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Background Dermoscopy is a noninvasive technique that enables the clinician to perform direct microscopic examination of diagnostic features, not seen by the naked eye, in pigmented skin lesions. Diagnostic accuracy of dermoscopy has previously been assessed in meta-analyses including studies performed in experimental and clinical settings. Objectives To assess the diagnostic accuracy of dermoscopy for the diagnosis of melanoma compared with naked eye examination by performing a meta-analysis exclusively on studies performed in a clinical setting. Methods We searched for publications from 1987 to January 2008 and found nine eligible studies. The selected studies compare diagnostic accuracy of dermoscopy with naked eye examination using a valid reference test on consecutive patients with a defined clinical presentation, performed in a clinical setting. Hierarchical summary receiver operator curve analysis was used to estimate the relative diagnostic accuracy for clinical examination with, and without, the use of dermoscopy. Results We found the relative diagnostic odds ratio for melanoma, for dermoscopy compared with naked eye examination, to be 15·6 [95% confidence interval (CI) 2·9–83·7, P = 0·016]; removal of two outlier studies changed this to 9·0 (95% CI 1·5–54·6, P = 0·03). Conclusions Dermoscopy is more accurate than naked eye examination for the diagnosis of cutaneous melanoma in suspicious skin lesions when performed in the clinical setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented with regards to the randomized, double-blinded, and placebo controlled study to determine the effect of topical 1% nicotinamide on actinic keratoses.

Summary: Background: Psychological stress may reduce cellular immunity, but its role in triggering latent infections, including herpes zoster (HZ), is controversial. Objectives: To examine the association between perceived psychological stress and risk of HZ. Methods: In a linked registry‐based cohort study, we followed 77 310 persons aged 40 years or older who participated in the 2010 Danish National Health Survey from 1 May 2010 until HZ diagnosis, death, emigration or 1 July 2014, whichever occurred first. We computed hazard ratios (HRs) of HZ associated with Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) score (range 0–40) using Cox regression with age as the timescale, adjusted for sex, immunosuppressive and selected chronic conditions, immunosuppressive drugs, and sociodemographic, lifestyle and anthropometric factors. The PSS measures chronic stress perceived by an individual in response to various demands of daily life. We modelled the PSS score using quintiles and a restricted cubic spline function. Results: The unadjusted rate of HZ varied from 5·53 to 7·20 per 1000 person‐years from the lowest to the highest PSS score quintile. Compared with the lowest PSS score quintile, the adjusted HR for HZ was 1·00 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0·86–1·16], 1·08 (95% CI 0·92–1·26), 1·05 (95% CI 0·90–1·23) and 1·14 (95% CI 0·97–1·34) for the second to the fifth quintile, respectively. In cubic spline analyses, PSS scores < 20 were not associated with increased HR of HZ, but thereafter the HR increased linearly from 1·10 (95% CI 0·85–1·41) to 2·22 (95% CI 1·32–3·75). Conclusions: Our study indicated that high levels of psychological stress are associated with increased risk of HZ. What is already known about this topic? Psychological stress may reduce cellular immunity, but its role in triggering latent infections, such as herpes zoster (HZ), is controversial.Previous epidemiological studies have mainly focused on the effects of negative life events (e.g. bereavement) on HZ risk, and dose–response analyses are lacking.It is possible that the allostatic load (the cumulative 'wear and tear' on the body associated with stress) depends on the type of stress and coping mechanisms. What does this study add? In this large population‐based cohort study, we found that persons reporting the highest levels of perceived psychological stress in daily life had an increased risk of HZ.Perceived psychological stress may be a modifiable risk factor for HZ.Our study adds HZ to the growing list of potential negative health consequences of psychological stress and underscores the importance of supporting mental wellbeing and resilience in the general population. Linked Comment: A.W.M. Evers and S. van Beugen. Br J Dermatol 2021; 185:12–13. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]