scholarly journals Alexithymia in patients with dermatological disorders and chronic pruritus

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 94-97
Author(s):  
R. R. Yaremkevych

Background. Alexithymia is a psychological phenomenon that often accompanies psychosomatic states and manifestations. Objective – to study the severity and features of the manifestation of alexithymia in patients with a dermatological profile with chronic pruritus syndrome. Materials and methods. At medical center “Asklepius” during 2016-2018 years, observed 134 patients with dermatological disorders with chronic pruritus. 62.7% of patients had atopic dermatitis, 23.9% had psoriasis and 13.4% had seborrheic dermatitis. Patients’ age ranged from 21 to 56 years. Women accounted for 65.7%, men – 34.3%. In study we used such research methods: psychodiagnostic, including the computer application “Electronic calculator of chronic pruritus” and TAS-20-r, statistical. Results. Patients with dermatologic pathology had high level of alexithymia (66,56±8,66 in patients with atopic dermatitis, 68,5±8,12 in patients with psoriasis, 68,17±7,85 in patients with seborrheic dermatitis). High level of alexithymia characterized by difficulties in recognizing emotions (26,04±4,19 in patients with atopic dermatitis, 27,22±3,5 in patients with psoriasis, 26,0±3,56 in patients with seborrheic dermatitis), describing feelings (17,71±2,27 in patients with atopic dermatitis, 18,03±2,25 in patients with psoriasis, 18,28±2,16 in patients with seborrheic dermatitis), focusing on thinking (22,81±3,29 in patients with atopic dermatitis, 23,25±3,32 in patients with psoriasis, 23,89±3,63 in patients with seborrheic dermatitis), and depreciated emotions as a psychological phenomenon. In patients with dermatological diseases found combination of high intensity of chronic pruritus with high levels of alexithymia. Conclusions. Psychocorrection of high level of alexithymia is an important component of a complex psychological help for patients with dermatological diseases and chronic pruritus.

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (10) ◽  
pp. 5286
Author(s):  
Jarmila Čelakovská ◽  
Josef Bukač ◽  
Eva Cermákova ◽  
Radka Vaňková ◽  
Hana Skalská ◽  
...  

Background and aim: Progress in laboratory diagnostics of IgE-mediated allergy is the use of component-resolved diagnosis. Our study analyses the results of specific IgE to 295 allergen reagents (117 allergenic extracts and 178 molecular components) in patients suffering from atopic dermatitis (AD) with the use of ALEX2 Allergy Explorer. Method: The complete dermatological and allergological examination, including the examination of the sensitization to molecular components with ALEX2 Allergy Explorer testing, was performed. The statistical analysis of results was performed with these methods: TURF (total unduplicated reach and frequency), best reach and frequency by group size, two-sided tests, Fisher’s exact test, and chi-square test (at an expected minimum frequency of at least 5). Results: Altogether, 100 atopic dermatitis patients were examined: 48 men, 52 women, the average age 40.9 years, min. age 14 years, max. age 67 years. The high and very high level of specific IgE was reached in 75.0% of patients to 18 molecular components: from PR-10 proteins (Aln g 1, Bet v 1, Cor a1.0103, Cor a1.0401, Fag s 1), lipocalin (Can f 1), NPC2 family (Der f 2, Der p 2), uteroglobin (Fel d 1), from Alternaria alternata (Alt a 1), Beta expansin (Lol p 1, Phl p 1), molecular components from Timothy, cultivated rye (Secc pollen) and peritrophin-like protein domain Der p 23. The high and very high level of specific IgE to other lipocalins (Fel d 7, Can f 4), to arginine kinase (Bla g 9, German cockroach), and to allergen extracts Art v (mugwort), and Cyn d (Bermuda grass) reached 52.0% of patients. The severity of AD is in significant relation to the sensitization to molecular components of storage mites (Gly d 2, Lep d 2—NPC2 family), lipocalins (Can f 1, Can f 2, Can f 4, and Can f 6), arginine kinase (Asp f 6, Bla g 9, Der p 20, Pen m 2), uteroglobin (Fel d 1, Ory c 3), Mn superoxide dismutase (Mala s 11), PR-10 proteins (Fag s 1, Mal d 1, Cor a 1.0401, Cor a 1.0103), molecular components of the peritrophin-like domain (Der p 21, Der p 23), and to Secc pollen. In the subgroup of patients suffering from bronchial asthma, the significant role play molecular components from house dust mites and storage mites (Lep d 2, Der p 2, Der f 2—NPC2 family), cysteine protease (Der p 1), peritrophin-like protein domain (Der p 21, Der p 23), enolase from Alternaria alternata (Alt a 6), and Beta expansin Phl p 1. Conclusion: The results of our study demonstrate the detailed profile of sensitization to allergens reagents (allergen extract and molecular components) in patients with atopic dermatitis. We show the significance of disturbed epidermal barrier, resulting in increased penetration of allergens. We confirmed the significant relationship between the severity of AD, the occurrence of bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis, and high levels of specific IgE to allergen reagents. Our results may be important for regime measures and immunotherapy; Der p 23 shall be considered as an essential component for the diagnosis and specific immunotherapy of house dust mite allergy.


