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Psychodermatology is a subspecialty of dermatology that is of increasing interest to dermatologists and patients. The case for the provision of at least regional psychodermatology services across Europe is robust. Psychodermatology services have been shown to have better, quicker and more cost-efficient clinical outcomes for patients with psychodermatological conditions. Despite this, psychodermatology services are not uniformly available across Europe. In fact many countries have yet to establish dedicated psychodermatology services. In other countries psychodermatology services are in development. Even in countries where psychodermatolgy units have been established, the services are not available across the whole country. This is especially true for the provision of paediatric psychodermatology services. Also whilst most states across Europe are keen to develop psychodermatology services, the rate at which this development is being implemented is very slow. Our paper maps the current provision of psychodermatology services across Europe and indicates that there is still very much more work to be done in order to develop the comprehensive psychodermatology services across Europe, which are so crucial for our patients., (© 2023 The Authors. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.)

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a disease that can have a high impact on quality of life, especially due to itch and skin pain. This paper utilizes expertise from members of the International Society of Atopic Dermatitis (ISAD)/Oriented Patient-Education Network in Dermatology (OPENED) task force to review the epidemiology, pathophysiology and exacerbating factors of itch and pain in atopic dermatitis. General principles of treatment are provided, as well as a more detailed evaluation of topical and systemic therapies. Educational and psychological approaches to itch and pain in atopic dermatitis are proposed, along with expert recommendations for the management of itch and pain in atopic dermatitis., (© 2020 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.)

Background: The incidence of skin cancers has been increasing steadily over the last decades. Although there have been significant breakthroughs in the management of skin cancers with the introduction of novel diagnostic tools and innovative therapies, skin cancer mortality, morbidity and costs heavily burden the society., Objective: Members of the European Association of Dermato-Oncology, European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, International Dermoscopy Society, European Dermatology Forum, European Board of Dermatovenereology of the European Union of Medical Specialists and EORTC Cutaneous Lymphoma Task Force have joined this effort to emphasize the fundamental role that the specialist in Dermatology-Venereology has in the diagnosis and management of different types of skin cancer. We review the role of dermatologists in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of patients with melanoma, non-melanoma skin cancers and cutaneous lymphomas, and discuss approaches to optimize their involvement in effectively addressing the current needs and priorities of dermato-oncology., Discussion: Dermatologists play a crucial role in virtually all aspects of skin cancer management including the implementation of primary and secondary prevention, the formation of standardized pathways of care for patients, the establishment of specialized skin cancer treatment centres, the coordination of an efficient multidisciplinary team and the setting up of specific follow-up plans for patients., Conclusion: Skin cancers represent an important health issue for modern societies. The role of dermatologists is central to improving patient care and outcomes. In view of the emerging diagnostic methods and treatments for early and advanced skin cancer, and considering the increasingly diverse skills, knowledge and expertise needed for managing this heterogeneous group of diseases, dermato-oncology should be considered as a specific subspecialty of Dermatology-Venereology., (© 2020 The Authors. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.)

The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) has started the 'Healthy Skin @ Work' campaign aimed to raise awareness among the public and EU authorities on the frequency and impact of occupational skin diseases (OSDs). The EADV Task Forces (TFs) on Quality of Life and Patient Oriented Outcomes (QoL/PO) and on OSD present their mutual position statement on QoL assessment in OSDs. The EADV TFs recommend the use of the DLQI as a dermatology-specific instrument and SF-36 as a generic instrument in health-related (HR) QoL studies on OSDs. The OSD-specific questionnaire, LIOD, is not recommended for general use in its present form because of its three months recall period. The EADV TFs discourage the use of non-validated and of non-validated modifications of previously validated HRQoL instruments. The EADV TFs wish to encourage research into: the HRQoL impact of OSDs other than occupational contact dermatitis and hand eczema; comparisons between the effects of different treatments and other interventions on HRQoL in OSDs; and into the HRQoL impairment of patients with OSDs from different countries, and with different provoking factors, to predict if the results of successful therapeutic and educational interventions may be generalized across countries and between occupations., (© 2020 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.)

