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Introduction: High-frequency ultrasonography (HFUS) has emerged as a non-invasive and cost-effective diagnostic tool for evaluating the outcomes of dermatological therapeutic procedures. Aim: This manuscript presents a comprehensive collection of sonographic images depicting cutaneous lesions associated with various dermatoses, including verruca vulgaris, epidermoid cyst, maculopapular cutaneous mastocytosis and lichen sclerosus et atrophicus. Material and methods: Drawing from an extensive review of the existing literature and supported by empirical observations, the study highlights key sonographic attributes observable in both normal and pathological skin variants. Results: It has been demonstrated that individual skin lesions exhibit distinct characteristics on HFUS. Furthermore, ultrasonographic examination has proven to be valuable for the objective assessment of disease severity. Conclusions: Additionally, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of HFUS as a valuable tool in dermatological diagnostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sarcoidosis, characterized by non-caseating epithelioid granulomas, presents diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Method: Here we present a 38-year-old woman who exhibited erythematous and infiltrated skin lesions on her facial region following fractional laser treatment. Results: Histological analysis confirmed cutaneous sarcoidosis. Initial interventions with topical clobetasol and oral chloroquine provided transient relief. Subsequent outpatient management comprised topical tacrolimus and clobetasol, as well as systemic methotrexate, later substituted with prednisone. Gradual tapering resulted in lesion reduction. Conclusions: This case underscores the intricate nature of cutaneous sarcoidosis and the necessity for personalized therapeutic approaches. The association with cosmetic procedures highlights the importance of understanding potential triggers. The presented case highlights and reminds the medical community that lasers are not only used for therapeutic purposes but can also induce specific responses through laser therapy. Notably, while laser therapy is frequently employed in treating cutaneous sarcoidosis, its role in inducing sarcoidosis warrants further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Superficial mycosis is one of the most common diseases worldwide; however, its epidemiology is changing over time. Aim: To present the awareness of people using swimming pools about athlete's foot and onychomycosis. Material and methods: A total of 690 participants were subjected to an extensive survey administered via Google Documents. The questionnaire consisted of 30 online polling items and aimed to evaluate respondents' knowledge pertaining to fungal infections, encompassing aspects such as prevention strategies, disease trajectory, and therapeutic modalities. The survey sample specifically encompassed students and sports enthusiasts associated with 33 Internet groups, and data collection transpired during the period spanning 12 January to 15 March, 2018, predating the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: In the study, 85.2% of participants regularly inspected their feet, with 4.8% seeking podiatric services. While 75.2% demonstrated hygienic behaviour by changing towels after each pool visit, 41.4% acknowledged sharing nail tools. Notably, 75.7% preferred professional assistance for symptoms, with 24.3% opting for home remedies. Gender disparities were evident, with women showing significantly better hygiene practices and pool usage than men (p < 0.001). Women also exhibited a stronger tendency to disinfect grooming tools and prioritise sterility during beautician services (p < 0.001). These findings emphasise the importance of gender-specific health behaviour analysis in promoting preventive measures. Conclusions: The study highlights onychomycosis as a significant societal concern. Pre-COVID-19, awareness among municipal swimming pool users regarding prevention, symptoms, and treatment of athlete's foot and onychomycosis was insufficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) poses a challenge in terms of diagnosis and assessment of disease progression. High-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) is a non-invasive imaging modality used for evaluating dermal changes, including the assessment of infiltrative intensity in CTCL. HFUS encompasses the assessment of infiltrative intensity, visualization of tumor characteristics, and monitoring of disease progression and treatment response. By providing detailed and precise information regarding the affected skin layers, HFUS contributes to the diagnostic process and aids in the management of this complex disease. Herein, we present the case of a 79-year-old male diagnosed