Adequacy of surgical margins, re-excision, and evaluation of factors associated with recurrence: a retrospective study of 769 basal cell carcinomas.

BACKGROUND: Achieving adequate surgical margins and preventing recurrence are important in the treatment of basal cell carcinoma (BCC). OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the adequacy of surgical margins and the re-excision rates in patients with primary BCC who underwent standard surgical treatment using our proposed algorithm and to define the risk factors in patients with recurrent BCC. METHODS: The medical records of patients who were histopathologically diagnosed with BCC were reviewed. An algorithm created based on previous literature was used to determine the distribution of optimal surgical margins adequacy and re-excision rates. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were observed between the cases with and without recurrence in age at diagnosis (p=0.004), tumor size (p=0.023), tumor location in the H zone of the face (p=0.005), and aggressive histopathological subtype (p=0.000). When the tumors were evaluated for adequacy of deep and lateral surgical margins and re-excision rates, higher rates of adequate excision (457 cases, 68.0%) and re-excision (43 cases, 33.9%) were noted for tumors in the H or M zone. STUDY LIMITATIONS: Inadequate follow-up of newly diagnosed patients in terms of recurrence and metastasis and the retrospective application of our proposed algorithm are the limitations of the present study. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that if BCC was detected at an early age and at an early stage, recurrence was lower. The H and M zones were the regions with the highest rates of optimal surgical outcomes.

Clinical course of psoriasis patients that discontinued biologics during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Since psoriasis is a chronic disease, it is not recommended to discontinue the treatment agents used. However, in real life, the treatment of psoriasis patients may be interrupted for various reasons. During the pandemic period, the treatment of many patients was also interrupted. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate relapse and clinical worsening in psoriasis patients whose biological therapy was interrupted during the pandemic and reveal associated factors. METHODS: The study included patients aged ≥18 years, who were followed up with moderate and severe chronic psoriasis controlled by the last biological agent [Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) 75 response achieved] but had to discontinue their treatment during the pandemic. The patients' demographic and clinical characteristics, clinical course after the discontinuation of these agents, presence of clinical worsening, and relapse were evaluated. Risk factors were analyzed with the logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The study included 169 patients, with a mean age of 47.3 ± 14.5 (18-87) years. The mean biologics-free time was 18.2 ± 12.3 (2-56) weeks. Clinical worsening was detected in 41.4% and relapse in 48.5% of the patients. The significant risk factors for clinical worsening and relapse in both univariate and multivariate analyses were alcohol use during the biologics-free period, total time off biologics, and the presence of an additional triggering factor. The use of secukinumab and ustekinumab was found to be a protective factor against clinical worsening in multivariate analyses. CONCLUSION: As the biologics-free period is prolonged, the likelihood of clinical worsening and relapse increases, therefore, we do not recommend discontinuing biological agents.

Internalized Stigma in Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) causes significant physical, social, and psychological burdens. Internalized stigma, acceptance of negative attitudes and stereotypes of society regarding a person's illness, has not been studied previously in HS. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to investigate the internalized stigma state of HS patients and identify the factors affecting it. METHODS: This multicenter, prospective, cross-sectional study included 731 patients. Internalized Stigma Scale (ISS), Hurley staging, Physician Global Assessment, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Skindex-16, Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS)-pain score were used in the study. RESULTS: The mean ISS value (57.50 ± 16.90) was comparable to the mean ISS values of studies in visible dermatological and various psychiatric diseases. A significant correlation was found between the mean values of ISS and all disease activity scores, quality of life measures, BDI-II, and VAS-pain scores. Obesity, family history, low education and income level, vulva/scrotum involvement and being actively treated are significant and independent predictive factors for high internalized stigma in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: HS patients internalize society's negative judgements, which may create a profound negative effect on access to health care. Therefore, in addition to suppressing disease activity, addressing internalized stigma is fundamental for improving health care quality.

