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Abstract Introducion The concept of a window of opportunity in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) management suggests that early initiation of biological therapy leads to better outcomes, though its timing remains uncertain. Methods We conducted a retrospective observational multicenter study, including consecutive patients with moderate to severe HS who initiated secukinumab treatment following prior failure with systemic antibiotics or adalimumab. Therapeutic burden was defined as the sum of previous systemic treatment cycles and previous major surgical interventions for HS. Patients were followed up for 24 weeks. Main outcomes were safety and effectiveness, assessed through the proportion of patients achieving HS Clinical Response (HiSCR) and a 55% reduction in International HS Severity Score System (IHS4-55). Additionally, potential predictors of response to secukinumab were studied. Analysis was performed on an intention-to-treat basis. Results A total of 67 patients (33 men, 34 women) were included, with a mean age of 41.55 (11.94) years and a mean baseline IHS4 of 17.88 (11.13). The mean therapeutic burden was 6.06 (3.49). At week 24, 10.45% (7/67) of patients experienced adverse events, with three leading to treatment discontinuation. At week 24, 41.79% (28/67) of patients achieved HiSCR, and 44.78% (30/67) of patients achieved IHS4-55. HiSCR could not be calculated in 12 patients with a baseline AN count

Abstract Introduction The recurrent nature of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), even under maintained systemic treatment, makes it necessary to have effective local treatments; however, the response to these therapies is variable (44–81%). The application of galvanic current (GC) has demonstrated its utility in humans in treating lesions structurally similar to those of HS. With this background, the main objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided percutaneous GC in inflamed and/or draining tunnels of HS. Methods This was an open study (one-way repeated measures design over time). Patients were evaluated at 4 and 12 weeks after receiving GC. A combined clinical response at week 12 (absence of suppuration/inflammation on examination and clinical interview) was considered the principal variable of efficacy. Adverse effects potentially associated with GC were reported by telephone and at each visit. Results Twenty-six patients were included, with a male/female ratio of 5:8. The mean age was 35.84 (13.14) years. At 12 weeks after the administration of GC, a complete response was achieved in 77% (20/26) of the treated lesions. No serious adverse effects were observed, and the mean procedural pain assessed by the numeric rating scale was 0.03 (0.2). Conclusion GC has proven to be effective and well tolerated in inflamed and draining tunnels of patients with HS.

Abstract Background Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, inflammatory, debilitating skin disease. HS is difficult‐to‐treat, and a multifaceted treatment approach is recommended to achieve adequate clinical response. A greater understanding of HS treatment could help identify unmet clinical needs. Objectives To evaluate disease characteristics and treatment patterns in a real‐world population of patients with HS in Spain. Methods This retrospective analysis utilised data collected from the Adelphi HS Disease Specific Programme between November 2020 and April 2021. Dermatologists completed patient record forms (PRFs) for consulting HS patients. Outcomes included disease severity, HS clinical signs, quality of life measures, medical treatments and previous surgeries. Results Overall, 53 dermatologists completed 332 PRFs, each representing one patient with HS. Based on physician‐judged disease severity at sampling, 73.8%, 22.9% and 3.3% of patients were classified as mild, moderate or severe, respectively. Overall, patients presented with 2.8±2.7 (mean±SD) HS symptoms, which increased with worsening disease severity. The most frequently reported symptoms were ‘inflammation/redness of HS lesions/abscess’ (45.9%), general pain/discomfort (39.9%) and pain on sitting (32.3%). Overall, patients reported a mean±SD Dermatology Life Quality Index score of 4.7±4.8, which increased with worsening disease severity (mild, 3.9±4.3; moderate, 8.7±5.1; moderate to severe, 9.0±5.1). When asked what effect HS had on everyday activities, a large proportion of patients reported that HS sometimes or greatly affected personal appearance/self‐confidence (66.0%), mood (60.2%), close personal relationships (60.4%), motivation (38.3%), leisure activities (43.0%) and feelings about the future (33.6%). At the time of HS diagnosis, the most frequently prescribed treatment regimens were topicals (70.7%), antibiotics (57.6%) and antiseptics (32.2%). At the time of sampling, the most common treatment regimens were biologics (43.8%), topicals (34.9%) and antibiotics (32.2%). The mean±SD number of surgical interventions was 0.6±0.8; incision and drainage (31.3%), local or limited excision (13.0%), and wide surgical excision of all hair‐bearing skin (9.9%) were the most common surgeries. Conclusions These real‐world data suggest a high disease burden in patients with HS in Spain. Patients received multiple treatments, and a notable proportion underwent surgery. More data are needed to define optimal HS management strategies.

