Search

Acne vulgaris is a common adolescents' disorder. Nevertheless, there is lack of knowledge about acne among adolescents. To evaluate the adolescents' knowledge and beliefs about acne, to investigate help-seeking behavior and treatment preferences. A cross-sectional study conducted in 10 public high schools in Tirana. A total of 2036 students enrolled. All participants were asked about socio-demographic data, knowledge and beliefs about acne, treatment-seeking behaviors and clinical preferences. Of participants 45.3% thought acne is a medical problem, 23.1% thought it's a cosmetic problem, and less than 10% thought acne is a normal condition for their age. Of adolescents 30% did not know that acne is not contagious, 49.7% believed acne is curable with prescribed medication, 33.4% thought acne heals by itself, and only 0.9% believed acne is non-curable. Male adolescents were more likely to have lower level of knowledge and misconceptions about acne compared to females. Only 18.5% had consulted a dermatologist. The majority (54.7%) were using anti-acne products recommended by their friends or pharmacists. Only minority of Albanian adolescents with acne consults a dermatologist. Age, gender and acne severity play a significant role in determining help-seeking behavior. Patient and parent education can significantly improve the treatment outcome.

Acne vulgaris is a common adolescent disorder but the data related to acne vulgaris is insufficient in Albania. The aim of this study was to assess the epidemiologic features of acne vulgaris and to identify lifestyle and constitutional factors in formulating a proper management protocol. A cross-sectional study conducted on a representative sample of 2036 adolescents from 10 high schools located in Tirana. A self-administered questionnaire was administered to collect the data. The binary logistic regression was applied to assess the factors linked to the presence of acne vulgaris in adolescents. The mean age in the study population was 16.2 ± 0.9 years. The self-reported prevalence of acne was 50.3% (52.1% in females and 47.9% in males). Lifetime prevalence was 68.5%. The factors significantly associated with an increased likelihood over time were: frequent consumption of sweets, frequent endurance of stress, poor quality of sleep, positive family history of acne, oily and combination skin, menstrual disorders. Acne vulgaris is common among adolescents in our country. The identification of various modifiable factors related to acne generates opportunities to tailor and focus prevention efforts and better management and treatment planning in relevant high-risk groups.

The aim of this study is to find out the practice patterns, awareness, and knowledge about psychodermatology in Albanian dermatologists. A survey questionnaire was sent to Albanian dermatologists by mail and distributed during a regional dermatology conference. The dermatologists were requested to provide information on demographic variables, level of training, referral patterns, degree of comfort in managing psychocutaneous disorders, awareness of community resources, and interest in continuing medical educational activities. A total of 75 surveys were mailed in and 41 were returned for analysis. Only 13.2% of dermatologists reported clear understanding of psychodermatology and 41.5% reported being somewhat comfortable in diagnosing and treating psychocutaneous disorders, however requiring further help. Psoriasis, prurigo, and acne were the most common diagnoses associated with psychiatric involvement. The most common diagnoses referred by dermatologists to psychiatrists were psoriasis, prurigo, acne, and trichotillomania. Almost all 98% of dermatologists were not aware of any community resources. About 70% of dermatologists expressed interest in attending continuing medical educational activities. Albanian dermatologist have significant gap in the knowledge, training, awareness, and in treating psychocutaneous disease.

Wegener's granulomatosis, is a rare form of systemic vasculitis characterized by necrotic granulomas around the blood vessels. We report a case of a healthy 43-year-old man presented with multiple ulcerated lesions in head and all over the body, that has appeared spontaneously. It was characterized by a giant deep ulceration covered by thick purulent, in size from 3 to 4 cm, deep; sub febrile temperature, and minimal pain associated. Skin biopsies results pyoderma gangrenosum (PG)-like features: anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (cANCA) positive. Six months later, the patient developed dispea episodes. CT scan (CT) result with multiple focal opacities. He was diagnosed with wegener granulomatosis (WG) and was treated with corticosteroids and ciclophosphamide. Skin involvement in WG is not common and lesions in the skin vary from purpura, paniculitis to ulceration. In our case, skin elements are the first manifestations. Whether these elements are Wegener manifestation or we have coexistence of PG with WG, it remains a still uncertain question to answer. There is no histopathologic pathognomic elements for both. Skin involvement in WG with PG-like lesions have been rarely reported. In front of this type of widespread ulcerations, resistant to treatment we should be aware that one of the reasons may be a disease of autoimmune etiology such as WG.

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated skin disease that also has systemic manifestations. Biologic preparates: Adalimumab, Etanercept, and Infliximab are licensed for psoriasis vulgaris treatment in Albania. To compare the efficacy of biologic therapies used for psoriasis based in our experience. A cohort prospective study during the years 2016-2018 at UHC "Mother Teresa" Tirana. In the study took place 78 patient diagnosed with psoriasis and treated with biologic therapies. Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) 50 and PASI 75 index were the parameters of response outcomes. PASI 50 was achieved for 6.8, 7.02, and 7.2 weeks in patients with Etanercept, Adalimumab, and Infliximab respectively and PASI 75 for 12.8, 11.4, and 11.42 weeks. X2 = 0.076, p > .05, nonsignificant difference. PASI 50 was achieved in 27.2% of subject treated with Etanercept, 67.4% Adalimumab, and 55.5% with Infliximab for the weeks mentioned above. Meanwhile PASI 75 was achieved in 45.4% of subject treated with Etanercept, 61.7% Adalimumab, and 25% with Infliximab. X2 = 15.28, p < .05, significant difference. Biologics have revolutionized the treatment of psoriasis. To select the most appropriate agent for patient, should be considered multiple factors including adverse effects, tolerance, patient preference, cost, and mode of administration.