Human ; Writing ; Artificial Intelligence

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is an increasingly prevalent chronic disease commonly treated with topical corticosteroids (TCS), although these agents are often misused. There is a need to explore the factors influencing nonadherence to TCS among patients with psoriasis in the Philippines. This study aimed to determine the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding TCS among Filipino patients with psoriasis.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 76 Filipino patients with psoriasis at a tertiary hospital using a constructed validated questionnaire.

Patient scores clustered at the upper end of the distribution, indicating a generally good level of KAP regarding TCS. Increasing age was associated with a lower level of knowledge, while female respondents had a higher level of knowledge. Higher knowledge levels were associated with better patient attitude, and better patient attitude was associated with better practice.

Predictors of correct KAP regarding TCS are less likely influenced by sociodemographic and clinical factors; rather, these three domains significantly correlate with each other. Physicians can utilize these interrelationships by educating patients regarding their topical treatment to yield more positive attitudes regarding its efficacy and minimize their fear of side effects, which can motivate them to adhere to prescribed therapy.

BACKGROUND

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in fair-skinned populations. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure is the most common and important modifiable risk factor. It is the target of most prevention strategies for cutaneous malignancies. Currently, data on knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAPs) of bikers on UV index in relation to sun protection are unavailable.

The objectives of this study were to develop a validated questionnaire, determine the demographic characteristics of bikers, and describe their KAPs on UV index in relation to sun protection.

The study was conducted among bikers at the outpatient department of a tertiary hospital, through a self-administered questionnaire. Patients included were occupational and/or recreational bikers, aged 18 years old and above, belonging to both sexes, biking at least 15 min per day, who were able to understand written English or Filipino. Exclusion criteria included bikers who have skin cancer.

One hundred and twenty-eight bikers were able to answer the validated questionnaire, with mostly male respondents, college graduates, with internet or social media as the source of information for knowledge on sun exposure and sun protection. One hundred and two of them know that forecasts of UV index from weather app on the phone are free and readily available. However, only 59 of them check the UV index regularly as a guide for sun protection.

Forecasts of UV index raise the awareness and alert the public to the need for sun protection to reduce skin cancer risk and modify health promotion and primary prevention strategies.

In 1963, Rowellet al. described a syndrome combining lupus erythematosus (LE) and erythema multiforme (EM)-like lesions. In this report, we present a 15-year-old female who presented with both systemic LE and EM-like skin lesions meeting all of the major and one of the minor criteria for a diagnosis of Rowell syndrome. Her condition improved with administration of systemic and topical corticosteroids, and hydroxychloroquine. Rowell Syndrome, a rare entity, is often debated as a coincidental overlap of other conditions according to Bonciolini,et al.[1]In light of Rowell Syndrome's infrequency and the paucity of available literature, we emphasize the clinical significance of recognizing this challenging condition.

Overlap syndrome is a rare condition involving the coexistence of at least two distinct autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis. This condition has limited studies on epidemiology probably because it is often under-recognized. We present a 22-year-old Filipino female with a 10-month history of hyperpigmented patches on the malar surface and extremities, with associated photosensitivity, fatigue, pallor, arthralgia, and oral ulcers, and positive antinuclear antibody titer. She was treated with oral Prednisone in tapering doses, leading to clinical improvement. Eight months later, there was a recurrence of hyperpigmented patches on the face and extremities with skin tightening and diffuse hair loss, development of shiny skin with facial fold loss, a beak-like nasal appearance, and episodes of dyspnea and malaise. Consistent with scleroderma, the patient was started on mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) 500 mg daily, with close monitoring for disease progression and systemic involvement. Overlap syndrome remains under-recognized due to its variable presentation and rarity. Treatment is individualized based on the specific connective tissue diseases involved and the patient’s symptoms. Multidisciplinary care is crucial for timely management and to adjust treatment as needed, given the potential for life-threatening complications involving cutaneous and internal organs.

