Microsporum canis, a zoophilic dermatophyte, infects the stratum corneum and keratinized tissues like hair and nails in cats and dogs, with cats serving as the primary reservoir. Most human infections arise from animal contact. We present the case of a girl aged 8 with skin scalp lesions persisting for two months. Several scalp lesions, with a maximum diameter of 4 cm, presented as erythematous plaques with superficial scaling, yellow crusts, and edematous areas with purulent exudate. Dermoscopy revealed yellow crusts on an erythematous background, along with white scales, pustules, broken hairs, and comma hairs. Ultraviolent-enhanced fluorescence dermoscopy (UEFD) showed slight celadon green fluorescence, which enhanced the diagnosis and further helped to monitor the treatment. The PCR test confirmed the presence of M. canis. Treatment included topical ciclopirox and oral terbinafine. Lesions on the scalp and noticeable hair regrowth were observed in the areas of hair loss after two months. Kerion celsi can result in severe alopecia. To prevent scarring associated with hair loss in children, early mycological diagnostics, supported by dermoscopy and UEFD, is recommended.

Body modifications such as tattoos and piercings are increasingly popular, yet their psychological implications in dermatology patients remain understudied. This study examined the prevalence of body modifications, their association with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) symptom tendencies and their relationship with illness acceptance. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 333 consecutive dermatology outpatients in Wrocław, Poland. Participants provided demographic data, chronic skin disease status and information on tattoos and piercings. BDD symptoms were assessed with the Appearance Anxiety Inventory (AAI; score≥20 indicating high BDD risk), while the Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS) measured psychological adaptation. Statistical analyses included t-tests, χ2 tests, ANOVA and Spearman’s correlation. Overall, 29.4% of participants reported body modifications – 20.7% tattoos and 15.9%piercings. BDD symptom tendencies were present in 15.9% of patients but were significantly more frequent among those with tattoos (26.1%) and piercings (34%). Individuals with body modifications were younger and more often female. AIS and AAI scores showed a significant negative correlation, suggesting that lower illness acceptance was linked to higher BDD symptomatology. Body modifications among dermatology patients are associated with increased risk of screening positive for BDD tendencies and reduced acceptance of illness. These findings emphasize the need for psychological screening in dermatological practice and training dermatologists to recognize and address underlying mental health concerns.

The aim of this study was to measure the level of self-esteem among individuals with piercings, evaluate body image perception, and screen the study group for body dysmorphic disorder symptoms. Two hundred and six individuals from Poland completed the Appearance Anxiety Inventory (AAI), Body Dysmorphic Disorder Questionnaire-Dermatology Version (BDDQ-DV), Functionality Appreciation Scale (FAS), and Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale (RSES). Differences between groups were determined using a two-sample t-test, post-hoc chi-square test with Bonferroni’s adjustment, the Kruskal–Wallis test, and the Mann–Whitney test. One hundred ninety-six (95.1%) respondents were females, and 10 (4.9%) were males, aged from 15 to 48 years (mean age ± SD = 23.1 ± 6.4 years). Of the respondents, 25.7% screened positive for BDD symptoms according to the AAI and 29.1% screened positive according to the BDDQ-DV. According to the FAS, significantly lower body image was presented by individuals with psychiatric treatment (3.8 ± 0.9 vs. 4.1 ± 0.7, p < 0.05) and by respondents who screened positive for BDD symptoms. Significantly lower self-esteem was reported in individuals with psychiatric comorbidities, psychiatric treatment, and in the BDD-groups according to the RSES (AAI: 24.0 ± 5.6 vs. 30.9 ± 6.0; p < 0.001; BDDQ-DV: 24.0 ± 5.8 vs. 31.3 ± 3.7; p < 0.001). In conclusion, individuals with piercings should be regarded as a group with an increased risk for BDD symptoms.

