Background: Excessive sun exposure is the major risk factor for skin cancer. Thus, sun exposure behavior is the major focus for prevention of this disease, since it is potentially modifiable. Increasing the knowledge on sun related habits and other skin cancer risk factors is fundamental in the development of preventive programs, especially when directed to young people. Objectives: To assess the photoprotection habits and the knowledge about skin cancer in college students. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study from Oct. 16 to Feb. 17, including 371 students from the Federal University of Santa Maria, RS, Brazil, through a self-administered questionnaire. Results: The level of knowledge about skin cancer and photoprotection was unsatisfactory in more than 10% of the students. The occurrence of sunburn was extremely high among students, and 25% reported at least one episode of second degree sunburn. Proper use of sunscreen was referred by only 34% of individuals. Students who reported having received photo education in college were associated with a more consistent use of sunscreen. Study limitations: health area represented a large part of the sample; instrument validated outside Brazil. Conclusions: Young people are unaware of basic information about sun protection and exposure. Even among those with proper knowledge, the use of photoprotective measures is very low. The sun exposure has shown to be excessive in most of the students, which makes this population an important target for photo-educational measures.

Recurrent melanocytic nevus is a proliferation of melanocytes arising from a melanocytic nevus removed partially. Asymmetry and irregular pigmentation may lead to misdiagnosis of melanoma. We report a patient presented with a lesion on the lower abdomen, which was removed by shave excision. Anatomopathological examination revealed an intradermal melanocytic nevus. Two months later, a new irregular hyperpigmented lesion appeared in the surgical scar. Histopathology of the excisional biopsy revealed a recurrent melanocytic nevus. Recurrent melanocytic nevus manifests as a scar with hyper or hypopigmented areas, linear streaking, stippled pigmented halos, and/or diffuse pigmentation patterns. Histologically, the dermoepidermal junction and the superficial dermis show melanocytic proliferation overlying the scarred area. When a pathological report of the previous lesion is not available, complete excision is the gold standard. Otherwise, regular dermoscopic monitoring is a therapeutic option. The present report emphasizes the importance of histopathological examination of the excised material - even in cases of suspected benign lesions - and warns patients about the possibility of recurrence in case of incompletely removed lesions.

Statins are widely used and are currently the state-of-the-art treatment for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Although statins are generally well tolerated and present an excellent safety profile, adverse effects from muscle toxicity may occur in some patients. Statin-induced dermatomyositis (DM) is a rare adverse event associated with its use and very few fatal cases have been reported. We present the case of a 69-year-old man with early onset DM precipitated by a small dose of simvastatin. Despite immediate cessation of the agent and the use of systemic corticosteroids, the case took a very aggressive and fatal course. Such progression is extremely unusual for statin-induced DM. Despite the safety of statins, we highlight the importance of identifying potential side effects associated with this class of medications. We also emphasize the importance of correct diagnosis and close follow-up of patients with statin side effects.

Sporotrichosis is the most prevalent subcutaneous mycosis and is characterized by a subacute or chronic development of a cutaneous or subcutaneous nodular lesion. It is caused by the dimorphic fungus Sporothrix spp, which may manifest in different clinical forms. The disseminated cutaneous form is uncommon and is more likely to occur in immunocompromised patients. We report a 47-year-old male patient with multiple cutaneous and subcutaneous nodules. The patient was diagnosed with disseminated cutaneous sporotrichosis based on the isolation and identifi cation of Sporothrix spp. The patient was treated with potassium iodide, which resulted in clinical improvement of the lesions.

Introduction: Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous fungal infection with a worldwide distribution and higher incidence in tropical and subtropical areas, such as the Brazilian territory, where it has been standing out due to its frequent epidemics. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of sporotrichosis and profile the affected patients at a university teaching hospital in the central region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Methods: This study was a case series of patients diagnosed with Sporothrix spp. from January 2006 to December 2015 by microscopic examination or fungal isolates. Medical records were reviewed for epidemiological data. Results: Forty-three cases of sporotrichosis were diagnosed through the period. The sample comprised predominantly young male adults and rural workers. The most common disease type was lymphocutaneous (51%), followed by fixed cutaneous form (32.5%). The predominant location was the upper limbs (70%), followed by the lower limbs (16%). A significant association was observed between the lymphocutaneous form and upper limb location and between the fixed cutaneous form and lower limb location (p = 0.019). Potassium iodine and itraconazole were the most common treatments. Conclusions: This study will help update the epidemiological situation of sporotrichosis in the central region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, over the last decade.

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INTRODUCTION: Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory disease characterized by sharply circumscribed erythematous plaques on the trunk and limbs. Reports are suggesting low sleep quality and increased risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) in psoriasis patients. METHODS: The present study aimed to investigate the array of OSAS in psoriasis based on the STOP-Bang questionnaire. The study was cross-sectional. The sample was sequential and for convenience. The association between categorical variables was verified with Pearson's chi-square and Fischer's exact tests, and Pearson and Spearman's correlations were used to evaluate the relationships between the continuous variables. P<0.05 values were considered significant. RESULTS: A total of 104 patients were selected, 53 (51%) males, with a mean age of 51.7±14.8 years. Body mass index was 29.3±5 kg/m2. Hypertension was present in 38 (36.5%) and diabetes in 19 (18.3%) patients. Psoriasis was controlled in 87 (83.7%) patients, determined by the PASI Score below 10 points. Regarding the risk for sleep apnea, 36 (34.6%) were at high risk, 28 (26.9%) were at intermediate risk, and 40 (38.5%) were at low risk. There was no significant correlation between the degree of severity of psoriasis and the risk of apnea by the STOP-Bang score (p=0.6). CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests an increased prevalence in high and intermediate-risk scores for OSA in the population with psoriasis. No association was observed between the degree of severity of psoriasis and apnea risk. Prospective controlled studies using the diagnosis of OSAS by polysomnography are necessary.