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Uwe Wollina,1 Reinhard Wetzker,2 Mohamed Badawy Abdel-Naser,3 Ilja L Kruglikov4 1Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Academic Teaching Hospital Dresden-Friedrichstadt, Dresden, 2Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, and Center for Sepsis Control and Care, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany; 3Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Ain Shams University Hospital, Cairo, Egypt; 4Wellcomet GmbH, Karlsruhe, Germany Abstract: Age-dependent modification of the facial subcutaneous white adipose tissue (sWAT) connected with reduction of its volume, modification of collagen content and adhesion between dermal and adipose layers can significantly influence mechanical stability of the skin and cause the development of aging symptoms such as wrinkles. Typical aging appearance in facial skin is at least partly connected with special phenotypical features of facial preadipocytes and mature adipocytes. In this paper, we have discussed the possible roles of local inflammation, compartmental structure of facial sWAT and trans-differentiation processes such as beiging of white adipocytes and adipocyte-myofibroblast transition in facial skin aging. Keywords: facial aging, adipose tissue, preadipocytes, adipocytes, inflammation, beiging, adipocyte-myofibroblast transition

Uwe Wollina,1 Gesina Hansel,1 Anja Baunacke,1 Georgi Tchernev2 1Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Academic Teaching Hospital Dresden-Friedrichstadt, Dresden, Germany; 2Department of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, Medical Institute of Ministry of Interior (MVR), Sofia, Bulgaria Abstract: Herpes zoster is a common disease caused due to varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection with increasing incidence by age. If the patient has a severe, extended, or treatment-recalcitrant course of herpes zoster, this must be a red flag to search for underlying pathologies. Here, we report about a 64-year-old male patient with diabetes, who came to our emergency department because of general malaise, fever, chills, and a pronounced nuchal and facial swelling on the left side. Based on herpetiform-grouped vesicles and yellowish crusts, an impetiginized facial herpes zoster was diagnosed, and combined antiviral and antibiotic treatment was initiated. He was HIV negative. Despite intensified treatment, his situation worsened. We observed blasts in peripheral blood, but bone marrow biopsy was initially denied. Some days later after deterioration of his disease, he accepted further diagnostics. A myelodysplastic syndrome with blast excess (refractory anemia and blast excess II, RAEB II) could be confirmed. The following translocations were detected: t(2;12)(p13; q13) and t(6;9)(p22;q34). REAB II has an unfortunate prognosis. Cytoreductive treatment was initiated by the hemato-oncologist. Unfortunately, the patient deceased due to septic shock. Keywords: herpes zoster, varicella zoster virus, myelodysplastic syndrome, sepsis, emergency

Ilja L Kruglikov,1 Uwe Wollina2 1Scientific Department, Wellcomet GmbH, Karlsruhe, 2Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Hospital Dresden-Friedrichstadt Academic Teaching Hospital of the Technical University of Dresden, Dresden, Germany Abstract: The structure and physiological state of the local white adipose tissue (WAT) located underneath the lesional psoriatic skin and inside of the joints affected by psoriatic arthritis play an important role in the pathophysiology of these diseases. WAT pads associated with inflammatory sites in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are, correspondingly, dermal WAT and articular adipose tissue; these pads demonstrate inflammatory phenotypes in both diseases. Such local WAT inflammation could be the primary effect in the pathophysiology of psoriasis leading to the modification of the local expression of adipokines, a change in the structure of the basement membrane and the release of keratinocytes with consequent epidermal hyperproliferation during psoriasis. Similar articular adipose tissue inflammation can lead to the induction of structural modifications and synovial inflammation in the joints of patients with psoriatic arthritis. Keywords: psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, pathophysiology, adipose tissue, dermal adipocytes, articular adipose tissue

Uwe Wollina Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Academic Teaching Hospital Dresden-Friedrichstadt, Dresden, Germany Abstract: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting ~10–20% of the general population. AD is characterized by disturbances in epidermal barrier function and hyperactive immune response. Recently, changes in the skin and intestinal microbiome have been analyzed in more detail. The available data suggest a link between disturbed skin microbiome and course of the disease. Flares of the disease are associated with an expansion of Staphylococcus aureus on lesional skin and a substantial loss of biodiversity in skin microbiome. Staphylococci exoproteins and superantigens evoke inflammatory reactions in the host. Skin microbiome includes superficial stratum corneum that is affected by environmental factors such as exposure to germs and cleansing. Available evidence argues for a link between epidermal barrier impairment and disturbances in skin microbiome in AD. In contrast to skin microbiome, intestinal microbiome seems to become stabilized after infancy. There is also a significant heritable component for intestinal microbiome. The microbial taxa, relative percentages and quantities vary remarkably between the different parts of the intestinal tract. Early intestinal microbial colonization may be a critical step for prevention of further development of AD. Skin barrier-aimed topical treatments help to develop a neo-microbiome from deeper compartments. Probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics have been investigated for the treatment of AD, but further investigations are needed. Targeted treatment options to normalize skin and intestinal microbiome in AD are under investigation. Keywords: atopic dermatitis, microbiome, staphylococci, skin, intestine, antimicrobial peptides

