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I Editor i Syphilis is known to be "the great imitator": since the patient's history is often deceiving and the spectrum of clinical signs and symptoms is extremely broad, diagnosis may be particularly challenging.1,2 Tertiary syphilis is rarely seen nowadays but it should be taken into account when dealing with granulomatous disorders of unclear nature.1-4 Indeed, up to 25% of the patients with untreated primary syphilis develop symptoms of tertiary syphilis, usually occurring 3-5 years after primary infection and involving several organs, mainly skin, heart and central nervous system.1 We recently observed an unsuspected case of syphilitic I gummas i in a patient whose history was definitively not evocative for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). This case was interesting not only for the deceiving patient's history but especially for the clinical aspect of the cutaneous lesions, given the rarity, nowadays, of benign tertiary syphilis ( I gummas) i in clinical practice. CSF testing is crucial for the correct diagnosis and therapeutic approach, also in case of asymptomatic neurosyphilis.6 Even if the patient's history is not evocative for STDs, as in our case, syphilis should be considered when approaching granulomatous lesions of unclear nature. [Extracted from the article]

Background: There is limited epidemiological evidence on outcomes associated with dupilumab exposure during pregnancy; monitoring pregnancy outcomes in large populations is required., Objective: To investigate the potential association between exposure to dupilumab in pregnant women with atopic dermatitis and any adverse pregnancy, neonatal, congenital and post-partum outcomes., Methods: We performed a multicentre retrospective cohort study across 19 Italian tertiary referral hospital. Childbearing women were eligible if aged 18-49 years and carried out the pregnancy between 1 October 2018 and 1 September 2022., Results: We retrospectively screened records of 5062 patients receiving dupilumab regardless of age and gender, identifying 951 female atopic dermatitis patients of childbearing age, 29 of whom had been exposed to the drug during pregnancy (3%). The median duration of dupilumab treatment prior to conception was 22.5 weeks (range: 3-118). The median time of exposure to the drug during pregnancy was 6 weeks (range: 2-24). All the documented pregnancies were unplanned, and the drug was discontinued in all cases once pregnancy status was reported. The comparison of the study cohort and the control group found no significant drug-associated risk for adverse pregnancy, congenital, neonatal or post-partum outcomes. The absence of a statistically significant effect of exposure on the event was confirmed by bivariate analysis and multivariate analysis adjusted for other confounding factors., Conclusions: This cohort of pregnant patients exposed to dupilumab adds to the existing evidence concerning the safety of biologic agents in pregnancy. No safety issues were identified regarding the primary outcome assessed. In clinical practice, these data provide reassurance in case of dupilumab exposure during the first trimester. However, the continuous use of dupilumab throughout pregnancy warrants further research., (© 2024 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.)

Background: The increased proliferation of Demodex mites in the pilosebaceous unit can be the cause of rosacea flare-ups on the face. Signs and symptoms of the scalp (e.g., itching, dandruff) have sometimes been reported in patients with papulopustular rosacea of face; they may be due to a proliferation of Demodex mites on the scalp., Methods: To study the Demodex mites count, a standardized skin surface biopsy was performed on the cheek and on the scalp. Microscopic examination and molecular identification of Demodex were performed. Pearson's χ 2 Test or Fisher's Exact Test were used to test for any association between categorical variables and outcome., Results: Patients affected by papulopustular rosacea had a greater frequency of Demodex-positive standardized skin surface biopsy than controls at the scalp (35.0% vs. 0%, P=0.033), at the face and/or at the scalp (50% vs. 10%, P=0.032). Demodex positive patients with a Demodex-positive face sample were more frequently found to have a Demodex-positive scalp sample (P=0.035). The predominant species was found to be Demodex folliculorum (92.6% of samples); the species Demodex brevis was identified only in 7.4% of samples., Conclusions: Demodex folliculorum is more frequently found on the scalp and face of patients with rosacea than controls, even though it is not statistically associated with scalp symptoms. The scalp may be a reservoir area for Demodex mites which could migrate on the face again after an acaricidal treatment.

