Human ; Male ; Child: 6-12 Yrs Old ; Linear Iga Bullous Dermatosis ; Immunoglobulin A ; Skin Diseases

We are presenting a rare case of a 71-year-old Filipino female with the presence of two skin cancers occurring simultaneously in two different regions of the body.

Patient noted symmetrical, erythematous, pruritic, eczematous patches and plaques on her inguinal areas five years prior to consultation. The patient also had a 2-year history of multiple pigmented papules and plaques on the forehead, left jaw, right cheek, lateral canthus of the left eye, and sternal area associated with occasional bleeding.

Skin examination showed symmetrical, irregularly shaped bright red moist plaques with finger-like projections measuring 26 cm x 9 cm on the vulva, inguinal areas, and intergluteal areas. The patient also had multiple pigmented papules and plaques with rolled borders located on the right forehead, lateral canthus of the left eye, right cheek, left jaw, and sternal area with measurements ranging from 0.3 x 0.4 cm to 1.5 x 2.0 cm in size.

Histological examination of the vulvar skin biopsy is signed out as extramammary Paget’s disease with positive immunohistochemical stain for Cytokeratin 7. A skin punch biopsy on the pigmented plaque on the right forehead is signed out as basal cell carcinoma.

This is the first known case of the simultaneous occurrence of extramammary Paget’s disease and basal cell carcinoma on different regions of the body. We speculate that the two tumors in our patient may have developed independently with no causal relationship, but we are attributing the occurrence of the patient’s carcinomas to her old age, prolonged sun exposure, and immunosuppression.

In recent years, there has been a significant global increase in skin cancer incidence, which continues to pose a significant challenge to public health. This retrospective study aimed to comprehensively characterize the epidemiology of histopathologically diagnosed skin cancers at the Department of Dermatology, Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center from January 2013 to December 2022. The research encompassed an analysis of demographic and clinical profiles in 352 cases. The cases consisted of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) (161, 46%), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (62, 18%), melanoma (21, 6%), mycosis fungoides (MF) (37, 11%), other cutaneous T-Cell lymphomas (11, 3%), mammary Paget’s disease (7, 2%), extramammary Paget’s disease (6, 1.7%), Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) (8, 2%), sebaceous carcinoma (3, 1%), Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) (1, 0.3%), dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (1, 0.3%), angiosarcoma (2, 0.6%), Kaposi sarcoma (3, 0.9%), and cutaneous metastasis (29, 8%). Among the primary cutaneous malignancies, BCC, SCC, MF, and melanoma were the most frequently encountered types. The findings reveal a notable upward trend in all skin cancer incidence, and projections suggest a continued increase in the next five years. BCC and SCC were more common in males and affected predominantly sun-exposed areas, while melanoma exhibited a slight female preponderance and primarily affected the lower extremities (acral melanoma). These skin cancers were more common among elderly individuals. The study highlights the need for standardized documentation to improve data quality on epidemiology. This, in turn, can lead to improved early detection, prevention, and better management of this escalating global public health issue.

BACKGROUND

Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is the preferred surgical procedure for non melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs), especially in areas where function and cosmesis are critical. It allows precise removal of the tumor while preserving normal skin tissue.

This study aimed to describe the clinicohistopathologic profile of patients who underwent MMS at the Dermatology Center of the St. Luke’s Medical Center, Quezon City, Philippines (SLMC-QC) from March 2003 to March 2023.

This was a descriptive cross-sectional study utilizing a 20-year chart review on all patients who underwent MMS at SLMC-QC from March 2003 to March 2023. Data collected were the following: age, sex, race, clinicopathologic diagnosis, tumor site, pre-operative and post-operative area size, number of MMS stages, type of repair performed, and recurrence, if any.

In 20 years, there were a total of 684 cases done in the Dermatology Center SLMC-QC, and 573 cases with complete data were included. Eighty six percent of patients were over 50 years old. There was a slight male predominance, and most patients were Asians, followed by Caucasians. Basal cell carcinoma was the most common diagnosis followed by squamous cell carcinoma and Bowen’s disease. Majority of the tumors were located on the head and neck. The postoperative defect increased by 2-to-3-fold from the preoperative tumor size in most cases. Most tumors were cleared in 2 stages. The most common type of repair done was flaps, followed by full-thickness skin grafts and primary closures. All primary tumors treated in the center have not recurred within 5 years, bringing the cure rate to 100%.

The clinicohistopathologic profiles of patients in this study are similar to those reported in the literature. No recurrence has been reported in the center and this reflects the effectivity of MMS.

BACKGROUND

Skin diseases and mental disorders are often correlated. However, the prevalence of this association among outpatients is not well-documented, especially in the Philippines. This study investigated the complex relationship between skin conditions and potential mental disorders, aiming to enhance patient care through a more comprehensive, integrated treatment approach.

To determine the relationship between skin diseases and probable mental disorders among outpatients seen at the dermatology department of a tertiary government hospital in the Philippines.

This descriptive, cross-sectional study included 298 participants. Socio-demographic and clinical profiles were gathered, and a validated screening tool was used to identify probable mental disorders. Analytical statistics were employed to assess the relationship between socio-demographic and clinical profiles, skin diseases, and symptoms suggestive of a mental disorder.

