Asli Feride Kaptanoglu

Plantar pitted keratolysis: a study from non-risk groups

Pitted keratolysis is an acquired, superficial bacterial infection of the skin which is characterized by typical malodor and pits in the hyperkeratotic areas of the soles. It is more common in barefooted people in tropical areas, or those who have to wear occlusive shoes, such as soldiers, sailors and athletes. In this study, we evaluated 41 patients who had been diagnosed with plantar pitted keratolysis. The patients were of high socioeconomic status, were office-workers, and most had a university degree. Malodor and plantar hyperhydrosis were the most frequently reported symptoms. The weight-bearing metatarsal parts of the feet were those most affected. Almost half the women in the study gave a history of regular pedicure and foot care in a spa salon. Mean treatment duration was 19 days. All patients were informed about the etiology of the disease, predisposing factors and preventive methods. Recurrences were observed in only 17% of patients during the one year follow-up period. This study emphasizes that even malodorous feet among non-risk city dwellers may be a sign of plantar pitted keratolysis. A study of the real incidence of the disease in a large population-based series is needed.

Faun Tail Nevus and Spinal Dysraphism: Cosmetic Improvement with Alexandrite Laser Epilation

Faun-tail presents as an abnormal lumbosacral hypertrischosis and may be associated with spinal dysrasphism. In addition to the problems due to spinal anomalies, patients physico-social life may also be affected. Here, we report a case of 13 years old female patient with Faun-tail in association with sypinal dysraphism, in which cosmetic improvement was achieved with the help of Alexandrite laser. Alexandrite laser can be the method of choice for permanent hair removal method due to its safe, effective and easy to apply properties.

Effect of isotretinoin on prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR), and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)

Abstract Patients with severe acne may need elective/urgent surgical interventions during treatment with isotretinoin and it is critical for the surgeon to consider the possible effects of this medication on coagulation systems. The aim of this study is to determine the changes in prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR), and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) during isotretinoin treatment. PT, aPTT, and INR values of 51 severe acne patients were evaluated during routine pre-treatment biochemical analysis. Only patients with normal values were included in the study. The results of before and after 1 month treatment were compared statistically. There were no statistically significant change in mean alanine aminotranferease (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), PT, and INR values after treatment. A significant increase in aPTT was detected. The INR values, which are more trusted and safe, showed no difference. Isotretinoin seems to have no effect on these coagulation parameters.

Facial and Periorbital Cellulitis due to Skin Peeling with Jet Stream by an Unauthorized Person

Technologies and devices for cosmetic procedures are developing with each passing day. However, increased and unauthorized use of such emerging technologies may also lead to increases in unexpected results and complications as well. Here, we report a case of facial cellulitis after a “beauty parlor” session of skin cleaning with jet stream peeling device in 19-year old female patient for the first time. Complications due to improper and unauthorized use of jet stream peeling devices may also cause doubts about the safety and impair the reputation of the technology as well. In order to avoid irreversible complications, local authorities should follow the technology and update the regulations where the dermatologists should take an active role.

Acneiform Eruptions and Pregnancy

Acne and acneiform eruptions during pregnancy need special attention. The physician should be aware of the special condition of a pregnant patient. Acne treatments may aim to prevent worsening, secondary infections, scarring and lowering self-esteem of the mother. However, the treatment of acne and acneiform eruptions are not easy to treat during pregnancy. First, because many cosmetics and procedures are not tested on pregnant patients and it is impossible to predict the possible consequences of the procedures on fetus, many women quit cosmetic procedures during pregnancy. Second, the underlying conditions such as hormonal influx and immunosuppression continue. Third, the medications for acne have limitations due to the lack of evidence of safety during pregnancy. Here, a acneiform eruptions during pregnancy, including acne vulgaris, acne rosacea, perioral dermatitis, and hidradenitis suppurativa, are reviewed focusing on these points and each of them is evaluated by clinical presentation, differential diagnosis and treatment options focusing on maternal and fetal safety.

Keratosis follicularis spinulosa decalvans in a 15 months Cypriot girl

Keratosis follicularis spinulosa decalvans (KFSD) is a rare disease with unknown etiology. It clinically presents with diffuse follicular hyperkeratosis of scalp which progress to atrophy, cicatricial alopecia, and photophobia. The lesions start in chilhood and an aggrevasion occurs after puberty by the development of scalp pustules with bacterial infection and causes both functional and cosmetic discomfort. Here, we report a Cypriot girl that diagnosed KFSD that do not have any family history.

The history of dermatology, venereology and dermatopathology in different countries - North Cyprus

Cyprus is an island, located in the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea, at the south of Turkey. There are mainly two communities living on the island, namely, Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots. It was ruled by the Lusignan dynasty (1192 AD-1489 AD), Venetian domination (1489-1570), Ottoman Empire (1571-1878) and Britain (1878-1960). In 1960 Republic of Cyprus was founded by the Turkish and Greek Cypriot communities.

Systemic Isotretinoin Treatment and Pregnancy: A Longitudinal Cohort Study from Turkey.

OBJECTIVE Isotretinoin is known to be the most effective treatment of severe and persistent acne. However, one of the most important adverse effects of this drug is known to be teratogenicity. In this regard, tests are administered before initiating the treatment, to assure that an unknown pregnancy is not present and accordingly, patients are advised to take contraceptive precautions during their systemic isotretinoin treatments. On the contrary, many cases of unwanted pregnancies and relevant abortuses have been reported all over the world. In the Turkish literature, only a few reports have been identified about foetal exposure to isotretinoin. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this respect, a study was carried out on fifty-seven female patients, aiming to fulfil the gap of information mentioned above. Female patients, with ages ranging between 14 and 35 years, were recruited to the study and they were administered isotretinoin treatments (cumulative dose of 120 mg/kg) for an average period of 6 months. The patients were followed up during and after the treatment for a total period of 18 months. RESULTS As a result, it has been observed that none of the patients got pregnant during the treatment period and relevantly, no abortuses or foetal abnormalities were recorded. Moreover, none of the patients got pregnant 12 months after the termination of the treatment. Additionally, the socio-demographic analysis of the patients indicates that most of the patients were single and 81% of the patients were sexually inactive. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that the low reportage of teratogenicity due to isotretinoin usage in Turkey could be due to several reasons, such as the sociocultural profile of the female patients undertaking the isotretinoin treatment, and strict adherence to contraceptive methods, and/or underreporting of teratogenic incidents due to lack of studies held in cooperation with obstetricians.

Ventriculoperitoneal shunt infection after an insect sting

Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt transfers cerebrospinal fluid from the lateral ventricles of the brain to the peritoneum via subcutaneous tubing. VP shunt implantation is the most widely used treatment for the management of hydrocephalus [2]. Although VP shunting reduces the mortality and morbidity of hydrocephalus, there are potential shunt complications such as infection, obstruction, mechanical disconnection, and breakage. These complications may cause shunt failure and reoperations [22]. The long-term studies show that 45% to 59% of all patients require surgical revisions [5]. VP shunt infections are serious complications. Infections of the catheter may spread into the abdomen by ascending direction or into the brain ventricles by descending direction and may threaten life. The incidence of shunt infection ranges from 1% to 29% [3, 20]. Therapeutic modalities for the treatment of shunt infections vary from only antibiotic treatment to IV antibiotics with removal of the infected shunt. We herein report a case of shunt infection after an insect sting. Although an insect sting can cause local and inflammatory reactions, to the best our knowledge, this is the first report of a shunt infection after a single insect sting in English literature.