This study provides important data on the frequency of dermatologic diseases in elderly patients, and shows variations in the frequency depending on age, gender, and season. We believe that this study will create awareness about the extent and patterns of dermatologic problems in geriatric patients.

The pediatric population is composed of persons under 16 years of age, and few studies are available on the dermatological diseases of this group. In the present study, data on a total of 6300 pediatric patients admitted between the years 2004-2006 were analyzed. Hospital-based patient registry records were used for data collection. The data were analyzed according to age, sex and time of admittance. A female preponderance (53%) was observed, and adolescents (12-16 years old) constituted the largest group within the patient population (47.6%). A total of 125 dermatoses were recorded. Acne vulgaris was the most prevalent dermatosis (12.4%), followed by atopic dermatitis (11.8%), contact dermatitis (11.3%), warts (9.5%), seborrheic dermatitis (4.3%) and impetigo (4.1%). Atopic dermatitis was the most frequently seen dermatosis in both infants and preschool-age children, whereas contact dermatitis was more prevalent in school-age children, and acne vulgaris was more prevalent in the adolescent group. The frequencies of some diseases showed seasonal variations. Acne vulgaris, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, psoriasis, xerosis and alopecia areata were more common in winter. In contrast, insect bites, vitiligo, dyshidrotic eczema, impetigo and tinea corporis were more common in summer. Studies of the pediatric population, which constitutes the cornerstone of the community, can play an important role in determining the policies of protective medicine and public health. New studies will help us to better understand the frequency of dermatological diseases in the pediatric population according to age, gender and season, and take precautions with regard to these conditions.

Both rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) have a negative impact on patients' quality of life (QOL). The aim of this study was to compare QOL and life satisfaction in patients with RA and PsA. Forty patients with PsA, 40 patients with RA, and 40 healthy control subjects were included in the study. Demographic data and clinical characteristics including age, sex, disease duration, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), peripheral pain assessed by visual analog scale (VAS) and Larsen scores of hand X-rays were recorded. Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) was used to evaluate QOL, and Life satisfaction index (LSI) was used to measure psychological well-being in both groups. The demographic data of the subjects were similar between the groups. The scores of all NHP subscales were significantly higher and the scores of LSI were significantly lower in PsA and RA patients than in control subjects. The inflammation markers including ESR, CRP, pain by VAS and Larsen scores were found to be significantly higher in RA patients. The scores of LSI were similar between the groups. Although the scores of physical domains of NHP (pain and physical disability) were statistically higher in RA patients (p<0.05), the scores of psychosocial subgroups of NHP were similar between RA and PsA patients (p>0.05). Both PsA and RA patients had disturbed QOL and decreased life satisfaction. In conclusion, peripheral joint damage, inflammation, and physical disability are significantly greater in RA but psychosocial reflection of QOL and life satisfaction are the same for both groups which can be explained by the additional impact of skin disease in patients with PsA.

No abstract

Punctate palmoplantar keratoderma (PPPK) is a rare entity with an estimated prevalence rate of about 1.17 per 100,000. The exact etiology of the disorder is not known but a dual influence of genetic and environmental factors may trigger the disease. We report the case of a 70-year-old male patient with punctate palmoplantar keratodermic lesions for more than 40 years. Histopathologic examination revealed a hyperkeratotic epidermis without columns of parakeratosis or elastorhexis. On electron microscopy, the basal cells of the epidermis were found to have enlarged nucleoli and abundant tonofilaments, with keratohyalin-like granules confined to the upper part of the stratum spinosum, findings that were consistent with PPPK. Topical keratolytic agents were used with little success. Patients with PPPK and their next of kin should be investigated for possible associated malignancies.