Unilateral Eyelid Involvement as Single Presentation of Discoid Lupus Erythematosus: A Clinical Conundrum

We report a case of a 30-year-old woman with discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) involving only a single lower eyelid. The diagnostic delay is explained by the unspecific clinical and histopathology picture and lack of specific changes in the first biopsy specimen taken. The diagnosis was based on later histological and immunological studies. Palpebral involvement has rarely been reported as the first and sole manifestation of the disease.</p

Use of SEM/EDX methods for the analysis of ambient particulate matter adhering to the skin surface

Background The skin is exposed to numerous particulate and gaseous air pollutants. The ones that need particular attention are the particles that adhere to the skin surface, which can later cause direct skin damage. This study aimed to characterize air pollution (AP) particles adhered to the human skin by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with X-ray dispersive energy spectrometry (EDX). Methods Tape stripping was performed from six healthy volunteers exposed to urban AP to collect stratum corneum samples from the cheeks and forehead. The samples were analysed using SEM equipped with EDX system with a silicon drift detector at an accelerating voltage of 20 keV. After the preliminary examination, the particles were located and counted using 1000× magnification. Each particle was analysed, increasing magnification up to 5000× for precise dimension measurement and elemental composition analysis. At least 100 fields or a surface of approximately 1 mm2 were examined. Results Particles adhered to the skin were identified in all samples, with a particle load ranging from 729 to 4525. The average area and perimeter of all particles identified were 302 ± 260 μm2 and 51 ± 23 μm subsequently, while the equivalent circular diameter was, on average, 14 ± 6 μm. The particles were classified into ten groups based on morphology and elemental composition. Chlorides were the most numerous particle group (21.9%), followed by carbonaceous organic particles (20.3%), silicates (18%), carbonates (16.4%), metal-rich particles (14%), and a minor number of bioaerosols, quartz-like, and fly ash particles. Conclusion The SEM–EDX analysis provides evidence of the contamination of exposed skin to various airborne PM of natural or anthropogenic origin. This method may provide new insights into the link between exposure to AP and AP-induced skin damage

Pityrisis rubra pilaris as a systemic disease

Pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP) is a rare inflammatory skin disorder of unknown etiology, initially described in 1835. It is characterized by keratotic follicular papules, well-demarcated salmon-colored erythematous scaly plaques interspersed with distinct islands of uninvolved skin, and palmoplantar keratoderma. Is PRP a systemic disease? Skin is mainly affected in PRP. Despite its clinical heterogeneity, PRP could be associated with a variety of rheumatologic, infectious, neoplastic, and other extracutaneous manifestations. We accept the hypothesis of not only an association but also a causative relation between skin and systemic manifestations with possible common underlying pathomechanisms such as systemic immunologic processes and superantigen mimicry.SCOPUS: ar.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

Short-term Heat Application Reduces Itch Intensity in Atopic Dermatitis: Insights from Mechanical Induction and Real-life Episodes

Heat application is known to activate transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, which play a crucial role in sensory perception, including itch. In this study, the effect of a 5-s, 49°C heat application on itch intensity in atopic dermatitis (AD) patients was evaluated. The study comprised 2 parts: a controlled trial investigating the impact of brief heat treatment on mechanically induced itch, and a real-life study of AD patients experiencing itch attacks. A significant and immediate reduction in itch sensations following heat application was shown, with effects enduring over time. This response, however, showed notable individual variability, underscoring the potential of personalized approaches in AD treatment. Repeated applications of heat showed no habituation effect, suggesting its viability as a non-pharmacological, patient-tailored option for managing itch in AD. Further research in larger cohorts is warranted to refine treatment protocols and deepen understanding of the mechanisms involved

How to prevent skin demage from air pollution. Part 1: Exposure assessment

Both epidemiological and experimental studies have demonstrated the crucial con- nection between air pollution exposure and skin disorders. The exact mechanisms by which air pollutants mediate skin damage remain largely unknown. Therefore, it is very necessary to investigate the mechanism of air pollution-induced skin damage and explore some potential protective and therapeutic methods. In this review, we focus on the qualitative and quantitative skin exposure assessment methodologies—a relatively new field of interdisciplinary research