MINERAL BONE DENSITY AND VITAMIN D LEVELS IN PATIENTS WITH PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS.

The objective of this study was to explore the possible differences in bone mass density (BMD) and markers of bone metabolism between patients with psoriasis with concomitant psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and patients with psoriasis only (PV). A comparable sample of both types of patients were included in analysis. In all patients, vitamin D serum levels along with inflammatory markers and parathyroid hormone (PTH) were measured. BMD was assessed with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scan in axial and appendicular skeleton. Patients with PsA tended to have decreased BMD in axial skeleton, while BMD in appendicular skeleton was comparable between the groups. No statistically significant correlation was found of inflammatory markers, vitamin D and PTH levels with BMD in either patient group. A negative correlation was recorded between vitamin D serum concentration and PTH levels.

Seborrheic Dermatitis Is Related to Motor Symptoms in Parkinson's Disease.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Parkinson's disease (PD) patients present with numerous motor and nonmotor symptoms. Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is reported in 18.6%-59% of PD patients. However, the etiology of SD in PD patients remains unknown. The aim of this study was to determine how motor and nonmotor symptoms, age, sex, and levodopa-equivalent daily dose (LEDD) influence the appearance and severity of SD in PD patients, and then discuss about SD possible etiology based on the obtained results. METHODS: Motor symptoms were evaluated using the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III and nonmotor symptoms were evaluated using the Parkinson's Disease Sleep Scale, Scales for Outcomes in Parkinson's Disease-Autonomic Dysfunction, and Non-Motor Symptoms Questionnaire. LEDD was calculated and demographic data on age, sex, disease duration, and symptoms of SD prior to a PD diagnosis were collected. A dermatologist evaluated the skin for SD using the Seborrhea Area and Severity Index. RESULTS: SD was present in 36.1% of the PD patients. There were positive correlations between age, motor-symptoms severity, and SD. After adjusting for age, disease duration, and sex, there remained a positive correlation between the severity of motor symptoms and SD. Patients with moderate-to-severe motor symptoms had more-severe SD symptoms, and their risk of developing SD was 1.8-fold higher. There was no correlation between SD and autonomic dysfunction, sleep disturbances, or other nonmotor symptoms, and no sex difference. CONCLUSIONS: In PD, SD is related to motor symptoms.

TREATMENT OF VERRUCA VULGARIS IN TRADITIONAL MEDICINE.

Common warts (verrucae vulgares) are the most common complaint in routine dermatological practice. Warts can be painful on pressure and are often an aesthetic problem, but they are not a major threat to the person's general health. Treatment options are symptomatic and do not eradicate the causative agent. Dermatological surgery procedures such as cryotherapy, electrocauterization and excochleation can be painful, with common recurrences. These are the most important reasons for revival of the treatment procedures and remedies based on traditional medicine. Traditional medicine is still commonly practiced as a form of self-healing. This paper presents the most commonly used wart remedies of plant, animal and mineral origin, along with various magic practices. We emphasize that this paper is written from the viewpoint of physicians, practitioners of dermatology, not as a study in the history or culture. The main objective of the study was to explore various substances and methods people use as home remedies for warts. We performed a case study survey among the general population by interviewing 147 adult participants using a simple preliminary questionnaire inquiring about preferred treatment and knowledge about common warts.

Treatment of Scabies and Pediculosis in Health Education Publications and Folk Medicine of Eastern Croatia - Slavonija, Baranja, and Western Srijem County.

Scabies and pediculosis are common parasitic infestations of the skin and hair, manifesting with intense pruritus and effectively treated with modern medications. Because of the attached social stigma linking it with poverty and poor hygiene, patients will often attempt alternative folk-based remedies before confiding in their physicians. We conducted a comprehensive bibliographical study of historic folk literature and interviewed 70 individuals experienced in everyday application of folk medicine in order to categorize available remedies and provide a modern, scientific comment on their effectiveness and dangers. Compositions containing sulfur, copper sulfate, petroleum, coal, tar, and highly alkaline soaps and washing solutions undoubtedly have scabicidal and pediculicidal properties, but they are used either in high concentrations with greater possibility of intoxication and irritation or lower concentrations with questionable therapeutic benefit. These remedies, extracted from historical-cultural frameworks, are poorly adapted to modern standards and can lead to side-effects and complications. Physicians today have to be aware of the reasons their patients seek alternative remedies and know the substances and procedures they may use in self-healing, so as to be able to provide the help that may be needed if those complications occur.