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Abstract Introduction Diagnosis of persistent erythematous, scaly patches, or plaques can be complex since psoriasis (Ps), eczematous dermatitis (ED), and mycosis fungoides (MF) can be considered. Dermoscopy, which is a noninvasive diagnostic tool, is commonly used to examine blood vessels, scales, and background color; however, research on hair shaft evaluation in inflammatory dermatoses remains scarce. The aim of the study was dermoscopic evaluation of hair shafts in skin lesions localized on the non-scalp skin areas in patients diagnosed with MF, Ps, and ED. Methods This was a retrospective evaluation of 55 patients diagnosed with MF, Ps, and ED. Photographic and dermoscopic documentation of these patients and detailed medical history were evaluated. Results A total of 21 patients with MF, 21 patients with Ps, and 13 patients with ED were evaluated. The examination revealed the presence of various abnormalities of hair shafts (e.g., numerous pili torti, single pili torti, 8-shaped hairs, pigtail hairs, broken hairs, hair shafts rapidly tapered over long sections, hair shafts irregular in thickness, angulated hairs, branched hairs, the presence of trichorrhexis nodosa, and monilethrix-like hairs), yellow dots, and black dots. The presence of pili torti was found in 80% of patients with MF, compared with 16% of patients with Ps and 8% of patients with ED (p

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is an atypical bacterium causing respiratory tract infections mainly in the pediatric population. As a superantigen, it dysregulates the immune system and promotes immunological reactions. Dermatological symptoms occur in approximately one-fourth of the patients infected with this bacterium. This review describes skin diseases occurring during Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. Differences in the course of these diseases compared to their presentation associated with other etiological factors, are also discussed. Among the cutaneous manifestations of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection, unspecific rashes and urticaria are the most common. This bacterium is also a frequent cause of erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Mycoplasma-induced rash and mucositis, and erythema nodosum. Less frequently toxic epidermal necrolysis, leukocytoclastic vasculitis, IgA vasculitis, subcorneal pustular dermatosis, Gianotti-Crosti syndrome, and Sweet syndrome are described. Familiarity with Mycoplasma-induced entities is important and can be useful in dermatological practice in determining the etiology and implementing appropriate treatment.

BackgroundThere is limited insight into the current disease burden and everyday clinical management of moderate-to- severe AD in Poland, Czechia, Russia, and Turkiye. Therefore, this study aimed to get information-driven insights regarding the current disease burden and clinical management of patients with moderate-to-severe AD with common and differentiating aspects of the patient journey and establish a consensus.MethodsIn this modified 2-round Delphi panel, 133 questions were asked in total to 27 dermatologists. A consensus was achieved when 70% of the panel members strongly agreed or agreed (or strongly disagreed or disagreed) with an item. Statements with

Acne vulgaris is the most common dermatosis among adolescents, but it can also affect adults. Acne lesions located on the face cause discomfort and lead to impaired quality of life for many patients. Acne is a dermatological condition with multiple causes and clinical manifestations, as well as varying degrees of severity. Dermatological treatment alone does not always bring good therapeutic effects, and occasionally it may result in symptoms of skin irritation. Therefore, using appropriate dermocosmetics is crucial in managing the condition. Dermocosmetics play a potentially important role in minimizing the adverse effects of acne medications, providing a synergistic effect by addressing other acne-causing factors and/or enhancing the efficacy of other treatment modalities, and protecting the skin against the adverse impacts of the exposome. In cases of mild acne, dermocosmetics can be used in monotherapy as an alternative to acne medications or for maintenance therapy. It is also advisable to combine dermocosmetics with topical or systemic therapies to achieve a synergistic effect or to prevent and reduce drug-induced adverse reactions. Dermocosmetics have keratolytic and anti-inflammatory properties, regulate sebum production, and help maintain the balance of the skin’s natural microbiome.

