Dermoscopic characteristics of Merkel cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive, cutaneous tumour with high mortality and frequently delayed diagnosis. Clinically, it often manifests as a rapidly growing erythematous to purple nodule usually located on the lower extremities or face and scalp of elderly patients. There is limited available data on the dermoscopic findings of MCC, and there are no specific features that can be used to definitively diagnose MCC. AIM OF THE STUDY: Here, we aimed to summarize existing published literature on dermatoscopic and reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) features of MCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To find relevant studies, we searched the PubMed and Scopus databases from inception to April 12, 2023. Our goal was to identify all pertinent research that had been written in English. The following search strategy was employed: (" dermoscopy" OR " dermatoscopy" OR " videodermoscopy" OR " videodermatoscopy" OR " reflectance confocal microscopy") AND " Merkel cell carcinoma". Two dermatologists, DK and GE, evaluated the titles and abstracts separately for eligibility. For inclusion, only works written in English were taken into account. RESULTS: In total 16 articles were retrieved (68 cases). The main dermoscopic findings of MCC are a polymorphous vascular pattern including linear irregular, arborizing, glomerular, and dotted vessels on a milky red background, with shiny or non-shiny white areas. Pigmentation was lacking in all cases. The RCM images showed a thin and disarranged epidermis, and small hypo-reflective cells that resembled lymphocytes arranged in solid aggregates outlined by fibrous tissue in the dermis. Additionally, there were larger polymorphic hyper-reflective cells that likely represented highly proliferative cells. CONCLUSION: Dermoscopic findings of MCC may play a valuable role in evaluating MCC, aiding in the early detection and differentiation from other skin lesions. Further prospective case-control studies are needed to validate these results.

Translation and validation of patient-oriented eczema measure in the Greek language.

Translating and validating the Greek version of the Patient Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM) was our goal. A parallel backtranslation process was used to translate POEM. A total of fifty-nine adult atopic dermatitis patients were enlisted to assess validity and reliability. Through patient interviews with physicians, a questionnaire comprising demographics, POEM, and the dermatology life quality index (DLQI) was filled out. 3-7 days after the first visit, a second POEM completion was conducted. The POEM items conducted with study participants demonstrated a good level of internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.88), and no overall floor and ceiling effects were found. There was a significant correlation between the DLQI and POEM scores (Spearman rho =0.71; p<0.001). The POEM score between interviews showed an average intraclass correlation coefficient (95% confidence interval) of 0.89 (0.80, 0.94), indicating good to excellent test-retest reliability. Patient-reported outcome measures are becoming more and more common in Greece, so it's critical to have access to Greek translations of validated instruments that are frequently used in literature.

Tinea Incognito: Challenges in Diagnosis and Management.

Tinea incognito is a dermatophyte infection with atypical features, due to the use of topical or systemic steroids or other immunosuppressive medications. Delayed diagnosis, spread of the infection to critical body surfaces, resistance to antifungal drugs, and increased costs due to prolonged hospitalization and multiple treatment regimens often complicate tinea incognito. It can affect individuals of all ages and genders, but it is more common in children. Atypical clinical appearance often necessitates differentiation from other diseases such as eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, lupus erythematosus, psoriasis, or other non-fungal skin conditions. The treatment of tinea incognito usually involves discontinuation of topical steroids or other immunosuppressive medications. Preventive measures and management of the underlying fungal infection are necessary and can be achieved with antifungal drugs. Patients should wear loose cotton clothes, use boiling water for laundry, and iron their clothing before wearing them. Additionally, they should avoid sharing bed linens, towels, clothes, and shoes. This review aims to raise awareness of tinea incognito among health practitioners, provide tips for detecting the disorder, include it in the differentials, and evaluate the available diagnostic procedures.

Evaluation of Delayed Contact Hypersensitivity in Patients with Rosacea.

Introduction: Rosacea is a common chronic inflammatory dermatosis characterized by erythema, telangiectasia, papules, and pustules on the central face. The frequency of contact sensitization complicating rosacea and its therapy is unknown, with only few studies published in the literature. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate contact sensitivity in patients with rosacea. Methods: A total of 50 rosacea patients and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled. Both groups were patch tested with the European Baseline Series. Results: A positive reaction to at least one allergen of the European Baseline Series was observed in 15 (30%) of rosacea patients and 10 (20%) of the healthy controls. Although the rate of positive reaction in the rosacea group was higher than in the controls, no statistically significant difference was documented. In addition, the total number of positive reactions to allergens in the rosacea group was higher than the control group, namely, 26 versus 17. Conclusion: Contact hypersensitivity may coexist with rosacea. Its identification holds significant clinical relevance, influencing the long-term management and justifying the application of patch testing in rosacea patients.

