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Wolf’s isotopic phenomenon occurs when a new dermatosis appears on a site that has already healed from a previous dermatological disease of another etiology. This report describes the case of a 44-year-old female patient undergoing treatment for breast carcinoma who recently had brownish erythematous lesions appearing on the scar region of previous herpes zoster on the right hemithorax. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry examination confirmed skin metastasis of breast cancer. Herpes zoster scars require attention due to the possibility of an isotopic response as a facilitating factor in some dermatoses, sometimes severe ones, such as neoplasms.

Thousands of microorganisms compose the human gut microbiota, fighting pathogens in infectious diseases and inhibiting or inducing inflammation in different immunological contexts. The gut microbiome is a dynamic and complex ecosystem that helps in the proliferation, growth, and differentiation of epithelial and immune cells to maintain intestinal homeostasis. Disorders that cause alteration of this microbiota lead to an imbalance in the host’s immune regulation. Growing evidence supports that the gut microbial community is associated with the development and progression of different infectious and inflammatory diseases. Therefore, understanding the interaction between intestinal microbiota and the modulation of the host’s immune system is fundamental to understanding the mechanisms involved in different pathologies, as well as for the search of new treatments. Here we review the main gut bacteria capable of impacting the immune response in different pathologies and we discuss the mechanisms by which this interaction between the immune system and the microbiota can alter disease outcomes.

Introdução: a Dermatologia destaca-se entre as especialidades médicas por seu pioneirismo na descoberta e caracterização de afecções da pele, tornando-se proeminente a compreensão da conjuntura da produção científica na especialidade. Objetivo: analisar o perfil das publicações científicas do Serviço de Dermatologia da Santa Casa de Porto Alegre / Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre. Método: estudo transversal e descritivo realizado a partir da análise das publicações do Serviço de Dermatologia, no período de janeiro de 2019 a dezembro de 2020. Resultados: a partir do levantamento de dados, foram identificadas 54 publicações no período, constituídas 81,5% (n = 44) por artigos e 18,5% (n = 10) por capítulos de livro. A maioria dos artigos foram ‘relatos de casos’ (56,8%; n = 25). Cerca de 46,3% das publicações contaram com a participação de residentes e/ou especializandos, principalmente no 3º ano dos programas. Conclusão: a análise das publicações científicas revelou predomínio de artigos em periódicos, principalmente em veículos nacionais, com expressiva participação de especializandos. O desenvolvimento científico da Dermatologia pressupõe a valorização das atividades de pesquisa no âmbito dos programas de especialização e residência, com potencial de contribuição para a melhoria dos serviços de saúde e produtividade acadêmica.

Background: Infantile hemangiomas (IH) occur in approximately 4% to 10% of the pediatric population. The identification of clinical subtypes and conditions that indicate increased risk for complications is essential for therapeutic success. Objectives: To identify risk factors for complications, recurrence and unaesthetic sequelae. Methods: Retrospective cohort of patients with infantile hemangiomas undergoing follow-up at the Dermatology Service of Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, between 2006 and 2018. Results: 190 patients were included; 24% had some type of complication, ulceration being the most frequent, and 86% required treatment. On correlation, ulceration was statistically related to mixed IH (p = 0.004), segmental IH (p < 0.01) and location in the gluteal region (p = 0.001). The mean time of treatment with propranolol was 12.7 months. Patients with PHACES syndrome and segmental infantile hemangioma required longer treatment (p < 0.001 and p = 0.0407, respectively), as well as those who started treatment after five months of life (p < 0.0001). Recurrence occurred in 16.6% of the treated patients, all-female; 94% were located on the head and neck (mainly on the upper eyelid, cyrano, S3 segment, and with parotid involvement); 61% and 38.8% were of the mixed and deep subtypes, respectively. Approximately 1/3 of the patients had some unaesthetic sequelae. Study limitations: As this is a retrospective study, data and photos of some patients were lost. Conclusions: Mixed and segmental hemangiomas are risk factors for ulceration and sequelae. Recurrence occurs more often in females and segmental hemangiomas. Segmental infantile hemangioma and PHACES syndrome require a longer time of treatment. Specific protocols are required for infantile hemangiomas with a high risk of recurrence.

The aim of this study is to assess the persistence of symptoms, the prevalence of post-COVID-19 syndrome, and the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among health care workers (HCWs) 6 months after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection.A prospective cohort study was conducted. All HCWs with confirmed COVID-19 from January to June 2021 were invited to participate. Health-related quality of life was evaluated in three moments: before COVID-19, after COVID-19 (on return to work), and after 6 months. Persistence of symptoms post-COVID-19 was also assessed.There was a worsening in all dimensions of HRQOL. After 6 months, self-rated health on EuroQol visual analog scale did not return to pre-COVID-19 values. At total, 36.2% of HCWs were diagnosed with post-COVID-19 syndrome.There was a significant deterioration in HRQOL among HCWs who had COVID-19 and a high frequency of post-COVID-19 syndrome.

