Analysis of the incidence of anogenital warts and serological test results for other sexually transmitted infections

INTRODUCTION

Anogenital warts (AGWs) are proliferative lesions mainly presenting in the anal, genital, and perianal regions. They are one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections globally.

METHODS

The study included patients that presented at the Dermatology Clinic of Health Sciences, University Elaziğ, Fethi Sekin City Hospital between January 2019 and December 2022 and were diagnosed with AGWs. Patients that presented with this diagnosis and were screened for other sexually transmitted infections (HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HCV, anti-HIV, VDRL, and TPHA) were identified. Epidemiological and demographic patient data and the results of serological tests for other sexually transmitted infections in the last 4 years were analyzed. The patient data and examination results were collected retrospectively based on the hospital automated patient records.

RESULTS

AGW incidence was significantly higher in males. The mean patient age was 32, and the mean female patient age was lower than that of males. It was observed that the number of patients that were followed up with an AGW diagnosis increased significantly during the last 4 years (p < 0.05). The study detected 2.2% HBsAg, 0.6% TPHA, 0.3% VDRL, 0.5% anti-HCV, and 56.5% anti-HBs positivity. No anti-HIV-positive patients were identified. None of the patients had more than one sexually transmitted infection on serology testing.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the serological findings were higher when compared to certain studies and quite low when compared to others, it would be beneficial to evaluate all patients with AGWs for other sexually transmitted infections.

The correlation between ABO blood types and acne vulgaris severity

BACKGROUND

Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disease with multifactorial etiology. Studies on the pathogenesis of acne are still important. Recently, various studies have been conducted on the significance of genetics in the pathogenesis of acne. Blood group is transferred genetically and could affect the development, progress, and severity of certain diseases.

AIM

In the current study, the correlation between the severity of acne vulgaris and ABO blood groups was investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 380 patients (263 mild and 117 severe acne vulgaris patients) and 1000 healthy individuals were included in the study. Severity of acne vulgaris patients and healthy controls was determined based on the blood group and Rh factor data obtained retrospectively from the patient files in the hospital automation system.

RESULTS

In the study, the rate of females was significantly higher in the acne vulgaris group (X² :154.908; p:0.000). The mean age of the patient was significantly lower when compared to the controls (t:37.127; p:0.0001). The mean age of the patients with severe acne was significantly lower when compared to those with mild acne. When compared to the control group, the incidence of severe acne was higher in those A blood type when compared to the patients with mild acne, while the incidence of mild acne was higher in other blood groups when compared to the control (X² :17.756; p:0.007). No significant difference was determined between the Rh blood groups of the patients with mild, severe acne and the control group (X² :0.812; p:0.666).

CONCLUSION

The results revealed a significant correlation between acne severity and ABO blood groups. Future studies that would be conducted with larger samples in different centers could confirm the current study findings.

Tattoos: Demographics, Motivations, and Regret in Dermatology Patients

Background

Tattoos are very popular in today's world. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the demographics, the characteristics of tattoos, motivations for getting tattoos, tattooing practices and tattoo regret.

Materials and Method

This multi-centre, cross-sectional study was conducted among. 302 patients attending to the dermatology outpatient clinics and having at least one tattoo. A questionnaire form including all needed data about patients, tattoo characteristics and possible reasons for obtaining tattoos was designed and applied to all participants.

Results

Of 302 patients, 140 (46,4%) were females and 162 (53,6%) were men. The mean age was28,3 ± 8,1 years (min-max, 16-62) for all study group, 53% of participants (n = 160) had at least one tattoo involving letters or number, 80 participants (26%) stated regret for at least one of their tattoos, and 34 of them (42,5%) had their unwanted tattoo removed or camouflaged with a new tattoo. The most common reason for regret was 'not liking the tattoo anymore'. The most common motivations for having tattoos were 'to feel independent', 'to feel better about himself/herself' and 'to look good'. Women had higher scores than men regarding tattoo motivations of 'to be an individual' and 'to have a beauty mark'.

Conclusion

Given the rates, tattoo regret is a significant issue and as motivations differ between genders, age groups and other demographic characteristics; tattoos are not just an ink or drawing on the body, but a tool for individuals to express themselves and to construct self-identity. Tattoos have deep symbolic meanings for emotions, and they may be a clue for behavioural patterns of individuals.