Arzu Kiliç

Clinical aspects of epidermodysplasia verruciformis and review of the literature

Background  Epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV), is an unusual genodermatosis characterized by persistent human papilloma virus infection with an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. Clinically, it is characterized by flat wart‐like lesions, scaly hypo‐ and hyperpigmented macules and/or patches, which resemble pityriasis versicolor, and development of early beginning nonmelanoma cutaneous carcinomas.

Skin findings in thyroid diseases

BACKGROUND In cases of thyroid diseases, many of the symptoms arise on the skin. In this study, we aimed to detect and compare the skin findings and accompanying dermatoses of patients with thyroid diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS 220 patients with thyroid diseases, who did not have any medical cure, and 90 healthy individuals as a control group attended our study. All of the cases were examined, and the skin findings and/or dermatoses were recorded. The skin findings in the patients and the control group were compared statistically. RESULTS Among 220 cases, in 125 (56.8%) skin findings were detected. The most frequently observed skin findings were chronic urticaria (6.8%), vitiligo (6.8%), diffuse alopecia (6%), acne vulgaris (5%) and acne rosacea (3.6%). No significant difference was detected statistically between the patients and control group in terms of skin findings. When compared for the presence of each dermatosis, chronic urticaria, vitiligo and pruritus were found to be significantly higher in the patient group with thyroid diseases than in the control group. In terms of the presence of skin findings, no statistical difference was detected between autoimmune hyperthyroidism and non-autoimmune hyperthyroidism, between autoimmune hypothyroidism and non-autoimmune hypothyroidism, or between autoimmune euthyroidism and non-autoimmune euthyroidism. Chronic urticaria, vitiligo, and diffuse alopecia were found to be significantly higher in patients with autoimmune thyroid diseases than in the control group. Vitiligo and diffuse alopecia were found to be higher in autoimmune hyperthyroidism patients than in the control group. Vitiligo was found to be significantly higher in autoimmune hypothyroidism patients than in the control group. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, no report investigating the skin findings among thyroid diseases exists in literature. We believe this study would provide data for further studies.

Homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folic acid levels in psoriasis patients

Background  Hyperhomocysteinaemia is a risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, stroke, peripheral arterial occlusive disease and venous thrombosis. An association between psoriasis and cardiovascular diseases has been reported.

Squamous cell carcinoma developing on burn scar.

Background:It is estimated that 2% of burn scars undergo malignant transformation. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common type of cancer that develops. Materials and Methods:We report a retrospective study, which consists of 510 patients who have 570 cases of tumors of SCC. We examined SCCs developing on burn scars retrospectively among 570 cases, and we found that 36 cases had SCC developing on burn scars. The records of those 36 cases were analyzed in terms of age, sex, latent period between burn and carcinoma, anatomic localization of the carcinoma, and the presence of metastases. These findings were compared with the SCC group that did not have burn history. Results:The number of SCC developing on burn scars among the 570 cases was 36 (6.31%), 15 of which were women (41.66%) and 21 were men (58.33%). The average age was 46.77 years. The average latent period between burn and the development of carcinoma was found to be 32.22 years. It should be mentioned that the burn scar carcinoma group was younger. In addition, burn scar carcinoma was more likely to localize on lower extremities and metastasize (P < 0.001). Conclusion:Having high aggressive features, the suspicion of development of SCC in burn scar should be kept in mind, so patients with burn scar must be followed periodically.

A case of generalized discoid lupus erythematosus: Successful treatment with Imiquimod cream 5%

Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is the most common form of chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus. Classic DLE lesions begin as red-purple macules, papules, or small plaques and rapidly develop a hyperkeratotic surface. Most patients with untreated classic DLE lesions suffer indolent progression to large areas of cutaneous dystrophy and scarring alopecia that can be psychosocially devastating. A 44-year-old male patient presented to the clinic with erythematous scaly patches that began on his nose 1 y before. His face was most affected, however, lesions were also noted on his scalp, ears, and limbs. Histopathologic examination verified a diagnosis of DLE. Laboratory examinations and consultations revealed no signs of systemic involvement. Imiquimod cream 5% was applied to the lesions once a day 3 times a week. After 20 applications, entire lesions regressed significantly. Imiquimod cream 5% may represent an alternative treatment method for patients with DLE.

Cutaneous manifestations in patients positive for anti-hepatitis C virus antibodies.

Cutaneous diseases can indicate the presence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The aim of this study was to analyse the frequency of cutaneous findings in HCV infection and HCV RNA positive cases in Turkey. Fifty consecutive patients positive for anti-HCV antibodies,negative controls, and patients positive and negative for HCV RNA were examined for any cutaneous findings that could be associated with HCV infection. The risk of infected patients developing cutaneous finding was higher than for non-infected individuals. Only pruritus showed a statistically significant difference in separate assessment of cutaneous symptoms. There were no differences in cutaneous findings in HCV RNA positive and negative cases. The risk of developing a dermatological finding, especially pruritus, was increased in HCV infection.However, because the number of patients in this study was too low to allow statistical evaluation of the prevalence of dermatological symptoms and diseases, multicentre studies including large numbers of patients are needed.

Pediatric Skin Disorders Encountered in a Dermatology Outpatient Clinic in Turkey

Abstract:  This study documents the spectrum and frequency of skin disorders in a total of 2370 children encountered in a dermatology outpatient clinic in Turkey. Infectious skin diseases were most frequently observed (27.6%) followed by, eczemas (17.9%), acne (14,5%), papulosquamous diseases (6.9%), hair diseases (4.1%), pigmentation disorders (3.8%), generalized pruritus (2.8%), urticaria (2.7%), and insect bite (2.3%). Epidemiologic data are useful in planning of the health care and taking preventive measures to decrease the prevalence of skin disorders in children.

Vitiligo associated with malignant melanoma and lupus erythematosus.

There exists several reports where malignant melanoma is associated with vitiligo, vitiligo with discoid lupus erythematosus and lupus erythematosus with urticaria. 1–6 However, there are no reports in which vitiligo, malignant melanoma, lupus erythematosus and urticaria coexist in the same case. Herein, we report a case of a patient who developed lupus erythematosus, malignant melanoma, vitiligo and urticaria simultaneously.

Skin findings in internal malignant diseases

Purpose  A skin finding may be an indicator of internal malignant diseases. In this report, we investigated the skin findings of the cases who have had internal malignancy within the last 1 month.

Smoking, alcohol consumption and denture use in patients with oral mucosal lesions.

BACKGROUND Epidemiologic researches about oral mucosal lesions have been performed in different populations. But, in dermatology outpatients, oral mucosal lesions have not been investigated previously. OBJECTIVE We aimed to determine the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions among dermatology outpatients and the relationship between OML and smoking, alcohol intake, denture and dental filling use and skin diseases. METHODS Randomly selected 1041 dermatology outpatients were examined for dermatological diseases and oral mucosal lesions. All of the patients were questioned about smoking, alcohol intake, denture and dental filling use. RESULTS In 235 patients, oral mucosal lesions were recorded. 268 (25.7%) of the patients had history of smoking, 42 (4%) drinking alcohol and 180 (17.3%) denture and dental filling. 32 (64%) of the smokers, 54 (30%) of denture users and 10 (23.8%) alcohol consumers had at least one OML. Age and smoking were found as significant risk factors for oral mucosal lesions. Fissured tongue was the most common oral lesion and it was seen significantly higher in patients with denture. Smoking was risk factor for coated tongue and linea alba. CONCLUSIONS Oral mucosa should be examined carefully even if the patients do not attend with the complaint of oral lesions, especially in elderly patients, smokers and denture users.