ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) stands as the most common skin malignancy, with its high incidence rate and associated costs rising annually. The origin of BCC is related to environmental, genetic, and phenotypic factors. Among these, the most important risk factor is exposure to UV light triggering keratinocyte carcinogenesis, causing cumulative cellular damage that leads to BCC development. Individuals' educational background and awareness of skin cancer risk factors may influence the development of BCC. Lack of knowledge about risk factors (like chronic UV exposure, sunburn, artificial solar beds, and fair skin color), prevention methods, and jobs involving outdoor activities may be associated with BCC formation. AIM: The aim of the study was to analyze recent trends and the risk factors associated with BCC, while also revealing any potential link between BCC and the patient's education level and awareness of skin cancer risk factors. DESIGN AND METHODS: A hospital-based case-control study was conducted, involving a total of 141 individuals. Among them, 47 were clinically and histologically confirmed BCC patients, while the remaining participants served as controls. The control group comprised 94 individuals matched for age and gender. Data on various factors including gender, age, residency, education level, Fitzpatrick skin type, outdoor activities, use of solariums, and UV therapy, as well as awareness of potential BCC triggers, were collected using an adapted questionnaire and subjected to analysis. The collected data underwent statistical evaluation. RESULTS: Most of the BCCs (n = 52; 71.2%) were located in sun-exposed areas (p < 0.001), with a female/male ratio of 1.35 to 1. The nodular type of BCC was the most common form (n = 49; 67.2%). The percentage of patients in the study group with Fitzpatrick phototypes I and II (n = 38; 80.9%) was significantly higher than in controls (n = 50; 53.2%, p = 0.002). The percentage of persons with higher education levels (bachelor's degree, master's degree, and post-diploma) was significantly less prevalent among cases compared to controls (n = 20 (42.6%) vs. n = 58 (61.7%), respectively (p = 0.033)). Notably, BCC patients with low education levels exhibited significantly lesser awareness concerning genetic factors and chronic solar radiation. Conclusions: Coexistence of factors, such as a medical history of skin cancer, having Fitzpatrick skin types I and II, engaging in outdoor work exposed to the sun, knowledge that genetic factors are risk factors of skin cancer, and knowledge that stress is a risk factor of skin cancer, are significant predictors of the disease. A lower level of education and limited awareness about risk factors can also be a risk factor for BCC. It is essential to raise awareness about potential triggers and preventive measures within the population to reduce the incidence of the disease.
ABSTRACT
Background: Previous in vitro and in vivo studies indicated that walnut extract has a therapeutic effect on herpes simplex infections. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and tolerance of Lazolex® Gel (Iveriapharma, Tbilisi, Georgia), an emollient gel to treat mucocutaneous lesions caused by herpes simplex virus. Methods: A single-center, single-arm, open-label, phase II clinical trial was conducted with 30 patients divided into two groups: 15 patients with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infections and 15 with herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). All received topical treatment with Lazolex® Gel four times a day for 10 days. The efficacy and tolerance of the treatment were evaluated on day 10 and day 20 of the study. Recurrence rates were also evaluated both prior to treatment with Lazolex® and over a 4-year follow-up period subsequent to treatment. Results: The median effective time to resolution of symptoms (itching, burning, and pain) was 1.97 days in the HSV-1 group and 3.11 days in the HSV-2 group. The median effective time for vesicles and erosion to disappear was 3.64 days in the HSV-1 group and 3.88 days for the HSV-2 group. Finally, the median effective time for inflammatory signs to disappear was 5.70 and 4.32 days, respectively. Following treatment with Lazolex® Gel, the frequency of outbreaks decreased from a median of 2.00 and 1.00 times per year in the HSV-1 and HSV-2 cohorts to 0.25 and 0.00 (p=0.001 and p=0.003), respectively. Conclusions: Topical treatment with Lazolex® Gel applied to lesions four times a day for 10 days was shown to be effective and safe in the treatment of herpes simplex mucocutaneous infections and dramatically reduced the rate of recurrence. Clinical trial was approved by Drug Agency of Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia, registration # DA Nº CT-000032, date of approval 01.10.2007.