Mammary Paget’s disease (MPD) is a rare form of intraepithelial adenocarcinoma occurring in the apocrine gland-bearing areas in patients older than 50 years old. This clinical disease presents as erythematous, scaly plaque that usually affects the unilateral nipple or areola and is frequently misdiagnosed as inflammatory or infectious dermatitis. In this report, we are presented with a 54-year-old Filipino female who came in with a 3-year history of persistent pruritic erythematous moist plaque on the right nipple gradually spreading to the surrounding areola previously treated as a case of fungal infection. Mammography revealed BI-RADS 4C. Skin punch biopsy showed nuclear atypia with pale staining cytoplasm and were consistent with MPD. Immunohistochemical stains showed positive for epithelial membrane antigen and carcinoembryonic antigen. We reiterate the importance of early diagnosis for appropriate treatment to prevent unwanted sequelae.

Tufted angioma (TA) is a rare, benign, vascular neoplasm of the skin. The diagnosis of this condition is infrequent due to its rare occurrence. Only 158 cases have been described as of 2015. The treatment reported in the literature is very limited with no clear guidelines on its management. Currently, there are no reported cases in the Philippines of TA treated with aspirin. This is a case of a 1-year-old Filipino boy presenting with multiple dusky red papules and plaques on the left side of the cheek, pre- and postauricular areas, parieto-occipital areas, chest, and upper back. His lesions started at 2 months of age, noted to increase in size, number, and thickness over time. Dermoscopy revealed homogenous erythematous background with perifollicular lacunae separated by thin septa. Histopathology revealed dilated vessels in the papillary dermis with proliferation of endothelial cells in lobules, surrounded by dilated crescent-shaped vascular channels in the dermis. The patient was treated with low-dose aspirin (5 mg/kg/day) once a day for 1 month with improvement. After 4 months from treatment, no new lesions, no increase in size, nor symptoms were noted. Low-dose aspirin is an effective and safe option for monotherapy of TA in pediatric patients.

Leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV) is a histopathologic descriptor for a prevalent type of small-vessel vasculitis (SVV) that affects arterioles, capillaries, and postcapillary venules. Although the association between vasculitis and malignancy only accounts for <5% of vasculitis cases, it has been recognized as a true paraneoplastic syndrome in several studies. A 57-year-old Filipino male presented with erythematous, nonblanching macules on his lower extremities, which rapidly progressed to violaceous lesions on his trunk, buttocks, and lower extremities. He also reported significant weight loss, decreased appetite, and vomiting. A skin biopsy confirmed LCV. Initially treated for meningococcemia, his condition did not improve. Abdominal imaging revealed an enlarged heterogeneous liver with retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy and a parenchymal nodule. He was eventually diagnosed with vasculitis secondary to an underlying hepatic malignancy and expired later from multiorgan failure.

The road to publication can seem long and daunting. Further, access to published work is often limited to larger institutions that can afford expensive journal subscription fees. Gold open-access publications aimed to change the landscape of evidence-based science, allowing papers to be widely accessible without a subscription, often requiring an article processing fee paid by the author or institution. Regardless of the access model, reputable journals are expected to adhere to the publishing code of ethics and provide transparency in the peer review process. While the latter can significantly increase the length of processing time through multiple revisions, editors and peer reviewers provide expert opinions and valuable feedback, thereby safeguarding the integrity of the journal and the scientific process.
Publishing ; Codes of Ethics ; Feedback

Background: Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a common skin inflammatory reaction occurring at the site of challenge with a contact allergen in sensitized individuals and one of the most common causes for consultation in dermatology clinics. Patch testing is a method for detecting the causative component in suspected cases of ACD. Awareness about the causative allergen aids in reducing morbidity and can significantly minimize the impact of ACD in the affected people. Objectives: The study aimed to measure the number of relevant positive reactions in patch tests being performed in our institution in patients with ACD to cosmetic products. Methods: A total of 60 patients who were diagnosed with ACD to cosmetics and underwent patch testing were reviewed to identify the clinico‑epidemiological and patch test profiles of these patients. Results: The study showed that the mean age of patients was 42 comprising mostly of females. Most of the patients were unemployed, office workers, and medical workers. The most common cosmetic products that caused ACD include soaps, shampoos, lotions, and moisturizers. Nickel is still the most tested positive among these patients, followed by fragrance mixes and 4‑phenylenediamine base. They are widely distributed in cosmetic products, especially in soaps and lotions. The pattern of dermatitis revealed facial dermatitis to be the most common reason for consult of these patients. Conclusion Patch test is valuable in the setting of establishing the etiology of ACD to cosmetic products.
Dermatitis, Allergic Contact ; Cosmetics ; Patch Tests