Uwe Wollina,1 Alberto Goldman2 1Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Academic Teaching Hospital, Dresden-Friedrichstadt, Dresden, Germany; 2Clinica Goldman, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil Abstract: Acne is a common inflammatory disease. Scarring is an unwanted end point of acne. Both atrophic and hypertrophic scar types occur. Soft-tissue augmentation aims to improve atrophic scars. In this review, we will focus on the use of dermal fillers for acne scar improvement. Therefore, various filler types are characterized, and available data on their use in acne scar improvement are analyzed. Keywords: acne, scars, dermal fillers, injection, extracellular matrix

Uwe Wollina,1 Shyam B Verma,2 Fareedi Mukram Ali,3 Kishor Patil4 1Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Academic Teaching Hospital Dresden-Friedrichstadt, Dresden, Germany; 2Nirvana Skin Clinic, Vadodara, Gujarat, India; 3Departments of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, SMBT Dental College, Sangamner, Maharashtra, India; 4Departments of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, SMBT Dental College, Sangamner, Maharashtra, India Abstract: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a premalignant condition caused by betel chewing. It is very common in Southeast Asia but has started to spread to Europe and North America. OSF can lead to squamous cell carcinoma, a risk that is further increased by concomitant tobacco consumption. OSF is a diagnosis based on clinical symptoms and confirmation by histopathology. Hypovascularity leading to blanching of the oral mucosa, staining of teeth and gingiva, and trismus are major symptoms. Major constituents of betel quid are arecoline from betel nuts and copper, which are responsible for fibroblast dysfunction and fibrosis. A variety of extracellular and intracellular signaling pathways might be involved. Treatment of OSF is difficult, as not many large, randomized controlled trials have been conducted. The principal actions of drug therapy include antifibrotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxygen radical mechanisms. Potential new drugs are on the horizon. Surgery may be necessary in advanced cases of trismus. Prevention is most important, as no healing can be achieved with available treatments. Keywords: betel nut, betel quid, oral disease, squamous cell carcinoma, tobacco, fibrosis

The infectious disease of measles is becoming a rarity in the member states of the European Union. After the implementation of the mandatory immunization calendar, cases of measles among children rarely encounter while those that have been registered usually pass lightly and without any significant complications. We present two cases of a measles-type infection with a fatal outcome for two children - 4 and 11 years of age respectively - who had not been immunized by the time of the event and who developed an unfolding clinical picture with the respective complications. In a number of countries in the European Union (as well as within some ethnical groups, the Roma population included), standard-type vaccinations may appear to be problematic. The most frequently encountered complications, resulting from such “blunders”, are pneumonia and encephalitis but controlling the clinical symptoms is not always possible because of: 1) late medical intervention due to the poor knowledge ability of the respective ethnical group (overdue contact with the specialized medical personnel), as well as 2) the superposed bacterial infections which unmask the initial diagnosis. Obtaining a clear picture of the symptoms in such patients is difficult. In the rare cases, when the therapy is rewarded with some success, patients remain partial or permanent invalids because of the irreversible damage to the brain and/or the functions of the lungs.

Alberto Goldman,1 Uwe Wollina2 1Clinica Goldman, Porto Alegre RS, Brazil; 2Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Academic Teaching Hospital Dresden-Friedrichstadt, Dresden, Germany Abstract: Permanent makeup is a cosmetic tattoo that is used to enhance one’s appearance, and which has become more popular among middle-aged and elderly women. A couple of benefits seem to be associated with permanent tattoos in the elderly: saving time (wake up with makeup); poor eyesight (difficult to apply makeup); and saving money. On the other hand, cosmetic tattoos bear the same risks as other tattoo procedures. We report on fading and unintended hyperpigmentation after tattooing on eyebrows and eyelids, and discuss the scientific and anatomical background behind the possible cause. Dermatochalasis may be a possible risk factor for excessive unwanted discolorations. Q-switched neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser is an appropriate and safe therapeutic tool that can manage such adverse effects. Consumer protection warrants better information and education of the risks of cosmetic tattoos – in particular, for elderly women. Keywords: permanent makeup, cosmetic tattoos, adverse effects, dermatochalasis, Q-switched Nd:YAG laser