Objective. To determine whether using standardized patients dressed in moulage improves pharmacy students' ability to assess skin disorders compared to using picture-based paper cases. To determine pharmacy student preferences when learning assessment of skin disorders through these two educational methods. Methods. Faculty members investigated student assessments of drug-induced skin disorders and contact dermatitis by using picture-based paper cases compared with using standardized patients dressed in moulage in a patient assessment course. Faculty members measured student knowledge via multiple-choice questions before laboratory, immediately after laboratory, and during a final examination 3 weeks later. Student preferences were measured immediately after laboratory via survey instrument in this randomized, non-blinded, crossover design educational study. Results. No significant differences in knowledge scores related to skin disorders were found after laboratory or 3 weeks later when comparing the two educational methods. However, survey results suggested student preferences for using standardized patients dressed in moulage for drug-induced skin disorders. No significant differences were found for contact dermatitis cases. Conclusion. Using standardized patients dressed in moulage did not improve pharmacy students' ability to assess skin disorders compared to using picture-based paper cases. Pharmacy students preferred standardized patients dressed in moulage only when learning assessment of drug-induced skin disorders.

Teledermatology is the use of telecommunication technologies to exchange medical information for diagnosis, consultation, treatment and teaching in dermatology. While its use has been evaluated in a wide range of dermatological diagnoses, only few studies exist on its validity, diagnostic precision, feasibility, and cost-effectiveness in occupational dermatology. However, these studies show a considerable potential for diagnosis, prevention, treatment support and follow-up of patients with occupational skin diseases. Asynchronous (store and forward; SAF) or synchronous dermatology teleconsults could assist occupational medicine specialists not only in occupational preventive care, but also in the context of skin cancer screening in outdoor workers. Thus, teledermatology might contribute to earlier prevention and notification of occupational skin diseases. Modern smartphone apps with artificial intelligence technologies may also facilitate self-monitoring in employees working in high-risk jobs., (© 2018 Deutsche Dermatologische Gesellschaft (DDG). Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The classification of self-inflicted skin lesions proposed by the European Society for Dermatology and Psychiatry (ESDaP) group generated questions with regard to specific treatments that could be recommended for such cases. The therapeutic guidelines in the current paper integrate new psychotherapies and psychotropic drugs without forgetting the most important relational characteristics required for dealing with people with these disorders. The management of self-inflicted skin lesions necessitates empathy and a doctor-patient relationship based on trust and confidence. Cognitive behavioural therapy and/or psychodynamic and psychoanalytic psychotherapy (alone, or combined with the careful use of psychotropic drugs) seem to achieve the best results in the most difficult cases. Relatively new therapeutic techniques, such as habit reversal and mentalization-based psychotherapy, may be beneficial in the treatment of skin picking syndromes.

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease that affects as many as 12.5% of children aged 0-17 years and 3% of the adult population. In the United States, 31.6 million children and adults are estimated to be living with AD. Objective: Therapeutic patient education (TPE) has proven its value in the management of chronic diseases for which adherence to therapy is suboptimal. This article explores experts' opinions and treatment practices to determine if TPE is a recommended and effective method for treating AD. Methods: Forty-two (51%) of 82 Councilors and Associates of the International Eczema Council (IEC), an international group with expertise in AD, responded to an electronic survey on TPE and AD. Results: Most respondents (97.5%) agreed that TPE should play an important role in the management of AD. Many respondents (82.9%) believed that all patients with AD, regardless of disease severity, could benefit from TPE. Limitations: The International Eczema Council survey lacks specific information on AD severity. Conclusions: Publications have shown the positive effect of TPE on the course of the disease, the prevention of complications, and the autonomy and quality of patient life. Survey respondents agreed that TPE can improve the quality of patient care and patient satisfaction with care.

The high prevalence among children shows continued transmission from adult and lack of disease control by the health system. Detection of anti-NDO-LID-1 has been known to be more effective to predict the development of leprosy in household contacts than just detecting PGL-1 or LID- 1 alone. However, serodiagnosis is not available in poorer-settings area and the procedure (venepuncture) is still inconvenient to some people. These problems can be solved by using finger-prick blood sample on filter paper. This study aims to prove the effectiveness of using capillary blood samples on filter paper to detect the positivity of Ig G antibody against NDO-LID-1 antigen in asymptomatic household contacts. Seventeen samples of capillary blood on filter paper and sera were tested for IgG anti-NDO-LID-1 using ELISA. There was no significant difference between IgG level from filter paper and serum (p=0.754) and there was also a strong positive correlation (R=0.906) between the two procedures. These findings show that the use of filter paper and NDO-LID-1 is worthy of further investigations, especially for those with lower bacillary load or contacts of leprosy patients.

