Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita associated with vitiligo, Graves' disease and nephrotic syndrome

Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita. is a rare autoimmune disease which may be associated with various autoimmune diseases. Presented is an unusual case of a patient with vitiligo, Graves' disease, nephrotic syndrome and epidermolysis bullosa acquisita with a benign course

Phagocytosis and oxidative burst by neutrophils in patients with recurrent furunculosis

Neutrophil phagocytosis of fluorescently labelled Staphylococcus aureus and oxidative burst by the neutrophils were assessed by flow cytometry in 22 patients with recurrent furunculosis and in 17 controls. Phagocytosis and oxidative burst were not found to be significantly different between the patients and controls. Low serum iron concentrations were demonstrated in six patients (27%). In these patients with hypoferraemia, oxidative burst was significantly lower than in the patients without hypoferraemia and in the controls. These data suggest that hypoferraemia may be an important predisposing factor in a subgroup of patients with recurrent furunculosis in impairing oxidative killing by neutrophils

Hidradenitis suppurativa and the metabolic syndrome

The association of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components with immune-mediated chronic inflammatory disorders has attracted much interest within the last two decades. In addition to the well-established association of psoriasis with MetS, recent data point to an association between MetS and hidradenitis suppurativa, as well. The association of hidradenitis suppurativa with MetS and its components, such as diabetes, obesity, and dyslipidemia, has been consistently identified in controlled studies. This relationship is not only limited to older individuals but also applicable to younger patients and those with mild disease. This review documents the link between these disorders and discusses its practical implications, mainly highlighting the importance of prevention and routine screening for early diagnosis to prevent cardiovascular-related morbidity. (C) 2018 Elsevier Inc. Ail rights reserved

Histopathologic features of the spontaneous pustular lesions of Behcet's syndrome

Background Papulopustular lesions are common in Behcetls syndrome (BS), A debate exists as to whether they are different from ordinary acne, This has important clinical and pathophysiologic implications. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the histopathologic features of papulopustular lesions seen both in BS and acne vulgaris (AV). Methods Representative samples were obtained from 17 patients with BS and six patients with AV. The detailed histopathologic features were evaluated by a dermatopathologist blinded to the diagnoses. Results Considering the epidermis, follicle epithelium, and dermis separately, no differences could be found between the two groups. Conclusions The papulopustular lesions seen in these two disorders cannot be distinguished on the basis of clinical and histopathologic findings

Management of Psoriasis

Current data has led to better understanding of impact of psoriasis on quality of life as well as its physical and psychosocial co-morbidities. Consequently, holistic approach is mandatory in appropriate management of patients with psoriasis. Dermatologists should not only treat dermatological findings and symptoms but also screen patients regularly for co-morbidities and be active in coordinating the treatment if co-morbidities exist. Current review highlights main steps in management of psoriasis with a special emphasis on important practical points

Internalized stigma in psoriasis: A multicenter study

Internalized stigma is the adoption of negative attitudes and stereotypes of the society regarding a person's illness. It causes decreased self-esteem and life-satisfaction, increased depression and suicidality, and difficulty in coping with the illness. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the internalized stigma state of psoriatic patients and to identify the factors influencing internalized stigma. The secondary aim was to identify the correlation of internalized stigma with quality of life and perceived health status. This multicentre, cross-sectional study comprised 1485 patients. There was a significant positive correlation between mean values of Psoriasis Internalized Stigma Scale (PISS) and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index, Body Surface Area, Dermatological Life Quality Index and General Health Questionnaire-12 (P < 0.001 in all). Lower percieved health score (P = 0.001), early onset psoriasis (P = 0.016), family history of psoriasis (P = 0.0034), being illiterate (P < 0.001) and lower income level (P < 0.001) were determinants of high PISS scores. Mean PISS values were higher in erythrodermic and generalized pustular psoriasis. Involvement of scalp, face, hand, genitalia and finger nails as well as arthropathic and inverse psoriasis were also related to significantly higher PISS scores (P = 0.001). Our findings imply that psoriatic patients experience high levels of internalized stigma which are associated with psoriasis severity, involvement of visible body parts, genital area, folds or joints, poorer quality of life, negative perceptions of general health and psychological illnesses. Therefore, internalized stigma may be one of the major factors responsible from psychosocial burden of the disease