Introduction: Over the past decades, tattoos have become increasingly popular probably in most European countries. This study aimed to find out people’s motivations for getting tattoos and when they decide to get them. Material and methods: This was a cross-sectional questionnaire study developed through the cooperation of a psychiatrist and a dermatologist. More than 400 volunteers with tattoos were assessed. The majority of analyzed subjects started tattooing in their twenties (mean age ± SD: 21.6 ± 5.9 years). Results: The majority of subjects indicated aesthetic reasons as the main reason for tattooing (44.5% women vs. 29.6% men; p < 0.05). The most popular tattoo motifs were animal motifs (18.9% women vs. 10.4% men; p < 0.001), plant motifs (18.0% women vs. 1.8% men; p > 0.05) and lettering (18.0% women vs. 15.3% men; p > 0.05). A total of 423 (91.5%) respondents planned to get more tattoos in the future. Conclusions: Based on the study results, it can be concluded that tattooing is currently mainly done to mostly performed to beautify the human body. If tattooing should be assessed in terms of its medical significance, the Tattoo Severity Scale can be used, given its good reproducibility and relevance. Introduction: Over the past decades, tattoos have become increasingly popular probably in most European countries. This study aimed to find out people’s motivations for getting tattoos and when they decide to get them. Material and methods: This was a cross-sectional questionnaire study developed through the cooperation of a psychiatrist and a dermatologist. More than 400 volunteers with tattoos were assessed. The majority of analyzed subjects started tattooing in their twenties (mean age ± SD: 21.6 ± 5.9 years). Results: The majority of subjects indicated aesthetic reasons as the main reason for tattooing (44.5% women vs. 29.6% men; p < 0.05). The most popular tattoo motifs were animal motifs (18.9% women vs. 10.4% men; p < 0.001), plant motifs (18.0% women vs. 1.8% men; p > 0.05) and lettering (18.0% women vs. 15.3% men; p > 0.05). A total of 423 (91.5%) respondents planned to get more tattoos in the future. Conclusions: Based on the study results, it can be concluded that tattooing is currently mainly done to mostly performed to beautify the human body. If tattooing should be assessed in terms of its medical significance, the Tattoo Severity Scale can be used, given its good reproducibility and relevance.

Background/Objectives: Alopecia areata (AA) is a common, noncicatricial autoimmune hair loss disorder characterized by relapsing inflammation and breakdown of hair follicle immune privilege. Increasing amounts of evidence suggest that pyroptosis, a lytic and inflammatory form of programmed cell death mediated by gasdermins and inflammasome activation, may play a role in AA pathogenesis. This review aims to synthesize current data on the molecular mechanisms linking inflammasome-driven pyroptosis with AA and to highlight emerging therapeutic opportunities. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted focusing on mechanistic studies, ex vivo human scalp models, murine AA models, and interventional clinical data. A structured system of Levels of Evidence (LoE) and standardized nomenclature for experimental models was applied to ensure transparency in evaluating the role of pyroptosis and treatment strategies in AA. Results: Available evidence indicates that outer root sheath keratinocytes express functional inflammasome components, including NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), adaptor-apoptosis-associated-speck-like protein (ASC), and caspase-1, and contribute to interleukin (IL)-1β release and pyroptotic cell death. Mitochondrial dysfunction, mediated by regulators such as PTEN and PINK1, amplifies NLRP3 activation and cytokine secretion, linking mitophagy impairment with follicular damage. Animal and human biopsy studies confirm increased inflammasome activity in AA lesions. Therapeutic approaches targeting pyroptosis include Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, biologics, Phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitors, mesenchymal stem cell therapy, natural compounds, and inflammasome inhibitors such as MCC950. While some agents demonstrated efficacy in clinical trials, most strategies remain at preclinical or early clinical stages. Conclusions: Pyroptosis represents a critical mechanism driving hair follicle structural and functional disruption and immune dysregulation in AA. By integrating evidence from molecular studies, disease models, and early clinical data, this review underscores the potential of targeting inflammasome-driven pyroptosis as a novel therapeutic strategy.

Introduction: Acne vulgaris is a common disease affecting pregnant women. This study aimed to broaden knowledge about the epidemiology of Acne vulgaris during pregnancy and applied treatment methods. Material and methods: The self-made questionnaire was fulfilled by 465 individuals from Poland and German-speaking countries. Results: 81 (35.1%) women from German-speaking countries and 112 (47.9%) Poles reported that Acne vulgaris was present before pregnancy (p = 0.003). Acne during pregnancy occurred among 110 (47.6%) individuals from German-speaking countries and 113 (48.3%) women from Poland. 40.9% (n = 45) individuals from German-speaking countries and 44.2% (n = 50) Poles considered their skin lesions as a big problem. However, only 5 (4.5%) women from German-speaking and 12 Poles (10.6%) (p = 0.04) decided to get the treatment during pregnancy. Conclusions: More education is needed to encourage future mothers to treat this skin disease. Introduction: Acne vulgaris is a common disease affecting pregnant women. This study aimed to broaden knowledge about the epidemiology of Acne vulgaris during pregnancy and applied treatment methods. Material and methods: The self-made questionnaire was fulfilled by 465 individuals from Poland and German-speaking countries. Results: 81 (35.1%) women from German-speaking countries and 112 (47.9%) Poles reported that Acne vulgaris was present before pregnancy (p = 0.003). Acne during pregnancy occurred among 110 (47.6%) individuals from German-speaking countries and 113 (48.3%) women from Poland. 40.9% (n = 45) individuals from German-speaking countries and 44.2% (n = 50) Poles considered their skin lesions as a big problem. However, only 5 (4.5%) women from German-speaking and 12 Poles (10.6%) (p = 0.04) decided to get the treatment during pregnancy. Conclusions: More education is needed to encourage future mothers to treat this skin disease.