Delays of leprosy detection and treatment can lead to disability and potential transmission. Serologic examination has the advantage in detecting Subclinical Leprosy. The procedure of serologic test, which is one of its main limitation, could be simplified by the use filter paper. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of the use of capillary blood dropped on filter paper as a substitute for venous blood in household contact of leprosy patients. Seventeen samples of capillary blood dried on filter paper and venous blood samples from the same individual were examined by ELISA method to determine the levels of IgM anti-Phenolic glycolipid-1 (PGL-1). The mean of anti- PGL-1 IgM levels of filter paper samples 163.31±126.16; whereas the mean of levels from venous samples was 473.16±411.26. There was significant difference and correlation between these two groups. Samples on filter paper in household contact can be used to determine the level of anti-PGL-1 IgM in serum by converting on the regression basis. Further study is required to evaluate the potency of filter paper methods to conduct large-scale serological screening.

Background: Acne vulgaris is an inflammatory condition of the pilosebaceous glands caused by various factors including excessive excretion of sebaceous glands. Excess sebum can be reduced using oil blotting paper (OBP), a thin paper with microspores that absorb the oil on the face. This study was conducted to determine the association between OBP application and sebum excretion according to the Oily Skin SelfAssessment Scale (OSSAS) questionnaire and acne severity according to the Global Acne Grading System (GAGS) questionnaire. Methods: This experimental study was conducted in 2017 among 60 students aged 17–22 years at the Faculty of Medicine, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, recruited by purposive sampling. Data on sebum excretion and the degree of AV severity before and after intervention were analyzed using the chisquare test with a significant level of p < 0.05. Results: Before intervention, 11 (18.3%) students had dry skin, 23 (38.3%) had slightly dry skin, 17 (28.4%) had slightly oily skin, and 9 (15%) had oily skin. The prevalence of AV was 100%, with 48 (80%) students having mild severity and the remaining having moderate severity. There was no effect of using OBP on sebum excretion (p = 0.211); however, an improvement was noted on GAGS raw data score (p < 0.001). Conclusion: AV is an inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous glands, and one of the etiologies is excessive sebum excretion, which can be reduced using OBP. This study demonstrated that OBP application did not reduce sebum excretion statistically but could improve the severity of AV.

The field of dermatology is experiencing the rapid deployment of artificial intelligence (AI), from mobile applications (apps) for skin cancer detection to large language models like ChatGPT that can answer generalist or specialist questions about skin diagnoses. With these new applications, ethical concerns have emerged. In this scoping review, we aimed to identify the applications of AI to the field of dermatology and to understand their ethical implications. We used a multifaceted search approach, searching PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar for primary literature, following the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews guidance. Our advanced query included terms related to dermatology, AI and ethical considerations. Our search yielded 202 papers. After initial screening, 68 studies were included. Thirty-two were related to clinical image analysis and raised ethical concerns for misdiagnosis, data security, privacy violations and replacement of dermatologist jobs. Seventeen discussed limited skin of colour representation in datasets leading to potential misdiagnosis in the general population. Nine articles about teledermatology raised ethical concerns, including the exacerbation of health disparities, lack of standardized regulations, informed consent for AI use and privacy challenges. Seven addressed inaccuracies in the responses of large language models. Seven examined attitudes toward and trust in AI, with most patients requesting supplemental assessment by a physician to ensure reliability and accountability. Benefits of AI integration into clinical practice include increased patient access, improved clinical decision-making, efficiency and many others. However, safeguards must be put in place to ensure the ethical application of AI., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of British Association of Dermatologists. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

With the stringent regulations from various academic bodies making it desirable for a post graduate resident to have submitted an original article prior to appearance for their exams or those working in teaching institutions to have published articles to claim credit for applying for promotions and private practitioners to increase their visibility on the academic front, everyone is on a publishing spree. In this article, we attempt to elucidate the processes involved in publication; approaching it in a systematic and practical manner, incorporating some tips and tricks. This collection of pearls is aimed to serve as a beginner′s guide to scientific writing and publications. The pearls cover assorted topics like- benefits of publications, collecting resources, various tools available and technical processes related to how a manuscript is processed.