Abstract Introduction Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. Biologic drugs have a key role in the long-term anti-inflammatory treatment of moderate to severe patients due to their immunomodulatory properties. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of secukinumab in patients with moderate to severe HS after 16 weeks of treatment, and to explore potential predictors of clinical response to the drug. Methods Multicenter observational retrospective study. Patients treated with secukinumab 300 mg every 2 or 4 weeks who had completed at least 16 weeks of follow-up from nine hospitals based in southern Spain (Andalusia) were included in this study. Treatment effectiveness was assessed using the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinical Response (HiSCR). Information about adverse events was collected, the therapeutic burden of the patients was calculated as the summation of systemic medical treatments and surgical interventions (excluding incision and drainage) experienced until the start of secukinumab treatment. Results Forty-seven patients with severe HS were included for analysis. At week 16, 48.9% (23/47) of patients achieved HiSCR. Adverse events were present in 6.4% (3/47) of the patients. The multivariate analysis showed that female sex and, to a lesser extent, lower body mass index (BMI) and a lower therapeutic burden were potentially associated with a higher probability of HiSCR achievement. Conclusions Favorable short-term effectiveness and safety of secukinumab in the treatment of severe HS patients were observed. Female sex, lower BMI and a lower therapeutic burden may be associated with a higher probability of achieving HiSCR.

Abstract Introduction Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) has been linked to higher cardiovascular risk (CVR) due to its inflammatory burden. There is little evidence on how biologic treatment could modify the cardiovascular risk of patients with HS. The aims of the present study were to explore the modification of CVR in patients under adalimumab treatment and to explore the potential factors associated with CVR improvement. Methods A prospective longitudinal study was performed. A cohort of patients with HS treated with adalimumab was followed up. Carotid intima–media thickness (IMT) and other clinical and biochemical CVR factors were collected at baseline and 32 weeks after starting the treatment. Results Twenty-seven patients with severe HS were included. Overall, there were no differences in IMT between baseline (633 μm) and 32 weeks follow-up (634 μm). However, 40.7% (11/27) of the patients presented an improvement in IMT. This group (IMT responders) had a higher prevalence of dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, higher HbA1c levels, consumed more tobacco, and had higher BMI at baseline. Moreover, these patients had lower IHS4 scores at baseline and tended to have a greater IMT basal value, indicating a higher burden of subclinical atherosclerosis. Conclusions Adalimumab treatment might benefit a subset of patients with HS in terms of cardiovascular risk reduction. In light of the results of the present study patients with classical cardiovascular risk factors, and those with higher burden of subclinical atherosclerosis and with less inflammatory load, may be more likely to improve their IMT during adalimumab treatment.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with significant impairment in quality of life. Although quality of life in patients with psoriasis has been widely studied, there is little evidence regarding the impact of psoriasis on major life-changing decisions (MLCD). The aims of this study are to describe the impact of psoriasis on MLCD and to explore the potential clinical factors associated with MLCD. This cross-sectional study included 113 patients with psoriasis, regardless of disease severity, duration, or current treatment. The impact of the disease on different MLCD, including those related to professional career, decision of having children, choice of clothing, and leisure activities, was explored using Likert scales. Mean age was 51 years old and female to male ratio was 1.08 (54/50). The mean Psoriasis Area Severity Index was 3.75, and 30% (35/113) of the patients had psoriatic arthropathy. The most affected MLCD were career choice (median (interquartile range) score 3 (2–4)), social relationships (2 (1–3)), choice of clothing (2 (1–3)), job performance, absenteeism, and choice of holiday destination (1 (0–2)). Female sex, early age of onset and psoriatic arthropathy were associated with a greater impact of the disease on MLCD (p

