Dermatitis atópica del adulto: un desafío diagnóstico y terapéutico / Adult atopic dermatitis: a challenge diagnosis and therapy

Adult atopic dermatitis is a chronically recurring inflammatory dermatosis which presents in various forms. Some of these forms develop mostly in adults such as head and neck dermatitis and chronic hand eczema. Even though the diagnosis is clinical it frequently requires further investigations to exclude differential diagnosis. Once confirmed, it is crucial to classify its severity and exclude other comorbidities. Treatment includes general measures such as the use of emollients and soap substitutes which are applicable in all cases regardless of its severity. Other therapeutic options include topical corticosteroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors, phototherapy and immunosuppressants. Their use will depend on the degree of severity and specific characteristics of each individual. Newer biologics have proven to be a safe and effective alternative, and seem to be a promising option in cases of adult atopic dermatitis refractory to conventional treatments. (AU)

Conocimiento y actitud frente a exposición solar del personal de salud en Atención Primaria, comuna Recoleta, Santiago, Chile / Knowledge and attitude regardings sun exposure in the workers from primary health care, district of Recoleta, Santiago, Chile

Skin cancer rates have increased worldwide despite the current prevention measures. It’s crucial to evaluate people’s knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour regarding sun exposure. Objective: To assess the knowledge and attitudes regarding sun exposure in the workers from primary health care. Method: 223 workers from three Family Care Centres(CESFAM) and from one Primary Emergency Service (SAPU) in the district of Recoleta were surveyed between the months of October and November 2015. Fisher’s exact test and Chi square test were used for statistic analysis. The survey included questions about demographic variables, knowledge of the association between sun radiation/skin cancer and attitudes towards sun protection. Results: the sample consists of 74 men and 149 women, with a mean age of 37 years ±SD 7.9. Phototype III was the most common (41.3percent). The majority of the surveyed declared to be aware of the association between sun exposure and skin cancer (93.3percent). As photoprotecting measures, sunscreens (87.4percent) and seeking shade (71.3percent) were the most frequently measures used. Regarding sunburns, 91.9percent declared to have at least one during their lifetime, 21.5percent occurring during the previous summer. As to the use of sunscreen, 42.1percent referred only using while at the pool / beach and 12.6percent declared not to use it at all. As for health promotion, 29.1percent declared they never recommend the use of sun protection measures in their working practice. Discussion: Although there is adequate knowledge regarding the effects of sun exposure, it doesn’t always reflect on favourable attitudes and photoprotecting measures. There was a significantly greater amount of females with adequate knowledge and use of sun protection measures. This study is one of the first to assess photoprotection behaviour in health care workers.