Italian S3-Guideline on the treatment of Atopic Eczema - Part 1: Systemic therapy, adapted from EuroGuiDerm by the Italian Society of Dermatology and STD (SIDEMAST), the Italian Association of Hospital Dermatologists (ADOI) and the Italian Society of Allergological and Environmental Dermatology (SIDAPA).

SIDeMaST (Società Italiana di Dermatologia Medica, Chirurgica, Estetica e delle Malattie Sessualmente Trasmesse) contributed to the development of the present guideline on the systemic treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis. With the permission of EuroGuiDerm, SIDeMaST adapted the guideline to the Italian healthcare context to supply a reliable and affordable tool to Italian physicians who take care of patients affected by atopic dermatitis. The evidence- and consensus-based guideline on atopic eczema was developed in accordance with the EuroGuiDerm Guideline and Consensus Statement Development Manual. Four consensus conferences were held between December 2020 and July 2021. Twenty-nine experts (including clinicians and patient representatives) from 12 European countries participated. This first part of the guideline includes general information on its scope and purpose, the health questions covered, target users and a methods section. It also provides guidance on which patients should be treated with systemic therapies, as well as recommendations and detailed information on each systemic drug. The systemic treatment options discussed in the guideline comprise conventional immunosuppressive drugs (azathioprine, ciclosporin, glucocorticosteroids, methotrexate and mycophenolate mofetil), biologics (dupilumab, lebrikizumab, nemolizumab, omalizumab and tralokinumab) and janus kinase inhibitors (abrocitinib, baricitinib and upadacitinib). Part two of the guideline will address avoidance of provocation factors, dietary interventions, immunotherapy, complementary medicine, educational interventions, occupational and psychodermatological aspects, patient perspective and considerations for pediatric, adolescent, pregnant and breastfeeding patients.

Italian S3-Guideline on the treatment of Atopic Eczema - First Update, adapted from EuroGuiDerm by the Italian Society of Dermatology and STD (SIDEMAST), the Italian Association of Hospital Dermatologists (ADOI) and the Italian Society of Allergological and Occupational Dermatology (SIDAPA).

The evidence- and consensus-based guideline on atopic eczema, published in JEADV on 18 August 2022 (part 1) and 3 September 2022 (part 2) was developed in accordance with the EuroGuiDerm Guideline and Consensus Statement Development Manual. Four consensus conferences were held between December 2020 and July 2021. Twenty-nine experts (including clinicians and patient representatives) from 12 European countries participated. To reflect the most recent evidence on novel systemic medications, an update was published in October 2022. According to the purpose of the Italian Society of Dermatology and STD (SIDEMAST), the Italian Association of Hospital Dermatologists (ADOI) and the Italian Society of Allergological and Environmental Dermatology (SIDAPA) to adapt the EuroGuiDerm guideline on the treatment of atopic eczema into the Italian Healthcare setting, the original update has been supplemented by inserting notes, well highlighted by the original text, to emphasize the laws, rules, procedures and suggestions of the Italian Ministry of Health and regional Health authorities.

Italian S3-Guideline on the treatment of Atopic Eczema - Part 2: non-systemic treatments and treatment recommendations for special AE patient populations, adapted from EuroGuiDerm by the Italian Society of Dermatology and STD (SIDEMAST), the Italian Association of Hospital Dermatologists (ADOI) and the Italian Society of Allergological and Occupational Dermatology (SIDAPA).

SIDeMaST (Società Italiana di Dermatologia Medica, Chirurgica, Estetica e delle Malattie Sessualmente Trasmesse) contributed to the development of the present guideline on the systemic treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis. With the permission of EuroGuiDerm, SIDeMaST adapted the guideline to the Italian healthcare context to supply a reliable and affordable tool to Italian physicians who take care of patients affected by atopic dermatitis. The evidence- and consensus-based guideline on atopic eczema was developed in accordance with the EuroGuiDerm Guideline and Consensus Statement Development Manual. Four consensus conferences were held between December 2020 and July 2021. Twenty-nine experts (including clinicians and patient representatives) from 12 European countries participated. This second part of the guideline includes recommendations and detailed information on basic therapy with emollients and moisturizers, topical anti-inflammatory treatment, antimicrobial and antipruritic treatment and UV phototherapy. Furthermore, this part of the guideline covers techniques for avoiding provocation factors, as well as dietary interventions, immunotherapy, complementary medicine and educational interventions for patients with atopic eczema and deals with occupational and psychodermatological aspects of the disease. It also contains guidance on treatment for pediatric and adolescent patients and pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as considerations for patients who want to have a child. A chapter on the patient perspective is also provided. The first part of the guideline, published separately, contains recommendations and guidance on systemic treatment with conventional immunosuppressive drugs, biologics and janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, as well as information on the scope and purpose of the guideline, and a section on guideline methodology.