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the hair follicle with a high level of morbidity. Pilonidal sinus disease is a comorbid disorder and may be the reason for first contact with the healthcare system of patients with hidradenitis suppurativa. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of association of pilonidal sinus disease and hidradenitis suppurativa and to explore whether pilonidal sinus disease defines a different clinical profile for patients with hidradenitis suppurativa. A cross-sectional study in which data regarding past history of pilonidal sinus disease, clinical and sociodemographic information were recorded during the first visit to the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinic of 2 tertiary hospitals. A total of 839 patients were included in the study. Of these, 51.7% (434/839) were male and mean age was 37.3 ± 13.6 years. Pilonidal sinus disease was present in 32.6% (269/839) of the patients and was associated with an early debut of hidradenitis suppurativa, a higher Hurley stage, inflammatory phenotype and a greater number of fistulas and perianal involvement. Elapsed time between pilonidal sinus disease and diagnosis of hidradenitis suppurativa was associated with higher disease severity. Pilonidal sinus disease is a frequent comorbidity and risk marker for hidradenitis suppurativa disease severity. Pilonidal sinus disease could be a sentinel event to identify patients who would benefit from close treatment and follow-up.

Type D personality is characterized by social inhibition and negative affectivity. Poorer outcomes and worse quality of life have been linked to type D personality in patients with a variety of non-dermatological diseases. Despite increasing evidence of the importance of type D personality in skin diseases, there are no reviews on this subject. The aim of this review is to summarize the current evidence regarding type D personality and skin diseases. A systematic search was performed using Medline and Web of Science databases from inception to 11 October 2022. Studies addressing the presence of type D personality, its associated factors, its impact on the outcomes of the disease or the quality of life of the patients were included in the systematic review. A total of 20 studies, including 3,124 participants, met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. Acne, hidradenitis suppurativa, psoriasis, melanoma, atopic dermatitis, chronic spontaneous urticaria and pruritic disorders were the main diseases assessed. Type D personality was more frequent among patients with skin diseases than among controls. Type D personality was found to be associated with poorer quality of life and higher rates of psychological comorbidities in patients with skin diseases. In conclusion, type D personality appears to be a marker of patients with increased risk of poorer quality of life and higher rates of psychological comorbidities. Screening for type D personality in specialized dermatology units might be beneficial to identify patients who are more psychologically vulnerable to the consequences of chronic skin diseases.

Abstract Background: Psoriasis is a systemic auto-inflammatory disease that is related to an increased risk of organic and psychological comorbidities. Type D is a stable personality trait in healthy subjects but there is no data regarding its stability in patients with moderate-severe psoriasis. Objectives: To assess the stability of type D personality in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis as well as assessing the influence of type D personality on anxiety and depression. Methods: Prospective cohort study. Forty psoriasis patients with type D personality and sixtysix patients with psoriasis without type D personality were included in the study. Participants completed the DS14 test and HADS at baseline and four years later. Results: At baseline, the prevalence of type D personality was 37.7% and at week 208 it was 27.3%. The stability of type D personality was higher in patients with an incomplete education level and in those who were separated/divorced or windowed. During follow-up, 15% of patients developed type D personality. Male sex, having topical treatment, the presence of previous depression, anxiety, and high levels of negative affectivity at baseline increase the risk of developing type D personality. Study limitations: Sample size, psoriasis severity restricted to moderate and severe and all patients being under treatment for psoriasis. Conclusion The presence of type D personality varies over time in psoriasis patients. Therefore, type D personality is possibly more a state than a trait phenomenon, modified by environmental factors. Type D personality is associated with a higher risk of anxiety.