Demodex mite proliferation is frequently involved in the pathogenesis of rosacea. The gold standard for Demodex identification is microscopic examination on a standardized skin surface biopsy. However, this method of sampling can be distressing and painful, especially when performed on hairy sites. In this case-control study, we compared the sensitivity of PCR and microscopic examination in diagnosing a Demodex infestation. Moreover, we investigated the possible correlations between the presence of Demodex mites and clinical characteristics. In total, 20 patients affected by papulopustular rosacea and 10 controls were included. At both microscopic examination and PCR, patients with rosacea presented a greater prevalence of positive samples than controls at the scalp and at the face. Microscopy had sensitivity of 50% at the face and of 46.7% at the scalp. PCR had sensitivity of 93.75% at the face and of 86.7% at the scalp. The positivity of PCR was associated to a higher frequency of facial papules and pustules. Patients with positivity at the face had a more frequent positivity at the scalp. The scalp could represent a reservoir for the Demodex mites, and should be investigated by sensitive and painless methods. PCR performed on painlessly collected samples should be further investigated., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a common inflammatory skin disease caused by delayed hypersensitivity to chemical and biotic contact allergens. ACD significantly affects the patients' quality of life negatively impacting both occupational and non-occupational settings. Patch testing is the gold standard diagnostic in vivo test to precise the ACD etiology and to correctly perform prevention. According to the Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA) legislative decree no. 178 of 29 th May 1991, allergens are defined as medicines and therefore they are subject to strict regulation. In 2017, AIFA (decree no. 2130/2017) started a procedure to regulate contact allergens on the Italian market and actually the contact allergens temporarily authorized are reported in AIFA decree no. 98/2022, valid until November 2023. The availability on the market of contact allergens to diagnose ACD and continuous updating on the basis of new epidemiological trends are mandatory, jointly with the continuous update of the baseline and integrative series for patch testing. For this reason, the scientific community represented in Italy by the Skin Allergies Study Group of SIDeMaST (Italian Society of Dermatology and Venereology) and SIDAPA (Italian Society of Allergological, Occupational and Environmental Dermatology) are constantly working, in close relationship with the European scientific communities with large expertise in this important sector of the modern Dermatology. Herein, we report the setting up of regulatory legislation by AIFA and the new Italian Adult Baseline Series for patch testing.

Background: Conventional photodynamic therapy (c-PDT) is an effective treatment for actinic keratoses (AKs) and nonmelanoma skin cancer which exploits the photosensitizing properties of methyl aminolaevulinate (MAL). Daylight photodynamic therapy (DL-PDT) is an alternative to c-PDT which does not require the application of MAL in occlusion and that is better tolerated by patients. The impact of occlusion on the efficacy of DL-PD has not been investigated by previous studies., Objective: To compare the efficacy and tolerability of occlusive and non-occlusive DL-PDT., Methods: We conducted a prospective intraindividual left/right comparison study. AKs of the face or scalp were marked in two symmetrical treatment areas. The two target areas were randomly assigned to DL-PDT with occlusive and non-occlusive application of MAL. The efficacy and cosmetic outcome were determined by a "blinded" investigator., Results: Lesions in occluded areas showed a better response in the clearance rate of the lesions (65.5% vs 35.0 %, p < 0.001 %), and cosmetic outcome (P < 0.001). There was no difference in phototoxicity or pain between occluded and non-occluded areas., Conclusion: The occlusive application of MAL improves the efficacy of DL-PDT in clearing AKs and does not increase the incidence of side effects., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Acne fulminans (AF) is a severe form of acne that presents with an outburst of haemorrhagic pustules and ulcerations, which may or may not be associated with systemic symptoms and laboratory abnormalities. In the latest classification, four variants of AF are considered, but this does not include AF associated with systemic therapies and inherited genetic syndromes. To systematically review disease features and evaluate differences among AF. Related articles were searched using the terms "acne fulminans", "acne conglobata with septicaemia", "acute febrile ulcerative acne" and "pseudo acne fulminans". We searched Medline and Google Scholar from inception to 1977 to identify case reports, case series, commentaries and reviews reporting new AF cases. A total of 98 articles met our inclusion criteria. AF induced by higher levels of androgens more frequently presented nodules and cysts than erosions, crusted and haemorrhagic lesions and necrosis. In contrast, patients affected by AF without any apparent cause (referred to here as "miscellaneous AF") more frequently presented with ulcerations and erosions, and patients with AF associated with systemic treatment showed a similar frequency of lesions. Notably, AF in patients with high levels of androgens and AF induced by antibiotics rarely showed comedones. In addition, aseptic osteolytic lesions were more common in miscellaneous AF than other AF. AF may present with differences in clinical and laboratory features and associated systemic illnesses, which should be evaluated for the planning of a personalized therapeutic scheme. We propose a classification of AF, according to its association with certain factors.

Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic, personal protective equipment, particularly face masks, became an essential requirement to engage in various activities. Several articles reported an increase of recurrences of dermatologic facial diseases (ie, acne, rosacea) related to mask use., Objectives: To evaluate the number of recurrences of rosacea related to face mask use., Methods: This prospective study was conducted on adult patients with a pre-pandemic diagnosis of mild and moderate papulopustular rosacea. All patients had previously achieved either partial or complete remission after a 4-month treatment with topical ivermectin in 2019. We collected data in two different phases characterized by different intensity of mask use during the pandemic and post-pandemic period. We collected data through clinical assessment of the disease, questionnaires on personal habits and standardized skin surface biopsy to study the Demodex mites count., Results: We enrolled a total of 30 patients. In the pandemic period, 5/30 patients had a relapse of mild papulopustular rosacea; the Demodex sample resulted positive in 4/5 relapsed patients. In the post-pandemic period, 4/30 patients reported a relapse of mild rosacea (3 patients) and moderate papulopustular rosacea (1 patient). At the Demodex exam, 1/4 relapsed patients resulted positive., Conclusions: We did not find a significant increase in relapses of papulopustular rosacea during the pandemic. An appropriate anti-parasitic treatment may reduce the number of recurrences due to mask use.

Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest None.

Atopic dermatitis and psoriasis are traditionally considered diseases that cannot coexist, since they are described as the result of the activation of opposing inflammatory pathways. However, this belief has been debunked, and numerous cases of psoriasis induced by dupilumab, a biologic treatment for atopic dermatitis, have been reported. We report three cases of dupilumab-induced psoriasis and we present a literature review including cases of "de novo" psoriasis and of the relapse of psoriasis that occurred during treatment with dupilumab. In total, 39 publications met the inclusion criteria, including 112 AD patients, 101 of whom developed "de novo" psoriasis, and 11 with a flare of pre-existent psoriasis. In the first group, patients more frequently developed plaque psoriasis on the scalp and extremities, after an average latency period from the initiation of dupilumab of 5 months. In the second group, the incidence of dupilumab-induced relapses of psoriasis was 43%, after an average of 4 months since the first administration. The most common psoriasis type was plaque psoriasis, with the involvement of the scalp and upper extremities. Dupilumab was interrupted in 38% of patients with "de novo" psoriasis and in 50% of relapsed patients, leading, in most cases, to an improvement of psoriasis. In conclusion, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis can definitely co-exist, and biologic drugs used to treat the former can promote the latter. It is thus crucial to perform a careful personal and familiar anamnesis before prescribing any biologic treatment. Moreover, a study of cytokine expression and blood proteomic markers could be considered in these patients.

Facial follicular scales, dandruff, scalp itching and ocular alterations are lesser-known signs of rosacea and demodicosis. The aim of this prospective original study was to investigate the presence of these signs and symptoms in patients with almost-clear, mild and moderate papulopustular rosacea (PPR) and to study the differences between Demodex-positive (D+) and Demodex-negative (D-) rosacea. Twenty-seven out of 60 patients (45%) presented follicular scales, 24 (40%) ocular involvement and 22 (36.67%) scalp involvement. Follicular scales were more frequently observed in mild and moderate than in almost-clear rosacea (P<0.001). Itching of the scalp was more frequently reported in patients with moderate rosacea than in those with mild disease (P=0.05). Follicular scales (P=0.002) and scalp itching (P=0.05) were more frequently reported in D+ than in D- patients. Among D+ patients, scalp itching was more frequently reported in mild than in almost clear rosacea (P=0.01) and ocular symptoms associated to scalp itching were more frequently reported in moderate than in almost-clear rosacea (P=0.05). We suggest looking for these signs and symptoms in all patients with PPR, because they can be a sign of a more severe form of rosacea or of demod-icosis., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest: the authors declare no potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024, the Author(s).)