2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haruko Nishie ◽  
Mariko Kato ◽  
Shiori Kato ◽  
Hiroshi Odajima ◽  
Rumiko Shibata ◽  
...  

Background. With an increase in Japanese cedar and cypress (JC) pollinosis, the relationship between JC pollen and atopic dermatitis (AD) has been studied. Some reports suggest that JC pollen can be one exacerbating factor for AD, but there has been no report that discusses JC pollen counts relating to AD symptom flare although actual airborne JC pollen counts can widely fluctuate throughout the pollen season. Objective. The relationship between symptom flare of AD and airborne JC pollen counts was examined. Methods. We monitored JC pollen counts in real time and divided the counts into low and high level. We then analyzed self-scored “itch intensity” recorded by 14 AD patients through a self-scoring diary. Results. Among the 14 patients, 7 had significantly higher itch intensity while the pollen counts were high. Conclusion. Even during the pollen season, actual airborne pollen counts can widely fluctuate. Our study suggested that symptom flare of AD could be influenced by the actual pollen counts.


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seth R Stevens

This review describes eczematous dermatitis, or eczema, a skin disease that is characterized by erythematous vesicular, weeping, and crusting patches; atopic dermatitis, a common chronic inflammatory dermatosis that generally begins in infancy; and the ichthyoses, a group of diseases of cornification that are characterized by excessive scaling. The purpose of this review is to examine the major variants, epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and treatment of these dermatologic diseases. Figures depict chronic eczematous dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis to poison ivy, seborrheic dermatitis, nummular eczema, acute eczematous patches, lichenified patches that appear after chronic rubbing of eczematous patches, erythroderma (total body erythema), and marked scaling (acquired ichthyosis). Tables list the diagnostic criteria for atopic dermatitis and the differential diagnosis of atopic dermatitis. This review contains 9 highly rendered figures, 2 tables, and 88 references.


1986 ◽  
Vol 7 (7) ◽  
pp. 204-211
Author(s):  
Mary L. Williams

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition of infancy of unknown etiology. The disorder is usually mild and responsive to therapy. In severe or atypical cases, a variety of other entities should be considered in the differential diagnosis. Atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, psoriasiform-id reaction, fungal infections, and irritant contact dermatitis can be differentiated on clinical grounds. Less common but more serious disorders, such as histiocytosis X, immunodeficiency disorders, and nutritional and metabolic diseases, may be considered in the child whose disease does not spontaneously resolve or respond satisfactorily to local therapy. Laboratory studies including skin biopsy may be helfpul in these cases. Seborrheic dermatitis is uncommon in children after infancy and before puberty. In this age group, scalp scaling is likely to be due to other causes, such as tinea capitis, atopic dermatitis, or psoriasis.


2009 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 283-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vera Leibovici ◽  
Florella Magora ◽  
Sarale Cohen ◽  
Arieh Ingber

BACKGROUND: Virtual reality immersion (VRI), an advanced computer-generated technique, decreased subjective reports of pain in experimental and procedural medical therapies. Furthermore, VRI significantly reduced pain-related brain activity as measured by functional magnetic resonance imaging. Resemblance between anatomical and neuroendocrine pathways of pain and pruritus may prove VRI to be a suitable adjunct for basic and clinical studies of the complex aspects of pruritus.OBJECTIVES: To compare effects of VRI with audiovisual distraction (AVD) techniques for attenuation of pruritus in patients with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis vulgaris.METHODS: Twenty-four patients suffering from chronic pruritus – 16 due to atopic dermatitis and eight due to psoriasis vulgaris – were randomly assigned to play an interactive computer game using a special visor or a computer screen. Pruritus intensity was self-rated before, during and 10 min after exposure using a visual analogue scale ranging from 0 to 10. The interviewer rated observed scratching on a three-point scale during each distraction program.RESULTS: Student’sttests were significant for reduction of pruritus intensity before and during VRI and AVD (P=0.0002 and P=0.01, respectively) and were significant only between ratings before and after VRI (P=0.017). Scratching was mostly absent or mild during both programs.CONCLUSIONS: VRI and AVD techniques demonstrated the ability to diminish itching sensations temporarily. Further studies on the immediate and late effects of interactive computer distraction techniques to interrupt itching episodes will open potential paths for future pruritus research.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Franz J. Legat