with mycosis fungoides (MF), whose disease was confirmed by HFUS examination during PUVA therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the landscape of cutaneous adverse drug reactions (cADRs), acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) remains a pertinent dermatological manifestation. This research delineates a clinical presentation consistent with AGEP precipitated by the administration of sulfasalazine in a 68-year-old female. Drawing from the EuroSCAR study's diagnostic parameters, the patient exhibited salient features such as facial erythema and a pervasive papular rash, concomitant with specific hematological perturbations, including leukocytosis and elevated hepatic enzymes. Utilizing the EuroSCAR AGEP validation score, a definitive diagnosis was ascertained, obviating the need for histological confirmation. Subsequent therapeutic interventions facilitated symptomatic resolution, leading to the patient's discharge with a categorical advisory against future sulfasalazine exposure. This elucidation accentuates the causative potential of sulfasalazine in AGEP manifestation and underscores the imperativeness of vigilant diagnosis and timely intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphea, a localized scleroderma variant, is a rare dermatological condition characterized by fibrosis and thickening of the skin. While its etiology remains unclear, there have been reports of its association with viral infections, including COVID-19. We present a case of morphea in a 26-year-old female patient with a history of two episodes of COVID-19. The patient exhibited cutaneous lesions on her left forearm, bilateral axillae, and groin, accompanied by abdominal wall induration Laboratory investigations revealed no significant abnormalities, except for positive antinuclear antibodies (ANA) with various patterns. This case highlights the potential association between COVID-19 infection and the development of morphea, underscoring the importance of considering this relationship in patients presenting with dermatological manifestations following COVID-19. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and optimize treatment strategies for such cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent survey results highlight the need for increased awareness and recognition of dermatology as a medical specialty within the broader medical community. Methods: A survey was conducted among 852 Polish medical students using Google Documents, modelled after a similar study conducted in Germany. Results: The survey identified significant findings: many respondents lacked awareness and understanding of dermatology's scope and significance, often associating it primarily with cosmetic procedures. Dermatology was perceived as less prestigious and intellectually challenging, leading to its underrepresentation in medical school curricula and career preferences. Conclusions: There is a pressing need for advocacy and awareness campaigns to showcase the depth and complexity of dermatology as a medical field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Pemphigus vulgaris is a chronic autoimmune blistering disorder characterised by the production of autoantibodies against desmogleins, resulting in intraepithelial blister formation. Despite advancements in treatment options, some patients experience disease progression and an inadequate response to conventional therapies. Rituximab, a monoclonal chimeric antibody targeting CD20 on B-cells, has shown promise as an alternative therapeutic option. Case report: In this case report, we present the management of a 14-year-old child with pemphigus vulgaris who exhibited disease progression despite conventional treatment modalities. The patient was administered rituximab therapy, resulting in significant clinical improvement and disease control. Conclusions: The utilisation of rituximab as an adjunct or alternative therapy in refractory pemphigus cases offers a valuable treatment option. Further studies and long-term follow-up are necessary to determine the optimal dosing regimen and evaluate the safety and efficacy of rituximab in paediatric pemphigus patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies place great importance on Protein-Bound Uraemic Toxins (PBUT) in the context of etiopathogenesis of chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus (CKD-aP). This study aimed to investigate the possible contribution of free and total Indoxyl Sulfate (IS) and p-Cresol Sulfate (PCS) to the cause of CKD-aP. Group A included 64 patients on maintenance haemodialysis (HD) with CKD-aP. Group B included 62 patients on maintenance HD that did not report CKD-aP, and group C included 50 healthy controls. Pruritus severity was assessed using a Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). Moreover, other tools like UP-Dial, ItchyQoL, and the 