Search

Background: During COVID-19, studies have reported the appearance of internet searches for disease symptoms before their validation by the World Health Organization. This suggested that monitoring of these searches with tools including Google Trends may help monitor the pandemic itself. In Europe and North America, dermatologists reported an unexpected outbreak of cutaneous acral lesions (eg, chilblain-like lesions) in April 2020. However, external factors such as public communications may also hinder the use of Google Trends as an infodemiology tool., Objective: The study aimed to assess the impact of media announcements and lockdown enforcement on internet searches related to cutaneous acral lesions during the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020., Methods: Two searches on Google Trends, including daily relative search volumes for (1) "toe" or "chilblains" and (2) "coronavirus," were performed from January 1 to May 16, 2020, with the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, and Germany as the countries of choice. The ratio of interest over time in "chilblains" and "coronavirus" was plotted. To assess the impact of lockdown enforcement and media coverage on these internet searches, we performed an interrupted time-series analysis for each country., Results: The ratio of interest over time in "chilblains" to "coronavirus" showed a constant upward trend. In France, Italy, and the United Kingdom, lockdown enforcement was associated with a significant slope change for "chilblain" searches with a variation coefficient of 1.06 (SE 0.42) (P=0.01), 1.04 (SE 0.28) (P<.01), and 1.21 (SE 0.44) (P=0.01), respectively. After media announcements, these ratios significantly increased in France, Spain, Italy, and the United States with variation coefficients of 18.95 (SE 5.77) (P=.001), 31.31 (SE 6.31) (P<.001), 14.57 (SE 6.33) (P=.02), and 11.24 (SE 4.93) (P=.02), respectively, followed by a significant downward trend in France (-1.82 [SE 0.45]), Spain (-1.10 [SE 0.38]), and Italy (-0.93 [SE 0.33]) (P<.001, P=0.004, and P<.001, respectively). The adjusted R 2 values were 0.311, 0.351, 0.325, and 0.305 for France, Spain, Italy, and the United States, respectively, suggesting an average correlation between time and the search volume; however, this correlation was weak for Germany and the United Kingdom., Conclusions: To date, the association between chilblain-like lesions and COVID-19 remains controversial; however, our results indicate that Google queries of "chilblain" were highly influenced by media coverage and government policies, indicating that caution should be exercised when using Google Trends as a monitoring tool for emerging diseases., (©Solene Huynh Dagher, Guillaume Lamé, Thomas Hubiche, Khaled Ezzedine, Tu Anh Duong. Originally published in JMIR Public Health and Surveillance (http://publichealth.jmir.org), 25.02.2021.)

The prevalence of psychological disorders in patients with common skin diseases was assessed in a large representative sample of the French adult population. General health, as measured by the EQ5D score, was significantly lower if patients reported having rosacea, atopic dermatitis, urticaria, fungal infections, psoriasis or acne. The proportions of participants reporting being extremely anxious or depressed were higher in those who reported having rosacea, atopic dermatitis or contact dermatitis. Difficulties in sexual and conjugal life were frequently reported by people with psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, urticaria and, in particular, acne. Sleep disorders were present in 30-50% of those who reported having acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis or urticaria. Sleep disorders may be related not only to pruritus, but also to disfiguring skin diseases. Anxiety and depression complications were mainly reported by those with disfiguring diseases. Sexual and conjugal dysfunctions were associated with all dermatoses (with the exception of warts).

Although first discovered in 1931, vitamin D has seen an increased interest in the scientific community over the past decades, including the dermatology field. Vitamin D promotes calcium and phosphorus absorption; however, the actions of vitamin D are not confined to bone. Indeed, there is now overwhelming and compelling scientific data that vitamin D plays a crucial role in a plethora of cellular function and in extra-skeletal health. Except for fatty fish livers, very few foods naturally contain vitamin D; and the major source of vitamin D comes from skin exposure to sunlight via ultraviolet B. Keratinocytes are unique in the body as not only do they provide the primary source of vitamin D for the body, but they also possess both the enzymatic machinery to metabolize the vitamin D produced to active metabolites. This has been referred to as the photoendocrine vitamin D system. Vitamin D regulates keratinocytes proliferation and differentiation; and plays a role in the defense against opportunistic infections. Multiple factors are linked to vitamin D status; and a growing number of dermatologic diseases has been linked to vitamin D status such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, vitiligo, and cutaneous cancers. In this article, we reviewed the potential determinants of vitamin D status, as its implications in dermatologic diseases.

