Abstract Background: There are few studies dedicated to the characterization of the geriatric population with psoriasis, which has particularities in terms of clinical manifestations and therapeutic limitations. As psoriasis is a chronic disease, presenting a higher prevalence with age, the increase in life expectancy in Brazil demands knowledge about the behavior of the disease among the elderly. Objectives: To characterize elderly people with psoriasis from a tertiary service, from the clinical-epidemiological point of view, presence of comorbidities, physical frailty, and affective impact, and to compare these aspects with adults with psoriasis and elderly people without the disease. Methods: Cross-sectional study of 64 elderly patients with psoriasis, 64 adults with psoriasis, and 64 elderly patients without the disease. Clinical-demographic aspects, the Beck depression scale, and Skindex-16 were evaluated. Indicators of physical frailty were evaluated in elderly patients: handgrip, sit-to-stand test, fatigue, and weight loss >5%. Results: In the elderly, the mean age (SD) of psoriasis onset was 44 (10) years, men represented 47% of the sample, the prevalence of arthritis was 22%, and ungual involvement occurred in 72%. Topical corticosteroids were used more often among elderly people with psoriasis (100%) than among adults with the disease (86%), with no difference among other systemic treatments. Diabetes mellitus occurred in 30% of the elderly. Hypertension (59%), dyslipidemia (52%), depression (34%), and fatigue (59%) were more prevalent among the elderly with psoriasis than among the healthy controls.

Abstract Background Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with systemic inflammation and comorbidities. Changes in the composition of the intestinal microbiome are involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases and metabolic syndrome. Characterizing the intestinal microbiome of patients with psoriasis may be relevant for the understanding of its clinical course and comorbidity prevention. Objective To characterize the intestinal microbiome of men with psoriasis compared to omnivore and vegetarian controls (without psoriasis). Method Cross-sectional study of 42 adult males: 21 omnivores with psoriasis; and controls: 14 omnivores and 7 vegetarian individuals. The characterization of the intestinal microbiome was performed by metagenomic analysis. Serum levels of lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LPB) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were evaluated. Results The groups differed from each other regarding nutritional aspects and microbiome; individuals with psoriasis had a higher consumption of protein and lower consumption of fibers. Levels of LPB, CRP, and the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio were higher in the group with psoriasis than in the vegetarian group (p < 0.05). The genera Prevotella, Mogibacterium, Dorea, Bifidobacterium and Coprococcus, differed in the group with psoriasis compared to vegetarians; the genera Mogibacterium, Collinsella and Desulfovibrio differed from omnivores. A microbiome pattern linked to psoriasis (plsPSO) was identified, which was associated with higher LPB levels (rho = 0.39; p = 0.02), and lower dietary fiber intake (rho = −0.71; p < 0.01). Study limitations Only adult men were evaluated. Conclusion A difference was identified in the intestinal microbiome of adult men with psoriasis when compared to healthy omnivores and vegetarian controls. The identified microbiome pattern was correlated with dietary fiber intake and serum levels of LPB.

Abstract Eccrine poroma is the term that includes benign neoplasms of the terminal duct of the eccrine sweat glands, which may clinically and dermoscopically resemble other melanoma and non-melanoma skin tumors. They are often located on the extremities (especially palms and soles), presenting as normochromic or erythematous papules and nodules, measuring up to 2 cm. Pigmented variants are uncommon, accounting for less than 20% of cases. This report describes a 37-year-old man who developed a large pigmented eccrine poroma on his right shoulder, causing diagnostic difficulty. Histopathological examination revealed a nodular neoplasm consisting of small, monomorphic, cuboidal cells, with ample, eosinophilic cytoplasm and well-defined borders, in addition to conspicuous intercellular bridges, with melanin deposits diffusely distributed inside them. The absence of cytological atypia, cellular pleomorphism, increased mitotic activity, and necrosis foci corroborated the diagnostic exclusion of porocarcinoma, which can develop from eccrine poroma.

Abstract Background: In addition to melanocytic hyperfunction, changes are observed in the upper dermis of melasma, and fibroblasts play a central role in collagen synthesis and pigmentation induction. Objective: To explore the morphology, growth rate, and gene expression profile of fibroblasts from the skin with melasma in comparison to fibroblasts from the adjacent healthy skin. Methods: Ten women with facial melasma were biopsied (lesion and adjacent healthy skin), and the fragments were processed for fibroblast culture. Samples from five participants were seeded to evaluate growth (days 2, 5 and 8) and senescence (SA-β-gal) curves. The samples from the other participants were submitted to real-time PCR to comparatively evaluation of the expression of 39 genes. Results: Cultured fibroblasts from melasma skin were morphologically less fusiform in appearance and on average a 34% (95% CI 4%–63%) greater proportion of cells labeled with SA-β-gal than the fibroblasts from the adjacent skin. The cell growth rate was lower for the melasma samples after eight days (p < 0.01). The WNT3A, EDN3, ESR2, PTG2, MMP1, and SOD2 genes were up-regulated, whereas the COL4A1, CSF2, DKK3, COL7A1, TIMP4, CCL2, and CDH11 genes were down-regulated in melasma skin fibroblasts when compared to the ones from adjacent healthy skin. Study limitations: Small sample size; absence of functional tests. Conclusions: Fibroblasts from the skin with melasma showed a lower growth rate, less fusiform morphology and greater accumulation of SA-β-gal than those from adjacent photo exposed skin. Moreover, their gene expression profile comprised factors that may contribute to upper dermis damage and sustained melanogenesis.

