Recurrent aphthous stomatitis in 18-year-old adolescents - Prevalence and associated factors: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis is a painful disorder of unknown etiology. It is among the most common oral mucosal lesions with high prevalence among young adults. OBJECTIVES: To conduct a population-based study with 18-year-old army recruiters to assess its prevalence and associated factors in male adolescents. METHODS: Interview during clinical examination in the army. RESULTS: In this group (2,427 interviewed adolescents) there was a RAS prevalence of 24.9%. Smoking, herpes labialis and socioeconomic status correlated with the outcome. STUDY LIMITATIONS: only male adolescents were interviewed. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed high prevalence of RAS; association with higher economic level and herpes simplex was found. Protective effect of smoking was confirmed.

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis in 18-year-old adolescents - Prevalence and associated factors: a population-based study

Abstract: Background: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis is a painful disorder of unknown etiology. It is among the most common oral mucosal lesions with high prevalence among young adults. Objectives: To conduct a population-based study with 18-year-old army recruiters to assess its prevalence and associated factors in male adolescents. Methods: Interview during clinical examination in the army. Results: In this group (2,427 interviewed adolescents) there was a RAS prevalence of 24.9%. Smoking, herpes labialis and socioeconomic status correlated with the outcome. Study Limitations: only male adolescents were interviewed. Conclusions: Our results showed high prevalence of RAS; association with higher economic level and herpes simplex was found. Protective effect of smoking was confirmed.

Epidemiology of Acne Vulgaris in 18-Year-Old Male Army Conscripts in a South Brazilian City.

BACKGROUND: Prevalence of acne varies worldwide. Several factors (age, skin color, body fat, diet, and smoking) have been investigated as risk factors. OBJECTIVE: A total of 2,201 18-year-old males living in Pelotas, South Brazil, were evaluated in order to examine the prevalence of acne and associated factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional population-based study was conducted. A dermatologist performed the clinical examination of the face and trunk for identification of acne lesions. Acne was evaluated as clinically noninflammatory, inflammatory, and acne with both types of lesions. Skin color, schooling, height, smoking, skinfolds, waist circumference, BMI, and dietary dairy intake were the independent variables used. RESULTS: A response rate of 97.2% was obtained. Individuals without any acne lesion were 241 (10.9%); 161 (7.3%) only had noninflammatory lesions, 404 (18.4%) only inflammatory lesions; and 1,395 (63.4%) presented both types of lesions. In multivariate analysis, the type of lesions was different in light and dark skin phototype adolescents, with more common inflammatory lesions in the light phototype and noninflammatory ones in the dark phototype patients. Height was directly associated with the occurrence of all types of acne, whereas lower fat mass was associated with the occurrence of noninflammatory acne. While daily consumption of whole milk or yogurt was found to be associated with inflammatory acne in crude analysis, the association with milk was not detected and that with yogurt was low in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that future studies should explore determinants of noninflammatory and inflammatory acne separately, especially if mixed populations are studied.

Acne scars in 18-year-old male adolescents: a population-based study of prevalence and associated factors.

BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris is a pilosebaceous follicle disorder affecting over 85% of adolescents to some degree. It frequently causes psychological distress that may persist into adulthood due to scarring. Little information about post-acne scarring epidemiology is available. OBJECTIVES: To describe prevalence, distribution patterns and associated factors of acne scarring in young males, drawing on a representative population sample from a southern Brazilian city. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was undertaken during presentation for military service, which is compulsory for all 18-year-old males. A questionnaire was applied, covering topics like diet, smoking habits, ethnicity, family structure, socio-economic level, as well as specific questions about active acne and resulting scars. Dermatologists conducted the clinical examination. RESULTS: A total of 2,201 male adolescents were interviewed and examined. The overall prevalence of acne scarring was 22%. The malar region was the most frequently involved, present in 80% of affected individuals, followed by the frontal region (31.5%), back (17%), anterior chest (8.2%) and mentonian region (6.4%). Correlation between the intensity of clinical acne and the presence of scars was found, but no association was observed with educational level, smoking, ethnicity, obesity or socio-economic status. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high prevalence of acne scars among this population. This is the first study to ascertain a correlation between acne scarring and factors such as socio-economic status and educational level. The direct relation between acne severity and scarring indicates that prompt and effective treatment is the best way to reduce scarring.

