Aylin Türel

Prevalence of skin conditions in primary school children in Turkey: differences based on socioeconomic factors.

Abstract: Skin diseases are associated with environmental factors and a public health approach is particularly important. We determined the prevalence of skin conditions and associated socioeconomic factors in primary school children in Turkey. A questionnaire for determining the socioeconomic level and a complete dermatologic examination were performed in 785 children in two primary schools in different socioeconomic areas of suburban and central Manisa, Turkey. The study included 345 (43.9%) girls and 440 (56.1%) boys with a mean age of 9.25 ± 1.55 (range 6–14 years). Infectious skin diseases were frequently observed: pediculosis capitis in 74 children (9.4%), scabies in 17 (2.2%), viral skin diseases in 30 (3.8%), and fungal infections in 6 (0.7%). The other common conditions were melanocytic nevi (14.4%), keratosis pilaris (12.5%), pityriasis alba (12%), xerosis (11.8%), and atopic dermatitis (6.8%). Pediculosis capitis, acne, and dandruff were more common in girls. The rate of infections, atopic dermatitis, xerosis, and pityriasis alba were significantly higher in the school children with poor socioeconomic conditions. Improvement in socioeconomic conditions along with education may be needed to decrease the prevalence of some of these skin disorders in order to decrease costs related to treatment.

Wolf's Isotopic Response: A Case of Zosteriform Lichen Planus

Lichen planus is a lichenoid disorder characterized by shiny, flat papules. In addition to the classical appearance, there are several variants. Zonal or zosteriform lesions have been described. A 25‐year‐old male with a complaint of increasing numbers of erythematous swellings on his left groin for twenty days was admitted to our out‐patient clinic. He had a history of herpes zoster in the same localization which had been treated with topical acyclovir two weeks prior to his admission. Dermatological examination revealed multiple, shiny, erythematous, umblicated papules localized to the left inguinal region in a linear pattern. A biopsy was taken from the lesions. According to the clinical and pathological findings the diagnosis was zosteriform lichen planus. Zosteriform lichen planus is a rare variant of lichen planus; its differentiation from zona zoster and other linear dermatoses is difficult. We presented our case because of its rarity as a variant of lichen planus and its appearance in the area of healed herpes zoster as an isotopic response.

Recidivans cutaneous leishmaniasis unresponsive to liposomal amphotericin B (AmBisome

A 60‐year‐old woman with thick crusted erythematous plaques on her glabella, apex nasi and left infraorbital region was diagnosed as recidivans cutaneous leishmaniasis. The lesions were resistant to antimonial drugs. Although some response was observed on the infraorbital region, lesions on the glabella and nose continued to infiltrate despite therapy with liposomal amphotericin B.

Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa complicated with nephrotic syndrome due to secondary amyloidosis.

A 15‐year‐old young woman had a history of recurrent blisters and erosions on her whole body and oral mucosa since birth. There were patchy areas of cicatricial alopecia on the scalp and flaccid blisters and erosions on the back, buttocks, and distal portions of the extremities ( Fig. 1 ). Mitten‐hand deformity was observed on the hands and feet ( Fig. 2 ). The mobility of the tongue was limited due to fibrosis of the frenulum. Dental and ocular examinations were normal. Her mother and father were first‐degree relatives and no other relatives were known to have blistering disorders.

Developing a quality of life instrument in patients with psoriasis: the Psoriasis Quality of Life Questionnaire (PQLQ)

Background and design  Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease which causes psychological, social and physical problems and affects quality of life. The aim of this study was to develop a quality of life instrument for patients with psoriasis which is suitable for Islamic populations.

Cyclic Lymphocytic Vasculitis Associated with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Lymphocytic cutaneous vasculitis associated with a haematological malignancy has rarely been reported. Here, we describe a 61 year-old woman with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) who presented with cutaneous lesions on both hands. These lesions improved after all combination chemotherapy courses and recurred before each course. Repetitive skin biopsies revealed lymphocytic vasculitis. After 7 courses of chemotherapy, she had a complete remission. Skin lesions disappeared and did not recur. The cyclic pattern of lymphocytic vasculitis and its relation with CLL disease activity are interesting clinical features in this case.

Malignant eccrine poroma in an unusual location1

Malignant eccrine poroma is a rare skin appendage tumour, originating from the intraepidermal and upper dermal eccrine ducts. The tumour either arises spontaneously or develops in a long‐standing eccrine poroma, generally in elderly people over 60. Clinically, it tends to be a localized lesion, which manifests itself as a nodule or ulcerated tumour, favouring extremities. We report an 83‐year‐old female with an enlarging and bleeding tumour on her lumbosacral region. This lesion first appeared as a small pigmented papule and progressed to an erythematous patch with central papular portion and some peripheral pigmentation. Histopathology revealed malignant eccrine poroma. Also, immunohistochemically, diffuse and intense p53 staining was observed. Regular pigment pattern, brown globules and black dots were seen in dermoscopic examination. After performing a wide excision, 20 months of follow‐up revealed no recurrence or metastasis of the tumour. This case represents an unusually located malignant eccrine poroma with some pigmentation.