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is among the most frequent inflammatory skin diseases in humans, affecting up to 20% of children and 10% of adults in higher income countries. Chronic pruritus is a disease-defining symptom of AD, representing the most burdensome symptom for patients. Severe chronic pruritus causes significant sleep disturbances and impaired quality of life, as well as increased anxiety, depression and suicidal behavior. Until recently, skin care, topical corticosteroids, and calcineurin-inhibitors were primarily used to treat mild to moderate AD, while phototherapy and immunosuppressive agents such as corticosteroids, cyclosporine, and methotrexate were used to treat patients with moderate to severe AD. The potential short- and long-term adverse events associated with these treatments or their insufficient therapeutic efficacy limited their use in controlling pruritus and eczema in AD patients over longer periods of time. As our understanding of AD pathophysiology has improved and new systemic and topical treatments have appeared on the market, targeting specific cytokines, receptors, or their intracellular signaling, a new era in atopic dermatitis and pruritus therapy has begun. This review highlights new developments in AD treatment, placing a specific focus on their anti-pruritic effects.


2020 ◽  
pp. 29-32
Author(s):  
L.D. Kaliuzhna ◽  

The article presents modern information on the clinical use and safety of the first-generation H1-antihistamine – dimetindene maleate. Pruritus (itch) mediators act both peripherally (histamine, proteases) and centrally (opioids) and has several mechanisms. Pruritus is the dominant symptom of skin diseases; almost all inflamamatory skin diseases can have associated pruritus. Doctors have focused on the almost one dermatosis with signs of itching – atopic dermatitis. At the same time, the range of diseases, both dermatological and systemic, accompanied by itching, is much wider.


Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 2788
Author(s):  
Camille Le Pors ◽  
Matthieu Talagas ◽  
Claire Abasq-Thomas ◽  
Séverine Henry ◽  
Laurent Misery ◽  
...  

In infants, pruritus is frequently considered as absent because they do not scratch themselves. Because pruritus could induce severe adverse effects in this vulnerable population, we aimed to review existing evidence on the ability of young infants to experience itch and on how to assess itch-related discomfort in this population. A literature review was performed (Pubmed, Google Scholar). Neurological itch pathways are well described. Skin development starts early during gestation. At 34 weeks of gestation, skin is almost complete while skin adaptations occur after birth. Newborn skin is neurologically functional, including the ability for young infants to feel pain. Similarities and interactions between pain and pruritus support the hypothesis that infants could feel pruritus. However, the existence of pruritus in infants has never been evidenced. Many itchy conditions can affect them, suggesting non-negligible prevalence of infant pruritus among which atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most studied disease. Studies reported a negative impact of AD on children and their families. There is no existing validated method to assess pruritus in infants, although they may feel pruritus and chronic pruritus can lead to serious adverse effects. To appropriately diagnose pruritus appears of great interest among young infants. Development of a method is required to this aim.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 01-08
Author(s):  
Cristina Martínez-Morán ◽  
Begoña Echeverría-García ◽  
Susana Córdoba ◽  
Jesús Borbujo

We present the more relevant aspects of the 10 most frequent dermatologic diagnostics: acne, fibroepithelial polyps, atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, molluscum contagiosum, melanocytic nevi, psoriasis, actinic keratosis, seborrheic keratosis and viral warts. We describe their pathogenesis, clinical features, their management and preventive actions to avoid the progression of the conditions.


2012 ◽  
Vol 78 (2) ◽  
pp. 220-224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lya Crichlow ◽  
Sarah Walcott-Sapp ◽  
Joshua Major ◽  
Bernard Jaffe ◽  
Charles F. Bellows

Acute acalculous cholecystitis has been identified as a rare but potentially devastating entity after trauma, and burns, as well as in critically ill patients, and in the postoperative period. Gastrointestinal surgery is most frequently implicated in postoperative acute acalculous cholecystitis, especially after gastric and colorectal procedures. Review of the English literature identified 28 articles reporting 76 cases of acute acalculous cholecystitis after gastrointestinal operations, which included a case from Tulane University Medical Center of a 64-year-old man who developed postoperative acute acalculous cholecystitis after elective left hemicolectomy. A total of 52.4 per cent of the patients developed gangrenous acute acalculous cholecystitis, with a mortality rate of 21.1 per cent, much higher than that reported in postoperative calculous cholecystitis. This emphasizes the need for a high level of suspicion and early detection in the postoperative period to avoid devastating consequences.


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