Acne scars in 18-year-old male adolescents: a population-based study of prevalence and associated factors

Abstract: Background: Acne vulgaris is a pilosebaceous follicle disorder affecting over 85% of adolescents to some degree. It frequently causes psychological distress that may persist into adulthood due to scarring. Little information about post-acne scarring epidemiology is available. Objectives: To describe prevalence, distribution patterns and associated factors of acne scarring in young males, drawing on a representative population sample from a southern Brazilian city. Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken during presentation for military service, which is compulsory for all 18-year-old males. A questionnaire was applied, covering topics like diet, smoking habits, ethnicity, family structure, socio-economic level, as well as specific questions about active acne and resulting scars. Dermatologists conducted the clinical examination. Results: A total of 2,201 male adolescents were interviewed and examined. The overall prevalence of acne scarring was 22%. The malar region was the most frequently involved, present in 80% of affected individuals, followed by the frontal region (31.5%), back (17%), anterior chest (8.2%) and mentonian region (6.4%). Correlation between the intensity of clinical acne and the presence of scars was found, but no association was observed with educational level, smoking, ethnicity, obesity or socio-economic status. Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of acne scars among this population. This is the first study to ascertain a correlation between acne scarring and factors such as socio-economic status and educational level. The direct relation between acne severity and scarring indicates that prompt and effective treatment is the best way to reduce scarring.

Dissatisfaction and acne vulgaris in male adolescents and associated factors.

BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris has high prevalence, disturbing quality of life during adolescence. OBJECTIVES: To measure dissastifaction and acne in 18-year-old male individuals and its associated factors. METHODS: A questionnaire was applied by trained interviewers to all boys during selection for the military service. Dissatisfaction and acne was evaluated using a self-administered face scale. Facial, prestrernal and dorsal acne were evaluated separately. RESULTS: A total of 2,200 adolescents, aged 18 years, were interviewed. Among these, 1,678 had acne on the face and 974 (54.05%) showed some degree of dissatisfaction. Regarding the impact of acne located on the chest, 326 out of 686 adolescents (47.52%) reported dissatisfaction. For acne located on the back, 568 out of 1,103 affected individuals (51.50%) showed dissatisfaction. Facial / dorsal acne and dissatisfaction were statistically associated with lower income, lower education levels and with non-whites. Presternal acne and dissatisfaction were statistically asssociated with lower income and lower education levels. CONCLUSION: This population-based study found a high prevalence of acne on the face, back and chest, with high rates of dissatisfaction.

Dissatisfaction and acne vulgaris in male adolescents and associated factors

BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris has high prevalence, disturbing quality of life during adolescence. OBJECTIVES: To measure dissastifaction and acne in 18-year-old male individuals and its associated factors. METHODS: A questionnaire was applied by trained interviewers to all boys during selection for the military service. Dissatisfaction and acne was evaluated using a self-administered face scale. Facial, prestrernal and dorsal acne were evaluated separately. RESULTS: A total of 2,200 adolescents, aged 18 years, were interviewed. Among these, 1,678 had acne on the face and 974 (54.05%) showed some degree of dissatisfaction. Regarding the impact of acne located on the chest, 326 out of 686 adolescents (47.52%) reported dissatisfaction. For acne located on the back, 568 out of 1,103 affected individuals (51.50%) showed dissatisfaction. Facial / dorsal acne and dissatisfaction were statistically associated with lower income, lower education levels and with non-whites. Presternal acne and dissatisfaction were statistically asssociated with lower income and lower education levels. CONCLUSION: This population-based study found a high prevalence of acne on the face, back and chest, with high rates of dissatisfaction. .

Tattoos on 18-year-old male adolescents - Characteristics and associated factors / Tatuagens em Adolescentes Masculinos de 18 anos - Caracteristicas e fatores associados

BACKGROUND: Prevalence of tattoos is around 10-26% in men and 10-22% in women, and can involve negative effects such as: regret, removal attempts, physical and biological changes of the skin and association with some viral diseases. OBJECTIVE: to determine the prevalence, characteristics and factors associated with tattoos in recruiters joining the military. METHODS: the recruiters were examined by dermatologists that documented the presence or absence of tattoos, as well as their sizes, colors, designs and patterns, and whether they needed a parent's consent to get a tattoo. RESULTS: 1,968 recruiters were examined and the prevalence of tattoos was 10.82% (213), 141 (66.20%) had a single tattoo, 44 (20.66%) two tattoos, 15 (7.04%) three tattoos, 9 (4.23%) four tattoos, and 4 (1.88%) had more than four. Of the total sample, 168 (80.77%) reported getting the first tattoo before the age of 18. 158 (74.53%) were monochromatic. In relation to size, 108 (50.70%) had tattoos of up to 10 cm, 75 (35.21%) had tattoos measuring between 11-20cm, while 30 had ones over 21cm (14.09%). CONCLUSIONS: The population studied had a high prevalence of tattoos for their age, the percentage of complex (large and polychromatic) tattoos was also high. .