The presence of myofibroblast differentiation has been proposed as an invading mechanism in basal cell carcinomas. However, small studies regarding α-smooth muscle actin positivity have led to conflicting results. This review of 100 cases examines the association between α-smooth muscle actin positivity on immunohistochemical studies and the clinical and histopathological characteristics of the tumor, including tumor size, thickness, subtype, topography, ulceration, 5-year recurrence rate, and age at diagnosis.

Introdução: As doenças de pele apresentam alta prevalência em ambientes hospitalares. Pacientes hospitalizados com dermatoses associadas apresentam maior risco de mortalidade do que indivíduos sem doenças de pele, reforçando a importância do diagnóstico e tratamento precoces. Métodos: Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática em cinco bases de dados Medline, SciELO, LILACS, Web of Science e Scopus, utilizando as palavras- chave “Inpatients” AND “Dermatology”, abrangendo o período de 2010 a 2020. Em seguida, foi realizada uma revisão narrativa por meio dos autores 'seleção de referências relevantes sobre dermatologia hospitalar, incluindo artigos de revisão, livros e outras publicações. Resultados: Com base na estratégia de busca, foram encontradas 166 publicações, das quais 26 estudos foram elegíveis para inclusão no estudo. A partir desta revisão da literatura, analisamos as frequências de dermatoses em pacientes hospitalizados e os tipos de cuidados dermatológicos. As doenças dermatológicas constituem patologias importantes nos hospitais, sendo as erupções infecciosas e medicamentosas as dermatoses mais prevalentes. Conclusão: Este estudo demonstra que as doenças dermatológicas são altamente frequentes entre os pacientes hospitalizados. A maioria dos estudos corrobora a contribuição da dermatologia para a assistência hospitalar.

O carcinoma epidermoide (carcinoma escamocelular, carcinoma de células escamosas ou CEC) representa o segundo tipo de neoplasia cutânea mais comum. O CEC origina-se da proliferação atípica das células da camada espinhosa da epiderme e é mais frequente em indivíduos do sexo masculino, maiores de 50 anos, de fototipo baixo e com história de exposição solar. Descrevemos o caso de um homem de 61 anos, previamente hígido, apresentando lesão de crescimento rápido e exuberante na face, cujo anatomopatológico e imuno-histoquímica comprovaram tratar-se de CEC moderadamente diferenciado.

Neurofibromatosis is a common genodermatosis, whose diagnosis often involves the participation of a dermatologist. A case of a 38-year-old female patient with four café-au-lait macules and eleven neurofibromas on clinical examination is presented. Dermoscopy allowed the identification of Lisch nodules in the iris, bilaterally. The combination of these findings allowed the diagnosis of neurofibromatosis type 1, according to NIH criteria. Lisch nodules are melanocytic hamartomas of the iris, which must be evaluated through a visual augmentation method, usually employed in ophthalmology. Alternatively, dermoscopy can be used and contribute to the early diagnosis of neurofibromatosis type 1.

Erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) is an inflammatory complication caused by a dysregulated immune response to Mycobacterium leprae. Some Toll-like receptors (TLRs) have been identified as capable of recognizing antigens from M. leprae, triggering a wide antimicrobial and inflammatory response. Genetic polymorphisms in these receptors could influence in the appearance of ENL as well as in its treatment. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the association of genetic variants of TLRs genes with the response to treatment of ENL with thalidomide and prednisone. A total of 162 ENL patients were recruited from different regions of Brazil and clinical information was collected from their medical records. Genomic DNA was isolated from blood and saliva samples and genetic variants in TLR1 (rs4833095), TLR2 (rs3804099), TLR4 (rs1927914), and TLR6 (rs5743810) genes were genotyped by TaqMan real-time PCR system. In order to evaluate the variants' association with the dose of the medications used during the treatment, we applied the Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) analysis. In the present sample, 123 (75.9%) patients were men and 86 (53.1%) were in treatment for leprosy during the ENL episode. We found an association between polymorphisms in TLR1/rs4833095, TLR2/rs3804099, TLR4/rs1927914, and TLR6/rs5783810 with the dose variation of thalidomide in a time-dependent manner, i.e., the association with the genetic variant and the dose of the drug was different depending on the moment of the treatment evaluated. In addition, we identified that the association of polymorphisms in TLR1/rs4833095, TLR2/rs3804099, and TLR6/rs5783810 with the dose variation of prednisone also were time-dependent. Despite these associations, in all the interactions found, the influence of genetic variants on dose variation was not clinically relevant for therapeutic changes. The results obtained in this study show that TLRs polymorphism might play a role in the response to ENL treatment, however, in this context, they could not be considered as useful biomarkers in the clinical setting due small differences in medication doses. A larger sample size with patients with a more genetic profile is fundamental in order to estimate the association of genetic variants with the treatment of ENL and their clinical significance.