Abstract Background Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease with systemic repercussions and an association with comorbidities such as metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity. Psoriasis patients have a higher prevalence of obesity compared to the general population. Diet is a relevant environmental factor, since malnutrition, inadequate body weight, and metabolic diseases, in addition to the direct health risk, impair the treatment of psoriasis. Objectives To evaluate food intake patterns, anthropometric, and metabolic syndrome-related aspects in psoriasis patients. Methods Cross-sectional study through anthropometric assessment and food frequency questionnaire. Food frequency questionnaire items were evaluated by exploratory factor analysis and identified dietary patterns were analyzed by multivariate methods. Results This study evaluated 94 patients, 57% female, with a mean age of 54.9 years; the prevalence of obesity was 48% and of metabolic syndrome, 50%. Factor analysis of the food frequency questionnaire identified two dietary patterns: Pattern 1 - predominance of processed foods; Pattern 2 - predominance of fresh foods. Multivariate analysis revealed that Patterns 1 and 2 showed inverse behaviors, and greater adherence to Pattern 2 was associated with females, eutrophic individuals, absence of lipid and blood pressure alterations, and lower waist-to-hip ratio and skin disease activity. Study limitations Monocentric study conducted at a public institution, dependent on dietary memory. Conclusion Two dietary patterns were identified in a Brazilian sample of psoriasis patients. The prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome were greater than in the adult Brazilian population. The fresh diet was associated with lower indicators of metabolic syndrome in this sample.

Abstract A 28-year-old white female patient presented with multiple erythematous-to-violaceous, painful, suppurative nodules on the buttocks and thighs that appeared after two weeks of mesotherapy with deoxycholate, caffeine, sunflower liposomes, and sinetrol for localized fat. She was treated for atypical mycobacteriosis, but with no satisfactory response after antibiotic therapy. Bacterial, mycobacterial, and fungal culture were all negative. Histopathologic examination of the biopsy showed noninfectious suppurative panniculitis. It resolved after treatment with methotrexate, prednisone, and hydroxychloroquine. This report highlights the rarity of this complication, the importance of its early recognition, and differentiation with atypical fast growing mycobacterioses.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Melasma has a major impact on quality of life. MELASQoL is the only validated specific psychometric instrument to evaluate melasma QoL. OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a multidimensional questionnaire for evaluating quality of life related to facial melasma. METHODS: Cross-sectional study performed in 2 institutions (public and private) from Brazil. Two focus groups were carried out: 5 board-certified dermatologists and 10 melasma patients, indicating the dimensions and significant units of melasma QoL. The preliminary questionnaire with 49 itens was applied to 154 facial melasma patients. Item reduction was performed by Rasch analysis. Parallel evaluations of clinical (MASI), demographic, and QoL aspects (MELASQoL, DLQI) were performed. The dimensional structure was assessed by confirmatory factor analysis. Temporal stability was tested in a subgroup of 42 individuals within 7-14 days. RESULTS: The mean (SD) age of the 154 interviewed subjects was 39±8 years, and 87% were females. The median (p25-p75) DLQI and MELASQoL were: 2 (1-6) and 30 (17-44). HRQ-Melasma consisted of 19 items distributed in 4 dimensions: Physical/Appearance, Social/Professional, Psychological, and Treatment. Cronbach’s alpha for HRQ-Melasma was 0.96, and >0.74 for each dimension. There was high correlation between HRQ-Melasma and DLQI and MELASQoL (rho=0.80 and 0.83), but modest with MASI (rho=0.35). Dimensional structure of HRQ-Melasma was stated by confirmatory factor analysis coefficients. Test-retest analysis disclosed an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.91 (p<0.01). STUDY LIMITATIONS: Single-center study. CONCLUSIONS: A specific instrument to evaluate QoL in melasma with multidimensional characteristics was developed and validated, with appropriate psychometric performance.