The development of core outcome sets (COSs; ie, a minimum set of core outcomes that should be measured and reported in all trials or in clinical practice for a specific condition) in dermatology is increasing in pace. A total of 44 dermatology-related COS projects have been registered in the online Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials database (http://www.comet-initiative.org/studies/search) and include studies on 26 different skin diseases. With the increasing number of COSs in dermatology, care is needed to ensure the delivery of high-quality COSs that meet quality standards when using state-of-the-art methods. In 2015, the Cochrane Skin-Core Outcome Set Initiative (CS-COUSIN) was established. CS-COUSIN is an international, multidisciplinary working group aiming to improve the development and implementation of COSs in dermatology. CS-COUSIN has developed guidance on how to develop high-quality COSs for skin diseases and supports dermatology-specific COS initiatives. Currently, 17 COS development groups are affiliated with CS-COUSIN and following standardized COS development processes. To ensure successful uptake of COSs in dermatology, researchers, clinicians, systematic reviewers, guideline developers, and other stakeholders should use existing COSs in their work., (Copyright © 2019 American Academy of Dermatology, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Vitamin D plays a key role in skeletal and cardiovascular disorders, cancers, central nervous system diseases, reproductive diseases, infections, and autoimmune and dermatological disorders. The two main sources of vitamin D are sun exposure and oral intake, including vitamin D supplementation and dietary intake. Multiple factors are linked to vitamin D status, such as Fitzpatrick skin type, sex, body mass index, physical activity, alcohol intake, and vitamin D receptor polymorphisms. Patients with photosensitive disorders tend to avoid sun exposure, and this practice, along with photoprotection, can put this category of patients at risk for vitamin D deficiency. Maintaining a vitamin D serum concentration within normal levels is warranted in atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, vitiligo, polymorphous light eruption, mycosis fungoides, alopecia areata, systemic lupus erythematosus, and melanoma patients. The potential determinants of vitamin D status, as well as the benefits and risks of vitamin D (with a special focus on the skin), will be discussed in this article.

The coexistence of abnormal keratinization and aberrant pigmentation in a number of cornification disorders has long suggested a mechanistic link between these two processes. Here, we deciphered the genetic basis of Cole disease, a rare autosomal-dominant genodermatosis featuring punctate keratoderma, patchy hypopigmentation, and uncommonly, cutaneous calcifications. Using a combination of exome and direct sequencing, we showed complete cosegregation of the disease phenotype with three heterozygous ENPP1 mutations in three unrelated families. All mutations were found to affect cysteine residues in the somatomedin-B-like 2 (SMB2) domain in the encoded protein, which has been implicated in insulin signaling. ENPP1 encodes ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1 (ENPP1), which is responsible for the generation of inorganic pyrophosphate, a natural inhibitor of mineralization. Previously, biallelic mutations in ENPP1 were shown to underlie a number of recessive conditions characterized by ectopic calcification, thus providing evidence of profound phenotypic heterogeneity in ENPP1-associated genetic diseases., (Copyright © 2013 The American Society of Human Genetics. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting 2–7% of adults globally, with 30% experiencing moderate-to-severe disease. Although several treatments for moderate-to-severe AD are available, the efficacy of many treatments has not been compared in head-to-head trials. Objectives Using a network meta-analysis (NMA), we evaluated the relative efficacy between lebrikizumab, an emerging biologic, and approved targeted systemic treatments for AD. Methods Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials (systemic monotherapy-only) for moderate-to-severe AD in adults (≥18 years) and adolescents (≥12 years to ≤18 years) published before April 2023 were identified in a systematic literature review. Data were extracted for short-term (12–16 weeks) efficacy outcomes (Investigator's Global Assessment [IGA] 0/1 with ≥2-point improvement from baseline and the Eczema Area and Severity Index [EASI]) and patient-reported outcomes (Pruritus Numeric Rating Scale [NRS] with ≥4-point improvement from baseline). Bayesian NMAs were performed using random-effects models, with baseline-risk