FUNDAMENTOS: Estima-se que a prevalência de tatuagens seja por volta de 10-26% em homens e 10-22% em mulheres, e estas trazem como consequência desdobramentos como: arrependimento, tentativas de remoção, alterações físicas e biológicas da pele e associação com soro positividade para doenças virais. OBJETIVOS: determinar a prevalência, características e fatores associados a tatuagens em alistandos do exército. MÉTODOS: Os alistandos foram entrevistados e examinados por dermatologistas, os quais anotaram a presença ou não de tatuagem , seus tamanhos, suas cores, padrões de desenhos e se havia permissão dos responsáveis para sua execução. RESULTADOS: Foram examinados 1.968 alistandos e a prevalência de tatuagens foi de 10,82% (213), 141 (66,20%) tinham tatuagem única, 44 (20,66%) tinham duas tatuagens, 15 (7,04%) tinham três tatuagens, 9 (4,23%) tinham quatro tatuagens e 4 (1,88%) tinham mais que quatro tatuagens; 168 (80.77%) informaram ter feito a primeira tatuagem antes de completar 18 anos de idade. 158 (74,53%) eram monocromáticas. Em relação ao tamanho no seu maior eixo temos que 108 (50,70%) tinham tatuagens com até 10 cm, 75 (35,21%) tinham entre 11 e 20 cm e com mais de 21 centimetros 30 (14,09%). CONCLUSÕES: a população estudada apresenta uma prevalência alta de tatuagens para a idade, e o percentual de tatuagens complexas (grandes e policromáticas) também é alto. .

Sensitivity and specificity of self-reported acne in 18-year-old adolescent males.

BACKGROUND: Self-reporting is widely used in medical research. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the specificity and sensitivity of self-reported lesions of acne (scars and active lesions) obtained by an interview with the examination carried out by a dermatologist. METHODS: A questionnaire was applied to male adolescents who registered for obligatory military service. After that, skin examination was carried out. RESULTS: Of the 2,191 adolescents examined, 474 (21.60%) showed acne scars, and 625 (28.51%) admitted to having scars. The sensitivity of self-reported scars was 50.84%, and the specificity was 77.65%. The prevalence of active acne obtained by the dermatological examination was 85.76% and from self-reported acne was 76.12%, with a sensitivity of 80.95% and a specificity of 52.88%. Neither schooling nor social class made any difference to sensitivity or specificity. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings showed that sensitivity and specificity of self-reported acne was very low, pointing out that, in a sample of adolescents, self-reporting of acne shows itself as an inadequate instrument for epidemiological studies.

Scanning electron microscopy of lichen sclerosus.

Lichen sclerosus is an acquired inflammatory condition characterized by whitish fibrotic plaques, with a predilection for the genital skin. We performed scanning electron microscopy of the dermis from a lesion of lichen sclerosus. Normal collagen fibers could be easily found in deeper layers of the specimen, as well as the transition to pathologic area, which seems homogenized. With higher magnifications in this transitional area collagen fibers are adherent to each other, and with very high magnifications a pearl chain aspect became evident along the collagen fibers. In the superficial dermis this homogenization is even more evident, collagen fibers are packed together and round structures are also observed. Rupture of collagen fibers and inflammatory cells were not found. These autoimmune changes of the extracellular matrix lead to the aggregation of immune complexes and/or changed matrix proteins along the collagen fibers, the reason why they seem hyalinized when examined by light microscopy.

Most common patterns of acne in male adolescents: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris is a common skin disease affecting more than 85% of adolescents and often continuing into adulthood. Population-based studies to assess the patterns and severity of acne have not been achieved. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the most common patterns of facial and trunk acne in young (18-year-old) men in a representative sample of male adolescents in a city in southern Brazil and to investigate the severity of inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions in these individuals. METHODS: In Brazil, military service is compulsory for all males. Every adolescent male must report to his military service headquarters to submit to a medical screening examination. The study included 2201 adolescents, each of whom underwent a skin examination conducted by a dermatologist to identify and quantify all non-inflammatory (comedones) and inflammatory (papules, pustules, and nodules) lesions. RESULTS: Non-inflammatory lesions (comedones) were observed on 1487 individuals, and inflammatory lesions (papules and pustules) were noted on 1497 individuals. The most common patterns of facial acne were the full-face, bilateral malar and frontal mentonian distributions. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first population-based study to evaluate patterns of acne. Facial involvement was very prevalent, and the frontal region was found to dominate patterns of distribution of acne vulgaris. Comedonian acne of the face was much more intense and affected the entire face. In inflammatory facial acne, the majority of the study subjects exhibited up to five lesions in the region under study.

Scanning electron microscopy of lichen sclerosus / Microscopia eletrônica de varredura do líquen escleroso

Lichen sclerosus is an acquired inflammatory condition characterized by whitish fibrotic plaques, with a predilection for the genital skin. We performed scanning electron microscopy of the dermis from a lesion of lichen sclerosus. Normal collagen fibers could be easily found in deeper layers of the specimen, as well as the transition to pathologic area, which seems homogenized. With higher magnifications in this transitional area collagen fibers are adherent to each other, and with very high magnifications a pearl chain aspect became evident along the collagen fibers. In the superficial dermis this homogenization is even more evident, collagen fibers are packed together and round structures are also observed. Rupture of collagen fibers and inflammatory cells were not found. These autoimmune changes of the extracellular matrix lead to the aggregation of immune complexes and/or changed matrix proteins along the collagen fibers, the reason why they seem hyalinized when examined by light microscopy.