Anogenital warts (AWs) represent a therapeutic challenge, especially in infants, due to sensitive skin and frequent disease recurrence. Though the initial wait-and-see approach is often adopted in asymptomatic immunocompetent children, with spontaneous clearing in almost 90% of cases within two years, persistent or symptomatic lesions can be reasonably treated. However, few studies have been conducted on children. Consequently, most treatments on patients under age 12 are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Herein, we review possible therapies for pediatric use in AW and report an illustrative case of a two-year-old boy with atopic skin and symptomatic, persistent AWs who was successfully treated with topical podophyllotoxin, without adverse effects or recurrence. Among available therapies for AWs, topical therapies, such as immunomodulating-agents (topical imiquimod 5% and 3.75% cream, sinecatechins 15% ointment) and cytotoxic agents (podophyllotoxin and cidofovir) are considered manageable in children because of their low aggressiveness. In particular, podofillotoxin gel 5% and imiquimod 5% cream have been reported to be safe and efficacious in children. Currently, HPV vaccination is not recommended as a treatment for established HPV infection and AWs, yet a possible therapeutic role of HPV vaccination was recently suggested in the literature and deserves mention.

Introduction: Topical ivermectin is an anti-inflammatory and anti-Demodex drug for papulopustular rosacea. Rosacea is a relapsing disease and the time between recurrences should be considered alongside efficacy., Objectives: The aims of this study were to assess the time of first relapse and relapse rates of Demodex mite infestation and papulopustular rosacea., Methods: We conducted a prospective study of subjects affected by different degrees of papulopustular rosacea. Patients that achieved a complete response after treatment were monitored every 4 weeks and up to 32 additional weeks. For each patient, we evaluated recording the time to first relapse and relapse rate of Demodex mite infestation and rosacea., Results: The overall success rate on Demodex infestation was 87.5% only 12.5% relapse. Ivermectin leads to complete response in 70% of patients. Median time to relapse was 140 days, the mean time was 152 days. The global success rate was 54.76%., Conclusions: Topical ivermectin keeps a remission of Demodex infestation and clinical remission for long time. We proposed a twice weekly ivermectin maintenance therapy to reduce recurrences., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None., (©2022 Trave et al.)

Background: Traditionally, KOH microscopy and fungal culture are the two preferred tests as gold standard for diagnosis of onychomycosis. Recently, other diagnostic methods have been developed to improve the microbiological diagnosis. The EUROArray dermatomycosis kit is a PCR-based microarray test system for the detection and direct identification of species that are most frequently involved in skin and nail infections., Objectives: Our primary aim was to evaluate the real-life applicability of the EUROArray dermatomycosis kit in the diagnosis of onychomycoses. In addition, we compared the aetiology of onychomycoses found in our patients with those described in the literature., Patients/methods: We prospectively studied consecutive 100 patients with suspected onychomycoses. Samples of suspect toenails were taken as part of routine medical management. Nail specimens were evaluated by means of three diagnostic methods: KOH preparation, culture and EUROArray dermatomycosis kit., Results: Onychomycosis was diagnosed in 47/100 patients who proved positive on at least one reference diagnostic test and in 49/100 patients who proved positive on PCR. The combination of microscopy and PCR had better sensitivity than microscopy (p = .0397), fungal culture (p = .0061) and PCR alone (p = .0117). Moulds were more frequently positive in culture than in PCR (p = .033). Dermatophytes proved positive more frequent than moulds and yeasts in both culture and PCR; in particular, Trichophyton interdigitale was the most frequent pathogen., Conclusions: In conclusion, introducing EUROArray dermatomycosis kit into the diagnostic algorithm of onychomycosis increases the sensitivity of direct microscopy and yields more rapid results than culture., (© 2021 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Sensitive scalp is a common condition defined by the presence of erythema and/or subjective symptoms as pain, pricking, burning, pruritus of the scalp elicited by triggering factors. Trichodynia is a term that describes a sensation of pain or burning of the scalp and was assumed to be part of sensitive scalp. Main goal of the study was to establish the prevalence of sensitive scalp in patients with trichological disorders. We conducted a retrospective observational study recorded: age, sex, trichological disorder (telogen effluvium, androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, scarring alopecia, trichotillomania) and scalp symptoms (pruritus, pain, burning and itching sensation). We studied 317 patients. 102 patients (32%) complained of sensitive scalp. Telogen effluvium patients had a significantly higher prevalence of sensitive scalp (p <0.001), pain (p= 0.028), burning sensation (p=0.018), pruritus (p=0.016) and trichodynia (p<0.001) than other patients with alopecias. Likewise, AA patients had a statistically significant higher prevalence of pruritus (p=0.0256) and trichodynia (p=0.0223) than other alopecias patients. Sensitive scalp is a frequent symptom reported by patients with hair loss. Telogen effluvium and alopecia areata seem to be most associated to sensitive scalp., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest: The authors declare no potential conflict of interest., (©Copyright: the Author(s).)

