Viral Infections Confined to Tattoos-A Narrative Review

Photodynamic therapy for flat warts arising on a tattoo

Cutaneous warts are common benign lesions caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). While treatments such as cryotherapy, laser therapy, and electrosurgery can be effective, they may be unsuitable for warts over tattooed skin due to the risk of pigmentary alterations and scarring. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a non-invasive treatment that selectively targets HPV-infected keratinocytes, minimizing damage to surrounding tissue. However, no studies have specifically evaluated PDT for warts on tattooed skin. We report the case of a 25-year-old male with multiple flat warts over a long-standing tattoo on his forearm, successfully treated with three sessions of conventional PDT using 10 % aminolevulinic acid (ALA) ointment (Biosynth AG, Staad, Switzerland). Irradiation was applied with diode red light at 630 nm in wavelength (S630, Alpha Strumenti, Milan, Italy). The light source was positioned at 50 mm from the skin surface, which gave a skin irradiance of about 160 mW/cm2. The light exposure period was 8 min, resulting in a total light dose of 75 J/cm2. The procedure was well tolerated by the patient, who complained of only a mild burning sensation during light exposure. At three-month follow-up, complete wart clearance was observed, with no tattoo distortion or recurrence at one year. This case highlights the potential of PDT as a first-line treatment for warts in cosmetically sensitive areas, offering effective viral clearance while preserving tattoo integrity. Further studies are warranted to validate its efficacy in larger cohorts and establish standardized treatment protocols for tattooed skin.

Why avoid naming diseases after animals? The case of "Molluscum contagiosum"

For over 200 years, the name molluscum contagiosum-a dermatological disease-has unfairly associated molluscs (the second largest group of animals on the planet) with this highly contagious infectious disease. Herein, arguments are presented demonstrating the serious problem of continuing to use this name, including animal welfare concerns. Thus, to minimize any unnecessary impacts on the biodiversity and conservation of molluscs, we follow WHO best practices in naming diseases to suggest the use of the new term 'wpox' or 'water warts' as a synonym for molluscum contagiosum.

Ethical Concerns about Fashionable Dog Breeding

The historical relationship between humans and dogs has involved selective breeding for various purposes, such as hunting, guarding, and service roles. However, over time, there has been a shift in preferences from functionality to aesthetics, which has influenced the diverse sizes, shapes, and coats of dog breeds. This review looks at fashionable dog breeding and questions the ethics of prioritising looks over health and behaviour. It aims to alert potential owners, breeders, and regulators to the importance of considering a dog's overall well-being, not just its appearance, which has resulted in fad breeding, leading to genetic disorders, health issues, and a loss of biodiversity. Ethical concerns arise from breeding brachycephalic breeds with respiratory conditions, inbreeding causing inherited disorders, and overbreeding popular breeds while shelter dogs remain unadopted. Additionally, the impact of cosmetic surgeries on popular dog breeds, as well as the neglect of behavioural traits in favour of physical characteristics and strict breeding practices are also considered. The current breeding model can have a negative impact on the emotional and cognitive well-being of dogs, resulting in issues such as aggression, anxiety, and other behavioural problems that can significantly reduce their overall quality of life. Unregulated breeding practices and the demand for rare breeds can lead to illegal breeding, compromising animal welfare. Prospective owners, veterinarians, kennel clubs, and legislators all need to play a responsible role in protecting animals.