Ekin Şavk

Acne: prevalence, perceptions and effects on psychological health among adolescents in Aydin, Turkey.

Background  Acne vulgaris is a common disease among adolescents and known to have adverse effects on psychological status.

Paederus Dermatitis: A Report of 46 Cases in Aydın, Turkey

Paederus dermatitis is a specific form of acute irritant contact dermatitis caused by pederin, a secretion of insects of the genus Paederus. The disease is characterized by vesicles, bullae and sometimes small pustules on an erythematous base with sudden onset of a stinging, burning sensation. The dermatitis is most frequently seen in regions with a hot, tropical climate. We present 46 cases from Aydın, Turkey, a province well known for its long hot summers. These are the first cases reported from this region. We would like to point out the possibility of Paederus dermatitis in regions with a similar climate and suggest that ‘night burn’ be included among other differential diagnoses of a grouped vesicular and/or pustular lesion on an erythematous base.

Immunohistochemical Findings in Notalgia paresthetica

Background: Notalgia paresthetica (NP) is a sensory neuropathy the pathogenesis of which is not yet completely elucidated. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the histopathological changes in NP with special emphasis on cutaneous innervation. Methods: Along with site-matched biopsies from 5 healthy individuals, lesional skin biopsies from 14 cases of NP and biopsies from contralateral nonlesional skin in 9 of these cases were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and Congo red. For immunohistochemical analysis, all samples were stained with two general neural markers (S-100 protein and protein gene product 9.5) and two neuropeptides (vasoactive intestinal polypeptide and substance P). Results: Light microscopy was compatible with postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. Immunohistochemistry did not reveal a significant difference in the staining pattern of lesional skin and control tissue (p > 0.05). Although not reaching statistical significance, the percentage of cases which showed no staining was higher in the group of patients with more chronic NP. Conclusion: The finding of less immunohistochemical staining in cases with more chronicity could be of clinical importance and is worth investigating further.

European EADV network on assessment of severity and burden of Pruritus (PruNet): first meeting on outcome tools

Chronic pruritus is a frequently occurring symptom of various dermatoses that causes a high burden and impaired quality of life. An effective anti pruritic therapy is important for the patient, but its effectiveness is difficult to evaluate. Diverse methods and interpretations of pruritic metrics are utilized in clinical trials and the daily clinical practice in different countries, resulting in difficulties comparing collected data.

Rosacea treatment with intermediate-dose isotretinoin: follow-up with erythema and sebum measurements.

Isotretinoin is one of the therapeutic options for rosacea. However, the response of erythema to treatment with isotretinoin is usually slow and incomplete with common (0.5-1 mg/kg/day) or low (10 mg/day) doses. This study investigated the efficacy of, and relapse on, 20 mg/day isotretinoin treatment in rosacea, with the aid of instrumental measurement of facial erythema and sebum levels. A 20 mg/day dose of isotretinoin was given for 4 months, and then the dose was tapered off within the following 6 months. A total of 25 patients were included in the study. Papule and pustule counts, erythema index, sebum level, dermatologists and patients erythema scores, and dermatologists sebum scores were significantly lower in the first month of therapy compared with pre-treatment values (p < 0.05). Within a median follow-up of 11 months (95% confidence interval: 8.4-13.5 months) 45% of patients had a relapse. In conclusion, 20 mg/day isotretinoin was rapidly efficient for reducing both inflammatory lesions and erythema in rosacea.

Social problem-solving, perceived stress, negative life events, depression and life satisfaction in psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a chronic dermatosis which may cause significant impairment of the patients quality of life.

European academy of dermatology and venereology European prurigo project: expert consensus on the definition, classification and terminology of chronic prurigo

The term prurigo has been used for many decades in dermatology without clear definition, and currently used terminology of prurigo is inconsistent and confusing. Especially, itch‐related prurigo remains unexplored regarding the epidemiology, clinical profile, natural course, underlying causes, available treatments and economic burden, although burdensome and difficult to treat.

Adiponectin levels, insulin resistance and their relationship with serum levels of inflammatory cytokines in patients with Behçet’s disease

Aim  Increased frequency of cardiovascular disease and its possible relations with insulin resistance have been reported in patients with inflammatory diseases. The aim of our study was to investigate insulin resistance and serum adiponectin levels as cardiovascular risk markers in patients with Behçet’s disease.

Resistant oral mucosal lesions in pemphigus vulgaris responsive to double filtration plasmapheresis: First case report from Turkey

BACKGROUND Adjuvant therapeutic methods are employed when pemphigus vulgaris (PV) fails to be controlled by conventional corticosteroid treatment. OBJECTIVE The efficacy of double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) was investigated in a PV patient with severe, refractory mucosal disease. METHODS A total of 3 DFPP cycles, each cycle consisting of 5 double filtration sessions conducted on alternate days was completed. RESULTS DFPP provided immediate clinical relief of symptoms as well as a significant decrease in anti-desmoglein antibody levels and allowed for a much lower corticosteroid dose. CONCLUSION DFPP was an effective and safe adjuvant therapy in our patient with PV and it offers a valid treatment option in PV patients with recalcitrant disease.

Neurologic Itch Management

Neurologic itch is defined as pruritus resulting from any dysfunction of the nervous system. Itch arising due to a neuroanatomic pathology is seen to be neuropathic. Causes of neuropathic itch range from localized entrapment of a peripheral nerve to generalized degeneration of small nerve fibers. Antipruritic medications commonly used for other types of itch such as antihistamines and corticosteroids lack efficacy in neuropathic itch. Currently there are no therapeutic options that offer relief in all types of neuropathic pruritus, and treatment strategies vary according to etiology. It is best to decide on the appropriate tests and procedures in collaboration with a neurologist during the initial work-up. Treatment of neuropathic itch includes general antipruritic measures, local or systemic pharmacotherapy, various physical modalities, and surgery. Surgical intervention is the obvious choice of therapy in cases of spinal or cerebral mass, abscess, or hemorrhagic stroke, and may provide decompression in entrapment neuropathies. Symptomatic treatment is needed in the vast majority of patients. General antipruritic measures should be encouraged. Local treatment agents with at least some antipruritic effect include capsaicin, local anesthetics, doxepin, tacrolimus, and botulinum toxin A. Current systemic therapy relies on anticonvulsants such as gabapentin and pregabalin. Phototherapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and physical therapy have also been of value in selected cases. Among the avenues to be explored are transcranial magnetic stimulation of the brain, new topical cannabinoid receptor agonists, various modes of acupuncture, a holistic approach with healing touch, and cell transplantation to the spinal cord.