Dermoscopy of skin infestations and infections (entomodermoscopy) - Part II: viral, fungal and other infections,

Abstract In addition to the infestations and bacterial infections reported in part I, the study of entomodermoscopy also involves descriptions of dermoscopic findings of a growing number of viral and fungal infections, among others. In this article, the main clinical situations in viral infections where dermoscopy can be useful will be described, that is in the evaluation of viral warts, molluscum contagiosum, and even in recent scenarios such as the COVID-19 pandemic. As for fungal infections, dermoscopy is particularly important, not only in the evaluation of the skin surface, but also of skin annexes, such as hairs and nails. The differential diagnosis with skin tumors, especially melanomas, can be facilitated by dermoscopy, especially in the evaluation of cases of verruca plantaris, onychomycosis and tinea nigra.

Dermoscopy of skin infestations and infections (entomodermoscopy) - Part I: dermatozoonoses and bacterial infections

Abstract Dermoscopy is an essential in vivo diagnostic technique in the clinical evaluation of skin tumors. Currently, the same can also be said about its implications when approaching different clinical situations in Dermatology. A growing number of reports on dermatological scenarios and diseases have been published, in which dermoscopy has been of great diagnostic help. The term ‟entomodermoscopy" was coined to describe dermoscopic findings in skin infestations and also in dermatoses of infectious etiology. In part I of this article, the main dermoscopic descriptions of zoodermatoses and bacterial infections will be addressed. In many of them, such as scabies, pediculosis, myiasis, and tungiasis, it is possible to identify the pathogen and, consequently, attain the diagnosis more quickly and use the technique to follow-up therapeutic effectiveness. In other situations that will be described, dermoscopy can allow the observation of clinical findings with greater detail, rule out differential diagnoses, and increase the level of confidence in a clinical suspicion.

Total body mapping in the follow-up of melanocytic lesions: recommendations of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology

Abstract Total body mapping comprises photographic documentation of the entire body surface followed by digital dermatoscopy of selected melanocytic lesions, aiming to compare their evolution over time and identify new lesions. As this is an exam based on comparative analysis of serial dermoscopic body images, standardization of the technique for performing total body mapping is essential. Prepared by specialists from the Brazilian Society of Dermatology, using the modified Delphi method, this article provides recommendations for carrying out total body mapping in Brazil, regarding its indications, technical aspects, and the issuing of the report.

Actinic keratoses: review of clinical, dermoscopic, and therapeutic aspects

Abstract Actinic keratoses are dysplastic proliferations of keratinocytes with potential for malignant transformation. Clinically, actinic keratoses present as macules, papules, or hyperkeratotic plaques with an erythematous background that occur on photoexposed areas. At initial stages, they may be better identified by palpation rather than by visual inspection. They may also be pigmented and show variable degrees of infiltration; when multiple they then constitute the so-called field cancerization. Their prevalence ranges from 11% to 60% in Caucasian individuals above 40 years. Ultraviolet radiation is the main factor involved in pathogenesis, but individual factors also play a role in the predisposing to lesions appearance. Diagnosis of lesions is based on clinical and dermoscopic examination, but in some situations histopathological analysis may be necessary. The risk of transformation into squamous cell carcinoma is the major concern regarding actinic keratoses. Therapeutic modalities for actinic keratoses include topical medications, and ablative and surgical methods; the best treatment option should always be individualized according to the patient.

Descriptive dermoscopy terminology in Portuguese language in Brazil: a reproducibility analysis of the 3rd consensus of the International Dermoscopy Society

Abstract: Background: Dermoscopy is a noninvasive complementary diagnostic method largely used in dermatology. Feasibility, accuracy, and reproducibility are key elements for a diagnostic method to be useful, hence the importance of the terminology used to describe dermoscopic criteria. Objective: To evaluate the reproducibility of the English descriptive terminology proposed for dermoscopic criteria at the 3rd Consensus Meeting of the International Dermoscopy Society in Brazilian Portuguese. Methods: Nine Brazilian dermatologists independently analyzed the translation of sixty dermoscopic descriptive terms proposed at the 3rd Consensus Conference of the International Society of Dermoscopy. Interobserver agreement index was analyzed using the Fleiss' kappa test. Results: The interobserver agreement of the descriptive terminology in Brazilian Portuguese was considered weak (κ = 0.373; p < 0.05). The interobserver agreement of the descriptive terminology used to describe morphology and arrangement of vascular structures was considered moderate (κ = 0.43; p < 0.05). Study limitations: Our study limitations include the small number of participants and limited regional representation (only 2 out of 5 Brazilian regions were represented). Conclusions: The descriptive English terminology proposed at the 3rd Consensus Conference of the International Dermoscopy Society revealed weak reproducibility and the morphology and arrangement of vascular structures presented moderate reproducibility in Brazilian Portuguese. Despite small regional differences, metaphoric terminology in dermoscopy seems to be the most useful and reproducible system to be adopted in Brazilian Portuguese.