Type D personality (TDp) is a stable personality type that has been associated with poor quality of life in the general population and in patients with a variety of diseases, such as cancer, cardiac diseases, and dermatological diseases (e.g. psoriasis). To date, the potential association between chronic spontaneous urticaria and TDp has not been studied. The aim of this study is to analyse the impact of TDp on patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria, regarding mood disturbances, quality of life, sexuality, and sleep disturbances. A cross-sectional study including 75 patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria was performed. Data on socio- demographic variables and disease activity, quality of life, sleep, sexual dysfunction, anxiety, depression and TDp were collected using validated questionnaires. TDp was present in 28% (21/75) of the patients. Although TDp was not related to worse disease control, the presence of anxiety and depression was higher in patients with TDp. Regarding quality of life, TDp was associated with poorer quality of life and higher frequency of sleep disturbances. Prevalence of TDp in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria is similar to that in the general population. It is associated with mood status disturbances and worse quality of life regardless of disease severity, especially in the emotional and psychological domains. This group of patients could benefit from additional psychological support as a complement to their medical treatment.

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Meyerson phenomenon, also known as “halo-eczema,” has been widely described over melanocytic and non-melanocytic lesions. However, its appearance over vascular anomalies is rarely observed and could lead to diagnostic errors. A case study of five patients aged between four months and two years is reported. These patients developed unique erythematous and pruritic scaly patches, being diagnosed and treated as fungal infections. Due to the lack of response to the treatment, they were referred to the pediatric dermatology practice, where the diagnosis of Meyerson phenomenon over capillary malformations was made. Topical treatment with corticosteroids led to improvement in all cases. Although Meyerson phenomenon developing over vascular anomalies is a rare condition, it is important for pediatricians and dermatologists to assess it as a part of the differential diagnosis when treating a patient with skin lesions. Recognizing this phenomenon will prevent diagnostic and therapeutic errors.

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There is scarce scientific information regarding the potential benefits of healthy lifestyles in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). The objective of this study is to explore the potential association between the adherence to a Mediterranean diet (MD), physical activity and HS severity. A cross-sectional study that included patients with HS was conducted. Disease severity was evaluated by the International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Score System (IHS4) and self-reported disease activity using a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS, 0–10). The adherence to a MD was assessed by the PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea (PREDIMED) questionnaire and the level of physical activity by the International Physical Activity questionnaire. A total of 221 patients with HS were included in our study. The adherence to a MD was average for a Spanish population. A higher adherence to a MD was associated with lower disease activity, lower self-reported Hurley and lower IHS4. The use of extra virgin olive oil as the main culinary lipid was the dietary habit that implied a lower degree of disease activity (p < 0.05). Regarding physical activity, both the self-reported severity and IHS4 presented an inverse association with the intensity of physical activity. The adherence to a MD and the intensity of physical activity were positively associated. The Mediterranean dietary pattern may have an impact on HS. Greater adherence to a MD is related to lower HS severity and more physical activity also correlates to lower disease severity. The MD could be an appropriate dietary pattern for patients with HS due to its anti-inflammatory properties, and combining this with increased levels of physical activity could have additional benefits.