HPV infection is involved in the etiology of a number of nonmalignant, premalignant and malignant cutaneous lesions. One of them is the so-called giant condyloma of Buschke-Löwenstein type (Buschke-Löwenstein tumor, BLT), which sometimes can imitate clinically other tumors or tumor-like conditions. Clinicians face a particular challenge in cases of BLT where, clinically, the lesions demonstrate a permanent brown hyperpigmentation in parallel with the dermatoscopic lack of the characteristic melanocytic network, globules or regression zones. There are uncommon clinical presentations with solitary, sharply demarcated pigmented lesions. In these cases the histopathological verification of the lesion is obligatory and the most efficient treatment method in the early period of the disease is the complete surgical excision. We report a case of a 74-year-old man who was admitted to the University Hospital “Lozenetz” in connection with profuse variceal bleeding of the esophagus associated with liver cirrhosis of unknown etiology. He underwent a consultative examination at the department of dermatology because of suspected advanced stage melanoma of the prepuce. Computed tomographic analysis indicated diffuse bone metastases located in the small pelvis and femur, as well as metastatic disease in the left inguinal lymph nodes. However, the subsequent histopathologic examination of the lesion, rather than showing melanoma, confirmed the presence of HPV-associated giant condyloma of Buschke and Löwenstein in initial stage, without histopathological evidence for invasive and destructive tumor growth. After his death, the patient’s relatives did not give consent for an autopsy, and therefore the genesis of the metastases, demonstrated by nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMR), remained unclear. In some cases, the clinical picture of the malignant and premalignant cutaneous lesions in the genital area could be problematic. The complete surgical excision with a subsequent histopathological verification is the best way to find out the exact diagnosis

Uwe Wollina,1 Birgit Heinig,2 Andreas Nowak31Department of Dermatology and Allergology, 2Centre of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitative Medicine, 3Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Medical Care, Emergency Medicine and Pain Management, Academic Teaching Hospital Dresden-Friedrichstadt, Dresden, GermanyBackground: Lipedema is a rare female disorder with a characteristic distribution of adipose tissue hypertrophy on the extremities, with pain and bruising. In advanced stages, reduction of adipose tissue is the only available effective treatment. In elderly patients with advanced lipedema, correction of increased skin laxity has to be considered for an optimal outcome.Methods: We report on a tailored combined approach to improve advanced lipedema in elderly females with multiple comorbidities. Microcannular laser-assisted liposuction of the upper legs and knees is performed under tumescent anesthesia. Medial thigh lift and partial lower abdominoplasty with minimal undermining are used to correct skin laxity and prevent intertrigo. Postsurgical care with nonelastic flat knitted compression garments and manual lymph drainage are used.Results: We report on three women aged 55–77 years with advanced lipedema of the legs and multiple comorbidities. Using this step-by-step approach, a short operation time and early mobilization were possible. Minor adverse effects were temporary methemoglobinemia after tumescent anesthesia and postsurgical pain. No severe adverse effects were seen. Patient satisfaction was high.Conclusion: A tailored approach may be useful in advanced lipedema and is applicable even in elderly patients with multiple comorbidities.Keywords: lipedema, tumescent anesthesia, liposuction, subdermal diode laser, medial thigh lift, lower abdominoplasty

Uwe Wollina Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Academic Teaching Hospital Dresden-Friedrichstadt, Dresden, Germany Abstract: Polycythemia vera is a rare myeloproliferative disease. Cutaneous symptoms are uncommon. We report about a 72-year-old female patient with JAK2V617F-positive polycythemia who developed peripheral sensorimotor axonal neuropathy and erythromelalgia. Possible causes and treatment are discussed. Keywords: bone marrow diseases, myeloproliferative diseases, JAK2 mutations, burning sensations, peripheral neuropathy

Uwe Wollina Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Academic Teaching Hospital Dresden-Friedrichstadt, Dresden, Germany Abstract: Lips and the perioral area are of outstanding importance in youthful appearance, attractiveness, and beauty. In contrast to younger and middle aged females, there is only scant published data on minimally invasive procedures to restore and revitalize lips and perioral soft tissue in elderly females. In this review we report the signs of aging in this particular region and the underlying anatomy. We review studies on lip restoration in younger females and present our techniques for elderly women. With an individually tailored approach, elderly females benefit from minimally invasive techniques. Keywords: facial aging, perioral soft tissue, lips, dermal fillers, anatomy

