OBJECTIVES: Most dermatological conditions fall under visible skin diseases (VSDs), where lesions are exposed and readily seen, increasing patients' risk of experiencing external stigma from the public and specific professional groups (e.g., service providers). This stigma imposes psychological and social burdens that far exceed the psychological symptoms of the disease. To date, no systematic research has been conducted in China specifically on the external stigma associated with VSDs. Taking psoriasis, vitiligo, and acne as representative conditions, this study aims to explore the external stigma experienced by VSD patients across various social settings and to provide a scientific foundation for the development of measurement tools, quantitative research, and targeted interventions. METHODS: A purposive sample of 23 outpatients diagnosed with psoriasis, acne, or vitiligo was recruited from the Xiangya Hospital Dermatology Clinic of Central South University between December 2023 and July 2024. In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted. Data were analyzed using Mayring's qualitative content analysis and thematic analysis. Reporting followed the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research guidelines. The interviews focused on the experience of external stigma across different social settings. RESULTS: Patients with VSDs reported experiencing external stigma in various contexts including family, community, recreational service venues, healthcare institutions, and others. The main motivation behind stigmatizing behaviors was disease avoidance (e.g., fear of contagion, aversion, social distancing). Stigmatization in school settings was also reported by patients with all 3 types of VSDs. Psoriasis patients reported stigma across all examined scenarios, while vitiligo and acne patients reported stigma in only some contexts. CONCLUSIONS Patients with VSDs experience significant external stigma, with psoriasis patients facing a higher burden compared to those with vitiligo or acne. The predominant stigma-driving factor is the public's desire to avoid disease, which underscores the need for public education to correct misconceptions about VSDs. External stigma from family, school, social networks, healthcare providers, and structural stigma should be the focus of policy and intervention efforts aimed at protecting the rights and well-being of patients with VSDs.
Humans ; Social Stigma ; Female ; Male ; Qualitative Research ; Acne Vulgaris/psychology* ; Skin Diseases/psychology* ; Adult ; Psoriasis/psychology* ; Vitiligo/psychology* ; Middle Aged ; China ; Young Adult

BACKGROUND: Raising awareness and educating people regarding practices for skin cancer or melanoma prevention are critical in the context of the adversely increasing effects of global climate change. This study aimed to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding skin cancer prevention and to determine the associated factors to knowledge, attitudes, and practices among dermatological patients in Vietnam. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 590 dermatological patients between 18 and 82 years of age, who received an examination or treatment from the National Hospital of Dermatology in Hanoi, Vietnam, from September to December 2018. The respondents' attitudes on skin cancer and cancer prevention were assessed via face-to-face interviews with a structured questionnaire conducted by trained interviewers. RESULTS: Of the 590 respondents, the majority of people had correct responses to the question regarding skin cancer knowledge. Among the total participants, 39.8% thought that they were at risk of skin cancer, and 13.8% believed their occupation increased their skin cancer risk. The majority of respondents used hats (94.9%) and sunscreen skin coats (89.5%) and went into the shade (86.3%) when exposed to the sun. Women were less likely to be aware of their skin cancer risk but were more likely to practice prevention behaviors. CONCLUSION Our results show that dermatological patients have acceptable knowledge towards skin cancer prevention, but still need to change their behavior to prevent the risk of skin cancer. This study highlights the importance of education to raise awareness regarding skin cancer in order to promote practice prevention strategies for skin cancer in Vietnam.
Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Cities ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ; Humans ; Male ; Melanoma ; prevention & control ; psychology ; Middle Aged ; Skin Diseases ; etiology ; Skin Neoplasms ; prevention & control ; psychology ; Vietnam ; Young Adult

