To our knowledge, this was the first prospective observational study that assessed the rheumatologic symptoms of isotretinoin treatment. The spondyloarthropathy findings were identified in 23.1% of the patients who used isotretinoin.

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis is a condition that affects individuals of all ages and genders. It is thus necessary to conduct regular health screenings for Cutaneous Leishmaniasis, and to inform and educate vulnerable communities and the society in general regarding this condition.

Background and Design:Psoriasis is a chronic enflammatory systemic disease involving skin, scalp, nails and joints and is characterized by remission and activation periods. Although the etiopathogenesis of psoriasis has not been fully elucidated, many genetic and environmental factors are believed to have a role in the development of the disease. Obesity, smoking, family history of psoriasis, repetitive physical traumas and stress are the factors thought to affect the severity and progress of the disease. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of smoking on the clinical severity of psoriasis in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis. Materials and Methods: Three hundred outpatients with chronic plaque-type psoriasis were enrolled in the study. Data on age, gender, family history, smoking history, educational status, history of chronic illness, and psoriasis area severity index (PASI) scores were recorded for each patient. The effects of these factors on PASI were evaluated. Results: Current smokers, never smokers and former smokers were compared in terms of disease severity. The median PASI values of current smokers and never smokers were compared. The mean PASI value was statistically significantly higher in smokers (p=0.049). In multiple logistic regression analysis, it was detected that the risk of moderate and severe disease increased by male sex 2 times, by family history 2.3 times, and by smoking period above 20 years, 10 times. In smokers of more than 1 pack a day, this risk further increased. Conclusion: On the basis of these data, it may be concluded that smoking affects the severity of disease significantly. In addition to amount of daily cigarette consumption, smoking period was shown to have an effect on the severity of disease. Elimination of risk factors such as smoking, which appears to increase the severity of diseases, may be helpful in the management of psoriasis.

Background and Design:Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory systemic disease involving the skin, scalp, nails, and the joints and is characterized by periods of remission and exacerbation. Although the pathogenesis of psoriasis is not fully understood, many genetic and environmental factors are believed to have a role in the development of the disease. Obesity, smoking, family history of psoriasis, repetitive physical traumas and major stress disorders are the factors thought to affect the severity and progress of the disease. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of obesity on the clinical severity of psoriasis in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis. Materials and Methods: Three hundred twenty-five outpatients with chronic plaque-type psoriasis were enrolled in the study. Body Mass Index (BMI) and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) values were recorded for each patient. Results: When normal, overweight and obese psoriasis patients were compared, a statistically significant difference was not found in disease severity (p=0.707). There was also no significant correlation between BMI and PASI values (r=0.006, p=0916). Conclusion: Although no effect of obesity on the severity of the disease was shown in our study, further controlled population based studies are needed to investigate the possible role of obesity in triggering and beginning of the disease. (Turkderm 2014; 48: 193-6)