O líquen escleroso é uma afecção inflamatória caracterizada por placas esbranquiçadas fibróticas ocorrendo preferentemente na pele genital. Realizamos exame com microscópio eletrônico de varredura da derme de uma lesão de líquen escleroso. Ao exame as fibras colágenas normais puderam ser facilmente identificadas, bem como a transição para a área alterada, a qual aparece homogeneizada. Nessa área as fibras parecem aderidas umas às outras e com aspecto em colar de pérolas. Na derme superficial essa homogeneização é ainda mais evidente, com as fibras bem aderidas e ainda com as estruturas arredondadas. Ruptura das fibras e células inflamatórias não foram observadas. Os fenômenos autoimunes que ocorrem na matriz extracelular nessa enfermidade devem levar à agregação de imunocomplexos e/ou proteínas alteradas nas fibras colágenas, por essa razão elas aparecem hialinizadas na microscopia óptica.

Tattoos on 18-year-old male adolescents--characteristics and associated factors.

BACKGROUND: Prevalence of tattoos is around 10-26% in men and 10-22% in women, and can involve negative effects such as: regret, removal attempts, physical and biological changes of the skin and association with some viral diseases. OBJECTIVE: to determine the prevalence, characteristics and factors associated with tattoos in recruiters joining the military. METHODS: the recruiters were examined by dermatologists that documented the presence or absence of tattoos, as well as their sizes, colors, designs and patterns, and whether they needed a parent's consent to get a tattoo. RESULTS: 1,968 recruiters were examined and the prevalence of tattoos was 10.82% (213), 141 (66.20%) had a single tattoo, 44 (20.66%) two tattoos, 15 (7.04%) three tattoos, 9 (4.23%) four tattoos, and 4 (1.88%) had more than four. Of the total sample, 168 (80.77%) reported getting the first tattoo before the age of 18. 158 (74.53%) were monochromatic. In relation to size, 108 (50.70%) had tattoos of up to 10 cm, 75 (35.21%) had tattoos measuring between 11-20 cm, while 30 had ones over 21 cm (14.09%). CONCLUSIONS: The population studied had a high prevalence of tattoos for their age, the percentage of complex (large and polychromatic) tattoos was also high.

Harlequin syndrome in childhood--case report.

Harlequin syndrome happens in only one side of the face. In the affected half, the face does not sweat or flush even with simulation. Arms and trunk could also be affected. This condition is induced by heat, exercise and emotional factors. The article reports a case of a nine-year-old female with a 3-year history of unilateral flushing and sweating after exercise; a brief literature review is included. Despite the rarity of this syndrome, dermatologists should recognize this condition and refer these patients to ophthalmological and neurological examination.

Harlequin syndrome in childhood: case report / Síndrome de Arlequim na infância: relato de caso

Harlequin syndrome happens in only one side of the face. In the affected half, the face does not sweat or flush even with simulation. Arms and trunk could also be affected. This condition is induced by heat, exercise and emotional factors. The article reports a case of a nine-year-old female with a 3-year history of unilateral flushing and sweating after exercise; a brief literature review is included. Despite the rarity of this syndrome, dermatologists should recognize this condition and refer these patients to ophthalmological and neurological examination.

A Síndrome de Arlequim ocorre em apenas um lado da face. No metade afetada, a face não produz suor ou flushing, mesmo estimulada. Braços e tórax raramente podem ser afetados. Esta condição é geralmente induzida por calor, exercícios e fatores emocionais. O artigo relata um caso de uma menina de 9 anos de idade com uma história de 3 anos de flushing e sudorese unilaterais no rosto após exercícios e inclui uma revisão da literatura. Apesar da raridade desta síndrome, dermatologistas devem reconhecer esta condição e encaminhar estes pacientes a um exame oftalmológico e neurológico.

Concordance between direct microscopy and fungical culture for the diagnostic of feet's onychomycosis.

Prospective study compared the agreement between the direct microscopy and fungical culture from subungueal samples of the patients with clinical suspicion of feet's onychomycosis. The agreement occurred in 56.1% of the exams with dermatophytes, in 52.4% by others fungi and in 90.4% of the negative cases, 0,54 according to the Kappa`s test. In 39.3% of the onychomycosis caused by dermatophytes and 31.8% by nondermatophytes, these were identificated only for direct microscopy. The direct microscopic showed more sensibility compared with the culture, being superior in 19.5% of the total sample and maintaining agreement with the culture in 71.5% of the sample.