ObjectivesThis study aims to update the understanding of Alopecia Areata (AA) in Poland, Czechia, Russia, and Türkiye, focusing on the disease burden, clinical management, and patient journey. It seeks to establish a consensus on optimal management strategies for AA in these regions.MethodsA modified 2-round Delphi panel was conveyed with 23 Dermatologists (Russia; 4, Türkiye; 7, Poland; 6, and Czechia; 6). The Delphi questionnaire consisted of 61 statements and 43 questions designed to obtain an overall understanding of the perception and acceptance of available information regarding the care of patients with alopecia areata.ResultsThe study revealed that moderate-to-severe AA significantly impacts patients’ and their families’ QoL, consistent with previous studies. AA was found to cause more substantial impairment when additional lesions appeared in visible areas besides the scalp. Work and productivity impairment were notably higher in adults with moderate-to-severe AA. Diagnostic consensus highlighted the importance of skin biopsies and trichoscopy, while the need for more practical severity scoring systems was emphasized. Current treatments, including topical therapies, corticosteroids, and systemic immune modifiers, were deemed insufficient, highlighting the unmet medical need.ConclusionThe Delphi study underscores a significant disease burden and unmet medical needs in patients with moderate-to-severe AA. It highlights the necessity of access to novel treatments and further research to develop more effective therapies with a tolerable safety profile. The findings align with global research, emphasizing the psychosocial impact of AA and the need for standardized, effective treatment protocols.

Eccrine angiomatous hamartoma is a rare, benign skin tumor typically occurring on the hands and feet. It is usually congenital in origin but, less commonly, it may also appear later in life. Eccrine angiomatous hamartoma may appear in various colours and forms: a macule, papule, plaque or nodule, resembling angioma. Associated symptoms include hyperhidrosis within the lesion. Definitive diagnosis requires histopathological examination. The most characteristic microscopic features include eccrine glands hyperplasia, and vascular proliferation and dilatation. In most instances, eccrine angiomatous hamartoma does not necessitate treatment; however, surgical removal of the lesion might be recommended in specific cases. Other treatment options include botulinum toxin injections and laser therapy.

The impairment of the microcirculation is a crucial aspect of systemic sclerosis which manifests as a plethora of vascular abnormalities. This review examines the methods used in the evaluation of the changes to the microcirculation. Nailfold capillaroscopy is the most routinely used technique in the assessment of the microcirculation added to the SSc classification criteria of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR). The “fast track algorithm” allows a scleroderma pattern to be distinguished from a non-scleroderma pattern. The algorithm consists of three rules focusing on capillary density and the absence or presence of giant capillaries. Other techniques include laser doppler flowmetry, laser speckle contrast analysis, laser doppler imaging, optical coherence tomography angiography, fluorescence optical imaging, optical near-infrared spectroscopy, 99mTc-pertechnetate hand perfusion scintigraphy, and thermography. Knowledge of the methods of assessing microcirculation disorders in patients with systemic sclerosis allows for their optimal use.

Abstract Introduction Hailey-Hailey disease (HHD) and Darier disease (DD) are rare genetic disorders for which differential diagnosis, especially in less obvious cases, can be difficult. The diagnosis is based on the clinical picture and family history, and is confirmed by histopathologic examination. Dermoscopy is a noninvasive technique that is primarily used at the present time to diagnose skin cancers. However, in the past few years this technique has also been increasingly used as a noninvasive diagnostic tool of inflammatory skin diseases. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether dermoscopy is a useful noninvasive diagnostic tool for HHD and DD. Methods We performed an observational retrospective case series study involving 13 patients with HHD (n = 8) and DD (n = 5). The presence or absence of standardized dermoscopic features of inflammatory diseases (according to International Dermoscopy Society [IDS] guidelines) was assessed in these patients. Results The most distinctive feature of HHD was white clouds separated by pink furrows, visible in all cases (8/8; 100.0%). Another distinctive clue of HHD was the crumbled fabric pattern seen in six patients with HHD (6/8; 75.0%). These dermoscopic findings were not present in patients with DD. The most typical features of DD in the dermoscopic examination was star-like or oval-shaped yellow areas surrounded by whitish halo, visible in all patients (5/5; 100.0%). Another distinctive dermoscopic clue of DD was pinkish homogeneous structureless background, which was present in all patients (5/5, 100.0%). These latter two features were not observed in patients with HHD. Conclusion Dermoscopy reveals distinctive features of HHD and DD, respectively. Therefore, we conclude that dermoscopy can be an excellent complementary noninvasive tool in the diagnostic process of patients with HHD and DD.

