Family dynamics play a major role in itch related dermatoses. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of family constellation seminars (FCS) in the decrease of itch in atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis. Thirty‐one adult patients with chronic itch (16 with AD and 15 with psoriasis) were allocated to intervention group (FCS + G) and control group (CG). Patients from FCS + G have participated in a series of four FCS for 3 months. During the study period, all patients used only emollients. Itch was evaluated by 27‐item questionnaire and skin condition was evaluated by SCORAD and PASI. The severity of itch in FCS + G decreased (Median; (25%;75%)) from 8.42 (6.57;11.92) initially to 4.78 (1.36;9.14); p < .01 after 1 month and (0.61 (0;6.66); p < .001) after 9 months after the psychological intervention with no significant changes in the CG. In the patients with AD in the FCS + G, SCORAD decreased (21.5 (14.4;40); 14.1 (7.3;15.5) p < .05; 7.2 (3.6;11); p < .05). In the FCS + G, itch decreased both in patients with AD and psoriasis, with less significant visible changes of skin in patients with psoriasis. Participation in FCS in a series of four seminars has high effect (r = .53) on reduction of itch and high effect (r = .74) on improvement of AD signs with lower effect on skin condition in patients with psoriasis for 4 months. Positive effect of FCS gradually increases during at least 9 months. Further studies for understanding FCS influence on the patients with itch are needed.

Chronic itch is a complex psychophysiological sensation, which can severely affect the quality of life in patients with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Itch depends on the irritation of receptors in the skin and the processing of sensory information in the central nervous system. Severe itch leads to activation and later on to disruption of the stress response, resulting in disorders of skin repair, functional and microstructural changes in the areas of the central nervous system that are responsible for the perception of itch. Psychosocial stress can be an essential factor, activating neurohumoral mechanisms which lead to increased itch and scratch, exacerbating skin damage. Patients with chronic itch often have sleep disorders, increased irritability, and depletion of the nervous system. They are characterized by disrupting social relationships, high incidence of anxiety, depressive disorders, and suicidal tendencies. Psychological methods of intervention can effectively influence various mechanisms in the pathogenesis of itch and scratch and improve social functioning in patients with chronic dermatological itch. In this mini-review, we discuss family constellation seminars as an effective method of psychological intervention that can reduce the intensity of itch, and improve sleep and performance in patients with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. This method is insufficiently described in previous reviews of psychological interventions in atopic dermatitis and psoriasis patients. The positive impact of family constellations seminars in patients with chronic dermatological itch may be related to reducing stress by improving understanding of the family situation, appropriate management of family secrets, and enhancing interactions with the social environment.

Eruptive vellus hair cysts (EVHC) represent a developmental abnormality of vellus hair follicles. Up till now more than 150 cases of EVHC have been published in the literature, but it appears to be more common than recognized. The diagnostic hallmark is the presence of vellus hair shafts within the cystic space. Firstly to evaluate the potential benefit of new diagnostic method of EVHC using a dermatoscope and secondly to report a familial case of EVHC where females were only affected. Five women from the same family with a clinical diagnosis of EVHC were included in the study. The diagnosis of EVHC was confirmed by skin biopsy with histologic examination in four patients. New diagnostic approach of the cyst contents examination with using a handheld dermatoscope was performed in all patients. Numerous vellus hair shafts were detected on the images of the cysts content taken with dermatoscope and applying the above-mentioned method in all patients. We suggest that it seems possible to differentiate EVHC by using the dermatoscope, which appears to be simple, quick, and less time consuming. K E Y W O R D Seruptive vellus hair cyst, diagnosis, dermoscopy

No abstract

Background. Alexithymia is a psychological phenomenon that often accompanies psychosomatic states and manifestations. Objective – to study the severity and features of the manifestation of alexithymia in patients with a dermatological profile with chronic pruritus syndrome. Materials and methods. At medical center “Asklepius” during 2016-2018 years, observed 134 patients with dermatological disorders with chronic pruritus. 62.7% of patients had atopic dermatitis, 23.9% had psoriasis and 13.4% had seborrheic dermatitis. Patients’ age ranged from 21 to 56 years. Women accounted for 65.7%, men – 34.3%. In study we used such research methods: psychodiagnostic, including the computer application “Electronic calculator of chronic pruritus” and TAS-20-r, statistical. Results. Patients with dermatologic pathology had high level of alexithymia (66,56±8,66 in patients with atopic dermatitis, 68,5±8,12 in patients with psoriasis, 68,17±7,85 in patients with seborrheic dermatitis). High level of alexithymia characterized by difficulties in recognizing emotions (26,04±4,19 in patients with atopic dermatitis, 27,22±3,5 in patients with psoriasis, 26,0±3,56 in patients with seborrheic dermatitis), describing feelings (17,71±2,27 in patients with atopic dermatitis, 18,03±2,25 in patients with psoriasis, 18,28±2,16 in patients with seborrheic dermatitis), focusing on thinking (22,81±3,29 in patients with atopic dermatitis, 23,25±3,32 in patients with psoriasis, 23,89±3,63 in patients with seborrheic dermatitis), and depreciated emotions as a psychological phenomenon. In patients with dermatological diseases found combination of high intensity of chronic pruritus with high levels of alexithymia. Conclusions. Psychocorrection of high level of alexithymia is an important component of a complex psychological help for patients with dermatological diseases and chronic pruritus.