Background Atopic dermatitis is the most common inflammatory skin disease in childhood and has an important impact on quality of life, especially severe cases or those that are recalcitrant to treatments. Sensitization to allergens with the potential for allergic contact dermatitis is a factor associated with cases of recalcitrant atopic dermatitis. Understanding the relationship between atopic dermatitis, allergens, and allergic contact dermatitis is essential. In Brazil, there are no studies on sensitization to allergens found in patch tests with pediatric batteries in patients with atopic dermatitis. Objectives To verify the main sensitizing agents, the prevalence of allergic contact dermatitis and the epidemiological and clinical profile of children and adolescents with atopic dermatitis. Methods Cross-sectional, prospective study in patients between 4 and 18 years of age, with recalcitrant atopic dermatitis, treated at the Sanitary Dermatology Outpatient Clinic (RS). All patients underwent patch tests with a battery of pediatric allergens. Results The prevalence of sensitization and allergic contact dermatitis in the evaluated patients was 37.07% (20/54) and 27.7% (15/54), respectively. The most frequent allergens were: nickel sulfate (16.7%), disperse blue (5.6%), and fragrance mix I (5.6%). Nickel was associated with the female sex (p = 0.019). Study limitations Sample size and selection, absence of a control group. Conclusions A proportion of patients with recalcitrant atopic dermatitis may be sensitized to different allergens and may even have developed allergic contact dermatitis. Recognizing this context is important in the prevention strategy and management of the disease.

During the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, dermatologists are dealing with challenging clinical scenarios in their clinical practice. A wide range of cutaneous manifestations have been described, either directly associated with the COVID-19, or as a consequence of management procedures, as well as an exacerbation of previous cutaneous conditions.

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans is a rare mesenchymal tumor; it is locally aggressive and presents high rates of local recurrence. It may present as a nodular or plaque vegetating lesion. It mainly affects the trunk and proximal limbs, being rare in the distal extremities. Biopsy and immunohistochemistry help confirm the diagnosis. The authors report a case of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans with plantar region involvement, a rare presentation. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, only 11 cases of involvement of the feet were described in the international literature.

Cutaneous metastases are rare. They usually present as nodules or tumors. Diagnosis is based on histopathological examination and prognosis is unfavorable. This report describes the case of a female patient, 72 years old, with surgically treated gastric antrum adenocarcinoma. Pathology showed poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma with signet ring cells. It evolved with bone involvement, lymph node enlargement in the inguinal region, and skin infiltration in the lower limbs, abdomen, and root of the upper limbs. Skin biopsy demonstrated signet ring carcinoma embolizing the dermal and hypodermic vessels and invasion of adipose tissue, confirming carcinomatous lymphangitis. Carcinomatous lymphangitis is the cutaneous and subcutaneous lymphatic invasion by tumor cells. Cutaneous metastasis is relatively uncommon and presents mainly as cutaneous or subcutaneous nodules, and more rarely as inflammatory lesions. The present case reports carcinomatous lymphangitis associated with gastric cancer.

Hailey-Hailey disease, or familial benign pemphigus, is a rare bullous genodermatosis that usually presents with flaccid blisters, erosions, and maceration limited to flexural areas, resulting in increased morbidity and reduced quality of life for affected patients. The authors report an unusual case of generalized Hailey-Hailey disease with erythroderma and fatal outcome.

Background Sentinel lymph node biopsy in thin invasive primary cutaneous melanoma (up to 1mm thick) is a controversial subject. The presence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes could be a factor to be considered in the decision to perform this procedure. Objective To evaluate the association between the presence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and lymph node metastases caused by thin primary cutaneous melanoma. Methods: Cross-sectional study with 137 records of thin invasive primary cutaneous melanoma submitted to sentinel lymph node biopsy from 2003 to 2015. The clinical variables considered were age, sex and topography of the lesion. The histopathological variables assessed were: tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, melanoma subtype, Breslow thickness, Clark levels, number of mitoses per mm², ulceration, regression and satellitosis. Univariate analyzes and logistic regression tests were performed as well the odds ratio and statistical relevance was considered when p Results: Among the 137 cases of thin primary cutaneous melanoma submitted to sentinel lymph node biopsy, 10 (7.3%) had metastatic involvement. Ulceration on histopathology was positively associated with the presence of metastatic lymph node, with odds ratio =12.8 (2.77-59.4 95% CI, p=0.001). The presence of moderate/marked tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes was shown to be a protective factor for the presence of metastatic lymph node, with OR=0.20 (0.05-0.72 95% CI, p=0.014). The other variables - clinical and histopathological - were not associated with the outcome. Study limitations: The relatively small number of positive sentinel lymph node biopsy may explain such an expressive association of ulceration with metastatization. Conclusions: In patients with thin invasive primary cutaneous melanoma, few or absent tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, as well as ulceration, represent independent risk factors for lymph node metastasis.

