[My tongue is burning!-Glossodynia/orofacial pain disorder]. / Meine Zunge brennt! ­ Glossodynie/orofaziales Schmerzsyndrom.

Glossodynia or orofacial pain disorder is known as burning mouth syndrome. It is a therapeutic challenge. Its etiology is not well defined. Recent studies show not only a correlation with neuropathic changes, but there are also indications of comorbidities such as depression, anxiety, and carcinophobia. These can also manifest as a reaction to the disease and are not necessarily considered causative. Burning mouth syndrome poses a diagnostic challenge since its differential diagnosis is broad. With regard to dermatological aspects, lichen planus mucosae, oral leucoplakia, pemphigus vulgaris, and aphthous mouth ulcers should be considered. Diabetes, anemia, vitamin deficiency, and endocrinological influences should be considered regarding the predominance of elderly and female patients. Meta-analyses of treatment studies usually show a low level of evidence of the randomized, controlled trials. According to the literature mainly psychotherapy and antidepressants are proposed for therapy. Alpha lipoic acid as a dietary supplement shows short-term improvement and low-level laser therapy might have some benefit.

[Body dysmorphic disorder : Diagnostics and treatment in cosmetic dermatology]. / Körperdysmorphe Störung : Diagnostik und Therapie in der kosmetischen Dermatologie.

People with a body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) suffer from excessive preoccupation and anxiety about an imagined or to others a negligible defect in their appearance. They cannot bear to look at themselves, feel ugly, are convinced that their nose, their physique and their skin are disfiguring. The more concerned they become about their appearance, the more their attention is drawn to the ostensible blemishes and reinforces the impression of their own unattractiveness. Those affected do not consider themselves to be ill, but are convinced that it is a real physical defect which forces them again and again to stand in front of the mirror. Such patients may consult a dermatologist, some even a plastic surgeon, in order to get closer to their ideal of beauty, which perforce remains unattainable for patients because of a distorted perception of their body.

[Body dysmorphic disorder : Anxiety about deformity]. / Körperdysmorphe Störung : Angst vor Missgestaltung.

Between 0.8 and 1.8 % of the German population suffers from a body dysmorphic disorder. In specific settings like dermatological offices up to 11.9 % of patients suffer from this disease. The highest prevalence could be found in the field of cosmetic dermatology with a prevalence of 13.1 %. Until now, the diagnosis has been made too rarely. The body dysmorphic disorder is a chronic psychic disease, in which the patients feel disfigured and experience shame and disgust at the same time. Comorbidities like social phobia, depression, suicidality, and eating disorders are frequent. The diagnosis is made using questionnaires (e.g., dysmorphic concern questionnaire) or by use of the DSM-5 manual. An early diagnosis seems to be important to avoid chronification and suicidal ideas. Therapeutic approaches should include cognitive behavioral therapies as well as the use of SSRIs.

Acne and quality of life - impact and management.

Acne is a common skin disease with a high prevalence in adolescents and young adults. In addition to physical effects such as permanent scarring and disfigurement, acne has long-lasting psychosocial effects that affect the patient's quality of life. Depression, social isolation and suicidal ideation are frequent comorbidities of acne that should not be neglected in the therapy of acne patients. Research evidence suggests that the impairment of quality of life can be alleviated by appropriate topical acne treatment.