occurred constantly, every day. BCC-associated itch seems to be moderately frequent, although being a seemingly underestimated problem among patients with BCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Skin diseases affect patients at any age, but as each period in life is different, tools used to assess quality of life impairment should be adjusted according to the particular age group. Adolescence is a unique time, when young individuals go through many changes, making them especially vulnerable to stress. Aim: Translation and validation of a Polish language version of the Teenagers Quality of Life questionnaire (T-QoL) questionnaire. Material and methods: T-QoL was translated following international guidelines. A group of 34 dermatological patients, aged 12-19 years old, with various skin diseases were given the T-QoL as well as the CDLQI or DLQI to complete. They were also asked to complete the T-QoL questionnaire for the second time after 3-5 days. Statistical analysis of the results was performed. Results: The Polish version of T-QoL is internally consistent (Cronbach a 0.893 for the whole questionnaire). Moreover, it presents very good convergent validity (ICC = 0.864). No statistically significant differences between each question were noticed between the first and second time of completing the form. T-QoL scores correlated significantly with DLQI (p = 0.008, r = 0.636) and CDLQI (p < 0.001, r = 0.777) scores. Conclusions: The Polish version of the T-QoL questionnaire is a reliable instrument with adequate convergent validity, consistency and reproducibility. It can be successfully used to measure quality of life impairment among teenagers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the aggressive nature of melanoma, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and prompt surgical treatment to achieve high survival rates, and it highlights the significance of increased awareness of skin cancer and regular dermatoscopic.

Keywords: basal cell carcinoma; pigmented tumor; scalp tumor; skin cancer EN basal cell carcinoma pigmented tumor scalp tumor skin cancer 6497 6498 2 12/27/22 20221101 NES 221101 A 61-year-old woman was referred to the dermatosurgical unit due to painless well-defined nodule with about 2 years of growth history. BCC was reported more frequently in males (with male to female ratio 2:1), but recently, there has been an increase incidence of BCCs in female patients documented.[1] Nodular type of BCC is the most frequent type, while the pigmented type of BCC is rare. Basal cell carcinoma, pigmented tumor, skin cancer, scalp tumor. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Chronic itch is a common symptom of inflammatory skin diseases. This study was undertaken to evaluate the presence and intensity of itching in two different cohorts of acne subjects. Additionally, the influence of itching on the psychosocial status of acne individuals was assessed. Methods: Consecutive acne patients seeking dermatological advice and university students diagnosed with acne during dermatological screening were considered. The clinical and psychological aspects of acne were assessed using a variety of instruments. Results: About 40% of acne subjects in both cohorts reported itching. The mean WI-NRS during the last 3 days in acne patients was 3.83 ± 2.31 points (mild itch) and was significantly more severe (p < 0.001) than in university students diagnosed with acne (2.09 ± 1.29 points). Itch intensity did not depend on the clinical severity of acne. In consecutive acne patients, itch intensity correlated with quality-of-life impairments (assessed using DLQI and CADI) and HADS scores. There was no correlation between itch intensity and stigmatization levels. Conclusions: Itching seems to be a common phenomenon in acne sufferers. Acne itch significantly influences patients' well-being and should be considered in a holistic approach to acne patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pruritus, which is the most frequent subjective symptom of psoriasis, may cause significant discomfort, embarrassment and even interfere with patients normal daily activities. However, the perception of itch in various psoriasis subtypes remains unknown. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate and to characterize pruritus in different clinical variants of psoriasis. Methods: This cross-sectional, binational, multicentre study included 295 subjects suffering from nine different clinical subtypes of psoriasis: large-plaque psoriasis (n = 45), nummular psoriasis (n = 32), guttate psoriasis (n = 31), scalp psoriasis (n = 32), inverse psoriasis (n = 23), erythrodermic psoriasis (n = 33), palmoplantar psoriasis vulgaris (n = 33), palmoplantar pustular psoriasis (n = 42) and generalized pustular psoriasis (n = 23). Measures included sociodemographic and anthropometric data, detailed pruritus characteristics including but not limited to pruritus intensity, frequency and extend, as well as psoriasis severity. Results: The lifetime prevalence of pruritus in each clinical variant of psoriasis was similar and quite high, reaching up to 100% in some disease subtypes (i.e., nummu)lar psoriasis, scalp psoriasis and generalized pustular psoriasis). Psoriasis severity correlated with pruritus intensity in scalp psoriasis, palmoplantar pustular psoriasis and generalized pustular psoriasis. The age, duration of psoriasis and BMI did not interfere with the intensity of itch. Conclusions: Pruritus is highly prevalent in each clinical variant of psoriasis. However, the sensation of itch is very individual, difficult to universally describe even in the same subtype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Quality of life (QoL) and sleep, which are essential for well-being in the mental, physical, and socioeconomic domains, are impaired in psoriatic patients. However, the exact role of the clinical subtype of psoriasis in this aspect remains poorly studied. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate differences in QoL impairment and sleeping problems in patients suffering from various clinical subtypes of psoriasis and to evaluate the effects of pruritus on QoL. Methods: This cross-sectional, multicenter study included 295 eligible subjects with diagnosed psoriasis. Each patient was examined with the use of the same questionnaire. Measures included predominant subtype of psoriasis, disease severity, pruritus scores, patients' health-related QoL and the incidence of sleep disturbance. Results: The QoL of most patients was decreased irrespectively of clinical psoriasis subtype, however, the most impaired QoL was in patients with erythrodermic psoriasis. The majority of patients reported sleep disturbances caused by pruritus, albeit there was no relevant differences between analyzed subgroups in this aspect of patients' well-being. Pruritus was an important factor determining QoL and sleeping problems in the studied population. Conclusions: Identifying the most disturbing area of life and recognizing the most bothersome subjective symptoms of psoriasis are pivotal to focusing on the most relevant treatment goal and achieving therapeutic success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The global severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic had a drastic psychological and economic impact on the global population. Having a chronic disease during the pandemic is associated with numerous limitations and challenges like regular hospital visits, access to health-care units and getting specialized treatment. In addition, chronically ill patients are at great risk of acquiring the SARS-CoV-2 virus and at experiencing a more severe course of illness, due to comorbid conditions as well as more frequent encounters with health-care workers and other patients in medical facilities. The aim of this study was to examine the psychological disturbances, during the pandemic in chronically ill patients. Methods: During the cross-sectional survey conducted between May and October 2020, 398 patients with four different chronic conditions (psoriasis, multiple sclerosis and patients who have undergone a kidney transplant or received dialysis). Study sample was examined regarding the occurrence of psychopathological symptoms (General Health Questionnaire 28) and their perceived stress levels (Perceived Stress Scale). Results: The highest scores were found in the MS group and the lowest scores were found in the kidney transplantation group in every subscale of the GHQ-28. Close to half of the studied population (48.74%, n = 193) patients scored above the cut-off for psychopathology. Conclusion: As the study was conducted during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Poland, it stands to reason that the pandemic affected the psychological wellbeing of chronically ill patients. A COVID-19 infection, being quarantined and having had contact with a person who was infected, did not significantly affect the outcome measures; however, further research is needed to explore this topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents case studies related to Giant Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma diagnosed and treated as Psoriasis. Topics discussed include 39-year-old man presented with a well-demarcated, brightly erythematous, scaling, plaque on his left arm in the area of a childhood scar, which was first noticed several years previously, and 80-year-old man was referred to our dermatology department for examination of a plaque, which had increased progressively.

This is a case presentation of successful defect repair after radical surgical excision of a moderately large basal cell carcinoma by a simple procedure taking advantage of a patient's individual face features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease present in about 3% of the world's population. The clinical symptoms manifest diversely, therefore one can distinguish several subtypes of psoriasis. The majority of patients with psoriasis experience pruritus, which is an unpleasant sensation that decreases patients' quality of life. The knowledge on pruritus in different subtypes of psoriasis is limited. We have performed a cross-sectional, prospective, and multicenter study to evaluate the relationship between clinical subtypes of psoriasis (large-plaque, nummular, guttate, palmoplantar, inverse, erythrodermic, palmoplantar pustular, generalized pustular psoriasis, and psoriasis of the scalp) and the prevalence, intensity, and clinical manifestation of itch. We introduced a questionnaire assessing various aspects of pruritus to a total of 254 patients. Out of these, 42 were excluded. Pruritus was present in 92.9% of the remaining patients and its prevalence did not depend on the clinical subtype. A correlation between the severity of psoriasis and the intensity of itch was explicitly noticeable in palmoplantar pustular psoriasis and scalp psoriasis (p < 0.05). The itch sensation was individual and differed among subtypes of psoriasis. In conclusion, pruritus is a frequent phenomenon, and its presentation is different in various subtypes of psoriasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]