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease. Due to its high prevalence, considerable morbidity, and chronicity, there is a need for the accurate in vivo evaluation of treatment efficacy. Line-field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC-OCT) is a new emerging imaging technique able to perform a non-invasive, real-time examination of the epidermis and the upper dermis. LC-OCT may represent a promising tool in the diagnosis and treatment follow-up of chronic eczematous skin diseases with barrier defects. Objectives: We aimed to investigate the role of LC-OCT in the non-invasive monitoring of the treatment effect on five patients with severe atopic dermatitis during dupilumab treatment. Materials and Methods: LC-OCT imaging was performed on five patients (three women and two men) aged between 14 and 85 years old at the baseline and at 2, 4, and 6 weeks of treatment with dupilumab. The LC-OCT scans were performed at two sites, the lesional skin in the antecubital fossa and the extensor part of the arm, considered a control site on each patient for comparison. The captured images were later evaluated. Descriptive statistics and a t-test were used to compare the analyzed parameters over time and between involved atopic skin and clinically healthy skin. Results: The LC-OCT imaging was able to detect the difference in stratum corneum (SC) thickness and quality and epidermal thickness (ET) and the changes before and after treatment with high accuracy. The main findings include a significant reduction in the epidermal and stratum corneum thickness and decreased epidermal spongiosis and inflammation, with better quality of the stratum corneum indicating restoration of its tightness at both lesional and control sites. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that clinical improvement of affected and unaffected atopic skin under dupilumab treatment correlates with the LC-OCT findings. LC-OCT represents a novel, non-invasive tool examining the in vivo skin barrier and inflammation and can help to monitor the treatment efficacy among patients with atopic dermatitis in daily practice.

To date, more than 400 types of human papillomavirus (HPV) have been identified. Despite the creation of effective prophylactic vaccines against the most common genital HPVs, the viruses remain among the most prevalent pathogens found in humans. According to WHO data, they are the cause of 5% of all cancers. Even more frequent are persistent and recurrent benign lesions such as genital and common warts. HPVs are resistant to many disinfectants and relatively unsusceptible to external conditions. There is still no drug available to inhibit viral replication, and treatment is based on removing lesions or stimulating the host immune system. This paper presents the systematics of HPV and the differences in HPV structure between different genetic types, lineages, and sublineages, based on the literature and GenBank data. We also present the pathogenesis of diseases caused by HPV, with a special focus on the role played by E6, E7, and other viral proteins in the development of benign and cancerous lesions. We discuss further prospects for the treatment of HPV infections, including, among others, substances that block the entry of HPV into cells, inhibitors of viral early proteins, and some substances of plant origin that inhibit viral replication, as well as new possibilities for therapeutic vaccines.

Mpox (formerly called monkeypox) is a zoonosis caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV). MPXV is an orthopoxvirus genetically and antigenically similar to the variola virus responsible for smallpox. Mpox is endemic to Central and West Africa, but in 2022 it spread rapidly leading to many cases in non-endemic countries. Human-to-human contact is currently the main mode of transmission. Patients usually present with a prodromal syndrome of fever, myalgia, headache, lymphadenopathy, and fatigue. The characteristic centrifugal rash with mucocutaneous lesions develops 1–4 days later. Lesion evolution typically follows a sequence of changes (macules, papules, vesicles, pustules, and crusts). The disease is mostly mild and self-limiting. Distinct clinical presentations have been observed during the ongoing outbreak. Prodromal symptoms may be less pronounced or absent. Lesions are located predominantly in the anogenital and perioral areas. Patients may present with few lesions clustered in the genital region or a solitary lesion. Mpox diagnosis is usually confirmed through viral DNA detection with polymerase chain reaction (PCR). There is no specific treatment for mpox. Therapy remains supportive in most cases. Antiviral drugs include tecovirimat, cidofovir, and brincidofovir. Antibody-based therapies are another treatment option. Smallpox vaccines should be considered for high-risk patients (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and following high-risk exposures (post-exposure prophylaxis). Comprehensive differential diagnosis and screening for co-infections with other sexually transmitted pathogens are needed.

Dermocosmetics (active cosmetics, functional cosmetics, cosmeceuticals) are preparations for external use, supporting pharmacotherapy of skin diseases during the active phase of the disease and in remission. They are also used for healthy skin (preventive) care. Historically, topical skin care products have been divided into cosmetics and drugs, as defined by the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act of 1938. A cosmetic was defined as ”articles intended to cleanse, care, beautify and improve the appearance of the skin”. Drugs were defined as ”products intended to affect the structure or any function of the body, or products intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, mitigation, treatment or prevention of human diseases”. Dermocosmetics (cosmeceuticals) remain cosmetics from a legal point of view, but they fill the gap between cosmetics and drugs. These products achieve a cosmetic effect with active substances however are not subject to drug regulations.

