Outdoor sports are associated with increased exposure to ultraviolet radiation, which may result in sunburn, solar damage, and skin cancers. Water and winter sports create additional adverse conditions, such as washing away sunscreen by water and reflection of UV rays by the water and snow. Sweating-increased skin photosensitivity and activity-induced immunosuppression are associated with a greater risk of developing skin cancers. In this review, we focus on a group of athletes and sports participants and analyze 62 articles concerning sun exposure during outdoor sports, the risk of developing skin cancer, and knowledge and behavior regarding photoprotection methods. Various practices have been linked to an increased risk of developing basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), malignant melanoma (MM), or UV-induced skin damage. Water sports and mountaineering increase the risk of BCC. Surfing and swimming are risk factors for SCC. Melanoma is more common in swimmers, surfers, and marathon runners. Photoprotection behaviors can reduce potential skin damage and skin cancers. Athletes’ knowledge about the risk of malignant lesions was satisfactory, but despite the risks, outdoor sports participants seem not to protect themselves from the sun adequately.
Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is an uncommon inflammatory dermatological disorder characterized by painful ulcers that quickly spread peripherally. The pathophysiology of PG is not fully understood; however, it is most commonly considered a disease in the spectrum of neutrophilic dermatoses. The treatment of PG remains challenging due to the lack of generally accepted therapeutic guidelines. Existing therapeutic methods focus on limiting inflammation through the use of immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory therapies. Recently, several reports have indicated the successful use of biologic drugs and small molecules administered for coexisting diseases, resulting in ulcer healing. In this review, we summarize the discoveries regarding the pathophysiology of PG and present treatment options to raise awareness and improve the management of this rare entity.
In recent years, numerous studies have shown a significant role of the skin microbiome in the development and exacerbation of skin diseases. Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) are a group of malignancies primary involving skin, with unclear pathogenesis and etiology. As external triggers appear to contribute to chronic skin inflammation and the malignant transformation of T-cells, some microorganisms or dysbiosis may be involved in these processes. Recently, studies analyzing the skin microbiome composition and diversity have been willingly conducted in CTCL patients. In this review, we summarize currently available data on the skin microbiome in CTLC. We refer to a healthy skin microbiome and the contribution of microorganisms in the pathogenesis and progression of other skin diseases, focusing on atopic dermatitis and its similarities to CTCL. Moreover, we present information about the possible role of identified microorganisms in CTCL development and progression. Additionally, we summarize information about the involvement of Staphylococcus aureus in CTCL pathogenesis. This article also presents therapeutic options used in CTCL and discusses how they may influence the microbiome.
Erythroderma is a condition characterized by erythema affecting at least 90% of the skin surface area. It can be caused by various underlying conditions. Due to nonspecific clinical and laboratory findings, determining the cause may pose a challenge. In the retrospective study, we identified 212 patients hospitalized for erythroderma in the Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Allergology at Wroclaw Medical University between January 2012 and March 2022. Clinical, laboratory, and histopathological features, as well as the management of patients, were studied. The median age of adults was 61 years (IQR = 47–68). The most common causes of erythroderma were psoriasis (n = 49, 24.01%), followed by atopic dermatitis (AD) (n = 27, 13.23%), and cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) (n = 27, 13.23%). Despite laboratory tests and histopathological examination, the etiology of erythroderma remained undetermined in 39 cases (19.12%). In 70.59% of patients, it was the first episode of erythroderma, while 29.41% experienced a recurrent episode. Regardless of the etiology of erythroderma, patients were most frequently treated with systemic antihistamines (146 cases, 71.57%) and systemic steroids (132 cases, 64.71%). Patients with idiopathic erythroderma constitute the greatest diagnostic and therapeutic challenge, requiring particularly thorough evaluation.
The purpose of this review is to present the current knowledge about the diagnostic and treatment options for bladder cancer (BCa) patients with clinically positive lymph nodes (cN+). This review shows compaction of CT and MRI performance in preoperative prediction of lymph node invasion (LNI) in BCa patients, along with other diagnostic methods. Most scientific societies do not distinguish cN+ patients in their guidelines; recommendations concern muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) and differ between associations. The curative treatment that provides the best long-term survival in cN+ patients is a multimodal approach, with a combination of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and radical cystectomy (RC) with extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND). The role of adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) remains uncertain; however, emerging evidence indicates comparable outcomes to NAC. Therefore, in cN+ patients who have not received NAC, AC should be implemented. The response to ChT is a crucial prognostic factor for cN+ patients. Recent studies demonstrated the growing importance of immunotherapy, especially in ChT-ineligible patients. Moreover, immunotherapy can be suitable as adjuvant therapy in selected cases. In cN+ patients, the extended template of PLND should be utilized, with the total resected node count being less important than the template. This review is intended to draw special attention to cN+ BCa patients, as the oncological outcomes are significantly worse for this group.
Melanoma poses a growing concern for women of reproductive age, especially during pregnancy, when physiological changes can influence disease presentation and management. While women generally engage more in protective behaviors than men, significant disparities in awareness and preventive practices persist, particularly among racial and ethnic minorities. Pregnancy-associated hormonal and mechanical changes may alter the morphology of nevi, necessitating vigilant dermatologic monitoring. Photoprotection strategies should prioritize safety for both mother and fetus, emphasizing mineral-based sunscreens and behavioral interventions. Although standard diagnostic and treatment approaches remain broadly applicable during pregnancy, advanced melanoma presents unique therapeutic challenges. Targeted therapies like BRAF inhibitors may offer maternal benefits in selected cases, although data are limited, whereas immunotherapies require cautious consideration due to potential fetal risks. Ultimately, optimal care of melanoma during pregnancy demands a multidisciplinary approach that integrates dermatologic, obstetric, oncologic, and pediatric expertise to balance maternal health needs with fetal safety. This review addresses awareness and preventive behaviors in women of reproductive age, pregnancy-related changes in melanocytic nevi, and management considerations during pregnancy.