Two ultrasonographic patterns in maculopapular cutaneous mastocytosis: a preliminary report

Maculopapular cutaneous mastocytosis (MPCM) is a variant of cutaneous mastocytosis resulting from abnormal accumulation of mast cells in dermal tissues. Ultrasonography is a contemporary, safe, non-invasive, and real-time diagnostic method. High-frequency ultrasonography (HFUS) utilizes probes emitting frequencies of 20 MHz and higher, visualizing and measuring areas of healthy and lesional skin in various dermatologic conditions. We examined 4 patients with MPCM using a taberna pro medicumTM (Germany) device. We present 2 characteristic ultrasonographic patterns of MPCM lesions. Three subjects presented with an abnormal, widened, and hypoechogenic area representing the dermis. One subject demonstrated an anechogenic fusiform structure below the epidermis that represented a localized pattern of infiltrate. This patient responded better to psoralen and ultraviolet A radiation (PUVA) therapy than the other subjects. Our research implies that HFUS may be used as an additional method in evaluating skin lesions in MPCM. </p

High-frequency ultrasonography (HFUS) as a useful tool in differentiating between plaque morphea and extragenital lichen sclerosus lesions

Introduction : Morphea and lichen sclerosus (LS) are chronic inflammatory diseases that may pose a diagnostic challenge for a physician. High-frequency ultrasonography (HFUS) is a versatile diagnostic method utilized in dermatologic practice, allowing monitoring the course of the disease, treatment response and differentiation between certain skin disorders. Aim : To prove the usefulness of HFUS in differentiating between plaque morphea and extragenital LS lesions. Material and methods : We examined 16 patients with plaque morphea and 4 patients with extragenital LS using 20 MHz taberna pro medicum TM (Germany) device. Results : Investigations revealed hyperechogenic entrance echo in both morphea and LS lesions, whereas a distinct polycyclic surface of the entrance echo was detected exclusively in LS. Conclusions : High-frequency ultrasonography is a current diagnostic modality that may prove useful in differentiating between morphea and LS lesions

Use of rituximab in the treatment of pemphigus vulgaris in a juvenile patient

Introduction: Pemphigus vulgaris is a chronic autoimmune blistering disorder characterised by the production of autoantibodies against desmogleins, resulting in intraepithelial blister formation. Despite advancements in treatment options, some patients experience disease progression and an inadequate response to conventional therapies. Rituximab, a monoclonal chimeric antibody targeting CD20 on B-cells, has shown promise as an alternative therapeutic option. Case report: In this case report, we present the management of a 14-year-old child with pemphigus vulgaris who exhibited disease progression despite conventional treatment modalities. The patient was administered rituximab therapy, resulting in significant clinical improvement and disease control. Conclusions: The utilisation of rituximab as an adjunct or alternative therapy in refractory pemphigus cases offers a valuable treatment option. Further studies and long-term follow-up are necessary to determine the optimal dosing regimen and evaluate the safety and efficacy of rituximab in paediatric pemphigus patients

Itch in Psoriasis: A New Look at Well-known Subject

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis, frequently presenting with chronic itch. This study investigated the prevalence and detailed clinical characteristics of chronic itch in 143 psoriatic patients, with regard to different age groups, comorbidities and pharmacotherapy. Chronic itch was reported by 72% of subjects. Patients aged 65 years and over presented higher 4-Item Itch Questionnaire (4IIQ) scores (8.6 ± 3.4 vs. 7.4 ± 2.5 points; p = 0.03) and rarely experienced itching at midday (p = 0.009). Chronic itch correlated with aspirin intake and xerosis intensity. 4IIQ scores were higher in patients with asthma/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, peptic ulcer disease and those taking insulin. Logistic regression analysis found that chronic itch was positively correlated with the use of antacids, angiotensin receptor blockers, angiotensin enzyme converting inhibitors, beta-blockers, xerosis intensity and Physician’s Global Assessment score, whereas psychiatric drugs other than selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, allopurinol, coexistence of arterial hypertension and application of emollients acted conversely. Elderly psoriatic patients present several differences in the characteristics of chronic itch, and chronic itch may be associated with comorbidities and pharmacotherapy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report possible associations between psoriatic pruritus and co-administration of drugs utilized in various systemic conditions

Increased Prevalence of Face Mask—Induced Itch in Health Care Workers

Background: Face mask use has increased significantly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Health care workers (HCW) wear masks for prolonged periods and are prone to adverse effects. Very little is known about face-mask-associated itch. Methods: This Internet survey study investigated the prevalence, intensity and clinical characteristics of itch related to the use of face masks by HCW during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results were subsequently compared to the students&rsquo; group. Results: A total of 1156 HCW completed the survey. Among them, 31.6% (365) reported suffering from itch associated with face mask use. Itch was more frequent among females. Moreover, subjects who reported sensitive skin, atopic predispositions and facial dermatoses tended to report itch more frequently. The worst case of itch in the seven days prior to the study, assessed with the numeric rating scale (NRS), was 4.6 &plusmn; 2.0 points. Itch prevalence increased along with the duration of face mask use, being 34.6% among those who wore masks for more than 4 h. HCW reported itch significantly more frequently than students. Conclusions: Face-mask-associated itch is a frequent problem among HCW in the COVID-19 pandemic. Itch sensation may cause scratching, which may decrease necessary protection during the pandemic

Do University Students Adhere to WHO Guidelines on Proper Use of Face Masks during the COVID-19 Pandemic?—Analysis and Comparison of Medical and Non-Medical Students

Covering the mouth and nose has become the common standard for protection from human-to-human virus transmission during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the study was to investigate whether students at universities (medical and non-medical students) do adhere to WHO recommendations on the proper use of face protection. The study was based on the survey created with Google® Forms regarding data on demographics and self-reported skin conditions. The main questions addressed the WHO guideline on the correct use of face masks. Responses were obtained from 1173 students. Compliance with all WHO criteria among the whole group of respondents was very low at less than 1% with no significant difference between medical and non-medical students. Covering of the nose and mouth with the face mask was the criterion most commonly complied with (81.2%); contact avoidance of touching the mask with hands appeared to be the most difficult criterion to comply with (2.8%). Medical students were significantly more compliant with three out of seven criteria. In general, compliance with the WHO guidelines on the proper use of face masks was dramatically low among all the students. Education campaigns should be introduced to increase the awareness of the correct use of face coverings during the viral pandemic

Is Face and Mask Touching a Real Struggle During the COVID-19 Pandemic? A Prospective Study Among Medical Students

&lt;jats:p&gt;There are limited data in the literature on the frequency of face- and mask-touching behavior as a potential vector for the self-inoculation and transmission of the novel coronavirus. In this prospective study, we assessed the facial touching behavior of 204 medical students. One hundred thirty-four subjects (65.68%) during the 15-min observation at least once touched the area of the mask (38.23%), eyes (38.23%), or other parts of the facial zone (49.02%). The mean number of touches was 11.98 ± 16.33 per hour. The results of our study reveal that there is no significant association between mask wearing and gender; however, there might be a tendency for people with eyeglasses to touch the area near the eyes more often.&lt;/jats:p&gt