Abstract Background Numerous studies have indicated that alopecia areata is associated with a chronic systemic inflammation, which is considered as a risk factor for venous thromboembolism. The aim of the study was to evaluate the following markers of venous thromboembolism risk: soluble fibrin monomer complex (SFMC), thrombin–antithrombin complex (TATC), and prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 (F1 + 2) in patients with alopecia areata and compare them with healthy controls. Methods In total, 51 patients with alopecia areata [35 women and 16 men; mean age: 38 (19–54) years] and 26 controls [18 women and 8 men; mean age: 37 (29–51) years] were enrolled in the study. The serum concentrations of thromboembolism markers were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Results An increased level of SFMC was detected in patients with alopecia areata compared with the controls [25.66 (20–34.86) versus 21.46 (15.38–29.48) µg/ml; p

Abstract Introduction Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune disease characterized by tissue fibrosis and microangiopathy. Vascular changes such as a decrease in capillary density diminish blood flow and impair tissue oxygenation. Reliable ways to monitor disease activity and predict disease progression are desired in the process of patient selection for clinical trials and to optimize individual patient outcomes. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) is a dimeric protein complex that plays an integral role in the body’s response to hypoxia. Our study aimed to investigate the potential abnormalities of HIF-1α plasma concentration and its possible association with disease activity and vascular abnormalities in patients with systemic sclerosis. Methods Blood plasma levels of HIF-1α were measured in patients with systemic sclerosis (n = 50) and in healthy individuals (n = 30) using commercially available ELISA test kits. Results The results showed a marked increase in HIF-1α levels in patients with systemic sclerosis (3.042 ng/ml [2.295–7.749]) compared to the control group (1.969 ng/ml [1.531–2.903] p

The treatment goal in alopecia areata is induction of hair regrowth and halting the progression of the disease. Treatment decisions depend on the severity of the alopecia areata as assessed by the Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) or the Alopecia Areata Scale (AAS). In mild alopecia areata, very ultra-high potency topical glucocorticoids and intralesional triamcinolone acetonide are the mainstay of treatment. In moderate to severe alopecia areata, systemic treatment is usually required. Currently, the only drug dedicated for alopecia areata, approved in Europe and the United States is baricitinib. Ritlecitinib, a JAK3/TEC inhibitor is approved in the United States for individuals 12 years of age and older with severe alopecia areata and is expected to be approved in Europe soon. Other systemic medications used in alopecia areata include glucocorticoids, cyclosporine, and methotrexate. Contact immunotherapy may be considered. In alopecia areata, long-maintenance treatment is of substantial significance.

The existence of two types of alopecia areata is suggested (probably genetically different): early-onset, with more severe symptoms, longer disease duration, higher tendency to relapse, often with a positive family history, and late-onset, in which the first symptoms occur after the age of 50, the course is milder and the family history is negative. Alopecia areata may exist in the form of: focal alopecia areata, multifocal alopecia areata, ophiasis, diffuse alopecia areata, alopecia totalis and alopecia universalis. Alopecia areata incognita remains a form with a discussed relationship to alopecia areata. Occasionally hair loss associated with alopecia areata may occur only in locations outside the scalp (e.g. beard, eyebrows, eyelashes, body hair). The diagnosis of alopecia areata can be made on the basis of clinical examination and trichoscopy. There are two main scoring systems for assessing the severity of alopecia areata. This is the Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) and the Alopecia Areata Score (AAS), which is also partly based on the SALT assessment. Both scoring systems allow differentiation between mild, moderate, and severe alopecia areata. These assessment results have a direct impact on therapeutic decisions.

The Polish Dermatological Society was founded in February 1920 by Franciszek Krzyształowicz (1868–1931), Robert Bernhardt (1874–1950), Roman Leszczyński (1873–1940), Jan Lenartowicz (1877–1959) and Franciszek Walter (1885–1950). For 100 years of the existence of the Polish Dermatological Society, the most important goal was to build cooperation and the best possible, science-based, quality of dermatology in Poland, as well as building a favorable image of Polish dermatology and Polish dermatologists in the world. The Society now has over 2,600 members, the most in the history of our Society. The Polish Dermatological Society, was created by people with a passion for dermatology and cooperation. Now, after it was developed by several generations dermatologists we can look with optimism into the next 100 years.

