ABSTRACT
Clinical observations and medical reports indicate that psoriasis has a tremendous impact on patients' lives, lowering their quality in many important areas. However, the vast majority of research deals only with health-related issues. This study aimed to compare the general quality of life of psoriasis patients and healthy volunteers by examining psychological variables thought to modify the quality of life. 42 patients with psoriasis and 42 healthy volunteers matched for gender, age and education level were tested. Flanagan Quality of Life Scale was used to evaluate general quality of life. Basic hope level was assessed with Basic Hope Inventory. Trait hope was estimated using Trait Hope Scale. Psoriasis Area Severity Index was used to assess the severity of the disease. Psoriasis patients have a significantly lower overall quality of life (p = 0.05), modified by Physical and Material Well-being (p = 0.01), Personal Development and Fulfillment (p = 0.03), and Recreation (p = 0.04). They also have lower levels of trait hope (p = 0.04) and its agency component (p = 0.01). There were moderate, negative significant correlations with basic hope and such components of quality of life as Physical and Material Well-being (p = 0.03, r = - 0.34) and Relations with other People (p = 0.02, r = - 0.35). These results support the hypothesis of a reduced general quality of life and trait hope in psoriatics. Thus, psychological help for people suffering from dermatological disorders might be as important as medical intervention. Basic hope can be treated as a resource in coping with these disorders and trait hope as a resource conducive to well-being.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Eosinophilic ulcer of the oral mucosa (EUOM), also known as traumatic eosinophilic granuloma or Rida-Fede disease, is an uncommon, benign and self-limited lesion of the oral mucous membrane. The tongue is the most common location of EUOM, accounting for up to 60% of the cases, with the lateral and dorsal surfaces being principally affected. EUOM clinically manifests as a painful, nodular inflammatory infiltration, usually with ulceration. Characteristic histological findings consist of dense subepithelial, mixed inflammatory infiltration with numerous eosinophils. The etiology of the disease is unknown. CASE REPORT: We present a case of a 9-year-old boy, in whom a painful ulceration, nonresponding to typical antiviral and antibacterial treatment, occurred on the lower lip. The histological study revealed intact epithelium without the unequivocal signs of cellular atypia and a dense infiltrate in the stroma mainly composed of eosinophils and histiocytes with CD30-negative cells. The histological diagnosis of EUOM was given. A rapid resolution of the lesion was observed following biopsy. CONCLUSIONS: EUOM, a relatively rare and benign disease, infrequently presenting as a lesion on lips, may cause diagnostic difficulties to dermatologists as well as to dental surgeons and ENT specialists. Biopsy is recommended to rule out malignant etiology and avoid overtreatment.