4-Item Itch Questionnaire evaluating CKD-aP were completed by the patients. The serum levels of free and total IS and PCS concentrations were measured using the Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography System. No significant difference in the serum level of free and total IS, or PCS, was observed between the patients who reported CKD-aP and those without pruritus. Moreover, there was no correlation between serum IS or PCS levels and the severity of the itch. Our study does not support earlier findings about higher levels of IS and PCS in patients reporting CKD-aP. Further studies will be needed to investigate these discrepancies as well as to understand the cause of CKD-aP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Uraemic pruritus is a common and burdensome symptom in patients undergoing haemodialysis. Though a significant negative impact of chronic itch on patient's quality of life is proved, this problem is still often underestimated in clinical practice. Various instruments describing itch are in use, however only recently a specific instrument for uraemic itch - Uraemic Pruritus in Dialysis Patient (UP-Dial) - questionnaire has been created. Aim: To translate and to validate the Polish version of the UP-Dial questionnaire. Material and methods: Forward and backward translations were conducted according to international standards. The validation was performed on a group of 30 patients undergoing haemodialysis and suffering from uraemic itch. Respondents completed the questionnaire twice with a 3-7 days' interval. Moreover, for convergent validity, the subjects were asked to assess their itch with the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), 4-Item Itch Questionnaire (4IIQ) as well as ItchyQoL questionnaire. Results: The Polish version of the UP-Dial questionnaire showed very good internal consistency - Cronbach α coefficient was 0.90 for total score. The reproducibility assessed with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was also very good - 0.9. Furthermore, UP-Dial correlated strongly with NRS (r = 0.74, p < 0.01), 4IIQ (r = 0.82, p < 0.01) and ItchyQoL (r = 0.88, p < 0.01). Conclusions: The Polish version of the UP-Dial questionnaire showed high internal reliability, validity and reproducibility and can be widely used both in research and in daily clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about itch related to the use of face masks. This internet survey study investigated the prevalence, intensity and clinical characteristics of itch related to the use of face masks by the general public during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 2,315 replies were received, of which 2,307 were included in the final analysis. Of the respondents, 1,393 (60.4%) reported using face masks during the previous week, and, of these, 273 (19.6%) participants reported having itch. Subjects who reported sensitive skin and atopic predisposition, and those with facial dermatoses (acne, atopic dermatitis or seborrhoeic dermatitis) were at significantly higher risk of itch development. The highest rating of itch for the whole group on the Itch Numeral Rating Scale was 4.07 ± 2.06 (itch of moderate intensity). Responders who wore masks for longer periods more frequently reported itch. Almost 30% of itchy subjects reported scratching their face without removing the mask, or after removing the mask and then scratching. Wearing face masks is linked to development of itch, and scratching can lead to incorrect use of face masks, resulting in reduced protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ageing is associated with numerous medical afflictions, including dermatological symptoms and diseases. Chronic itch (CI) in elderly people is a frequent symptom of diverse aetiology. This study assessed the prevalence and detailed clinical features of CI among 153 elderly patients hospitalized in the geriatric ward, including associations with comorbidities and pharmacotherapy. CI affected 35.3% of subjects, most commonly due to cutaneous conditions, mixed aetiology and neurological disorders (53.7%, 25.9% and 11.1% of pruritic subjects, respectively). The mean itch intensity assessed with the 4-Item Itch Questionnaire (4IIQ) was 6.6 ± 2.8 points. Viral hepatitis (p = 0.02), higher serum creatinine concentration (p = 0.02) and coexistent purpuric lesions (p = 0.002) were associated with higher 4IIQ scores. In logistic regression analysis CI correlated positively with female sex, atopic dermatitis, immobility, rheumatoid arthritis and ischaemic neurological diseases, while low-molecularweight heparins, antipruritic drugs, allergy, rosacea and higher haemoglobin concentration had the contrary effect. CI is a frequent and interdisciplinary problem among elderly subjects, which requires a holistic clinical approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis, frequently presenting with chronic itch. This study investigated the prevalence and detailed clinical characteristics of chronic itch in 143 psoriatic patients, with regard to different age groups, comorbidities and pharmacotherapy. Chronic itch was reported by 72% of subjects. Patients aged 65 years and over presented higher 4-Item Itch Questionnaire (4IIQ) scores (8.6 ± 3.4 vs. 7.4 ± 2.5 points; p = 0.03) and rarely experienced itching at midday (p = 0.009). Chronic itch correlated with aspirin intake and xerosis intensity. 