Minoxidil is a drug with a hypotensive effect. It was introduced in the 1970s in the treatment of hypertension. This drug is characterized by a multifaceted mechanism of action – including a vasodilatory effect, probably through the activation of the ATP-sensitive potassium channels in vascular smooth muscle cells. Hypertrichosis was observed in patients treated with minoxidil, which prompted research into the possibility of applying this drug to diseases associated with alopecia. The first attempts were unsuccessful due to side effects associated with its hypotensive effect. Introduction of local treatment, and in recent years also methods of oral treatment with low doses of minoxidil, has allowed it to achieve a good therapeutic effect without a significant risk of side effects. In dermatology, the effect of minoxidil associated with stimulation of the onset and prolongation of the anagen phase is used. Minoxidil is available in the form of 2% and 5% solutions, 5% foam and in the form of compound drug for either topical or oral treatment. Side effects are present in 15–20% of patients and in most cases, they do not lead to discontinuation of the treatment. The most common side effects of topical preparations include itching, erythema, and scaling, while in the oral form, hypertrichosis of the facial skin, dizziness, and swelling of the lower limbs are most often observed.

Frontal fibrosing alopecia is a variant of lichen planus, leading to permanent hair loss from the frontal hairline. It occurs mainly in postmenopausal women, however, the role of hormonal factors in the pathogenesis of this type of alopecia has not been determined. The coexistence of frontal fibrosing alopecia and autoimmune diseases is observed, e.g., hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, vitiligo, polymyositis, systemic lupus erythematosus and discoid lupus erythematosus. Considering the possible role of genetic factors, research is underway to identify human leukocyte antigen (HLA) polymorphisms. One of the most studied factors is sunscreen, widely used in cosmetic products. The data available so far in this regard are controversial. Factors raising significant doubts include: the retrospective nature of the research, basing the collected data on the self-assessment of respondents and the lack of specification of the ingredients of these products. In the light of current data, sunscreen components cannot be considered as a factor playing a role in the pathogenesis of frontal fibrosing alopecia. Overestimation of the role of sunscreens in hair loss could lead to unjustified avoidance of their use and contribute to increased incidence of skin cancer.

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterised by periods of remission and subsequent relapses typically provoked by environmental factors. Eruptions located on the face are easily visible and may be difficult to conceal, which leads to a decrease in patients’ self-esteem, quality of life, and general well-being. Since the aetiology of rosacea is multifactorial and not entirely understood, and the clinical characteristics and course of the disease are heterogeneous, therapy may be challenging. While a complete cure is not possible, in the majority of cases clinical improvement and long-term remission are satisfying both to the patient and physician. In recent years, the therapeutic approach has been significantly modified. Currently, the focus is placed on the need to personalise the treatment process and adapt it to the patients’ phenotypic characteristics. Combination therapies and new variants of existing topical and systemic drugs are increasingly being recommended. The mainstays of therapy are antiinflammatory agents. Proper skin care – along with the identification and avoidance of factors known to trigger consecutive episodes of rosacea – are also essential.

Oligodontia can be isolated or syndromic, associated with other ectodermal abnormalities. The aim of the study was to perform hair examination in orthodontic patients diagnosed with oligodontia with a low clinical expression of symptoms of ectodermal origin. All available orthodontic patients diagnosed with oligodontia in the permanent dentition were enrolled. Hair examination included clinical evaluation of the patients’ hair, trichoscopy, trichogram and evaluation of the hair shafts under a polarized light microscope. In total, 25 patients, 18 males and 7 females, aged 6 to 24 years were evaluated for the presence of dental and hair abnormalities. The number of congenitally absent teeth ranged from 6 to 24 teeth and diastemas, microdontia, taurodontism and altered tooth shape were found in 23 patients. Hair disorders were found in 68% of the subjects. Hypotrichosis, the heterogeneity of shaft color and loss of pigment, androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium, trichoschisis, pili canaliculi, trichorrhexis nodosa and pseudomoniletrix were observed. Trichoscopy and trichogram are valid non-invasive diagnostic tests which could be used to differentiate between isolated and syndromic oligodontia in patients with a low clinical expression of ectodermal symptoms.

Infantile hemangiomas are the most common vascular tumors of infancy. They usually appear within the first few weeks after birth and undergo regression over time, usually by the age of four. They are more common in girls, Caucasians, twins, infants born preterm or with a low birth weight. The pathogenesis of hemangiomas remains not fully understood. Infantile hemangiomas can be classified based on their depth and anatomical configuration. Superficial hemangiomas appear as a red macule or patch, while deep hemangiomas appear as a bluish papule or nodule. In most cases the diagnosis is based on the clinical picture. The differential diagnosis includes vascular anomalies, pyogenic granuloma or Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma. In most cases, infantile hemangiomas do not require any treatment. Only 10–20% of cases need to be treated because of complications. Propranolol administered orally is the treatment of choice.