Brazilian guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of primary cutaneous melanoma - Part II

Abstract The last Brazilian guidelines on melanoma were published in 2002. Development in diagnosis and treatment made updating necessary. The coordinators elaborated ten clinical questions, based on PICO system. A Medline search, according to specific MeSH terms for each of the 10 questions was performed and articles selected were classified from A to D according to level of scientific evidence. Based on the results, recommendations were defined and classified according to scientific strength. The present Guidelines were divided in two parts for editorial and publication reasons. In this second part, the following clinical questions were answered: 1) which patients with primary cutaneous melanoma benefit from sentinel lymph node biopsy? 2) Follow-up with body mapping is indicated for which patients? 3) Is preventive excision of acral nevi beneficious to patients? 4) Is preventive excision of giant congenital nevi beneficious to patients? 5) How should stages 0 and I primary cutaneous melanoma patients be followed?.

Guidelines of the Brazilian Dermatology Society for diagnosis, treatment and follow up of primary cutaneous melanoma - Part I

Abstract: The last Brazilian guidelines on melanoma were published in 2002. Development in diagnosis and treatment made updating necessary. The coordinators elaborated ten clinical questions, based on PICO system. A Medline search, according to specific MeSH terms for each of the 10 questions was performed and articles selected were classified from A to D according to level of scientific evidence. Based on the results, recommendations were defined and classified according to scientific strength. The present Guidelines were divided in two parts for editorial and publication reasons. In the first part, the following clinical questions were answered: 1) The use of dermoscopy for diagnosis of primary cutaneous melanoma brings benefits for patients when compared with clinical examination? 2) Does dermoscopy favor diagnosis of nail apparatus melanoma? 3) Is there a prognostic difference when incisional or excisional biopsies are used? 4) Does revision by a pathologist trained in melanoma contribute to diagnosis and treatment of primary cutaneous melanoma? What margins should be used to treat lentigo maligna melanoma and melanoma in situ?.

Case for diagnosis

The Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome or Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) is a systemic fibrovascular dysplasia characterized by defects in the elastic and vascular walls of blood vessels, making them varicose and prone to disruptions. Lesions occur in different organs and can lead to hemorrhage in the lungs, digestive tract and brain. We describe the case of a patient with cutaneous manifestations and severe impairment of the digestive tract. It is important for the dermatologist to recognize this syndrome, since the cutaneous lesions may play a key role in diagnosis.

Severe cutaneous reactions to drugs in the setting of a general hospital

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous drug reactions are frequently found. Assessing the clinical and epidemiological profile of severe forms is extremely relevant for their better recognition and management. Few studies have assessed the severe forms of cutaneous drug reactions in patients hospitalized in our setting. OBJECTIVES: To assess the clinical and epidemiological aspects of severe cutaneous adverse reactions to drugs in a tertiary hospital in Porto Alegre, Brazil. METHODS: All cases of severe cutaneous adverse reactions to drugs in patients hospitalized from January/2005 to December/2010 were retrospectively analyzed for clinical and epidemiological variables. Cases of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, drug hypersensitivity syndrome or Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis were included. RESULTS: An occurrence rate of 1 serious reaction for every 3,048 inpatients was found (total of 173,767 inpatients admitted in the period). Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms was the most frequent presentation. The drugs most frequently involved were anticonvulsants (40.4%), antibiotics (26.3%), and analgesics/anti-inflammatory drugs (10.5%). Thirty seven patients (64.9%) were admitted to hospital because of the cutaneous drug reaction. Ten patients (17.5%) died and in most of those (60%), the drug causing the reaction could not be determined. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of severe cutaneous adverse reactions to drugs in our setting is significant. Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms seems to be the most frequent presentation of severe cutaneous drug reactions. Most patients developed cutaneous drug reactions outside the hospital. Mortality rates were higher for Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis and this presentation significantly affected older people. Not knowing the drug causing the reaction was related to mortality. .