4IIQ scores were higher in patients with asthma/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, peptic ulcer disease and those taking insulin. Logistic regression analysis found that chronic itch was positively correlated with the use of antacids, angiotensin receptor blockers, angiotensin enzyme converting inhibitors, beta-blockers, xerosis intensity and Physician's Global Assessment score, whereas psychiatric drugs other than selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, allopurinol, coexistence of arterial hypertension and application of emollients acted conversely. Elderly psoriatic patients present several differences in the characteristics of chronic itch, and chronic itch may be associated with comorbidities and pharmacotherapy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report possible associations between psoriatic pruritus and co-administration of drugs utilized in various systemic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Cicatricial pemphigoid (CP) (new name: mucous membrane pemphigoid, MMP) is a rare bullous autoimmune-related disorder which affects mainly people over 60 years old. Antibodies IgG against a basement membrane of an epidermis are detected in the serum, and deposits of IgG and complement C3 are visible in the direct immunofluorescnece test. Damage results in bullae at the dermo-epidermal junction, which are cicatrized. Blisters are found usually on mucous membrane, but they may also appear on dermis. Ophthalmic lesions that may sometimes result in blindness belong to the most characteristic features of the disorder. A difficult-to-diagnose case of a 70 year old woman who developed cicatricial pemphigoid has been reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors reviewed the literature on the usefulness of emollients preparations in the treatment of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Subsequently performed an analysis of the composition of allerco®'s emollients preparations based on the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI). The data on the composition of three allerco®'s emollients preparations were presented. The authors focused on the 1-methylnicotinamide chloride - the active ingredient that distinguishes allerco®'s preparations. The results showing the anti-inflammatory activity were discussed. In conclusion application trials and instrumental tests performed using the Courage + Khazaka equipment's: Corneometer®, Tewameter®, Sebumeter®, Visioscan® were discussed. The study confirmed that allerco®'s emollients preparations exhibit many important properties: affecting on the skin without undermining its natural protective barrier, provide the ingredients to strengthen natural lipid layer of the epidermis, increase the skin's ability to maintain proper moisture, protect against the TEWL, provide good skin hydration and lubrication, reduce irritation symptoms and protect against their formation, show a protective effect, making the skin more resistant to unfavorable impact of environmental factors, make the skin regains its softness and smoothness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psoriasis is a chronic disease, thus requiring chronic therapy. The Adverse Events (AE) which can be caused by ustekinumab in the treatment of psoriasis were discussed in detail. The drug is safe as long as all the criteria are fulfilled before the introducing of the treatment. Data were based on the basis of information collected from several Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) that enrolled 3219 patients. In conclusion it should be noted that ustekinumab meets the criteria for "magic bullet", which was a dream of Paul Ehrlich (1854-1915). What is interesting -- ustekinumab was introduced exactly 100 years after salvarsan (1909-2009). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The short history of the Wroclaw Department of Dermatology is presented. The description is illustrated by a collection of historical photos. Our intention is to produce a short monograph. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is one of the autoimmunological blister diseases. The main criteria for diagnosis are: clinical features, histological features, direct immunofluorescence test (DIF) and serological tests to reveal autoantibodies against BP antigens, which are the structures of hemidesmosomes. The deposits of immunoglobolins and/or complement components are shown at the basement membrane zone (BMZ) in DIF of BP patients. Aim of study was to determine which immunoglobulins and/or complement components are the most specific and which of them are not significant. The next aim was to compare the results from this study - patients from the period: 2005-2008, to the results from years 1986-2000. Material and methods: 61 patients (43 women and 18 men) with BP were enrolled to the study. The patients were treated at the Wroclaw Department of Dermatology in years 2005-2008 (4 years). Routine determination of DIF was applied to show the depositis of immunoglobulins: lgG, lgA i lgM and complement components: C1q and C3c. Biopsy were taken from the perilesional skin, about 1 cm from infiltrated lesion or blister. The presence of linear depositis of lgG and/or C3c and/or C1q at the BMZ were treated as positive result. Results: Deposits of C3c at the BMZ in characteristic linear pattern were found in 49 BP patients (80.3%). There were the most frequent revealed kind of deposits. Deposits of C1q were shown in 39 (63.9%) patients, lgG in 28 (45.9%), lgA in 7 (11.5%) and IgM in 24 (39.3%). Deposits of IgG were accompanied by C3c in 22 (36.1%) patients, and by C1q in 18 (29.5%), and by both -- C1q and C3c in 17 (27.9%) patients. Deposits of lgG and/or C3c were revealed in 55 (90.2%), lgG and/or C1q in 49 (80.3%) and lgG and/or C1q and/or C3c in all patients (100.0%). Conclusions: 1. Deposits of C3c at the BMZ in characteristic linear pattern were found in 49 (80.3%) and IgG in 28 (45.9%) BP patients. The results from years 1986-2000 were as follows: 65.8% i 60.9%. 2. The presence of C1q deposits were revealed in 65,1% BP patients. DIF (lgG and/or C3) were positive for 90% and thanks to addition of assessment of C1q were significantly higher. DIF (lgG and/or C3 and/or C1q) were positive for all patients (100%). 3. Deposits of lgA and/or lgM occurred always in the presence with others deposits: IgG and/or C1q and/or C3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review focused on pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and pemphigus foliaceus (PF) therapy with rituximab. Rituximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody directed against CD20 of B cells, has been reported to be effective in the treatment of B-cell lymphomas and malignant and nonmalignant plasma cell-dependent diseases. Pemphigus is a severe autoimmune blistering disorder caused by autoantibodies to desmoglein 1 and 3. The disease course is typically severe, potentially fatal prognosis disease, thus requiring multiple immunosuppressive agents. The treatment is still challenging and in some patients with recalcitrant disease therapies fail. It seems logic to use rituximab in the treatment for refractory or severe PV, PF and paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP). Up to day more than 130 patients with pemphigus vulgaris or foliaceus were treated with rituximab. The majority of patients received one course of rituximab with conventional immunosuppressive therapy as concomitant therapy. Successful rituximab therapy is reported in about 90% of cases. Rituximab is a promising treatment for pemphigus, but a long list of side effects can occur. The future clinical trials with rituximab are necessary to establish the new effective treatment for PV and PF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Wood's lamp is a diagnostic tool used in dermatology. The ultraviolet light at a wavelength in spectrum between 320-400 nm and with the maximum emission at approximately 365 nm is radiated onto the patient's skin. Wood's lamp was first used in dermatology practice for the detection of fungal infection of hair in USA in 1925. The utility of the Wood's light in a modern practice is well established. The use of it occurs predominantly in diagnostic procedures involving superficial cutaneous infections, pigmentary disorders and porphyries. Wood's light is useful in diagnosing those conditions, in distinguishing them from other conditions and in locating the precise boundaries of them. Tinea capitis caused by Microsporum spp. may reveal a brilliant green fluorescence, while Trichophyton schoenleinii a pale green fluorescence. Corynebacterium minutissimum as well as Propionibacterium acnes infections reveal a coral red fluorescence, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection produces a greenish yellow fluorescence. Hypopigmented lesions are more evident under Wood's light. Pityriasis versicolor, which gives a yellow fluorescence, can be identified and differentiated from vitiligo. Hyperpigmented lesions including circumscribed hypermelanosis and freckles are also clearly delineated under Wood's light, as are skin lesions such as lentigo maligna with indistinct margins. Based