Multiple Clinical Manifestations of Lichenoid Spectrum: A Patient with Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia, Lichen Planus Pigmentosus, and Nail Lichen Planus.

Introduction: Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is characterized by irreversible, symmetrical band-like hair loss in the frontotemporal region. Lichen planus pigmentosus (LPP) is a variant of lichen planus (LP) that presents with hyperpigmented macules and patches predominantly in sun-exposed areas. Nail LP is a subtype of LP that can be present alone or with other forms of LP. Case Report: We report a rare case of a 59-year-old woman presenting with symmetrical, gray-brown, hyperpigmented lesions on her neck and face, band-like alopecia in the frontotemporal region, severe onycholysis in two fingernails, and prominent longitudinal ridging in all fingernails. Clinical, dermoscopic, and histological findings established a diagnosis of FFA associated with LPP and nail LP was established. Discussion/Conclusion: In recent years, it has been established that FFA can be associated with LPP and it is thought to be a variant of lichen planopilaris. Nail involvement is rarely reported in FFA or LPP. To our knowledge, the presence of the three conditions in the same patient has not been previously reported. Although rare we would like to emphasize the importance of a careful examination of the nails in patients with FFA and/or LPP to prevent irreversible nail changes.

Rates of skincare product and cosmetic procedure use in patients with acne vulgaris and the effective factors: A multicenter study with 1,755 patients.

BACKGROUND: Skincare products and cosmetic procedures are used as an adjunct or complementary to conventional drug therapy for acne vulgaris (AV). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of skincare products and the frequency of cosmetic procedures in AV treatment. METHODS: A total of 1,755 patients with AV completed the survey prepared by the researchers and the Cardiff Acne Disability Index (CADI) questionnaire. The clinical findings and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) severity scores were recorded by the dermatologists. RESULTS: For AV, 66.7% of the patients stated that they used skincare products and 26.7% had undergone cosmetic procedures. The use of skincare products was statistically significantly higher in women (female: 74.5%, male: 57.7%, p < 0.0001); older people (users: 22 ± 7.6years, non-users: 21.2 ± 5.7 years, p < 0.0001); patients with a higher CADI score (users: 7 ± 3.7, non-users: 6.9 ± 4.3, p = 0.010); FDA severity score 2 and 3 (FDA-1: 58.1%; FDA-2: 72.4%, FDA-3: 73%, FDA-4: 67%, p < 0.0001); long-term disease (users: 57 ± 43 months; non-users: 47.7 ± 42.3 months, p < 0.0001); facial involvement (present: 70.2%, absent: 51.4%, p = 0.017); high income levels (users: 73.5%; non-users: 26.5%, p = 0.001); and graduate or post-graduate degrees (undergraduate≤%62.8, graduate≥%76.8, p < 0.0001). The rate of cosmetic procedures was higher in those with higher CADI scores (users: 7.8 ± 3.8; non-users: 7.1 ± 3.96, p < 0.0001); older patients (users: 22.7 ± 10.7 years; non-users: 21.3 ± 5 years, p < 0.0001); high school (25.6%); and graduate (28.9%) education (p = 0.043), those with lower disease severity (FDA-1: 31.1%; FDA-2: 28.5%, FDA-3: 27.1%, FDA-4: 20.4%, p = 0.022); smokers (smokers: 32.5%; non-smokers: 25.5%, p = 0.020), and those with AV in the family (present: 29.8%; absent: 24.2%, p = 0.009). The patients most frequently used cleansers (85.2%) as cosmetic products, and most commonly underwent skincare treatment (71%) as an interventional procedure. They mostly learned about such products and methods from the Internet, and 33.3% of the participants had undergone procedures performed by non-physicians. CONCLUSION: The patients generally choose skincare products as a result of their Internet search and sometimes have these procedures performed by non-physicians. Dermatologists should be aware of this situation and inform their patients about appropriate products and procedures.