Exercise-induced respiratory symptoms describe acute airway narrowing that occurs as a result of exercise. It includes exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) and exercise-induced asthma (EIA) issues. To provide clinicians with practical guidelines, a multidisciplinary panel of stakeholders was convened to review the pathogenesis of EIB/EIA and to develop evidence-based guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment. Recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of EIB were developed. High-intensity exercise in polluted environment (cold air, humidity, contamination, allergens) may increase the risk of EIB and asthma symptoms in athletes. Diagnostic procedures should include history taking, physical examination, atopy assessment and functional tests of the respiratory system. A strong recommendation was made for regular use of inhaled glucocorticosteroids and avoidance of short-acting 2-agonists as the only treatment. The treatment of asthma in athletes should always take into account current anti-doping regulations. This position paper reflects the currently available evidence.

The paper concerns the current position of the Polish Society of Allergology Food Allergy Section on the diagnosis and management of food allergies. The aim of this position is to provide evidence-based recommendations on the diagnosis and management of patients with allergic hypersensitivity to foods. This position statement includes a systematic review of studies in three areas, namely, the epidemiology, diagnosis and management of food allergies. While taking into account the specific Polish setting, in this publication we also used the current European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) position paper and other current position statements, including those of the United States National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).

The observed global climate change is an indisputable cause of the increased frequency of extreme weather events and related natural disasters. This phenomenon is observed all over the world including Poland. Moreover, Polish citizens as tourists are also exposed to climate phenomena that do not occur in our climate zone. Extreme weather events and related disasters can have a significant impact on people with allergic diseases, including asthma. These effects may be associated with the exposure to air pollution, allergens, and specific microclimate conditions. Under the auspices of the Polish Society of Allergology, experts in the field of environmental allergy prepared a statement on climate changes, natural disasters and allergy and asthma to reduce the risk of adverse health events provoked by climate and weather factors. The guidelines contain the description of the factors related to climate changes and natural disasters affecting the course of allergic diseases, the specific microclimate conditions and the recommendations of the Polish Society of Allergology for vulnerable population, patients suffering from asthma and allergy diseases, allergologists and authorities in the event of climate and weather hazards.

Reparation of damaged tissues is an essential biological process that ensures maintenance of homeostasis. Basically it includes phases of inflammation, proliferation and remodeling. The result of healing of damaged tissues is scar formation. Abnormalities in the course of wound healing may lead to keloid formation. The pathophysiology of keloids is characterized by improper migration, proliferation and apoptosis of cells as well as imbalanced synthesis and secretion of proteins, cytokines, proteolytic enzymes and their inhibitors. To date, applied therapeutic methods do not lead to satisfactory cosmetic results of the treatment. Current research focuses on developing methods for direct inhibition of the fibroproliferative process, mainly through modulation of cytokine expression and in consequence suppression of fibroblast proliferation and balancing of synthesis and degradation of extracellular matrix components.

Introduction. Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune condition characterized by T-cell-mediated attack on hair follicles. Objective. Evaluation of efficacy of 308 nm excimer light in the treatment of alopecia areata. Material and methods. Patches of AA were treated twice weekly, but not on 2 consecutive days, with UVB excimer 308 nm light. In all patients, half of the AA patch was irradiated and the other half was spared, covered with a black rubber shield and taken as a control. Therapy was started with an initial dose of 300 mJ/cm 2 , with an incremental dose of 100 mJ/cm 2 at every sitting until fine erythema appeared. Results. At the end of the treatment, one patient (3.33%) at the test site showed > 50% hair regrowth vs. none at the control site. After a 2-month post-treatment period, successful hair regrowth (grades 3 and 4) was seen in 12 patients at test sites and in 2 patients at control sites. The differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). After 4 months successful hair regrowth (grades 3 and 4) was seen in 16 patients at test sites and in 5 patients at control sites. The differences were statistically significant (p 0.05). Conclusions. Excimer light has the potential to stimulate hair regrowth in patches of alopecia areata.