on findings on Wood's light, melasma can be more readily identified and typed according to the depth of pigment involvement. Furthermore, a Wood's lamp may be used in photodynamic diagnosis and in control of the progress of superficial chemical peels. Detection of excess porphyrins in different forms of porphyries can easily be done with the help of Wood's lamp. The significant utility of Wood's light stems from ease of use, confirming the dictum that simple, helpful devices in medicine endure. Wood's lamps are small, durable and easy to use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most frequent autoimmune blistering skin disease. It predominantly affects the elderly population but it was also reported in children. The etiology of BP is unknown. A recognizable factors which can induce BP can be identified in about 15% patients. These cases can be precipitated or localized by malignant diseases, deteriorating psoriasis, UV exposure, local trauma, drugs, bacterial or viral infections. Furthermore, there are several reported BP cases induced by vaccinations. There are two groups of patients with BP triggered by vaccination: infants (2-4-month-old) and elderly patients (70-90-year-old). Children received various vaccines but mainly DTP (diphteria-tetanus-pertussis), adults received influenza vaccination and tetanus vaccine booster injection. Patients received vaccinations from 5 hours to 1 month prior to the onset of symptoms. Generally infants developed blistering eruption faster than adults and after DTP vaccination symptoms appeared faster than after other vaccinations. Two cases (1 infant and 1 adult) developed a relapse of BP after having received a further vaccination. The mechanisms whereby BP can be induced by vaccination is unknown but there are some theories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a disease in which usually the changes in the mucous membranes of the mouth occurs at the beginning. For diagnosis it is necessary to meet the clinical, histological and immunological criteria. In addition to the clinical picture, consisting of erosions, erythematous and bullous changes, it is necessary to demonstrate acantholytic keratynocytes and intraepidermal blister in the histological examination of the lesional skin. Furthermore it must be demonstrated circulating pemphigus-type antibodies and deposits of IgG and/or complement component (3 in the intercellular spaces of epidermis taken from the perilesional skin. The aim of this paper was to present the diagnostic process in patients with the oral pemphigus vulgaris. 55-year-old patient with changes in the mucous membranes of the mouth was described. The oral lesions has been recognized as aphthae during the first 5 years of disease, and next 1.5 of year the patient was in remission, Last 7 months erosions appeared and disappeared spontaneously. Any lesions on the skin has been present. The histological examination of the oral mucosal lesion demonstrated: spongiosis, acantholysis with acantholytic cells and inflammatory infiltrates in the stroma of mucous membrane, but the result of the DIF was undiagnostic (only focal deposits of the IgG in the intercellular spaces of the epidermis), in addition, the presence of circulating pemphigus-type antibodies was demonstrated. Clinically only erosions were observed, which occupying an area of 4 cm², and also changes spontaneously heal, therefore to confirm the diagnosis the additional biopsy of the uninvolved skin was made and the DIF was performed. The presence of IgG deposits in the intercellular spaces of the epidermis was demonstrated. PV was diagnosed based on the clinical picture, but primarily the results of additional histological and immunological examinations. The deposits of IgG antibodies in the uninvolved skin in a patient with the mucosal variant of pemphigus vulgaris were revealed. The observed phenomenon is explained by the Dsg compensation theory proposed by Stanley and Amagai (1999), and also confirm the usefulness of the biopsy taken anywhere on the skin. DIF of the uninvolved, healthy skin may have diagnostic significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Case report: The case of the patient, who was admitted to the department of dermatology because of the hyperkeratotic lesions on the palms and soles has been presented. The eczema was diagnosed during the out-patient period of therapy. On admission to the department the diagnosis was changed into lichen planus (LP). The LP diagnosis was based on the clinical features - flat-elevated papules on the border of palmo-plantar hyperkeratotic lesions and on the lower legs. Also histological features of the skin biopsy from the lesion on the lower leg were typical for LP. Additionally, because of the icterus, the status of liver was studied. The activity of the liver enzymes was many times higher than ULN as well as