Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, wearing face masks is mandatory not only for health care workers (HCWs) but also for the general population in many countries around the globe. Objectives The aim of the study was to investigate the onset of adverse facial skin reactions due to compulsory face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic in HCWs and non-HCWs, and draw awareness of this new dermatological condition and its preventive measures. Materials & Methods A questionnaire was distributed to 550 patients and HCWs from the Department of Dermatology and Allergy of the University Hospital Munich (LMU), Germany. Participants were surveyed regarding mask type, duration of usage and adverse facial skin reactions. Information on symptoms and the use of skin care products and topical drugs were retrieved. Results The duration of wearing masks showed a significant impact on the prevalence of symptoms ( p < 0.001). Type IV hypersensitivity was significantly more likely in participants with symptoms compared to those without symptoms ( p = 0.001), whereas no increase in symptoms was observed in participants with atopic diathesis. HCWs used facial skin care products significantly more often than non-HCWs ( p = 0.001). Conclusion Preventive and therapeutic measures should be established in order to avoid “face mask dermatitis”, especially for people with underlying risk factors.

Background: Seborrheic keratoses (SK) are the most common acquired benign tumor that affects middle-aged or older adults with great cosmetic concern. Clinical and histopathological similarities of SK and common warts have been addressed by investigating the possible presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA in SK. Previous studies suggested the association between α-genus HPV and SK located on genital skin, whereas the causal relationship between α-HPV and non-genital SK remains controversial.Aim: This study aimed to clarify the pathogenic involvement of α-HPV in the development of non-genital SK. Methods:We analyzed α-HPV DNA prevalence and HPV genotypes using a PCRbased microarray on 51 skin samples presenting with histologically confirmed SK without any malignant changes. Correlation between the histological subtype of SK and their HPV DNA-positive reactivity was also evaluated. Results:Of 51 non-genital SK, two (3.9%) skin samples were positive for α-HPV DNA; high-risk HPV 31 and low-risk HPV 42 were found. Evaluation of HPV prevalence in different histological types of SK showed that both HPV-positive cases were acanthotic type; 14.3% of acanthotic SK lesions were positive, while all of the other types were negative for α-HPV. Conclusions:This study demonstrates that α-HPV positivity is very rare in common non-genital SK. The rare α-HPV-positive SK lesions histologically belonged to the acanthotic type, implying a potential impact of HPV infection on epidermal hyperproliferation. Although a possible association cannot be excluded, our findings suggest that α-HPV is not a major causative factor for non-genital SK.

Background and objectives: Despite numerous information sources and campaigns on sexually transmitted infections (STIs), there has been an increase in STIs in Germany in recent years. The aim was to evaluate the awareness and knowledge level among young students in Bavaria/Germany for STIs with a focus on human papilloma viruses (HPV).Methods: In a cross-sectional survey rendered completely and irreversibly anonymous, a total of 4,100 students from Bavaria between the ages of 12 and 17 were interviewed using a multiple choice questionnaire about their knowledge and awareness of STI, on the basis of gender, school education and preventive youth health examinations that had taken place.Results: A total of 3,834 questionnaires were included in the data analysis. Interestingly, the awareness level for HPV is remarkably lower compared to other STIs. Girls and adolescents who had already taken preventive youth health examinations showed a higher knowledge of STIs on average. Additionally, we could show that adolescents of lower educational levels, such as secondary school students, had the least knowledge. Conclusions:The cross-sectional study shows that many young people are still insufficiently informed about STIs. The gaps in information and lack of knowledge underline the necessity of intensive and long-term educational work.

While the incidence of infections with the human immunodeficiency virus largely remained unchanged in Germany, an increase of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) was observed. The aim was to analyze the effectiveness of our sexual education lecture for students in improving the awareness, knowledge and prevention of STIs.

Introduction: The association between human papilloma virus (HPV) and the pathogenesis of prostate cancer (PCa) is still controversial. Existing studies often lack information about clinical risk factors, are limited by their retrospective design or only use a single detection method for HPV. Material and Methods: A total of 140 patients undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP) for PCa at the Department of Urology, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Germany, were prospectively enrolled. Knowledge of HPV and sociodemographic parameters were assessed with questionnaires. The following methods were used for HPV detection: RP specimens were tested for HPV DNA by PCR. If HPV DNA was detected, an LCD-Array hybridization technique was used for HPV subtyping, and immunohistochemical staining for p16 was performed as a surrogate marker for HPV infection. Serological titers of HPV-16 L1 antibodies were measured using an HPV-16-specific immunoassay. Results: HPV DNA was detected in 9.3% (13/140) of RP specimens, with HPV-16 being the most predominantly detected subtype (5/13 = 39%). HPV-16 L1 antibody levels were below the limit of detection in 98% of patients (137/140). We found no significant difference between HPV PCR-positive (HPV+) and -negative (HPV-) patients in terms of HPV-16 antibody levels, history of HPV-associated diseases, level of education or marital status. Seventy-five percent of all PCa patients had never heard of HPV before. An acinar adenocarcinoma of the prostate was the most frequently detected histologic type in both HPV+ (100%) and HPV− (98%) patients (p = 0.86). HPV+ patients had fewer positive biopsy cores (3.5 vs. 5.8; p = 0.01) and a lower maximal tumor infiltration rate per core (37% vs. 57%; p = 0.03) compared to HPV- patients. However, when analyzing the whole prostate and the lymph nodes after RP, there were no significant differences in TNM stage, Gleason score or tumor volume between both groups. In a subgroup analysis of all high-risk HPV patients (n = 6), we found no significant differences in sociodemographic, clinical or histopathological parameters compared to HPV- or low-risk HPV+ patients. Conclusion: In our prospective study, we were not able to prove a clinically significant impact of HPV status on tumor characteristics in RP specimens. Most men with PCa had never heard of HPV, despite its proven causal association with other tumor entities.