Integrated Cadaveric Nail Surgery Course Improves Self-Assessed Knowledge and Competency of Dermatologists.

INTRODUCTION: Dermatologists see many patients with nail disorders requiring surgical interventions. However, nail surgery is often found to be difficult by dermatologists. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an integrated nail surgery course. METHODS: A nail surgery course model, combining anatomy, pathology, and dermatology with theoretical lectures and hands-on training on fresh-frozen cadaver, was designed for dermatologists. Before and after the course, the participants were asked to complete a questionnaire in which they assessed their knowledge and competence levels. RESULTS: Twenty-eight dermatologists completed the questionnaires. The majority of the dermatologists (79.6%) had limited nail surgery experience, previously. The most commonly cited reasons for lack of knowledge or low or moderate theoretical and/or practical level of knowledge of nail surgery were not having received theoretical and practical education during dermatology residency. The median scores of self-assessed knowledge and competency improved significantly after the course (p < 0.001). The majority (82.1%) of the participants were "quite" or "very" well satisfied. CONCLUSION: An integrative nail surgery course model seems beneficial and encouraging for dermatologists. Organizing this type of nail surgery course, especially in medical schools using fresh-frozen cadavers, may significantly improve dermatologists' knowledge and skills.

Social media use in patients with acne vulgaris: What do patients expect from social media?

BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris (AV) may affect external appearance and significantly deteriorate the quality of life of patients. Therefore, patients make various inquiries about their disease and seek treatment options. AIMS: To investigate the social media usage habits of patients with AV concerning their diseases, and their recommendations for dermatologists related to social media use. METHODS: A total of 1609 patients with AV completed the survey prepared by the authors and the Cardiff Acne Disability Index questionnaire. The Food and Drug Administration severity scores and clinical information of the patients were noted by their physicians. RESULTS: Of the 1,489 patients who stated that they used social media, 46.31% regularly and 28.77% sometimes referred to these sources to make inquiries about AV. Social media usage for AV was statistically significantly higher in women, participants with short term and severe disease, those with a moderate income level, and those using topical treatment and cosmetics. They mostly used Google (67%), Instagram (54%), and YouTube (49%). While 76% of the participants stated that they did not share what they saw on the Internet with their doctor. Of the respondents, 18.5% were trying to contact their dermatologists through the Internet, and 69.73% would prefer experts such as dermatologists to post-AV-related content. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that patients frequently resort to social media to seek information about AV. In the changing digital world order, it is observed that there is a need for dermatologists to use social media more actively to share accurate information about AV.

Evaluating sun protection behaviors and skin self-examination practices among the family members of melanoma patients in Turkey: A cross-sectional survey study.

To evaluate the preventive practices in family members of melanoma patients regarding melanoma in Turkey and compare our results with similar studies by a literature review. A questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in 52 participants over the age of 18 years. The questionnaire consisted of the items regarding melanoma risk factors, sun protection behaviors, skin self-examination (SSE), and family communication. Sun exposure (76.9%) and sunburns (69.2%) were relatively well-known melanoma risk factors. The knowledge of risk factors regarding phenotypical features were low (<50%). The participants who were at least high-school graduates had a significantly higher level of knowledge of risk factors. Compliance with sun protection measures (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, long-sleeve shirt use) was low (19.2%-42.3%) on almost all items with the exception of shade seeking (73.1%). The most common reported reason for not applying sunscreen was not having a habit of sunscreen use. Only one third of the participants (32.7%) performed SSE. The most commonly reported reason for not performing SSE was not knowing the necessity of SSE. The number of participants who stated that they had received information from the melanoma patient about the disease was 19 (36.5%). We documented the knowledge, preventive measures, and family communication deficiency regarding melanoma among family members of melanoma patients. Results of our study may contribute to the development and implementation of educational programs and interventions targeting family members of the melanoma patients.

A case of extragenital linear lichen sclerosus along the lines of Blaschko responding to methotrexate.