These recommendations of the Polish Dermatological Society focuses on the use of lasers in the treatment of vascular lesions. The principles of lasertherapy in rosacea, hemangiomas, vascular malformations and other conditions is discussed. The significance of medical history, proper diagnosis and selection of an appropriate laser device is underlined.

Introduction: Dermatoscopy is gaining appreciation in assisting the diagnosis of inflammatory dermatoses (inflammoscopy). Lichen planus (LP) is a common inflammatory skin disease with characteristic dermatoscopic features. Objectives: The objective of this study was to review the literature on the dermatoscopy of lichen planus and to re-evaluate the published descriptions in the light of the 2019 expert consensus on the terminology of dermatoscopy for non-neoplastic skin diseases. Methods: We searched the PubMed database using the keywords ‘lichen planus and dermatoscopy’, ‘lichen planus and dermoscopy’, ‘lichen planus and epiluminescence microscopy’, and ‘lichen planus and inflammoscopy’. Results: Of 413 articles retrieved, we selected 67 articles for full-text review, and finally included 63 articles, mostly case reports or small case series, comprising 572 patients with lichen planus. We identified 113 different terms or short descriptions that were used to characterize the dermatoscopy of lichen planus. Frequently, authors applied various terms to variants of the same feature. Although reported under different designations, Wickham striae were the most consistent dermatoscopic feature of lichen planus. Other characteristics of lichen planus, such as vascular patterns, pigmented structures, and follicular findings were less consistent or depended on skin type, anatomic site, disease stage, and applied treatment. Conclusions: While Wickham striae are the single most important clue for diagnosis, other dermatoscopic characteristics of lichen planus are less consistent. Based on descriptions published in the literature we established a dictionary of useful terms for the description of lichen planus that is consistent with the terminology suggested by the recent consensus conference.

Rosacea is a chronic, relapsing, inflammatory, but not infectious, skin disease. The prevalence of rosacea is relatively high in the adult population of Northern Europe. Its characteristic symptoms include recurrent flushing, erythema, telangiectasia, papules and pustules, localized on cheeks, nose, chin and forehead. At present, four, not mutually exclusive subtypes of acne are classified: erythematotelangiectatic, maculopapular, hypertrophic and ocular. The clinical presentation of this dermatosis is heterogeneous. Clinical symptoms and their severity may vary individually. For this reason, treatment should be individualized and take into consideration the type of cutaneous lesions, presence of comorbidities, patient’s occupation, impact of the disease on the quality of life, and patient’s preferences. In addition to topical and systemic medications, adequate skin care is important.

Introduction: The diagnostic delay in nail melanoma (NM) has been repeatedly emphasized. It may be related to both clinical misinterpretations and to errors in the bioptic procedure. Objectives: To assess the efficacy of histopathologic examination in different diagnostic biopsies in NM. Methods: We retrospectively investigated the diagnostic procedures and histopathologic specimens referred to the Laboratory of Dermatopathology for the clinical suspicion of NM from 2006 to January 2016. Results: Eighty-six nail histopathologic specimens were analysed consisting in 60 longitudinal, 23 punch and 3 tangential biopsies. A diagnosis of NM was performed in 20 cases, benign melanocytic activation in 51 cases and melanocytic nevi in 15 patients. Longitudinal and tangential biopsy were diagnostic in all cases, regardless of the clinical suspicion. Nail matrix punch biopsy instead was not diagnostic in most of the cases (13/23 specimens). Conclusions: In the presence of an NM clinical suspicion, longitudinal biopsy is recommended (lateral or median) because it provides exhaustive information on the characteristics of melanocytes’ morphology and distribution in all the components of the nail unit. Tangential biopsy, recently encouraged by expert authors due to the optimal surgical outcome, in our experience gives incomplete information on tumor extension. Punch matrix biopsy gives limited evidence in the diagnosis of NM.

Lasers and intense light sources have made it possible to treat many diseases in dermatology. They also may be applied in aesthetic dermatology. These recommendations contain a summary of basic concepts, information on physical parameters and types of lasers used in modern dermatology. Part 1 of recommendations concerns the use of CO2, erbium:YAG lasers in dermatosurgery. Taken into consideration the wide use of CO2 lasers in dermatology, these lasers may be considered a basic therapeutic tool for every dermatologist.