Preditores de qualidade de vida em pacientes com melanoma cutâneo no serviço de dermatologia do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre / Predictors of quality of life in patients with skin melanoma at the dermatology department of the Porto Alegre Teaching Hospital

FUNDAMENTOS: Alguns sintomas presentes nos pacientes com melanoma estão diretamente relacionados à tensão psicológ ica, o que reforça a necessidade de avaliar a qualidade de vida em todas as fases da doença. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a qualidade de vida dos pacientes diagnosticados com melanoma por meio do questionário Fact-G. MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo transversal que incluiu todos os pacientes em seguimento no serviço de dermatologia do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre entre julho e dezembro de 2006. RESULTADOS: Sessenta pacientes foram incluídos. A idade média foi de 55,6 anos. O nível de escolaridade até primeiro grau foi correlacionado a escores mais baixos no Fact-G. Os pacientes com história familiar apresentaram maiores escores de QoL em três das quatro categorias avaliadas: bem-estar físico, emocional e funcional (P < 0,01). Pacientes casados mostraram melhor qualidade de vida (82,42) que os solteiros (70,28; P < 0,01). Os pacientes com metástase obtiveram uma menor pontuação no questionário no domínio bem-estar funcional. CONCLUSÕES: Os fatores relacionados ao tumor, assim como o sexo, a idade e a situação de emprego, não foram preditores de qualidade de vida. Pacientes com metástases apresentaram pior qualidade de vida no domínio bem-estar funcional. Pacientes casados têm mais conforto e apoio emocional para lidar com o diagnóstico do tumor. Os pacientes com história familiar de melanoma tiveram melhor qualidade de vida e os com baixa escolaridade, uma pior qualidade de vida.

BACKGROUNDS: Some symptoms present in melanoma patients are directly related to psychological stress, which emphasizes the need to evaluate quality of life (QoL) in these patients at all the stages of their disease. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate quality of life in a sample of patients diagnosed with melanoma, using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) questionnaire. METHODS: A descriptive, cross sectional study was conducted between July and December, 2006 with all patients with skin melanoma receiving follow-up care at the Department of Dermatology of the Porto Alegre Teaching Hospital, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul. RESULTS: Sixty patients were included in the study. Mean age was 55.6 years. Poor education level (primary school or less) was associated with a poorer FACT-G score. Patients with a family history of the disease had higher QoL scores in 3 of the 4 categories evaluated: physical, emotional and functional wellbeing (p<0.01). QoL scores were higher in married patients (82.42) compared to single patients (70.28) (p<0.01). Patients with metastases had lower scores in the functional wellbeing category and this difference was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Factors related to the tumor, as well as gender, age and employment status, were not found to be predictive of quality of life in this sample. Quality of life scores were lower in the functional wellbeing domain in patients with metastases. Married patients are able to count on greater comfort and emotional support to help them deal with the diagnosis of melanoma. Patients with a family history of melanoma had significantly higher quality of life scores, while those with poor education levels had lower scores.

Terapêutica fotodinâmica com ácido delta-aminolevulínico e luz de diodos em ceratoses actínicas / Photodynamic therapy with delta-aminolevulinic acid and light-emitting diodes in actinic keratosis

FUNDAMENTOS: A terapêutica fotodinâmica é técnica de tratamento em que se aplica uma substância fotossensibilizante nos tecidos ativada por uma fonte de luz de comprimento de onda específico, gerando destruição celular seletiva. Estudam-se novas fontes de luz que possam ser usadas no tratamento de ceratoses actínicas. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a efetividade da terapêutica fotodinâmica com ácido delta-aminolevulínico utilizando como fonte de luz um aparelho emissor de luz de diodos no tratamento de ceratoses actínicas de face e membros superiores. MÉTODOS: Dezoito pacientes com ceratoses actínicas na face ou membros superiores realizaram uma aplicação de creme de ácido delta-aminolevulínico a 20 por cento e foram submetidos à exposição de luz de diodos, comprimento de onda de 630 nm. RESULTADOS: Foram tratadas 328 ceratoses actínicas, obtendo-se cura clínica completa em 210 (64,0 por cento) após 24 semanas. Lesões do dorso das mãos apresentaram cura clínica completa em 49,2 por cento; nas demais áreas esse valor foi de 81,4 por cento. Não houve registro de efeitos adversos graves, e obteve-se bom grau de satisfação dos pacientes com os resultados. CONCLUSÃO: A terapêutica fotodinâmica com fonte de emissão de luz de diodos mostrou-se eficaz e bem tolerada para tratamento de ceratoses actínicas, com resultados semelhantes aos encontrados na literatura utilizando outras fontes luminosas.