Kristina Semkova,1 Georgi Tchernev,2 Uwe Wollina31Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Sofia Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria; 2Policlinic for Dermatology and Venereology, Saint Kliment Ohridski University, Sofia, Bulgaria; 3Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Academic Teaching Hospital Dresden-Friedrichstadt, Dresden, GermanyAbstract: Erosive pustular dermatosis is a rare noninfectious disease of the scalp or legs. Clinical findings are nonspecific, with crusts, atrophy, and pustules. A later complication of erosive pustular dermatosis is secondary cicatrical alopecia. The list of possible differential diagnoses is long, and includes infectious, inflammatory, and neoplastic dermatoses. Treatment is challenging. Topical drug therapy may improve the condition, but rarely results in a complete resolution. Surgery has been linked to exacerbation in some patients. In our hands, it achieved complete remission in male patients.Keywords: erosive pustular dermatosis, scalp, cicatrical alopecia, leg, treatment

Cornelia Wiegand,1 Uta-Christina Hipler,1 Sebastian Boldt,2 Joachim Strehle,2 Uwe Wollina21Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Jena, Jena, Germany; 2Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Academic Teaching Hospital Dresden-Friedrichstadt, Dresden, GermanyAbstract: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the impairment of the skin-barrier function, increased oxidative cellular stress, and bacterial colonization. Hence, medical therapies of AD aim to control infection, reduce inflammation, and restore skin-barrier function by use of topical and systemic antibacterial drugs, topical corticosteroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors, and moisturizers. Textiles have the longest and most intense contact with the human skin, and functional textiles with intrinsic properties such as antioxidative capacity and antibacterial activity have been gaining in importance in medical applications. Specially designed textiles may support AD treatment and improve quality of life of AD. Here, we investigated the role of ZnO-functionalized textile fibers in the control of oxidative stress in AD in vitro and in vivo. In addition, the antibacterial effect and biocompatibility of the Zn textile was evaluated in vitro. We observed a rapid improvement of AD severity, pruritus, and subjective sleep quality when AD patients wore the ZnO textiles overnight on 3 consecutive days. This is possibly due to the high antioxidative capacity of the ZnO textile, as well as the allocation of strong antibacterial activity. Moreover, it was shown that the ZnO textiles possess very good biocompatibility and were well tolerated by AD patients.Keywords: atopic dermatitis, antibacterial activity, biocompatibility, functionalized textiles, oxidative stress

Shyam B Verma,1 Uwe Wollina21Nirvana Clinic, Vadodara, Gujarat, India; 2Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Academic Teaching Hospital Dresden-Friedrichstadt, Dresden, GermanyAbstract: Vulvar cancer is uncommon and may be confused with genital condylomata. We report two cases of middle-aged women presenting with exophytic vulvar tumors of the midline for which diagnosis of a vulvar squamous cell carcinoma was confirmed by histopathology. Risk factors, staging, and treatment options are discussed.Keywords: condyloma, human papillomavirus (HPV), squamous cell carcinoma, surgery, vulva

Uwe Wollina1, Alberto Goldman21Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Academic Teaching Hospital Dresden-Friedrichstadt, Dresden, Germany; 2Clinica Goldman, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande du Sul, BrazilAbstract: Age is a significant factor in modifying specific needs when it comes to medical aesthetic procedures. In this review we will focus on young adults in their third decade of life and review minimally invasive aesthetic procedures other than cosmetics and cosmeceuticals. Correction of asymmetries, correction after body modifying procedures, and facial sculpturing are important issues for young adults. The implication of aesthetic medicine as part of preventive medicine is a major ethical challenge that differentiates aesthetic medicine from fashion.Keywords: acne scars, ice pick scars, boxcar scars, fillers

Shyam B Verma1, Uwe Wollina21Nirwana Clinic, Baroda, Gujarat, India; 2Academic Teaching Hospital Dresden-Friedrichstadt, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Friedrichstrasse 41, Dresden, GermanyAbstract: India is becoming an epicentre of type II diabetes mellitus with a crude prevalence rate of about 9%. Candida balanoposthitis is a known feature of diabetes mellitus especially in Indian males who are predominantly uncircumcised. In this country, diabetes is often diagnosed for the first time by dermatologists. Diabetes is much more frequently the cause of candida balanoposthitis than sexual intercourse in India. Fissuring along with balanoposthitis was found to be more common in sexually active males. The biomechanical basis of fissuring and the effect of diabetes in this phenomenon are explained. The issue of circumcision is debated under various aspects.Keywords: balanoposthitis, diabetes mellitus, dermatology

Nodular seleroderma is rare variant of circumscribed scleroderma (morphea). Treatment is often unsatisfactory. This report is on the use of extracorporeal photochemotherapy. A 12 year old girl and a 49 year old woman have been treated once a month on two consecutive days. A complete remission was achieved in one patient after 10 months and an almost complete remission in the young girl after 6 months. The treatment was well-tolerated and no severe side â€" effects occurred. In contrast to previous attempts in treating nodular scleroderma with different modalities, ECP seems to be an effective therapy.