Background: Despite being widely used in different areas of dermatology, there have been few studies evaluating the benefit of dermoscopy in the interpretation of patch tests, especially in weak and doubtful reactions. Objectives: To evaluate the role of dermoscopy in the interpretation of patch tests and describe the main findings of the reactions. Method: Prospective study, carried out in dermatology reference centers in southern Brazil, which evaluated the final results of patch tests analyzed with the aid of dermoscopy. Results: 77 patients and 160 reactions were included. The most prevalent substances were nickel sulphate (23.8%), kathon CG (9.4%), and perfume mix (8.8%). The main dermoscopic findings were reaction area greater than half of the chamber site (90%), homogeneous erythema (86.9%), vesicles (30%), crusts (21.3%), perifollicular erythema (35%), pore reaction (19.4%) and pustules (8.8%). Dermoscopy was found to facilitate the definition of erythema in reactions on black skin and when due to substances with deposition of pigment. Of the 64 weak or doubtful reactions, 36 (56.25%) showed a change in the final result after dermoscopy evaluation; of the 36 doubtful reactions, 33 (91.6%) showed a change in the final result after dermoscopy evaluation (p < 0.001). Study limitations: The probable limitation of the study is its sample size. Though certain significance levels have been reached, other possible relationships may not have been observed. Conclusion: Dermoscopy improves significantly the interpretation of patch tests, especially in weak and doubtful reactions.

Histoid leprosy is considered a rare form of lepromatous leprosy. Its peculiar clinical picture makes its diagnosis a challenging one, which can delay starting treatment and perpetuate the disease as endemic. In addition to representing a reservoir of bacilli, and being an important means of contamination, these patients have greater resistance to standard treatment. This is a report of a typical case of this rare presentation, aiming to share the knowledge and favor earlier diagnosis of the disease.

Background: Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin, relatively more frequent in women over 30 with a low phototype and proven genetic predisposition. Although its etiology is unknown and possibly multifactorial, the immunological abnormality, associated with neurovascular dysregulation and triggering factors, are important elements in its pathophysiology, which lead to the main changes of inflammation, vasodilation, and angiogenesis that are responsible for the clinical manifestations. Despite the lack of cure, numerous therapeutic options are available for the different clinical presentations of the disease, with satisfactory responses. Objective: To reach a consensus, with recommendations from experts, on the therapeutic management of rosacea suitable to the Brazilian setting. Methods: The study was conducted by five specialized dermatologists from university centers, representatives of the different Brazilian regions, with experience in rosacea, who were appointed by the Brazilian Society of Dermatology. Based on the adapted DELPHI methodology, the experts contributed through an updated bibliographic review of the scientific evidence, combined with personal experiences. Results: The group of experts reached a consensus on the relevant aspects in the therapeutic management of rosacea, providing information on epidemiology, pathophysiology, triggering factors, clinical condition, classification, quality of life, and comorbidities. Consensus was defined as approval by at least 90% of the panel. Conclusion: Despite the impossibility of cure, there are several therapeutic alternatives specific to each patient that provide excellent results, with chances of total improvement and long periods of remission, promoting a positive impact on quality of life. This consensus provides detailed guidance for clinical practice and therapeutic decisions in rosacea.

Objective. To determine the prevalence of skin changes during pregnancy and to relate their occurrence to specific factors in a population of south Brazil. Methods. A cross-sectional analytical study was carried out with 1284 puerperal patients. A questionnaire about skin changes during pregnancy was developed and applied by the authors to all puerperal women admitted in a tertiary hospital in south Brazil. Results. The appearance of striae during pregnancy was reported by 633 women (49.5%) and had a statistically significant association with primiparity, presence of stretch marks before pregnancy, and gestational weight gain above 21 kg. Facial blemishes were reported by 33.9% (n=434) and were associated with a positive family history, multiparity, and the use of facial sunscreen (p<0.0001). The onset or worsening of acne was identified in 35.7% (n=456) and was statistically associated with primiparity and Fitzpatrick phototypes IV and V. Hair alterations were reported by 44.5% (n=569) and were associated with primiparity (p=0.029). Conclusion. Although most of the skin changes during pregnancy are considered “physiologic,” they can cause significant discomfort. Thus, it is important to know them and to understand which risk factors may be associated with such changes.