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Background: Superficial fungal infections (SFI) are contagious conditions affecting the skin and its appendages, caused by various fungal species. Monitoring the distribution of common pathogens and identifying at‐risk patient groups are essential for effective management and prevention. Objectives: This study investigates the characteristics of SFI in Poland's Malopolska region from 2017 to 2019, focusing on etiological agents, infection sites and risk factors. Patients/Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 4522 mycological cultures from 3594 patients, incorporating demographic data (age, sex), sample sites and mycological test results. Results: Among the 1175 positive mycological tests recorded from 959 patients, Trichophyton rubrum—primarily affecting toenails and feet—and Candida albicans—mainly targeting fingernails—were the most common pathogens across all age groups. Children exhibited a higher incidence of infections caused by Microsporum canis, Malassezia furfur and T. mentagrophytes. In contrast, Scopulariopsis brevicaulis was more frequently identified in individuals over 60 years old. Conclusions: The observed trends in SFI characteristics at our centre during the pre‐pandemic period align with global epidemiological data. However, further studies are warranted to address existing gaps in understanding the epidemiology of SFI and to refine preventive and therapeutic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The level of acceptance of acne can have a substantial impact on improving patients' mood and quality of life. Aim: To investigate the level of acne vulgaris acceptance among young patients and its correlation with disease severity, quality of life, and feelings of stigmatization. Material and methods: The study was conducted on 213 young individuals diagnosed with acne. A variety of questionnaires were employed to measure the psychological aspects of the condition, including illness acceptance, quality of life, and feeling of stigmatization. Results: Based on the Global Evaluation Acne (GEA) scale, 45% of participants had mild acne, 31.7% had minimal acne, and 23.3% had moderate acne. The Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS) scores ranged from 13 to 40, with a mean of 37.0 ±5.2 points. Males had higher illness acceptance (mean score: 37.7 vs. 36.5 points; p = 0.027). Most participants (87.6%) had high illness acceptance. The greatest challenge was adjusting to disease limitations. A significant negative correlation was found between acne severity and illness acceptance (r = –0.277; p < 0.001), between AIS scores and both QoL impairment (measured by the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and the Cardiff Acne Disability Index (CADI)) (r = –0.499 and r = –0.621, respectively; p < 0.001 for both) as well as between AIS scores and the 6-Item Stigmatization Scale (6-ISS) (r = –0.621, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The level of acne acceptance depends on gender and the severity of acne lesions. Based on the study results, we hypothesize that an intervention aimed at increasing the level of disease acceptance could improve patients' psychological well-being and ability to cope with the condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nowadays, aesthetic dermatology treatment has become not only physical beautification but also it can have positive effects on patients' mental health. Body dysmorphic disorder can be the reason for treatment dissatisfaction. In the general population, the prevalence of BDD is 1.9% and it is more common among cosmetic patients. The aim of this study was to conduct the most comprehensive evaluation of body image and BDD among aesthetic patients. Methods: We recruited a group of 412 individuals, who were asked to complete 6 different on-line questionnaires concerning self-image, i.e., COPS, AAI, FAS, BAS-2, BSQ-16, and RSES. Results: The prevalence of BDD ranged from 7.28% to 11.17%, depending on the screening tool that was used. Our research revealed that BDD susceptibility, body image, body appreciation, and self-esteem were strongly interrelated (p < 0.001). A higher BMI was a risk factor for BDD, body dissatisfaction, and depreciation. The financial status markedly influenced all of the features. A history of psychiatric treatment influenced the risk of BDD, body satisfaction, body appreciation, and self-esteem. A history of cosmetic procedures and treatment satisfaction had no impact on the obtained results. Conclusions: Improving recognition of body dissatisfaction among aesthetic patients is very important. The psychometric assessment of patients before cosmetic treatment could be of help in choosing the appropriate approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. An important role of innate immune dysregulation in the pathogenesis of HS has been highlighted. S100A7 (psoriasin) is an innate, antimicrobial protein that exerts proinflammatory and chemotactic action. Objectives: The objective of the study was to investigate serum concentrations of S100A7 in individuals with HS as compared to healthy controls. Further, we evaluated the expression of S100A7 in lesional HS skin as compared to perilesional (clinically uninvolved) HS skin and normal skin. Methods: Serum concentrations of S100A7 were evaluated with a commercially available ELISA kit. The expression of S100A7 in the skin was assessed using qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence staining. Results: We found increased expression of S100A7 in lesional HS skin as compared to perilesional HS skin (p = 0.0017). The expression of S100A7 in lesional HS skin was positively associated with serum C-reactive protein concentration and the severity of disease according to Hurley staging. The serum concentration of S100A7 in individuals with HS was decreased as compared to healthy controls and patients with psoriasis. Conclusions: Upregulated in lesional HS skin, S100A7 may enhance the inflammatory process and contribute to the HS pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The level of acceptance of acne can have a substantial impact on improving patients' mood and quality of life., Aim: To investigate the level of acne vulgaris acceptance among young patients and its correlation with disease severity, quality of life, and feelings of stigmatization., Material and Methods: The study was conducted on 213 young individuals diagnosed with acne. A variety of questionnaires were employed to measure the psychological aspects of the condition, including illness acceptance, quality of life, and feeling of stigmatization., Results: Based on the Global Evaluation Acne (GEA) scale, 45% of participants had mild acne, 31.7% had minimal acne, and 23.3% had moderate acne. The Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS) scores ranged from 13 to 40, with a mean of 37.0 ±5.2 points. Males had higher illness acceptance (mean score: 37.7 vs. 36.5 points; p = 0.027). Most participants (87.6%) had high illness acceptance. The greatest challenge was adjusting to disease limitations. A significant negative correlation was found between acne severity and illness acceptance ( r = -0.277 ; p < 0.001), between AIS scores and both QoL impairment (measured by the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and the Cardiff Acne Disability Index (CADI)) ( r = -0.499 and r = -0.621, respectively; p < 0.001 for both) as well as between AIS scores and the 6-Item Stigmatization Scale (6-ISS) ( r = -0.621, p < 0.001)., Conclusions: The level of acne acceptance depends on gender and the severity of acne lesions. Based on the study results, we hypothesize that an intervention aimed at increasing the level of disease acceptance could improve patients' psychological well-being and ability to cope with the condition., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright: © 2024 Termedia Sp. z o. o.)

We present the case of a 74-year-old white female admitted to the Department of Dermatology because of a tumor in the IV-V interdigital area of her right foot. A crimson, dome-shaped tumor with a granular, spongy surface (diameter 4 cm) had developed over a period of about 3 months. The biopsy, stained with H and E, revealed an anaplastic malignant tumor. Additional immunochemical staining with Melan A allowed us to make the final diagnosis: amelanotic malignant melanoma (MM). The melanoma was removed by amputation of digits IV and V, with partial removal of the metatarsal bones (Clark degree 5, Breslow thickness 9 mm). Sentinel node biopsy was done using Tc99; it revealed no neoplastic alteration. The patient is still under oncological observation.