BACKGROUND: To prevent occupational skin cancer, it is essential that the sun-protective behavior of outdoor workers is adequate. The aim is to study the sun-protective behavior of Danish outdoor workers at work, at leisure, and on sun holiday and compare it to that of indoor workers. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study, based on a 53-item survey completed by Danish outdoor (n = 380) and indoor workers (n = 119) in 2016-2017. Status as outdoor or indoor worker was decided based on self-report and behavioral differences were tested using (paired) t tests and multiple regression adjusted for age, sex, educational level, history of smoking, and skin type. RESULTS: Danish outdoor workers at work use sun protection less than they do at leisure and on sun holiday (α < .05) where their sun protection behavior is similar to that of indoor workers. The proportion of Danish outdoor workers that always/often use sun protection at work is for shade seeking around noon 4.2%, sunscreen 34.5%, wide-brimmed hat 25.3%, and long trousers and shirt with sleeves 42.4%. Of Danish outdoor workers, 49.5% do not think about the risk of occupational skin cancer and 11.8% think the risk is insignificant, 32.4% think that the use of sun protection is of low or no importance, 84.2% consider sunburn important as skin cancer risk factor still 88.9% have a history of sunburn at work, > 80.0% agree that risk of skin cancer is reduced by the use of sun protection, and only 4.0% dismiss the possibility of sun protection use at work. CONCLUSIONS Skin cancer risk and use of sun protection at work are largely neglected in Danish outdoor workers, more so than at leisure and on sun holiday where their risk behavior resembles that of indoor workers. This indicates an untapped workplace preventive potential.
Cross-Sectional Studies ; Denmark ; Female ; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Occupational Diseases ; prevention & control ; Occupational Exposure ; prevention & control ; statistics & numerical data ; Occupational Health ; statistics & numerical data ; Risk Reduction Behavior ; Skin Neoplasms ; prevention & control ; Sunburn ; prevention & control ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Workplace ; classification ; psychology ; statistics & numerical data

Farmers have suffered from a variety of work-related injuries and diseases. They are exposed to a number of hazards related to farming activity. Farm machines like tractors and small cultivators and animal-related injuries are the primary causes of acute injuries and fatalities. Pesticide exposure is another dominant concern among farmers that can result in acute poisoning or some chronic health outcomes such as neurological diseases or some types of cancer. Farm work can also involve toxic chemicals such as gases (methane, ammonia, H2S, etc.), diesel exhaust particulates, miscellaneous chemicals, and heavy metals, any of which may cause respiratory disease, systemic poisoning, and other health effects in farmers. Some ingredients of pesticides, several plants (poison ivy and poison sumac), and sun and heat exposure can be causes of skin disease. The most frequent cause of respiratory disease is organic dust from livestock production and handling grain or hay. Furthermore, low back pain and osteoarthritis of the hip and knee are common problems among farmers. These are caused by poor ergonomic working conditions like heavy weight lifting, repetitive movement, and awkward postures which involve squatting for long periods of time while working near the ground, long working hours, and a heavy workload. Farmers are also vulnerable to a number of infectious diseases (avian influenza, scrub typhus, leptospirosis, etc.) that may be transmitted from animals or the farm environment. Noise and vibration from powered farm machinery, heat and cold, and a stressful environment due to diminished profit margins can affect farmers' health. Even though farmers are working under very poor working conditions, social and institutional support is insufficient. Greater interest and effort is required to improve farmers' working conditions.
Ammonia ; Animals ; Cold Temperature ; Communicable Diseases ; Dust ; Edible Grain ; Gases ; Handling (Psychology) ; Hip ; Hot Temperature ; Influenza, Human ; Knee ; Leptospirosis ; Livestock ; Low Back Pain ; Metals, Heavy ; Noise ; Osteoarthritis ; Pesticides ; Posture ; Scrub Typhus ; Skin Diseases ; Social Conditions ; Solar System ; Vehicle Emissions ; Vibration ; Weight Lifting

