Radosław Śpiewak

Atopic dermatitis: current treatment guidelines. Statement of the experts of the Dermatological Section, Polish Society of Allergology, and the Allergology Section, Polish Society of Dermatology

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a condition frequently encountered in medical practices across the country. More than 60% of children with AD are at risk to develop allergic rhinitis or asthma (the atopic march). Patients with AD have a unique predisposition to colonization or infection by Staphylococcus aureus. Treatments for AD need to rapidly control symptoms of the disease, improve quality of life and prevent exacerbations. Given the chronic and relapsing nature of the disease, therapies need to encourage good compliance and be well tolerated.

Edukacja zdrowotna i promocja zdrowia w gabinecie kosmetologicznym

A modern beauty salon is not only a place for beauty care and body treatment, but also an area of active health education and promotion of healthy behaviours. Thanks to their educational backgrounds, cosmetologists may become health promoters and carry out educational programmes in beauty salons. Aim: A review of available literature on health education programmes carried out in beauty salons. Material and methods: A literature search of original papers describing health education programmes carried out in beauty salons. The following bibliographic databases were searched: Pubmed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar. Moreover, two Polish scientific journals devoted to cosmetology Polish Journal of Cosmetology (1998-2011) and health promotion Zdrowie Publiczne (2001-2011) were hand-searched. Publications concerning health education in beauty salons carried out by noncosmetologists (hairdressers and stylists) were excluded from the present analyses. Results: Sixteen articles dedicated to the role of the cosmetologist as a health educator and health promoter were identified and included into this review. Results of the search were compiled in a table presenting health programmes in beauty salons, together with their results. Conclusions: The cosmetologist is fully eligible for the role of health educator. Beauty salons seem to be a perfect place for disseminating health education. Past experience confirms that implementation of health promotion programmes in beauty salons delivers the expected results.

Motywacje, aspiracje edukacyjne i zawodowe oraz poziom kompetencji słuchaczy studiów magisterskich na kierunku kosmetologia Uniwersytetu Jagiellońskiego

Cosmetology is a new branch of health sciences with relatively limited experience in academic teaching. In the process of shaping an effective curriculum, it is important to know the motivations and expectations of the students. Aim: To study the motivation, competence, as well as educational and professional aspirations of students of the Master of Science curriculum in cosmetology. Material and methods: A questionnaire survey of 132 master students of cosmetology in the Faculty of Pharmacy at the Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland. Results: The main motive for choosing this field of study was an interest in cosmetology and skin care (59% of respondents). The decision to choose this field was taken autonomously by 98% of respondents; for most of them (59%), the decisive factor was the need for self-realization, development of own skills and interests. The most common motive for continuing education at the master’s level was to increase professional qualifications (64%) and to receive a full university education (54%). If they had to choose once again, most students (71%) would still choose cosmetology as the field of their study. The main reason for choosing the Jagiellonian University as the place of education was the reputation and prestige of this institution. After graduation, they aspired to work in a dermatology clinic, as a physician’s assistant in the field of skin care (54%). The main advantages of working as a cosmetologist, in the opinions of the respondents were new challenges (54%) and work in a friendly environment (38%), the major disadvantage being the strong competition in the labour market (75%). Almost a half of the students (45%) were concerned about the lack of legal regulations in their future profession. Conclusions: Most students of cosmetology chose their field of study based on an independent decision and well-considered premises. The students appreciate the relevance of the quality of education.

An analysis of hair dyes available on the Polish market with regard to the presence of ingredients with known sensitizing potential

Introduction: Hair dyes are a known source of substances that cause allergic reactions. In spite of abundant literature on this topic, there is still a lack of analyses whether different colors of hair dyes are connected with various levels of risk of sensitization. Aim: An analysis of hair dyes from different color groups available on the Polish market with regard to the presence of ingredients with known sensitizing potential. Material and methods: Declared contents of 100 black, brown, red, ginger and blonde hair dyes, each 20 products, were analysed for the presence of ‘problematic’ dyes, preservatives and fragrances, listed in the Cosmetics Directive (Annex II and III), as ingredients allowed with limitation due to their sensitizing or irritating potential. Results: Among 291 unique ingredients present in the analysed hair dyes, 78 (26%) deemed as problematic, including 46 dyes, 14 preservatives, 16 fragrances (2 substances were both preservatives and fragrances). The most frequent problematic dyes were resorcinol (65%) and meta-aminophenol (63%). Blonde hair dyes contained the same dyes as in brown and black colors. The most frequent ‘problematic’ preservatives were sodium sulfite present in 56% of all analysed products and sodium metabisulfite (29%). Almost each hair dyes product (92%) contained compositions of undisclosed fragrances hidden under a general cryptonym Parfum/Fragrance. Significant differences in the content of ‘problematic’ substances in particular color groups were found only for dyes (p = 0.0018). There were no statistical differences in the number of fragrances and preservatives among particular color groups. The number of ‘problematic’ dyes was highest in ‘brown’ and ‘black’ hair dyes and lowest in the ‘red’ hair dyes. In two hair dyes ‘ortho-aminophenol’ was declared in the list of ingredients despite being prohibited in cosmetic products. Conclusions: No hair dye products are free from problematic substances. Potential sensitizers in these products are dyes, followed by fragrances and preservatives. Hair dyeing always carries the risk of allergic reactions, also when dying hair to blonde shades. key wordS hair dyes, allergy, dyes, fragrances, preservatives. AdreS do koreSpondencji: prof. Radosław Śpiewak, Zakład Dermatologii Doświadczalnej i Kosmetologii, Uniwersytet Jagielloński Collegium Medicum, ul. Medyczna 9, 30-688 Kraków, tel.: +48 12 620 58 30, e-mail: spiewak.eu@gmail.com