Globalization entails several medical problems along with economic and social complications. Migrations from other continents, increasing numbers of tourists worldwide, and importation of foreign parasites (eg, Aedes albopictus) have made diseases previously unknown in Europe a reality. The rapid spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic throughout the world is a warning that other epidemics are still possible. Most, if not all of these diseases, transmitted by viruses or bacteria, present with cutaneous symptoms and signs that are highly important for a speedy diagnosis, a fundamental concept for arresting the diseases and saving lives. Dermatologists play a significant role in delineating cutaneous and mucosal lesions that are often lumped together as dermatitis. We provide a review of many of these cutaneous and mucosal lesions that sometimes are forgotten or even ignored., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Alitretinoin is the only systemic agent approved to treat moderate-severe chronic hand eczema (CHE) unresponsive to potent topical corticosteroids. No nationwide Italian data regarding real-life efficacy, safety, and tolerability of treatment are available. The DECISA project (DErmatology Clinics in Italy: Survey on Alitretinoin) retrospectively examined data from a registry including 15 Dermatology Clinics authorized to prescription of alitretinoin for CHE patients. Disease severity was assessed at baseline, and after 3 and 6 months of treatment, using the 5-point Physician Global Assessment (PGA) and the modified Total Lesion-Symptoms-Severity (mTLSS) scores. Between November 2010 and July 2018, data of 248 male and 190 female patients (mean age 49.71 ± 13.20 years) treated with alitretinoin were collected. Of them, 43.2% had irritant contact dermatitis, 22.2% allergic contact dermatitis, 18.0% atopic dermatitis, 16.7% mixed (irritant/allergic) type of eczema. At 3 months, the 420 re-evaluated patients showed significantly reduced mTLSS and PGA (P < .0000001 vs baseline for both); PGA was clear/almost clear in 35.6% of cases. At 6 months, the 341 re-evaluated patients showed significant (P < .0000001) improvement of mTLSS and PGA vs baseline and 3 months (PGA clear/almost clear: 41.4%). Relapses occurred in 125 patients; 58 underwent an additional course of alitretinoin, with similarly good results. No relevant safety issues were reported; 86 patients experienced adverse effects, which forced 40 to prematurely stop treatment. The DECISA project results confirm the real-life efficacy, safety and tolerability of alitretinoin in the treatment of moderate to severe CHE refractory to standard topical therapies., (© 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a human herpesvirus spread in childhood by contact with saliva. In all populations, the great majority of people are infected by middle age. EBV can cause asymptomatic infection, nonspecific symptoms or, especially in adolescents and young adults, the infectious mononucleosis (IM), characterized by pharyngitis, lymphadenopathy, fatigue, and fever. Two main types of skin rashes, accounted as atypical exanthems, occur in patients with acute IM: a faint erythematous maculopapular eruption of 24-48 hours duration (5-15% of the patients) or a pruritic maculopapular rash in almost all patients receiving ampicillin or amoxicillin. Moreover EBV acute infection has been related to other cutaneous manifestations, such as Gianotti-Crosti syndrome, unilateral laterothoracic exanthem (especially in children), and others. In this study, we reported a case of atypical exanthem with an erythematous-papulovesicular pattern in a 22-year-old female patient with IM and performed a review of the literature of the cutaneous and mucosal eruptions occurring during EBV acute infections., (© 2020 the International Society of Dermatology.)