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Public Health and Prevention Strategies in Dermatology

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Skin Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2021) | Viewed by 17456

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Dermatology and Allergy, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 80802 Munich, Germany.
Interests: public health; digital medicine; dermatology; prevention; people-centered healthcare

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Guest Editor
Health Science Department, Institute of Sport Science, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
Interests: physical activity and health behavior change theory; obesity prevention in children and adolescents; promotion of sport and physical activity among seniors; dissemination of evidence-based clinical and community-based interventions; multiple health behavior change
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Dermatologic diseases are the fourth most common cause of all human illnesses, and affect about one-third of the world’s population. With more than 3000 different known diseases, skin diseases can affect any individual at any age, and it is estimated that every individual will experience a skin disease at least once during their lifetime. Focusing on the prevention of diseases and the health of populations rather than individuals is the vital element of public health. In the past few years, public health has become more common and more integrated with the field of dermatology. However, before evidence-based public health strategies can be fully integrated into dermatology healthcare, comprehensive and socially relevant research approaches need to be better aligned with the needs of different populations, policy makers, and healthcare professionals. These approaches are characterized by new ideas and innovative research methods such as digital health approaches including infodemiology, big data analysis, machine learning approaches and apps, as well as prospective longitudinal designs, multiphase optimization strategies, randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and the application of these methods and technologies in “special needs” groups, including different clinical populations, professions, or communities. Papers addressing these topics are invited for this Special Issue, especially those combining a high academic standard coupled with a practical focus on providing public health and prevention solutions.

PD Dr. Alexander G.S. Zink
Prof. Dr. Claudio R. Nigg
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • public health
  • prevention
  • dermatology
  • digital medicine
  • digital health
  • allergy
  • infectious diseases
  • chronic skin diseases