Interleukin antagonists for atopic dermatitis: a new era of therapy.

INTRODUCTION: Over the last decade, increasing understanding of the immunopathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD) enabled the recognition of multiple therapeutic targets and subsequently the development of novel, highly effective systemic treatments, including interleukin (IL)-antagonists. To date, the IL-4Ra-inhibitor dupilumab and the IL-13 inhibitor tralokinumab have gained regulatory approval in Europe for the treatment of moderate-to-severe AD, while more than 70 new therapeutics are currently in development. AREAS COVERED: In this review, we address the role of ILs in the pathogenesis of AD and provide an overview of the novel and investigational IL-antagonists, as regards their efficacy and safety on moderate-to-severe AD. EXPERT OPINION: Current data have established IL-4 and IL-13 inhibitors as effective and safe for the treatment of moderate-to-severe AD, as regards the rapid control of flares as well as the long-term remission of the disease. Data regarding the efficacy and safety of other IL-inhibitors, including those targeting IL-31, IL-22, IL-33, IL-36 and IL-18, are accumulating. There is still an unmet need for real-world-evidence studies and head-to-head studies for both currently available and future agents in AD treatment. Establishing predictive biomarkers of treatment response in a disorder of such considerable heterogenicity might help physicians pursue a patient-tailored therapeutic response.

Five-Membered Nitrogen Heterocycles Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors Induced Angioedema: An Underdiagnosed Condition.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are used primarily in the treatment of hypertension, heart failure, and in the acute phase of myocardial infarction. Lisinopril [N2-[(1S)-1-car-boxy-3-phenylpropyl]-L-lysyl-L-proline], enalapril [(S)-1-[N-[1-(ethoxycarbonyl)-3-phenylpropyl]-L-alanyl]-L-proline] and ramipril [2-aza-bicyclo-[3.3.0]-octane-3-carboxylic acid] are all five-membered heterocycles and three of the most prevalent ACE inhibitors in clinical use worldwide. ACE inhibitor-induced angioedema (AE) is clinically characterized by self-limited edema of the dermis and subcutaneous lipid tissue, localized on face skin, oral mucosa and tongue in most cases. However, severe episodes of intestinal AE misdiagnosed as acute appendicitis and laryngeal AE requiring incubation have been reported. The pathophysiology of ACE inhibitor-induced angioedema is attributed to the accumulation of bradykinin, which is a potent vasodilator with proinflammatory activity that is normally degraded by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and aminopeptidase P; however, a small proportion of treated patients is affected. Given that patients do not respond to anti-H1 antihistamines and steroids, early clinical recognition and discontinuation of the ACE inhibitors are the treatments of choice for the long-term management of ACE inhibitor- induced angioedema. The search period of the present review was set up until November 2023, and its aim is to shed light on the broader context of ACE inhibitor-induced angioedema, exploring aspects such as clinical presentation, pathophysiology, and therapeutic considerations in this potentially life-threatening condition. The exploration of alternative drug options such as angiotensin II receptor blockers, the potential association of coadministration of DPP-4 inhibitors with ACE inhibitors, the presentation of angioedema and the significant clinical importance of this condition are also discussed. By focusing on the chemical structure of ACE inhibitors, specifically their nitrogen-based heterocycles-an attribute shared by over 880 drugs approved by the FDA within the pharmaceutical industry-this review emphasizes the pivotal role of nitrogen scaffolds in drug design and underscores their relevance in ACE inhibitor pharmacology.

Insights into Early Systemic Treatment in Atopic Dermatitis: Scientific Facts and Practical Considerations.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized clinically by pruritus, and pathophysiologically by immune dysregulation, and compromised skin barrier function. While topical therapies are currently the cornerstone of AD management, especially in mild disease, recent advancements in systemic treatments and a deeper understanding of similar skin diseases, such as psoriasis, have highlighted the importance of early intervention. In this commentary, we explore the potential benefits of early systemic intervention in AD, with pruritus determining such a decision. Building on this concept, we assume that, through the timely systemic treatment that targets the immune dysregulation present in AD, the progression of the disease could be modified, improving overall patient outcomes. Early systemic intervention may minimize systemic inflammation, halting the "atopic march" and disrupting the "itch-scratch" cycle. Managing pruritus at its root could prevent secondary complications and reduce the psychosocial burden of the disease. This paradigm shift fosters a collaborative healthcare approach that empowers patients with long-term disease control strategies. In conclusion, the safety and efficacy of novel systemic treatments offer a compelling scenario for early intervention in atopic dermatitis care.