Case report Dermoscopy on nevus comedonicus: a case report and review of the literature

Nevus comedonicus (NC) is a very rare, benign hamartoma characterised by the occurrence of dilated, comedo-like openings, typically on the face, neck, upper arms, chest or abdomen. In uncertain cases, histopathological examination confirms the diagnosis. The authors suggest dermoscopy as a rapid and useful method of initial diagnosis of nevus comedonicus based upon its distinctive dermoscopic features. The dermoscopy reveals numerous light- and dark-brown, circular or barrel-shaped, homogenous areas with prominent keratin plugs.

Frequency of post-adolescent acne and its impact on the quality of life of young women

Post-adolescent acne (adult female acne) is a chronic disorder of the pilosebaceous unit that typically affects young women around 25 years of age. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of post-adolescent acne and its impact on the quality of life among young Polish women. Material and methods: An anonymous questionnaire survey of 128 female students of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland. Results: Of the 128 study participants, 95 had experienced acne problems at least once in their lives (lifetime prevalence 74%; 95%CI=67–82%). The presence of acne lesions at the time of responding to the questionnaire was reported by 71 respondents (point prevalence 55%; 95%CI=47-64%). The age at first appearance of the lesions ranged from 10–25 years (median 14 years). Among the most frequently reported acne lesions were open comedones (71%), closed comedones (46%), and less frequently, pustules (42%) and papules (23%). In the majority of the respondents (67%) the efflorescences were located mainly on the face, predominantly (46%) in the mental area. Acne lesions and associated symptoms were considered as a big or very big problem by 40% of respondents with acne. However, 95% of respondents declared that the presence of acne does not impede relations within their families. Also, the skin conditions affected the outing activities of hardly any of the respondents, and it interfered with the sporting activities, shopping, going to the cinema or attending university in none of them. Conclusions: Post-adolescent acne affects more than a half of adult Polish women and typically is a continuation of adolescent acne vulgaris. This disease decreases the level of selfattractiveness of the affected women and influences their daily routines; however, in the majority of cases it does not cause a relevant decrease in the quality of life or pose a considerable obstacle to everyday functioning and interpersonal relations.

Częstość występowania skórnych reakcji niepożądanych na kosmetyki w miejscu pracy wśród pracowników salonów kosmetycznych

Adverse skin reactions to cosmetic products are common among the general population. Little is known, however, about the prevalence of such problems among beauty salon employees who are constantly exposed to cosmetic products at their workplace. Aim: To assess the prevalence of adverse skin reactions to cosmetics in relation to work among the employees of beauty salons. Material and methods: A questionnaire-based study was conducted among 90 beauty salon workers during an educational course. All the respondents were women, with median employment duration of five years (range: 1 month to 37 years). Participants were asked about having ever in life any skin problems thought to be the adverse effects of cosmetics. They additionally answered questions about the nature of their skin problems, and the history of seeking medical help in relation to these problems. Results: Twenty-six participants (29%) responded that they have experienced skin problems related to cosmetic products at their workplace. In this group, 18 (69%) stated that their skin problems ceased after discontinuing use of the suspect cosmetics. Skin problems of 17 (65%) were related exclusively or predominantly to their occupational activities. Medical help because of the skin problems was sought by 19 participants (21%), of whom 6 were referred to an occupational physician, and another 4 were advised to change their occupation. Conclusion: One in three employees of beauty salons suffers from adverse skin reactions to cosmetic products, one in five seeks medical help because of these problems, while one in ten is suspected by a doctor of having an occupational disease.