The study results revealed no significant association between specific skin diseases and mental disorders. However, significant correlations were noted between certain sociodemographic and clinical factors—such as employment status, residence, educational attainment, birth order, disease severity, and disease duration—and the presence of probable mental disorders.

The results emphasized the critical role of clinical and sociodemographic factors in determining mental health outcomes in dermatology settings. Incorporating mental health screenings into standard dermatological care enables healthcare providers to greatly improve patient outcomes, providing a more comprehensive and holistic treatment approach.

BACKGROUND

A “rejuvenating set” is composed of different skin products. A dilemma is that these are readily available despite containing active ingredients subject to regulation. There are several reports of side effects from use of these products.

This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices on Rejuvenating sets among patients.

This is a descriptive and observational study. Respondents answered a questionnaire covering the patient’s age, sex, educational attainment, occupation, monthly income, marital status, consumer behavior and preference in selection, side effects, habits, and practices of rejuvenating set use.

A total of 108 participated in this study. Majority belong to the age of 18-25 years old (42.9%), are female (65.7%), single (76.9%), and unemployed (73.3%). Sunscreen was the most common product used (51.4%). Advertisements in television was the most common factor considered during purchase (28.6%) and most were purchased at drugstores (30.5%). Majority of participants used rejuvenating sets daily (40%) for 1-3 months (32.4%). Most were unaware of the possible adverse effects (56.2%) and did not consult a physician prior to use (84.9%). There was a lack in knowledge on the composition of rejuvenating sets in terms of regulated ingredients (55.2%). A few reported signs and symptoms such as redness (33.3%), dryness (28.6%), and stinging (24.8%) after use.

This study serves as a tool to increase discourse on rejuvenating sets. With the rise in popularity and availability and lack of studies on the side effects, it is imperative that further similar studies be made.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the role of Tripterygium wilfordii multiglycoside (TGW) in the treatment of psoriatic dermatitis from a cellular immunological perspective. METHODS: Mouse models of psoriatic dermatitis were established by imiquimod (IMQ). Twelve male BALB/c mice were assigned to IMQ or IMQ₊TGW groups according to a random number table. Histopathological changes in vivo were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Ratios of immune cells and cytokines in mice, as well as PAM212 cell proliferation in vitro were assessed by flow cytometry. Pro-inflammatory cytokine expression was determined using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: TGW significantly ameliorated the severity of IMQ-induced psoriasis-like mouse skin lesions and restrained the activation of CD45⁺ cells, neutrophils and T lymphocytes (all P<0.01). Moreover, TGW significantly attenuated keratinocytes (KCs) proliferation and downregulated the mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-23, tumor necrosis factor α, and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Furthermore, it reduced the number of γ δ T17 cells in skin lesion of mice and draining lymph nodes (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS TGW improved psoriasis-like inflammation by inhibiting KCs proliferation, as well as the associated immune cells and cytokine expression. It inhibited IL-17 secretion from γ δ T cells, which improved the immune-inflammatory microenvironment of psoriasis.
Male ; Animals ; Mice ; Tripterygium ; Psoriasis/drug therapy* ; Keratinocytes ; Skin Diseases/metabolism* ; Cytokines/metabolism* ; Imiquimod/metabolism* ; Dermatitis/pathology* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Skin/metabolism*

Objectives: The stratum corneum (SC) remains an obstacle to the passage of drugs applied topically. Several investigations have focused on enhancing the penetration of drugs through the SC by integrating permeation enhancers (PE) into the drug formulation. Terpenes are among the PE utilized in formulations and are categorized by the regulatory bodies as generally recognized as safe (GRAS). This study aimed to comparatively analyze the skin permeation enhancing effect of terpenes on lipophilic drugs. Methods: The present study reviewed the effects of terpenes on the permeation of lipophilic small-molecule drugs through the skin using original research published between 2000 - 2022 retrieved from PubMed®. The search phrase used was (lipophilic drug) AND (terpene) AND (permeation enhancer). Results: Terpenes increase the percutaneous permeation of lipophilic small molecule drugs by 1.06 – 256.80-fold. Linear correlation analysis of terpenes’ cLog P with enhancement ratio (ER) revealed moderate and strong positive correlations in pig skin (r = 0.21) and mouse skin (r = 0.27), and rat skin (r = 0.41) and human skin (r = 0.67), respectively. Drug cLog P is a poor (r = -0.06) predictor of permeation enhancement. Terpenes with cLog P higher than 2.40 had ER greater than 10. Higher ERs (>30) were recorded for nerolidol, carvacrol, borneol, terpineol, limonene, menthone, pulegone, and menthol among the terpene-chemical penetration enhancers. Conclusion cLog P of terpene-based chemical permeation enhancers (CPE) is strongly correlated with ER of lipophilic drugs across human skin. Non-polar groups in terpenes and hydrogen bond interactions by terpenes with SC lipid enhance cutaneous drug penetration of lipophilic drugs.
Terpenes ; Skin

Humans ; Aluminum/adverse effects* ; Pruritus/etiology* ; Skin Neoplasms ; Vaccination ; Hypersensitivity

Humans ; Adolescent ; Acne Vulgaris/therapy* ; Skin Care ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Cognition ; China ; Skin