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 1293 KiB  
Article
Effects of Serum Vitamin D Levels and Vitamin D Supplementation on Urticaria: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Yajia Li, Ziqin Cao, Jia Guo, Qiangxiang Li and Juan Su
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(9), 4911; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18094911 - 5 May 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3968
Abstract
(1) Backgrounds: Several studies have shown that the level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) could affect urticaria. The association of Vitamin D (VitD) with urticaria has not been well established. (2) Methods: The up-to-date meta-analysis was performed to synthesize the new findings. We performed [...] Read more.
(1) Backgrounds: Several studies have shown that the level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) could affect urticaria. The association of Vitamin D (VitD) with urticaria has not been well established. (2) Methods: The up-to-date meta-analysis was performed to synthesize the new findings. We performed a systematic search in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Database. We included the observational studies with the comparisons of 25(OH)D between urticarial populations and controls and clinical studies with the clinical severity of urticaria records. (3) Results: A meta-analysis of seventeen studies of urticaria group vs. controls revealed a mean difference of −9.35 ng/mL (95% CI −12.27 to −6.44). There was also an association of urticaria with VitD deficiency. In the subgroup analysis of age and disease type, significant effects of 25(OH)D were found among adult and chronic urticarial populations. Six VitD supplementation trials showed a significant reduction in clinical urticarial score on intervention with VitD with the standard mean difference of −3.63 and −1.54 among randomized control studies and repeated measure trials, respectively. (4) Conclusions: The urticarial population, especially the adult chronic urticarial patients, may be associated with a high risk for lower serum 25(OH)D. VitD supplementations could result in a reduction of urticarial clinical symptoms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Health and Prevention Strategies in Dermatology)
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13 pages, 19671 KiB  
Article
Interest in Sexually Transmitted Infections: Analysis of Web Search Data Terms in Eleven Large German Cities from 2015 to 2019
by Anna Caroline Pilz, Linda Tizek, Melvin Rüth, Peter Seiringer, Tilo Biedermann and Alexander Zink
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(5), 2771; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18052771 - 9 Mar 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2898
Abstract
Incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis has increased in recent years in the US and in European countries. In order to implement effective educational programs, the interests of target populations have to be identified. Since the internet [...] Read more.
Incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis has increased in recent years in the US and in European countries. In order to implement effective educational programs, the interests of target populations have to be identified. Since the internet is an important source of information-gathering on health issues, this study investigates web search data in large German cities related to STIs. Google Ads Keyword Planner was used to identify STI-related terms and their search volume in eleven German cities from June 2015 to May 2019. The data obtained were analyzed descriptively with regard to total search volumes, search volumes of specific thematic areas, and search volumes per 100,000 inhabitants. Overall, 741 terms with a total search volume of 5,142,560 queries were identified, with more than 70% of all search queries including a specific disease and “chlamydia” being the overall most often searched term (n = 1,196,160). Time courses of search behavior displayed a continuous interest in STIs with synchronal and national rather than regional peaks. Volumes of search queries lacked periodic patterns. Based on the findings of this study, a more open public discussion about STIs with linkage to increased media coverage and clarification of responsibilities among all STI-treating disciplines concerning management of STIs seem advisable. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Health and Prevention Strategies in Dermatology)
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7 pages, 739 KiB  
Article
Comparison of Interface Pressures and Subjective Comfort of Pressure-Relieving Overlays on the Operating Table for Healthy Volunteers
by Min Jung Han and Sangjin Ko
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(5), 2640; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18052640 - 5 Mar 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2652
Abstract
(1) Background: Pressure ulcers in the hospital setting occurring within 72 h after surgery are called perioperative pressure injuries. The aim of this study was to provide data for the prevention of perioperative pressure injuries following the use of pressure-relieving overlays by measuring [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Pressure ulcers in the hospital setting occurring within 72 h after surgery are called perioperative pressure injuries. The aim of this study was to provide data for the prevention of perioperative pressure injuries following the use of pressure-relieving overlays by measuring the interface pressures and subjective comfort. (2) Methods: This study is based on a repeated measures design. The subjects included 30 healthy volunteers aged 18 to 57 years. Interface pressures of the sacrum and both heels were measured in the supine position, and the subjective comfort was evaluated with visual analog scale after applying polyurethane foam, gel pad, and egg crate foam for relief. (3) Results: The pressures in the sacrum and both heels were the lowest with polyurethane foam, and the subjective comfort was the highest. (4) Conclusions: Inexpensive polyurethane foam with satisfactory pressure relief is recommended as an overlay for surgical patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Health and Prevention Strategies in Dermatology)
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12 pages, 17485 KiB  
Article
‘Dr. Google, What Is That on My Skin?’—Internet Searches Related to Skin Problems: Google Trends Data from 2004 to 2019
by Mikołaj Kamiński, Linda Tizek and Alexander Zink
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(5), 2541; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18052541 - 4 Mar 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3476
Abstract
The Internet is a common source of health information as search engines propose websites that should answer users’ queries. The study aimed to investigate the search behavior of Google users related to skin clinical signs as well as to analyze their geographical, secular, [...] Read more.
The Internet is a common source of health information as search engines propose websites that should answer users’ queries. The study aimed to investigate the search behavior of Google users related to skin clinical signs as well as to analyze their geographical, secular, and seasonal patterns. The data of Google Trends was used to analyze the number of Google searches related to skin problems from January 2004 to December 2019. Thirty-four topics representing dermatologic complaints were identified. The interests of all topics were calculated in proportion to the Relative Search Volume (RSV) of ‘Scar’. Geographical patterns as well as secular and seasonal trends were analyzed. Countries with few users who searched for skin problems were excluded from the analysis. Globally, gaining the most attention were ‘Itch’ proportion to RSV of ‘Itch’ (2.21), ‘Hair loss’ (1.56), ‘Skin rash’ (1.38), ‘Perspiration’ (1.32), and ‘Scar’ (1.00). In 42 of the 65 analyzed countries, ‘Itch’ was the most popular topic, followed by ‘Hair loss’ (n = 7), and ‘Pustule’ (n = 6). The RSV of all topics increases over time, with ‘Comedo’ (5.15 RSV/year), ‘Itch’ (4.83 RSV/year), and ‘Dandruff’ (4.66 RSV/year) being the most dynamic ones. For 23 topics, the highest interest was noted during warm months. Considering skin manifestations, Google users are mainly interested in itch, hair loss, and skin rash. An increasing number of individuals worldwide seem to use Google as a source of health information for dermatological clinical signs during the study period. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Health and Prevention Strategies in Dermatology)
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10 pages, 1207 KiB  
Article
The Impact and Consequences of SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic on a Single University Dermatology Outpatient Clinic in Germany
by Rosi Wang, Charlotte Helf, Linda Tizek, Ruth Neuhauser, Kilian Eyerich, Alexander Zink, Bernadette Eberlein, Tilo Biedermann, Knut Brockow and Alexander Boehner
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(17), 6182; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17176182 - 26 Aug 2020
Cited by 28 | Viewed by 2656
Abstract
The pandemic outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) affects health care systems globally and leads to other challenges besides infection and its direct medical consequences. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) [...] Read more.
The pandemic outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) affects health care systems globally and leads to other challenges besides infection and its direct medical consequences. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) pandemic on the university dermatology outpatient clinic (UDOC) of the Technical University of Munich, Germany. We analyzed datasets from 2015 until 2020 extracted from the hospital information system database and our documented outpatient files regarding patient numbers, gender, age, and diagnoses. In 2020, case numbers of outpatient care declined significantly (p = 0.021) compared to previous years and was related to the timing of political announcements answering SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Additionally, during calendar week 10 to 15—the peak time of the spread of COVID-19 in Germany—the proportion of patients missing their consultation was significantly higher in 2020 than in 2019 (22.4% vs. 12.4%; p < 0.001). Gender-associated differences regarding absences were not detected, but patients aged 85 years or older were significantly more likely to miss their consultation compared to all other age groups (p = 0.002). Regarding different disease clusters, patients with chronic inflammatory skin diseases and infectious and malignant diseases were more likely to miss their consultation (p = 0.006). Noticeably, less patients with malignant diseases, and particularly malignant melanoma, were registered during this pandemic. Our data support the hypothesis that medically constructive prioritization might not be implemented properly by patients themselves. Identifying missed patients and catching up on their medical care apart from COVID-19 will pose an enormous challenge for health care systems globally. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Health and Prevention Strategies in Dermatology)
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