the concentration of bilirubin (9 mg%). No antigen HBs nor antibodies anty-HCV were present. Sonography of the abdominal cavity revealed neoplastic process spreading from the head of the pancereas. The patient was operated urgently, and the carcinoma of pancreas was confirmed in histological examination. The patient died due to circulatory failure on the 9th day after operation. Conclusions: Reported case seems to be important because of wrong diagnosis before hospitalisation. In the differential diagnosis of the hyperkeratotic palmo-plantar lesions LP should be considered. On the other hand authors speculated, that carcinoma of pancreas or the secondary liver abnormalities could induced the lichenoid reaction on the skin. Because the patient died just in some days after operation, it was impossible to confim the hypothesis. Authors suggested, that in all similar cases of LP the function and status of liver and pancreas should be explorated, because maybe LP is a skin marker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: MicroRNAs are small, non-coding, one strained RNA molecules that function as negative regulators of gene expression, and play a role in carcinogenesis. Mycosis fungoides is primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma deriving from adult T cells. Despite intensive research the etiopathology of MF is still not fully understood. The aim of the study: The aim of the study was to assess the expression of selected microRNAs in mycosis fungoides. Material and methods: 16 skin biopsies from patients with mycosis fungoides (6 early and 10 advanced MF) and 10 biopsies from healthy volunteers were analyzed. MicroRNA isolation followed by reverse transcriptase reaction and cDNA amplification was performed. Mir-21 and mir-214 were assessed. Results: The overexpression of mir-21 was observed in the MF group, irrespective of the disease stadium. No statistically significant differences in the mir-214 expression between MF group and healthy control were found. Conclusions: The overexpression of mir-21 suggests the role of this microRNA in the mycosis fungoides pathogenesis. Mir-21 may be a potential target for MF intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cicatricial pemhigoid (CP) also named mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) is a rare bullosus disease, which usually affecting elderly patients. Subepithelial blisters especially localized on the mucous membrane of the mouth and the eyes. The esophagus and the genitals are involved occasionally. The diagnosis is made on the basis of clinical and immunological features. In the article we present two cases of cicatricial pemphigoid with esophageal strictures. Because of this the patients required immunosupresive and chirurgical treatment. The male patient presented lesions in the rare for cicatrical pemphigoid localizations such as the skin and the genitals. Both patients had typical ocular scars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Superficial mycosis is one of the most common diseases worldwide; however, its epidemiology is changing over time., Aim: To present the awareness of people using swimming pools about athlete's foot and onychomycosis., Material and Methods: A total of 690 participants were subjected to an extensive survey administered via Google Documents. The questionnaire consisted of 30 online polling items and aimed to evaluate respondents' knowledge pertaining to fungal infections, encompassing aspects such as prevention strategies, disease trajectory, and therapeutic modalities. The survey sample specifically encompassed students and sports enthusiasts associated with 33 Internet groups, and data collection transpired during the period spanning 12 January to 15 March, 2018, predating the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic., Results: In the study, 85.2% of participants regularly inspected their feet, with 4.8% seeking podiatric services. While 75.2% demonstrated hygienic behaviour by changing towels after each pool visit, 41.4% acknowledged sharing nail tools. Notably, 75.7% preferred professional assistance for symptoms, with 24.3% opting for home remedies. Gender disparities were evident, with women showing significantly better hygiene practices and pool usage than men ( p < 0.001). Women also exhibited a stronger tendency to disinfect grooming tools and prioritise sterility during beautician services ( p < 0.001). These findings emphasise the importance of gender-specific health behaviour analysis in promoting preventive measures., Conclusions: The study highlights onychomycosis as a significant societal concern. Pre-COVID-19, awareness among municipal swimming pool users regarding prevention, symptoms, and treatment of athlete's foot and onychomycosis was insufficient., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright: © 2024 Termedia Sp. z o. o.)