BACKGROUND: Photodynamic therapy is a form of treatment in which a photosensitizing substance is applied to tissue and activated by a light source at a specific wavelength, thus selectively destroying cells. New light sources are being evaluated for use in the treatment of actinic keratoses. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of photodynamic therapy with delta-aminolevulinic acid using a light emitting diode device as a light source in the treatment of actinic keratoses of the face and upper limbs. METHODS: Eighteen patients with actinic keratoses of the face or upper limbs received an application of a 20 percent delta-aminolevulinic acid cream and were submitted to diode light irradiation at a wavelength of 630 nm. RESULTS: A total of 328 actinic keratoses were treated, obtaining complete cure in 210 (64.0 percent) after 24 weeks. Lesions situated on the back of the hands were clinically cured in 49.2 percent of cases compared to 81.4 percent in the cases of lesions in other areas. There was no record of any severe adverse effects and patient satisfaction with the results was high. CONCLUSION: Photodynamic therapy with a diode light emitting source proved effective and well-tolerated for the treatment of actinic keratoses, with results similar to those reported in the literature with other light sources.

Queimaduras e hábitos solares em um grupo de atletas brasileiros / Sunburns and sun habits in a group of Brazilian athletes

INTRODUÇÃO E OBJETIVOS: As queimaduras solares são consideradas o principal fator de risco ambiental para o melanoma, principalmente quando antes dos 20 anos de idade. Atletas profissionais são, em sua maioria, jovens que se expõem ao sol com bastante intensidade, tanto em suas atividades quanto no lazer, tornando-se um grupo susceptível às queimaduras. O estudo visa avaliar os conhecimentos e hábitos de proteção solar de um grupo de atletas brasileiros. MÉTODOS: Cento e quinze atletas brasileiros, durante os XIV Jogos Pan-Americanos, responderam a um questionário sobre queimaduras solares nos treinamentos e lazer, fototipo, uso de filtros solares (UFS) e conhecimento da importância de se proteger do sol (IPS) e local da prática (outdoor x indoor). RESULTADOS: A maioria era outdoor (73 por cento) e 59 por cento possuíam fototipo claro (I, II ou III). Quanto ao seu local de prática, os outdoor apresentaram índices superiores de queimaduras solares, IPS e UFS durante seus treinamentos, enquanto no lazer os grupos não se diferenciaram. Divididos por fototipo, os grupos de atletas mais claros apresentaram mais queimaduras solares, tanto em treinamentos quanto no lazer. Na análise multivariada para avaliação de risco de queimaduras solares, os fototipos claros e a IPS demonstraram-se estatisticamente significativos. CONCLUSÕES: Esportes realizados ao ar livre geram mais queimaduras solares nos atletas que os praticam. Entretanto, quando em tempo de lazer, atletas outdoor e indoor possuem hábitos solares semelhantes, mostrando que neste momento formam um grupo homogêneo com relação à fotoexposição. Atletas com fototipos claros são mais propensos a queimaduras, tanto no lazer quanto nos treinamentos. As taxas de uso de filtros solares são inferiores ao desejado. É necessário estimular a fotoproteção nos atletas, tanto nas suas atividades desportivas quanto no lazer.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the knowledge and sun protection habits of a group of Brazilian athletes. Sunburns are considered the main environmental risk factor for melanoma, especially before the age of 20. Most of professional athletes are young individuals intensively exposed to sunlight in their activities and leisure as well, being therefore susceptible to sunburns. METHODS: During the XIV Pan-American Games, 115 Brazilian athletes answered to a questionnaire on sunburn during training and leisure; phototype; use of sunscreen (USS); importance of sun protection (ISP) and place of practice (indoors x outdoors). RESULTS: The majority was outdoor (73 percent), and 59 percent had light phototype (I, II or III). Comparing the athletes by their practicing place, outdoors presented higher rates of sunburn episodes, ISP and USS during their training periods, while in leisure the groups did not show any difference. Grouped by phototypes, athletes with lighter skin complexion presented more sunburn episodes in both training and leisure. In multivariate analysis for sunburn risk, light phototypes and ISP were statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Outdoor sports modalities give origin to more sunburn in their athletes. However, during leisure, both outdoor and indoor athletes present similar sun habits, evidencing that in this moment they form a homogeneous group regarding sun light exposure. Athletes with lighter phototypes are more prone to sunburns in both leisure and training. The rates of sunscreen use are lower than the recommendation. Sun protection should be stimulated in both sports and leisure activities in Brazilian athletes.

