Primary deep cutaneous opportunistic mycoses in OTR occur mainly in the first two yr after transplantation, in renal transplant recipients, and in older patients.
Many studies have addressed the impact of psoriasis on quality of life, but few studies have investigated patient perception of the disease or the patient-physician relationship. As with most chronic diseases, improvement in the patient-physician relationship may be important in the proper management of patients with psoriasis. To assess how psoriasis and its treatments are subjectively experienced by patients as well as patient expectations with regard to the patient-physician relationship. A discussion agenda for 'focus group meetings' was organized by a group of sociologists, psychologists, educators, researchers, and clinicians active in the field of psychodermatology. Four meetings were held in Northern and Central Italy and participants included one moderator and either eight dermatologists or eight patients. Discussions were based on a predefined agenda and included: (i) the psychological representation of psoriasis; (ii) the hetero- and self-perception of the patient; (iii) the patient-physician relationship; and (iv) the development of an educational intervention for dermatologists in order to improve the patient-physician relationship. A questionnaire, based on the information gathered at the focus groups, was administered to 323 patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis from 17 dermatology clinics throughout Italy. Three hundred patients completed the questionnaire. Psoriasis elicited anger, annoyance at the inconvenience of the disease, and irritation in approximately 50% of the patients, whilst 38% of patients were unable to describe their emotional state. Aspects of life that were limited by psoriasis included clothing (57%), social interactions (43%), and personal hygiene (31%). The disease was often seen by patients as incomprehensible, incurable, and uncontrollable. More than half of the patients stressed their need to be listened to by the treating physician, and their wish that the physician should use simple language and should improve their psychological skills and interpersonal communication techniques. Dermatologists need to convey to patients with psoriasis the feeling of 'understanding the disease,' of hope about its curability, and the 'perception of control.' These elements should be taken into account when treating patients and whenever educational interventions are planned.
Erosive pustular dermatosis of the leg is an unusual form of sterile pustulosis that typically affects the lower limbs of elderly patients. We report the cases of two women who developed erythematous skin plaques with pustules that coalesced and evolved into erosions and crusted areas. Histology showed epidermal spongiosis with subcorneal pustules and a dermal infiltrate with eosinophils and neutrophils. Lesions were treated with topical clobetasol propionate 0.05% for 10 days followed by topical tacrolimus daily until complete resolution, and then twice weekly for 1 year, without relapse. The response to topical corticosteroids and tacrolimus further support the close relationship with erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp. Topical therapy with tacrolimus may offer good long-term disease control.
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