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNA molecules that negatively regulate gene expression via degradation or translational repression of their target messenger RNAs (mRNAs). Recent studies have clearly demonstrated that miRNAs play critical roles in several biologic processes, including cell cycle, differentiation, cell development, cell growth, and apoptosis and that miRNAs are highly expressed in regulatory T (Treg) cells and a wide range of miRNAs are involved in the regulation of immunity and in the prevention of autoimmunity. It has been increasingly reported that miRNAs are associated with various human diseases like autoimmune disease, skin disease, neurological disease and psychiatric disease. Recently, the identification of mi- RNAs in skin has added a new dimension in the regulatory network and attracted significant interest in this novel layer of gene regulation. Although miRNA research in the field of dermatology is still relatively new, miRNAs have been the subject of much dermatological interest in skin morphogenesis and in regulating angiogenesis. In addition, miRNAs are moving rapidly onto center stage as key regulators of neuronal development and function in addition to important contributions to neurodegenerative disorder. Moreover, there is now compelling evidence that dysregulation of miRNA networks is implicated in the development and onset of human neruodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Tourette's syndrome, Down syndrome, depression and schizophrenia. In this review, I briefly summarize the current studies about the roles of miRNAs in various autoimmune diseases, skin diseases, psychoneurological disorders and mental stress.
Alzheimer Disease ; Apoptosis ; Autoimmune Diseases ; Autoimmunity ; Cell Cycle ; Cell Differentiation ; Depression ; Dermatology ; Down Syndrome ; Gene Expression ; Humans ; Huntington Disease ; MicroRNAs ; Morphogenesis ; Neurodegenerative Diseases ; Neurons ; Parkinson Disease ; Repression, Psychology ; RNA ; RNA, Messenger ; RNA, Small Untranslated ; Schizophrenia ; Skin ; Skin Diseases ; Tourette Syndrome

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNA molecules that negatively regulate gene expression via degradation or translational repression of their target messenger RNAs (mRNAs). Recent studies have clearly demonstrated that miRNAs play critical roles in several biologic processes, including cell cycle, differentiation, cell development, cell growth, and apoptosis and that miRNAs are highly expressed in regulatory T (Treg) cells and a wide range of miRNAs are involved in the regulation of immunity and in the prevention of autoimmunity. It has been increasingly reported that miRNAs are associated with various human diseases like autoimmune disease, skin disease, neurological disease and psychiatric disease. Recently, the identification of mi- RNAs in skin has added a new dimension in the regulatory network and attracted significant interest in this novel layer of gene regulation. Although miRNA research in the field of dermatology is still relatively new, miRNAs have been the subject of much dermatological interest in skin morphogenesis and in regulating angiogenesis. In addition, miRNAs are moving rapidly onto center stage as key regulators of neuronal development and function in addition to important contributions to neurodegenerative disorder. Moreover, there is now compelling evidence that dysregulation of miRNA networks is implicated in the development and onset of human neruodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Tourette's syndrome, Down syndrome, depression and schizophrenia. In this review, I briefly summarize the current studies about the roles of miRNAs in various autoimmune diseases, skin diseases, psychoneurological disorders and mental stress.
Alzheimer Disease ; Apoptosis ; Autoimmune Diseases ; Autoimmunity ; Cell Cycle ; Cell Differentiation ; Depression ; Dermatology ; Down Syndrome ; Gene Expression ; Humans ; Huntington Disease ; MicroRNAs ; Morphogenesis ; Neurodegenerative Diseases ; Neurons ; Parkinson Disease ; Repression, Psychology ; RNA ; RNA, Messenger ; RNA, Small Untranslated ; Schizophrenia ; Skin ; Skin Diseases ; Tourette Syndrome

Agriculture in every industrialized country is one of the most hazardous occupations, based on occupational fatality rates, nonfatal occupational injury rates, and occupational illness rates. The fatality rate and nonfatal injury rate for agricultural workers are twice to five times higher than all occupations. Low back pain and osteoarthritis of the hip and knee are the most important occupational illness of occupational workers. these conditions are worsened by poor ergonomic working conditions, long working days, and heavy work loads. Respiratory illnesses are common problems among the agricultural work force. The most frequent cause of respiratory illness is organic dust from livestock production and handling grain or hay that may produce bronchitis, asthma-like condition, irritation of the mucosa of the upper airways and eyes, and organic dust toxic syndrome. Skin conditions may be one of the most frequently reported type of agricultural illness. The most common category of skin condition is contact dermatitis, which may occur as irritant or allergic contact dermatitis. Sunburn and miliarial rubra by Sun and heat exposure are the second most common causes of skin conditions. Overall cancer seems to be lower. However, there are several cancers for which the farming population may be at increased risk, including non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, leukemia, multiple myeloma, brain, prostate, and skin. The issue of pesticide exposure is often a dominant concern among the farming population and also noise-induced hearing loss, vibration-related injuries including Raynaud's phenomenon, and zoonotic infectious diseases.
Brain ; Bronchitis ; Communicable Diseases ; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact ; Dermatitis, Contact ; Developed Countries ; Dust ; Eye ; Handling (Psychology) ; Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced ; Hip ; Hot Temperature ; Knee ; Leukemia ; Livestock ; Low Back Pain ; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin ; Mucous Membrane ; Multiple Myeloma ; Occupational Diseases ; Occupational Injuries ; Occupations ; Osteoarthritis ; Prostate ; Skin ; Solar System ; Sunburn ; Edible Grain ; Farmers