Abstract: Background: Although asymptomatic, melasma inflicts significant impact on quality of life. MELASQoL is the main instrument used to assess quality of life associated with melasma, it has been validated in several languages, but its latent dimensional structure and psychometric properties haven´t been fully explored. Objectives: To evaluate psychometric characteristics, information and dimensional structure of the Brazilian version of MELASQoL. Methods: Survey with patients with facial melasma through socio-demographic questionnaire, DLQI-BRA, MASI and MELASQoL-BP, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, internal consistency of MELASQoL and latent dimensions (Cronbach's alpha). The informativeness of the model and items were investigated by the Rasch model (ordinal data). Results: We evaluated 154 patients, 134 (87%) were female, mean age (± SD) of 39 (± 8) years, the onset of melasma at 27 (± 8) years, median (p25-p75) of MASI scores , DLQI and MELASQoL 8 (5-15) 2 (1-6) and 30 (17-44). The correlation (rho) of MELASQoL with DLQI and MASI were: 0.70 and 0.36. Exploratory factor analysis identified two latent dimensions: Q1-Q3 and Q4-Q10, which had significantly more adjusted factor structure than the one-dimensional model: Χ2 / gl = 2.03, CFI = 0.95, AGFI = 0.94, RMSEA = 0.08. Cronbach's coefficient for the one-dimensional model and the factors were: 0.95, 0.92 and 0.93. Rasch analysis demonstrated that the use of seven alternatives per item resulted in no increase in the model informativeness. Conclusions: MELASQoL-BP showed good psychometric performance and a latent structure of two dimensions. We also identified an oversizing of item alternatives to characterize the aggregate information to each dimension.

Melasma is a chronic acquired hypermelanosis of the skin, characterized by irregular brown macules symmetrically distributed on sun-exposed areas of the body, particularly on the face. It is a common cause of demand for dermatological care that affects mainly women (especially during the menacme), and more pigmented phenotypes (Fitzpatrick skin types III-V). Due to its frequent facial involvement, the disease has an impact on the quality of life of patients. Its pathogeny is not yet completely understood, although there are some known triggering factors such as sun exposure, pregnancy, sexual hormones, inflammatory processes of the skin, use of cosmetics, steroids, and photosensitizing drugs. There is also a clear genetic predisposition, since over 40% of patients reported having relatives affected with the disease. In this manuscript, the authors discuss the main clinical and epidemiological aspects of melasma.

Pachydermodactyly is a rare and benign form of acquired digital fibromatosis characterized by the expansion of soft tissue around proximal phalanges and interphalangeal joints. The etiology remains unknown, although it is suggested that repetitive mechanic trauma like the interlacing or rubbing of the fingers can lead to skin thickening. We report a case of a young man with skin thickening around interphalangeal joints and compulsive finger manipulation habit. The histopathology disclosed hyperkeratosis, discrete papillomatosis, mild increase of fibroblasts and dermal mucinosis. The lesions regressed partially, after finger manipulation was stopped.

FUNDAMENTOS: Psoríase é doença inflamatória crônica da pele que afeta pacientes de todas as idades eambos os gêneros. O impacto negativo na qualidade de vida é mais importante naqueles pacientes com psoríasemoderada a grave. OBJETIVO: Correlacionar o índice de gravidade e extensão da psoríase e o índice de qualidadede vida, segundo questionário de qualidade de vida adaptado ao Brasil, em pacientes de psoríase em placas antes e depois de tratamento sistêmico. MÉTODO: Estudo transversal, descritivo, de pacientes de psoríase, virgens detratamento ou em atividade clinica, submetidos a avaliação do índice de gravidade e extensão da psoríase e aoquestionário de qualidade de vida adaptado ao Brasil antes e após 60 dias de tratamento com medicação sistêmica. RESULTADOS: Trinta e cinco pacientes foram estudados, 26 homens, com idade média de 46 anos. Não houvecorrelação entre índice de gravidade e extensão da psoríase e questionário de qualidade de vida adaptado aoBrasil. Mas, houve correlação entre índice de gravidade e extensão da psoríase e itens do questionário de qualidade de vida adaptado ao Brasil, tal como "atividade profissional com público". CONCLUSÃO: A não correlação entre índice de gravidade e extensão da psoríase e questionário de qualidade de vida adaptado ao Brasil nessainvestigação pode estar relacionada com história crônica de psoríase, o que implicaria em melhor aceitação dadoença ao longo do tempo ou às condições sociais e de baixa renda dos pacientes estudados. A correlação observada entre aqueles com atividade pública sugere que algumas profissões podem sofrer maior impacto da enfermidade. É possível que o questionário de qualidade de vida adaptado ao Brasil deva ser adaptado a pacientes de baixa renda e com dificuldades de acesso cultural e social. Como limitação do trabalho há que citar o pequenonúmero de pacientes (n=35) e o tempo de acompanhamento (60 dias).