Skin is damaged in atopic dermatitis (AD) patients. Age is also believed to have a negative effect on epidermal barrier function. The aim of this study was to investigate skin barrier function changes with age in AD patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted including 162 participants, 81 AD patients and 81 healthy volunteers. Skin barrier function parameters, such as transepidermal water loss (TEWL), erythema, temperature, stratum corneum hydration (SCH), pH, and elasticity, were evaluated. Healthy volunteers were evaluated on the volar forearm. AD patients were measured on two regions: on an eczematous lesion on the volar forearm and on a non-involved area 5 cm from the affected area. TEWL was lower on healthy skin than uninvolved AD skin (9.98 vs. 25.51 g·m−2·h−1, p < 0.001) and AD eczematous lesions (9.98 vs. 28.38 g·m−2·h−1, p < 0.001). SCH was lower on AD eczematous lesions than uninvolved AD skin (24.23 vs. 39.36 AU, p < 0.001) and healthy skin (24.23 vs. 44.36 AU, p < 0.001). Elasticity was lower on AD eczematous lesions than uninvolved AD skin (0.69 vs. 0.74, p = 0.038) and healthy skin (0.69 vs. 0.77, p = 0.014). A negative correlation was found between age and elasticity in all the population (r = −0.383, p < 0.001). This correlation was stronger in AD patients (r = −0.494, p < 0.001) than in controls (r = −0.266, p = 0.092). After conducting a linear regression model in AD patients adjusted by age, sex, and SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD), it was found that elasticity was impaired by an increasing age (β = −0.004, p < 0.001) and a higher SCORAD (β = −0.003, p < 0.001). The skin barrier function is impaired by age and AD, reflected mainly in poor elasticity values in older AD patients.

There is a need to establish the role of antiandrogens as an alternative or concomitant therapy for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Thus, the objectives of this study are (1) to assess the effectiveness of oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) at week 12 in HS women, and (2) to describe the clinical profile of patients receiving oral contraceptive pills (OCPs). A prospective observational study was designed. This study included 100 participants, 50 women with HS who started OCPs for the first time at our HS Clinic and 50 participants without OCP treatment. The main outcome of interest was the percentage of reduction in total abscess and inflammatory nodule (AN) count at week 12. Thirty-three women received combined OCPs and 17 non-combined OCP. HS patients with OCPs treatment were younger (31.7 vs. 40.9 years, p < 0.001), thinner (28.62 vs. 33.35 kg/m2), and have a higher number of areas affected (2.32 vs. 1.38, p = 0.02) than those without OCPs. After 12-weeks of treatment, it was observed that the percentage of AN reduction was higher in HS women receiving OCP than in patients without OCP (53.9% vs. 38.42%, p = 0.049). It was observed that OCP prescription (β = 3.79, p = 0.034) and concomitant therapy (β = 3.91, p = 0.037) were independently associated with a higher % AN when controlling for disease duration, concomitant therapy, and treatment with/without OCP (R2 = 0.67). The factors potentially associated with the percentage AN reduction at week 12 in HS women treated with OCPs were disease duration (β = −1.327, p = 0.052), concomitant therapy (β = 11.04, p = 0.079), and HS worsening with the menstrual cycle (β = 10.55, p = 0.087). In conclusion, OCPs might be effective for improving AN count in women with HS. Women whose HS worsens in relation to the menstrual cycle and have a shorter disease may benefit more from the therapeutic effect of OCPs.

There are scarce data available regarding the impact of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) on fertility, course and outcome of pregnancy and risk associated with treatments. The aims of this study are (1) to describe the clinical profile of HS women of childbearing age with and without accomplished reproductive desires and (2) to describe the prescribed treatments based on the fulfillment of reproductive intentions. We conducted a prospective observational study that included 104 HS women of childbearing age, 50.96% (53/104) with unfulfilled reproductive desires. These women were younger (29.08 vs. 42.06 years, p < 0.001), less frequently married and higher educated than women with fulfilled reproductive desires. Their age of disease onset was lower, but disease duration was shorter, in concordance with a lower International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Score System (IHS4) and lower number of draining tunnels. Combined oral contraceptives were more frequently prescribed in women with unfulfilled reproductive desires (30.19% vs. 9.80%, p = 0.013) while biologics were less used in this group (3.77% vs. 13.73%, p = 0.08). In conclusion, a higher educational level and an earlier disease onset, with potential implications in finding a partner, may make the fulfillment of reproductive desires difficult for patients with HS. This study could help clinicians to achieve a better understanding of the specific characteristics of HS during childbearing age and consider reproductive desires when making treatment decisions.