The incidence of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) increases in kidney transplant recipients who had the immunosuppressive therapy. The usual treatment of KS is to reduce the dosage of immunosuppressive agents, with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Several studies have recently demonstrated that the conversion to proliferation signal inhibitors (PSIs) from calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) leads to the remission of some post-transplant tumors such as KS. PSIs were well tolerated with stable renal function and no episode of acute rejection was reported. On the basis of these findings, we report a case of Kaposi's sarcoma in the kidney transplant patient, who had multiple lymphadenopathy and hepatic involvement without skin lesions. This patient responded well to the change of the immunosuppressive treatment from cyclosporine to sirolimus, one of PSIs.
Calcineurin ; Cyclosporine ; Humans ; Immunosuppressive Agents ; Incidence ; Kidney ; Kidney Transplantation ; Lymphatic Diseases ; Rejection (Psychology) ; Sarcoma, Kaposi ; Sirolimus ; Skin ; Transplants

OBJECTIVESince the dermatology life quality index (DLQI), a self-administered general dermatology quality of life instrument, was originally developed and published in a dermatology clinic at University hospital of Wales, our goal was to popularize the disease-specific scale used in measuring the quality of life of patients with skin diseases and to assess the reliability and validity of its Chinese version.

METHODSWe administered the DLQI to 236 out-patients attending our dermatology clinic and results that had been found by those who originated the DLQI, were examined. The reliability and validity of DLQI were assessed by means of reliability analysis and factor analysis.

RESULTSOverall, the DLQI seemed easy to administer and could be completed within 3 minutes. The internal consistency coefficient rates of this unidimensional measure were 0.87 (Cronbach's alpha) and 0.85 (Spearman-brown, s) with high inter-correlations found between the dimensions with a correlation coefficient ranging from 0.4024 - 0.6569. Factor analysis resulted in a unidimensional pattern, which supported the use of a total DLQI-C score.

CONCLUSIONDLQI was an easy and efficient instrument for assessing the quality of life in patients with dermatological problems and with better reliability and validity. Thus, it could be used in both research and clinical settings in China.

Eczema ; psychology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Psoriasis ; psychology ; Quality of Life ; Reproducibility of Results ; Sickness Impact Profile ; Skin Diseases ; psychology ; Surveys and Questionnaires

Incontinentia pigmenti is a rare neurocutaneous syndrome characterized by vesiculobullous skin disease in neonates and infants, a noninfectious disease that should be distinguished from infectious diseases with the neonatal seizure or encephalopathy. This disease is X-linked dominant with Xq28 region abnormalities and often associated with developmental defects of the ocular, skeletal, dental, and central nervous system. Central nervous system involvement in the neonatal period, or complicated by encephalopathy, may cause severe neurologic impairment, retardation or even death. We experienced a case of incontinentia pigmenti in a three-day-old female patient who had characteristic papulovesicular skin lesions and partial seizures with secondary generalization. Histopathological examination favored the diagnosis of incontinentia pigmenti and a brain MRI showed undifferentiated white matters with periventricular nodular lesions.
Brain* ; Central Nervous System ; Communicable Diseases ; Diagnosis ; Female ; Generalization (Psychology) ; Humans ; Incontinentia Pigmenti* ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Neurocutaneous Syndromes ; Seizures ; Skin ; Skin Diseases, Vesiculobullous