INTRODUCCION Y OBJETIVOS: Las quemaduras solares son consideradas el principal factor de riesgo ambiental para el melanoma, principalmente cuando ocurre antes de los 20 años de edad. Atletas profesionales son, en su mayoría, jóvenes que se exponen al sol con bastante intensidad tanto en sus actividades como en el ocio, convirtiéndose en un grupo susceptible a las quemaduras. El estudio tiene como objetivo evaluar los conocimientos y hábitos de protección solar de un grupo de atletas brasileños. MÉTODOS: Ciento quince atletas brasileños, durante los XIV Juegos Panamericanos, respondieron a un cuestionario sobre quemaduras solares en los entrenamientos y durante el ocio, fototipo, uso de filtros solares (UFS) y conocimiento de la importancia de protegerse del sol (IPS) y local de la práctica (outdoor x indoor). RESULTADOS: La mayoría era outdoor (73 por ciento) y 59 por ciento poseía fototipo claro (I, II o III). En relación al local de práctica, los outdoor presentaron índices superiores de quemaduras solares, IPS y UFS durante sus entrenamientos, mientras que en el ocio los grupos no se diferenciaron. Divididos por fototipo, los grupos de atletas más claros presentaron más quemaduras solares tanto en entrenamientos como en el ocio. En el análisis multivariado para la evaluación de riesgo de quemaduras solares, los fototipos claros y la IPS se demostraron significativos estadísticamente hablando. CONCLUSIONES: Deportes realizados al aire libre generan más quemaduras solares en los atletas que los que los practican. Sin embargo, tratándose de tiempo de ocio, atletas outdoor e indoor poseen hábitos solares semejantes, mostrando que en este momento forman un grupo homogéneo con relación a la fotoexposición. Atletas con fototipos claros son más propensos a quemaduras tanto en el ocio como en los entrenamientos. Las tasas de uso de filtros solares son inferiores a lo deseado. Es necesario estimular la fotoprotección en los atletas, tanto en...

Terapêutica fotodinâmica com ácido delta-aminole-vulínico em neoplasias queratinocíticas superficiais / Photodynamic therapy with delta-aminolevulinic acid for superficial keratinocytic neoplasms

A terapêutica fotodinâmica (TFD) é técnica de tratamento em que são aplicadas, nos tecidos, substâncias fotossensibilizantes, posteriormente ativadas com luzes de comprimentos de onda específicos, com a finalidade de produzir destruição celular, por meio da ação de produtos citotóxicos fotoativados. Tal método tem sido utilizado em diversos tipos de neoplasias cutâneas, com resultados bastante entusiasmadores. Avaliar o efeito de uma única sessão de terapêutica fotodinâmica (TFD) com ácido delta aminolevulínico (ALA) tópico, estimulado por luz não coerente, em ceratoses actínicas (CAC), carcinomas basocelulares (CBC) superficiais e doenças de Bowen (DB). Utilizando uma fonte de luz não coerente, emitida por protótipo desenvolvido no Serviço de Engenharia Biomédica do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), para ativar o ácido delta-aminolevulínico (ALA) a 20 por cento, aplicado com oclusão, foram tradadas 80 lesões cutâneas, em 52 pacientes. Entre as lesões, 32 (40 por cento) eram carcinomas basocelulares superficiais, 37 (46,3 por cento) ceratoses actinícas e 11 (13,7 por cento) doenças de Bowen. Em 23 casos (28,7 por cento), além das características clínicas, o diagnóstico foi confirmado por biópsia e exame histopatológico. Não foi possível obter o seguimento de cinco lesões tratadas. Das 75 lesões que puderam ser avaliadas, 41 (54,6 por cento) apresentaram cura, 22 (29,4 por cento) apresentaram melhora, e 12 (16,0 por cento) permaneceram inalteradas, tendo o tratamento sido considerado ineficaz nestas últimas. Das 35 ceratoses actínicas, 23 (65,7 por cento) obtiveram cura, 7 (20 por cento) melhoraram, e cinco (14,3 por cento) não responderam ao tratamento. Trinta carcinomas basocelulares superficiais foram tratados, com cura em 10 (33,3 por cento), melhora em 13 (43,4 por cento) e sem alterações em sete (23,3 por cento). Dos 10 casos de doença de Bowen avaliados, oito (80 por cento) curaram e dois (20 por cento) melhoraram. Os efeitos colaterais observados foram ardência em 24 lesões (32 por cento), dor em cinco (6,7 por cento) e prurido em um caso (1,3 por cento. Os resultados obtidos no trabalho assemelham-se, em parte, aos relatados na literatura com aplicação única da terapêutica fotodinâmica com ácido delta-aminolevulínico em neoplasias queratinocíticas superficiais, principalmente nas ceratoses actínicas e na doença de Bowen