Alopecia is a challenging condition for both physicians and patients. Several topical, intralesional, oral, and surgical treatments have been developed in recent decades, but some of those therapies only provide partial improvement. Advanced medical therapies are medical products based on genes, cells, and/or tissue engineering products that have properties in regenerating, repairing, or replacing human tissue. In recent years, numerous applications have been described for advanced medical therapies. With this background, those therapies may have a role in the treatment of various types of alopecia such as alopecia areata and androgenic alopecia. The aim of this review is to provide dermatologists an overview of the different advanced medical therapies that have been applied in the treatment of alopecia, by reviewing clinical and basic research studies as well as ongoing clinical trials.

Abstract: Proliferative nodules can occasionally arise on congenital and acquired melanocytic nevi. At first sight their clinical and pathologic features cause alert to both dermatologist and dermatopathologist. However, proliferative nodules are typically benign, regression is common and there is minimum risk of malignization. We present a new case of proliferative nodule in melanocytic nevi with features of deep penetrating nevus.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra virgin olive oil and nuts on dry eye parameters. The participants in this study were randomized into one of the two interventional arms: (1) a standard intervention group, a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra virgin olive oil and nuts; and (2) an intensive intervention group, based on a hypocaloric Mediterranean diet and an intensive lifestyle program with physical activity and weight-loss goals. In both groups, common dry eye tests were conducted at baseline and after six months: the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), the Dry Eye Scoring System (DESS), tear break-up time (TBUT), the Schirmer’s test, and the Oxford staining grade. Sixty-seven eyes were examined. After six months, dry eye parameters improved in both groups; differences between groups were favorable for the intensive intervention group. The implementation of a Mediterranean diet pattern was beneficial for the selected patients with dry eye, and could be beneficial for patients with dry eye in general. Behavioral support for diet adherence and the promotion of healthy lifestyles (exercise) and weight loss (calorie restriction) have an added positive effect.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Psoriasis may significantly impair sexual function. Depression and organic factors appear to play a key role in this relation. However, beyond genital psoriasis, the importance of the disease's distribution patterns has not been considered. OBJECTIVES: To research sexual function in psoriasis patients and investigate the roles of anxiety, depression and psoriasis' distribution patterns in sexual dysfunction. METHODS: A comparative study matched for sex and age was performed. Eighty patients with moderate to severe psoriasis and 80 healthy controls were included. The participants completed the Massachusetts General Hospital-Sexual Functioning Questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Self-Administered Psoriasis Area and Severity Index. RESULTS: Psoriasis was associated with sexual dysfunction, odds ratio=5.5 (CI 95% 2.6-11.3; p

Majocchi's granuloma is a persistent supurative folliculitis, associated with a deep granulomatous reaction induced by dermatophytes. There are two clinical forms of Majocchi's granuloma: the superficial form that appears in healthy individuals after localized trauma; and the nodular form, which occurs in inmunocompromised patients. We present a case of nodular Majocchi's granuloma on the forearm of an immunocompetent patient. Microbiological culture and examination of a deep aspiration sample identified Trichophyton rubrum. Collecting a deep sample of tissue is essential in achieving a good diagnostic performance.

Granular cell tumour is a rare tumour of neural origin usually located on the face and the neck. The biological behaviour is usually benign. However, certain clinical and histopathological features should alert physicians to a malignant behaviour. This case report describes the occurrence of a granular cell tumour in the inguinal area that resembled a malignant tumour. The histopathological study revealed typical features of granular cell tumour and an extension study confirmed the absence of metastasis. This case highlights the importance of considering this disorder in the differential diagnosis of ulcerated nodules and of managing atypical granular cell tumor appropriately.