Lichen sclerosus, a rare, chronic, inflammatory, mucocutaneous disorder of the genital and extragenital skin, is usually asymptomatic and affects both sexes. The exact cause of lichen sclerosus is unknown. Extragenital lichen sclerosus may be localized or disseminated. Linear extragenital lichen sclerosus following the lines of Blaschko is an exceptionally rare form. A 66-year-old female patient presented with a sclerotic plaque extending from the dorsum of the right hand toward the elbow. The lesion first appeared on the right hand but spread toward the elbow within 1 year. The histological findings were consistent with a diagnosis of lichen sclerosus. We therefore diagnosed extragenital linear lichen sclerosus and achieved a good response with methotrexate.

Cephalosporin-induced linear IgA dermatosis in a child: Case report and literature review.

Linear IgA dermatosis (LAD) is a rare, subepidermal blistering disease with mucocutaneous involvement. It may be idiopathic or drug induced. We describe a 4-year-old girl who presented with a vesiculobullous eruption after she had been treated with cefixime for urinary tract infection. A diagnosis of drug-induced LAD was made based on clinical, histopathological, and immunofluorescence findings. Naranjo adverse drug reaction algorithm was used to assess imputability resulting with a "probable" association. In literature, cephalosporin antibiotics are rarely reported in association with LAD. To our knowledge, this is the first case of a cefixime-induced LAD among adults and children.

Chronic pruritus in Turkish dermatology outpatients: prevalence, sociodemographic and clinical characteristics.

BACKGROUND: Although chronic pruritus (CP) is one of the most frequent symptoms seen in dermatology outpatients, the characteristics of CP have not been thoroughly examined. Our aim was to determine the point prevalence of CP in patients attending a dermatology outpatient clinic and to examine its sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. METHODS: Patients attending our dermatology outpatient clinic were prospectively enrolled in the study. Sociodemographic data and dermatological diagnoses were recorded. A questionnaire providing information about pruritus was answered by patients with CP. Data were evaluated statistically. RESULTS: The data of 1428 patients (46% male, 54% female, age range 18-94, mean age 40.52±17.4) were evaluated, and the point prevalence of CP was found to be 30.9%. When patients with and without CP were compared, statistically significant results were obtained regarding age, education level, and occupational status (P<0.05). The mean severity measured by VAS was 6.7±2.1. Pruritus severity was not associated with sociodemographic factors. The most affected areas were extremities; 10% of the CP patients had generalized pruritus. Skin diseases were the most frequent cause of CP. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly one-third of patients admitted to our dermatology outpatient clinic had CP. It seems a significant rate when all dermatology outpatient population is considered. Age, education level, and occupational status were found to be factors affecting the prevalence. Since CP may cause serious discomfort and decrease quality of life, it should be considered as a significant pathology. Therefore, CP and related disorders should be evaluated thoroughly and treated appropriately by clinicians.

Prevalence of Congenital Cutaneous Anomalies in 1000 Newborns and a Review of the Literature.

OBJECTIVE: There are limited reports studying on congenital cutaneous anomalies in newborns, particularly in Turkey. Some of congenital cutaneous anomalies serve as an important clue for accompanying syndromes or other medical conditions. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of congenital cutaneous anomalies in newborns and to discuss their clinical significance with a brief review of literature. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 1,000 newborns were examined by a dermatologist in a hospital-based, cross-sectional, prospective study between October 2011 and April 2012. RESULTS: We observed 11 different congenital cutaneous anomalies in 48 newborns of 1,000 (4.8%). The most commonly seen anomalies were sacral dimple, accessory nipple, acrochordon, hypospadias, open spinal dysraphism, and accessory tragus. None of the newborns with cutaneous anomalies had any association. CONCLUSIONS: Although congenital cutaneous anomalies are rare in newborns, clinicians should be aware of them as they may be in association with syndromes and other medical conditions. It is also important to give appropriately provided information to avoid parents concerns.