adjustment. Key estimates from the NMAs included pairwise differences between all treatments and absolute response rates for each treatment. Results Twenty-two clinical trials were included. For % achieving IGA 0/1, at 12–16 weeks, the estimated response rates (posterior median and 95% credible interval) for each of the treatments were: upadacitinib 30 mg 55.8% (43.7–64.2%), upadacitinib 15 mg 41.3% (30.1–50.0%), abrocitinib 200 mg 39.0% (29.8–47.8%), dupilumab 300 mg 31.8% (23.1–38.7%), lebrikizumab 250 mg 31.4% (24.1–39.2%), abrocitinib 100 mg 24.5% (17.5–32.0%), tralokinumab 300 mg 17.3% (12.8–22.2%), baricitinib 4 mg 16.7% (9.8–25.5%), baricitinib 2 mg 15.5% (9.6–22.0%), and placebo 6.0% (4.3–7.3%). Similar trends were observed for the EASI and pruritus NRS responses at 12–16 weeks. Conclusions This 16-week NMA shows that lebrikizumab had a similar response rate to dupilumab, the most widely used targeted systemic therapy for AD, and may represent a valuable treatment option for moderate-to-severe AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, relapsing and inflammatory skin disease. The impact of atopic dermatitis on the partners living with patients has been poorly investigated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of atopic dermatitis in the daily lives of adult patients and to assess the burden of the disease on their partners. A population-based study was conducted on a representative sample of the general population of French adults aged 18 years of age using stratified, proportional sampling with a replacement design. Data were collected on 1,266 atopic dermatitis patient-partner dyads (mean age of patients 41.6 years, 723 (57.1%) women). The mean age of partners was 41.8 years. Patient burden, measured by the Atopic Dermatitis Burden Scale for Adults (ABS-A) score, was closely related to the objective atopic dermatitis severity: the mean score in the mild group (29.5) was significantly lower than in the moderate (43.9) and severe groups (48.6) (p<0.0001). Partner burden, measured by the EczemaPartner score, was highly related to atopic dermatitis severity (p<0.0001). Daytime sleepiness, measured by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, showed a mean score of 9.24 in patients and 9.01 in their partners, indicating impaired sleep. Atopic dermatitis was found to decrease sexual desire in 39% and 26% of partners and patients respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In recent years, the concept of "disease burden" has been given a central role in evaluating patient care, particularly in skin diseases. Measuring patient-reported outcomes (PRO) such as symptoms and disease burden may be useful. Aim: To present a methodology that facilitates the development and validation of burden questionnaires for patients suffering from skin diseases. Methodology: Based on past published burden questionnaires, a methodology for designing skin disease burden questionnaires was to be developed. Results: Based on 16 burden questionnaires developed and published over the last 10 years, the authors propose a standardized methodology for the easy design and validation of disease burden questionnaires for patients with chronic skin diseases. The authors provide detailed guidance for the conception, development and validation of the questionnaires, including reliability, internal consistency, external validity, cognitive debriefing, testing–retesting, translation and cross-cultural adaptation, as well as for statistical analysis. Conclusion: The proposed methodology enhances the design and validation of disease burden questionnaires in dermatology. Burden questionnaires may be used in clinical research as well as in daily clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psoriasiform eruptions are a classical adverse skin reaction of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α inhibitors. The aim of this study was to identify the association between the severity or pattern of psoriasiform reactions and the underlying disease. A retrospective study was conducted between January 2012 and May 2015. Adult patients who developed psoriasiform eruptions whilst being treated with TNF-α inhibitors were included. For each patient, 3 independent blinded dermatologists graded twice the severity of the lesions according to 6 clinical psoriasiform eruption types. Inter- and intra-individual kappa tests were performed to evaluate the robustness of the scoring system. The association between severity score levels or the pattern of reactions and the underlying disease was assessed. The severity scoring system showed good inter- and intra-observer reproducibility. Women patients treated with TNF-α inhibitors for inflammatory bowel diseases showed a higher risk of developing severe reactions with scalp and skin-fold involvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Inherited ichthyoses represent a group of rare skin disorders characterized by scaling, hyperkeratosis and inconstant erythema, involving most of the tegument. Epidemiology remains poorly described. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of inherited ichthyosis (excluding very mild forms) and its different clinical forms in France. Methods Capture - recapture method was used for this study. According to statistical requirements, 3 different lists (reference/competence centres, French association of patients with ichthyosis and internet network) were used to record such patients. The study was conducted in 5 areas during a closed period. Results The prevalence was estimated at 13.3 per million people (/M) (CI95%, [10.9 - 17.6]). With regard to autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis, the prevalence was estimated at 7/M (CI 95% [5.7 - 9.2]), with a prevalence of lamellar ichthyosis and congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma of 4.5/M (CI 95% [3.7 - 5.9]) and 1.9/M (CI 95% [1.6 - 2.6]), respectively. Prevalence of keratinopathic forms was estimated at 1.1/M (CI 95% [0.9 - 1.5]). Prevalence of syndromic forms (all clinical forms together) was estimated at 1.9/M (CI 95% [1.6 - 2.6]). Conclusions Our results constitute a crucial basis to properly size the necessary health measures that are required to improve patient care and design further clinical studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Koebner's phenomenon (KP) has been observed in a number of skin diseases, including vitiligo. Its clinical significance in vitiligo with respect to disease activity and course is still debatable, while its relevance for surgical techniques has been demonstrated in some reports. We present a literature review on the currently known facts about KP in vitiligo, including details of clinical, experimental, and histopathological changes. The consensus view is that there are still no methods to define and assess KP in vitiligo. A new classification is proposed to allow an evaluation of KP in daily practice or in experimental studies. However, many unanswered questions still remain after redefining KP in patients with vitiligo. Active research focusing on KP in vitiligo may not only provide unexpected clues in the pathogenesis of vitiligo but also help to tailor novel therapies against this chronic and often psychologically devastating skin disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to describe a pediatric case series of Chikungunya infection associated with extensive bullous skin lesions, a severe and unknown form of the disease, during the 2005–2006 outbreak in La Réunion Island. Retrospective descriptive hospital-based study in children presenting blisters ≥10% of total body surface area with laboratory-confirmed Chikungunya infection. Eight boys and five girls with a mean age of 3.4 months were included. Blistering began after an average of 2 days after onset of fever and affected 21.5% (10% to 35%) of the total body surface area. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction of blister fluid ( n = 5) was positive with a mean viral load sometimes higher than in concurrent serum. Histopathologic examination ( n = 10) showed intraepidermal blisters. Hospitalization and repeated dressing changes under general anesthesia were required. No death occurred. On follow-up, long term repigmentation was excellent with sometimes cosmetic sequelae. Chikungunya should be included in the differential diagnosis of febrile blistering dermatoses in small infants in epidemic areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the case of a 58-year-old man who experienced a 2-year history of arciform rash of the buttocks associated with an intense pruritis. The lesion worsened despite several multipotent topical steroid courses. Punch biopsy with immunohistochemistry of the lesion was suggestive of lymphomatoid contact dermatitis, and extensive screening for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) remained totally negative. Lymphomatoid contact dermatitis is an inflammatory disease that can clinically simulate malignant lymphoma. Although the course of the disease is considered to be benign, it should be regarded with attention as it has been hypothesized that the condition could be a precursor of CTCL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 60-year old man with several nodular lesions on his right cheek and nose. The said patient has a medical history of rheumatoid arthritis and treating himself with oral corticosteroids for ten years. The patient has cutaneous hyphomycosis on his cheek due to Paecilomyces lilacinus. The treatments used by the patient are also mentioned.