Cicatricial (scarring) alopecia may result from perifollicular inflammation that destroys hair follicles and replaces them with connective tissue (primary cicatricial alopecia) or from damage done to follicles by other pathology that is not primarily directed against follicles (secondary cicatricial alopecia). Examples of such pathologies are: cutaneous tuberculosis, favus, morphea en coup de sabre. Hair follicle atrophy with clinical, trichoscopic and histological features of follicular drop out can also occur in the very late stage of non-cicatricial alopecia (e.g. androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata). The fourth group of diseases with a similar clinical and sometimes also similar trichoscopic presentation, but of significantly different histology, is alopecia associated with neoplastic diseases (alopecia neoplastica). In this article, basic information about therapeutic methods that can be applied in selected diseases associated with cicatricial alopecia, with particular emphasis on primary cicatricial alopecia, has been summarized.

Alopecia (loss of volume or complete loss of hair) can be a symptom of many diseases. In some cases it is a symptom of a local pathology limited to the scalp, in others it is a dermatological symptom of a systemic pathology. In almost every case, alopecia has a significant impact on the quality of life and may cause limitations in professional, social and private life. The management of alopecia is based on a preceding comprehensive medical differential diagnosis, which significantly exceeds basic dermatological diagnostic procedures. This article presents the basic information on therapeutic methods that can be used in selected diseases associated with non-cicatricial alopecia: androgenetic alopecia, senile alopecia, anagen effluvium, telogen effluvium, alopecia areata, non-cicatricial alopecia secondary to systemic lupus erythematosus, trichotillomania, traction alopecia, pressure alopecia, lipedematous scalp and lipedematous alopecia.

Background: The cutaneous manifestations of COVID-19 may be useful disease markers and prognostic indicators. Recently, postinfectious telogen effluvium and trichodynia have also been reported. Objective: To evaluate the presence of trichodynia and telogen effluvium in patients with COVID-19 and describe their characteristics in relation to the other signs and symptoms of the disease. Methods: Patients with a history of COVID-19 presenting to the clinics of a group of hair experts because of telogen effluvium and/or scalp symptoms were questioned about their hair signs and symptoms in relation to the severity of COVID-19 and associated symptoms. Results: Data from 128 patients were collected. Telogen effluvium was observed in 66.3% of the patients and trichodynia in 58.4%. Trichodynia was associated with telogen effluvium in 42.4% of the cases and anosmia and ageusia in 66.1% and 44.1% of the cases, respectively. In majority (62.5%) of the patients, the hair signs and symptoms started within the first month after COVID-19 diagnosis, and in 47.8% of the patients, these started after 12 weeks or more. Limitations: The recruitment of patients in specialized hair clinics, lack of a control group, and lack of recording of patient comorbidities. Conclusion: The severity of postviral telogen effluvium observed in patients with a history of COVID-19 infection may be influenced by COVID-19 severity. We identified early-onset (12 weeks) telogen effluvium.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease which concerns approx. 1-3% population worldwide. In children psoriasis is less common, with the peak of morbidity in teenagers. Because of its more common prevelance in children in last decade, especially the disease with moderate and severe course, it is necessary to remind its clinical features and comorbidities. The aim of the recommendation of Polish Dermatological Society was to give the newest data on the psoriasis treatment in pediatric population which may be extremely important for everyday dermatological treatment. We described both topical and systemic treatments in details, including biological therapies.

Introduction: Biopsy of facial skin lesions is an important supplement to dermatological diagnostics, especially in doubtful cases or suspected of being malignant. Objectives: The aim of the retrospective study of 2135 histopathological records of lesions on the face was to: 1). establish the most common indications for a skin biopsy in patients with facial lesions, 2). establish the frequency of histopathological diagnoses, 3). evaluate how often clinically suspected inflammatory lesions are identified as tumors in histopathology, 4). evaluate the accuracy of clinical diagnoses of the most common skin tumors and dermatoses. Methods: It was a retrospective study. Histopathological records from the lesions on the face from years 2010-2017 were analyzed. Results: The mean age of patients was 69.3 [7-98]. 58.28% of the patients were women. Among 2135 clinical diagnoses skin tumors were suspected in 1905 cases. Among 2169 obtained histopathological results (34 biopsies showed two diseases), we identified skin tumors in 1940 cases, with 1388 confirmed as malignant. The clinical diagnosis of a specific benign or malignant skin tumor was accurate in 1013/1634 subjects, in comparison to inflammatory lesions, which were correct in 67/148 cases, (p=0.0001). Among all preliminary inflammatory diagnoses, 33/204 lesions were identified as skin tumors in histopathology. Conclusions:In conclusion in most cases of skin tumors the clinical diagnosis is confirmed by histopathological examination. In case of facial inflammatory lesions, the accuracy of clinical diagnosis is lower, with a significant number of facial lesions appearing inflammatory in clinical evaluation but being diagnosed as skin cancers in pathology.