Prevalence of subungual melanoma in patients with cutaneous malignant melanoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Subungual melanoma (SUM) is a rare type of cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) associated with poor prognosis, while data regarding its prevalence are scarce. OBJECTIVES: We sought to provide a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence rates of SUM among all types of CMM, considering certain demographic and clinical characteristics. METHODS: The MEDLINE electronic database was searched systematically to identify eligible studies providing prevalence rate estimates of SUM in patients with CMM. Included studies were further analysed to estimate the relative prevalences of SUM according to study design, study years, geographical region and sex distribution. RESULTS: Twenty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria. The overall SUM prevalence was 1.9% (95% CI [1.5%-2.3%]). The prevalence of SUM did not differ significantly between population- and hospital-based studies and remained stable over time. However, it was found to be significantly higher in Asians compared to patients of other geographical regions as well as in studies with more men than women compared to those with female preponderance (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In all, the overall SUM prevalence among all subtypes of CMM was estimated at 1.9%, without significant changes over time, and was found to exhibit significant variability between subgroups of different geographical regions.

Management of primary plantar hyperhidrosis with botulinum toxin type A: A retrospective case series of 129 patients.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: To date, scientific data on the efficacy of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) for primary plantar hyperhidrosis (PPH) are mainly derived from case reports and small case series. Herein, we sought to assess the efficacy and safety of BoNT-A for PPH on a large series of patients. METHODS: Medical records of patients who were referred to the outpatient department for hyperhidrosis of a tertiary care hospital and received BoNT-A for PPH from March 2003 until December 2022 were reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 129 patients [12 males, 117 females; median age 32 years (range, 16-72)] were included in the study, after excluding 24 patients with insufficient documented follow-up data. Most patients [115 (89.1%)] received onabotulinumtoxin-A, nine (7.0%) abobotulinumtoxin-A and five (3.9%) both in subsequent sessions. The mean number of sessions was 2.02 [standard deviation (SD), 2.29] and the mean duration of response 6.16 months (SD, 4.01). The percentage of response, as evaluated by Minor's test, was 71.67%, 63.44%, 47.78% and 34.13% after 1, 3, 6 and 9 months, respectively. Most patients were satisfied (21.7%) or very satisfied (58.9%) with the treatment. No serious side effects were reported. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this retrospective study suggest that BoNT-A is an effective and safe treatment option for PPH.

Real-Life Utility of Basophil Activation Test in the Diagnosis of Immediate Hypersensitivity Drug Reactions.

INTRODUCTION: The basophil activation test (BAT) is a flow cytometry laboratory technique that assesses the level of activation indicators expressed on the surface of basophils. We conducted a real-life study in a prospective cohort of patients with reported drug hypersensitivity reactions to determine the true relevance of BAT as a diagnostic tool for assessing immediate hypersensitivity reactions to medicines. METHODS: We prospectively assessed individuals with clinical suspicion of immediate hypersensitivity reactions to drugs over a 2-year period. The allergological evaluation was carried out in accordance with European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) guidance. All patients underwent BAT using the activation marker CD63. RESULTS: In total 13 patients with 54 reported immediate drug hypersensitivity reactions to medications were included in this study. Twelve were female (92.3%) and one was male (7.70%). The mean ± SD age of the patients was 47.31 ± 19.94 years. Antibiotics were tested in 35.2% (19/54) of patients, corticosteroids in 24.1% (13/54), iodinated contrast medium in 14.8% (8/54), and NSAIDs in 5.6% (3/54). There was no correlation between the BAT results and the age of patients, gender, type of medication, or time interval between the allergic reaction and BAT procedure. The sensitivity of BAT 5% CD63+ basophils to drugs was 97.6%, specificity was 96% for drug allergies, positive predictive value (PPV) was 94.3%, and negative predictive value (NPV) was 95.2%. CONCLUSIONS: The sensitivity of BAT for drug allergies is limited, but it can nevertheless be very helpful before contemplating provocation testing in cases of life-threatening drug allergies where patients cannot be rechallenged or in cases of medications for which no other tests are available or their results are ambiguous.