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin that affects patients of all ages andboth genders. The impact of the disease on quality of life is greater among patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. OBJECTIVE: to establish a correlation between the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) and theDermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) based on a quality of life questionnaire adapted to the Brazilian contextfor patients with plaque psoriasis before and after systemic treatment. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study of psoriasis patients who did not undergo treatment or who manifested clinical activity of the disease. Patients were evaluated according to the PASI and the quality of life questionnaire adapted to theBrazilian context before and 60 days after systemic treatment. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients participated in thestudy. Twenty-six were men, with a mean age of 46 years. There was no correlation between the PASI and thequality of life questionnaire adapted to the Brazilian context, but there was a correlation between the PASI andsome items of the quality of life questionnaire adapted to the Brazilian context, such as jobs involving public contact. CONCLUSION: The non-correlation between the PASI and the quality of life questionnaire adapted to the Brazilian context in this work may be associated with a history of chronic disease, which implies greater acceptance of the illness, or may be related to the low income and social status of the patients studied. The correlationobserved among patients with careers involving public contact suggests that some professions are more impacted by the disease. It may be necessary to adapt the quality of life questionnaire to patients with a low income andcultural and social limitations. The small sample size (n=35 patients) and the short follow-up period of 60 dayswere some of the limitations of this work.

FUNDAMENTOS:Não é clara a demanda populacional dermatológica, assim como a proporção de profissionais adequada para a cobertura de saúde na especialidade. O conhecimento da realidade de fluxo de atendimentos nos consultórios dermatológicos do País permite a formação de políticas de expansão e distribuição de profissionais, além de subsidiar a decisão de ampliação das vagas de residência médica.OBJETIVOS: Avaliar o tempo para agendamento de consulta dermatológica privada no Brasil e características ligadas à consulta.MÉTODOS: Inquérito populacional com amostra probabilística de 14% dos consultórios dermatológicos brasileiros, simulando o agendamento de consulta clínica de urgência, cosmiátrica e aplicação de toxina botulínica. Avaliaram-se também aspectos ligados ao custo e ao profissional. Dados foram ajustados para cada região do País.RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 873 dermatologistas brasileiros. Sócios titulares da SBD foram 85% e mulheres, 66%. O tempo mediano para agendamento de consulta variou de 6 (particulares) a 7 (convênios) dias úteis consecutivos, esse valores variaram entre as regiões do País. A análise multivariada demonstrou que atendimentos e procedimentos particulares foram agendados mais rapidamente que os de convênios, independentemente, se clínico ou cosmiátrico.CONCLUSÃO: Características dos dermatologistas variaram entre as regiões do País. Consultas e procedimentos particulares são agendados mais brevemente que consultas de convênios.

BACKGROUND: It is not clear what the population's demand for dermatologists is, nor how many professionals are needed in order to provide adequate care in this area of expertise. Knowledge of the flow of patients at dermatological clinics throughout the country allows for the formation of expansion and distribution policies regarding professionals, and provides backing for the decision to increase medical residency places.OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the time it takes to schedule a private dermatological consultation in Brazil, and other factors concerning consultations.METHODS: Survey with a random sample of 14% of Brazilian dermatologists, simulating the scheduling of emergency clinical and cosmetic consultations, and botulinum toxin procedures. Also, details relating to cost and professionals, were studied. Data were adjusted for each region of the country.RESULTS: A total of 873 dermatologists were evaluated. Full SBD members represented 85%, and 66% were women. The median time to schedule a consultation ranged from 6 (out-of-pocket payment) to 7 (medical insurance) consecutive working days. Times varied depending on the region. A multivariate analysis showed that out-of-pocket consultations and procedures were scheduled sooner than with medical insurance, regardless of whether they were clinical or cosmetic.CONCLUSION:The characteristics of dermatologists are varied throughout regions of the country. Private consultations and procedures are scheduled sooner than with insurance companies.

A análise morfométrica da melanina tecidual pode subsidiar quantitativamente a pesquisa em discromias. Os autores demonstram três técnicas de análise de imagem digital que permitem a identificação dos pixels equivalentes à melanina na epiderme pela coloração de Fontana-Masson, possibilitando o cálculo da sua porcentagem nas diferentes camadas da epiderme, e discutem os principais elementos relacionados à análise e a necessidade de rigorosa padronização do processo.

Morphometric analysis of tissue melanin may quantitatively contribute to research on pigmentation disorders. The authors present three methods for image analysis, which allow for identification of melanin-equivalent pixels in the epidermis using Fontana-Masson stain and, therefore, for the calculation of its percentage in the different epidermal layers. Moreover, they discuss the main elements related to the analysis and the need for rigorous standardization of the process.