Dermatomyositis (DM) is one of the so-called idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM). Dermatomyositis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the presence of cutaneous lesions and/or symptoms of muscle involvement with the following variants: the “classic” variant of DM, juvenile DM, paraneoplastic DM, drug-induced DM and amyopathic DM. Dynamic discoveries of novel autoantibodies, including anti-TIF1, anti-NXP2, anti-SAE or anti-MDA5, related to certain DM variants, have been described in recent years. It seems that these antibodies will contribute to better recognition of DM and its particular variants, a better risk stratification for predicting internal organ involvement, and to a global improvement of treatment outcome. Corticosteroids remain the mainstay of DM therapy, but new immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive agents, including biologicals, resulted in a significant increase of the survival rate of DM patients. Here, we review the current literature data on DM with special emphasis on new trends in its diagnostics and treatment.

Mastocytosis is characterized by excessive proliferation and accumulation of mast cells in skin and/or other organs. Two forms of the disease, cutaneous and systemic mastocytosis, differ significantly in symptomatology and clinical course. KIT mutations play an important role in the pathogenesis of the disease. The presence of p.D816V KIT mutation was detected in the vast majority of adults with systemic mastocytosis. The role of KIT mutations in childhood-onset mastocytosis remains a matter of discussion. More recent studies have shown that cutaneous mastocytosis, which is the most common clinical manifestation of the disease in children, has a genetic background. In contrast to adults, different types of KIT mutations have been described in pediatric and familial mastocytosis. The understanding of the molecular mechanisms in mastocytosis enables targeted therapy using tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Introduction . Genital herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted viral diseases and the most common cause of mucous membrane ulcerations in the genital area. The number of sexually transmitted infections caused by herpes virus (HSV), especially by HSV-1, is increasing. In the Polish population, there are no precise and current epidemiological data on herpes virus infections, especially in the anogenital area. A major problem concerns HSV infections in pregnancy, which are connected with the risk of in-utero and perinatal virus transmission. Herpes simplex virus infection in pregnancy threatens the life and health of an infant. Objective . To obtain information regarding the occurrence of herpes simplex in people of reproductive age as well as the assessment of knowledge on HSV infection and transmission, especially in pregnancy. Material and methods. Two hundred people (133 women and 67 men) aged 18–35 years, attending a dermatological clinic in the first half of 2014 with typical dermatological diseases, took part in the study. The subjects filled in the questionnaire including information on age, occurrence of erosions, scabs in the facial and genital area, diagnosis of oral and genital herpes virus infection, information given by the medical staff on the herpes infection, treatment with oral antivirus drugs, danger of herpes infection in pregnancy and risk of transmission of the HSV virus to fetuses and newborns. Results . Among the 200 people who took part in the study, 27% indicated the occurrence of herpes or recurring lesions in the form of vesicles and scabs on the border of skin and mucous membranes; in 1.5% of them genital herpes was diagnosed. Only 12% of investigated persons were treated with antiviral medicines. Sixty-eight percent of subjects stated that HSV is an infectious disease, 16% claimed that it is non-infectious, and a similar number did not know if it is an infectious disease or not. Only half of the studied group answered that it is dangerous for pregnant women and newborns, and 86% had never received sufficient information on herpes virus infection from medical staff. Conclusions . Our results confirm the lack of sufficient knowledge on HSV infection, especially in pregnancy, and the necessity of educating patients.

Genital herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted viral diseases and the most common cause of mucosal erosions and ulcerations in the genital area. According to epidemiological data, the infection caused by genital herpes virus is common in developing countries. The number of sexually transmitted infections is increasing, and infections caused by herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) in the genital area are becoming more common. In Poland there are no current epidemiological data on these infections. Genital herpes infection is dangerous for pregnant women, who can transmit it to infants. There is a significant risk of primary infection in pregnant women, transmitted by their seropositive partners. The early diagnosis and treatment are of utmost importance. The effective method of prevention and treatment is aciclovir, which in numerous studies was proven to be safe in pregnancy. In the article, the course of infection, treatment and prevention, especially in pregnant women and newborns, are discussed.