Abstract The frequent coexistence of obesity and metabolic syndrome in patients with alopecia areata may indicate the common pathogenetic pathway in these conditions with an important role of adipokines. The aim of the study was to evaluate the serum level of adiponectin, resistin and leptin in patients with alopecia areata in comparison to healthy controls. The study included 65 patients with alopecia areata and 71 healthy controls. The concentration of adipokines was determined with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The mean concentrations of adiponectin and resistin were significantly lower in the sera of patients with alopecia areata when compared to healthy controls (7966 $$\pm$$ ± 4087 vs 9947 $$\pm$$ ± 5692 ng/ml; p = 0.0312 and 11.04 $$\pm$$ ± 3.88 vs 14.11 $$\pm$$ ± 8.69 ng/ml; p = 0.0176, respectively). A negative correlation between the serum level of adiponectin and severity of alopecia tool (SALT) score was observed (r = − 0.26; p

Dermatomyositis is an autoimmune disease characterized by skin lesions and/or symptoms of myositis. In addition to the so-called classic dermatomyositis the following forms of dermatomyositis are distinguished based on the clinical presentation: pediatric, paraneoplastic, drug-induced and amyopathic. A number of disease-specific autoantibodies are identified in dermatomyositis (including anti-Mi2, anti-TIF1, anti-NXP2, anti-SAE or anti-MDA5), presence of which may be associated with a specific clinical phenotype. The diagnosis of the severity of muscle involvement is currently based mainly on physical examination, deviations in results of laboratory investigations, electromyographic examination and imaging examination, mainly with the use of magnetic resonance imaging. Systemic glucocorticosteroids administered as monotherapy or in combination with other immunosuppressants remain the mainstay of dermatomyositis treatment, and in the absence of satisfactory improvement, intravenous immunoglobulins are used. In addition, in case of interstitial lung disease, the use of cyclophosphamide may be necessary. The choice of a therapy, as well as the rate of dose reduction, depend on the dynamics of the disease, symptoms, diagnosed immunological disorders, as well as comorbidities and the drugs used. Each diagnostic and therapeutic decision must take into account the individual clinical data of the patient and current scientific reports.

Abstract Erythrodermic variants of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTLC) are one of the case of erythroderma. The aim of the study was to assess the value of scalp dermoscopy in differentiation between erythrodermic CTCL, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis. A total of 76 patients were included into the study (16 patients with erythrodermic CTCL, 20 patients with psoriatic erythroderma, 20 with erythrodermic atopic dermatitis, and 20 healthy volunteers). The most common trichoscopic features of erythrodermic CTCL were: numerous pili torti, numerous broken hairs, white thick interfollicular bands, and patchy hyperpigmentation of the background. They were observed in 81% (13/16), 75% (12/16), 56% (9/16), and 37.5% (6/16) of patients with CTCL, respectively (p

The basis for development of atopic dermatitis are genetic, immunological and microbiological abnormalities as well as epidermal barrier defects. The course of the disease includes periodic exacerbations and remissions. Its development and course are influenced by numerous environmental and individual factors. In recent decades, in industrialized countries, a threefold increase in the incidence of atopic dermatitis was observed. There also is an increasing number of cases resistant to topical treatment. Effective treatment of atopic dermatitis should provide control of clinical symptoms, prevent exacerbations and improve the quality of life of patients. The multifactorial etiopathogenesis and various endotypes and phenotypes of the disease justify the tendency to optimize and personalize the therapy. Currently, we recommend the use of dupilumab for the treatment of patients from 12 years of age with moderate and severe atopic dermatitis, who do not respond to topical treatment.

Angioedema is a non-inflammatory edema of the subcutaneous tissue and/or mucosal membranes. It commonly coexists with urticaria and is considered a deep form of urticaria. Less commonly, it occurs as an isolated disease in one of two basic forms: acquired angioedema and hereditary angioedema. Four types of acquired angioedema and seven types of hereditary angioedema were difinied. The treatment of angioedema depends on its form and etiological factors, with hereditary angioedema posing a most significant challenge.