Dermatology Journal Advisory Boards and editorial independence.

Background: Dermatology journals play an essential role in the distribution and promotion of scientific and medical information. Despite this, there are little data on governance structure with respect to its editors, owners, and journal boards that oversee the day-to-day operations for these entities. Objective: This study aimed to explore the current governance structure of dermatology journals and best practice recommendations. Methods: The editors-in-chief of the major dermatology journals participated in an online survey of 29 questions to examine general statistics of each journal, open access model, governance structure, and process for editor selection or dismissal. Results: Of the 52 journal responses, 29 (55.8%) are society-owned journals with 19 (65.5%) primarily governed by a society board, while 18 (34.6%) have an advisory committee or alternative body. Most editor(s)-in-chief (56.9%) serve between 3- and 5-year terms, while 84.6% have the option of at least one renewal. Even though the selection, evaluation, and dismissal processes differed between the journals, generalized best practice recommendations were developed to help improve their overall organization and management. Conclusions: The oversight structure of dermatology journals varies, and some do not follow current best practice recommendations. Transparency regarding leadership, governance, and due process is needed to maintain editorial independence and integrity.

Aquatic Antagonists: Dermatologic Injuries From Sea Urchins (Echinoidea).

Sea urchin injuries are common following accidental contact with sharp sea urchin spines. Immediate manifestations of injury include local erythema, pain, and myalgia. Failure to remove the spines from the skin may result in delayed systemic reactions, secondary infection, granulomas, and-if joint spaces are involved-inflammatory or infectious synovitis and arthritis. The majority of severe complications can be avoided if the spines are fully removed from the skin soon after injury, which can be difficult. This article aims to bring awareness to the myriad complications from sea urchin injuries as well as the mechanisms for successful spine removal.

Botanical Briefs: Fig Phytophotodermatitis (Ficus carica).

Patients presenting with a linear, erythematous, blistering eruption may experience a sudden painful sunburn that seems to get worse rather than better with time. In warm climates, exposure to the common fig tree (Ficus carica) may be the culprit. Dermatologists should recognize fig phytophotodermatitis as a possible cause and help the patient connect their symptoms with the inciting agent as well as administer proper treatment.

Dermatologic Care for Refugees: Effective Management of Scabies and Pediculosis.

There is a large burden of treatable dermatologic conditions in refugee populations. Parasitic infestations are particularly common when there are barriers to basic hygiene, crowded living or travel conditions, and lack of access to health care. Body lice are associated with anemia and can transmit a variety of diseases; chronic impetigo secondary to scabies is a leading cause of chronic kidney disease globally. Dermatologists have unique skills to identify skin infections, inflammatory diseases, and infestations. Appropriate dermatologic care has the potential to improve overall outcomes.

Aquatic Antagonists: Scorpionfish Envenomation.

Scorpionfish are among the most venomous creatures found in American and Caribbean seas. Their envenomation is responsible for considerable morbidity and socioeconomic burden associated with marine animal injuries. Avoiding physical contact with scorpionfish through proper identification prevails as the chief prevention method for stings. This article discusses common features of scorpionfish as well as the clinical presentation and treatment options following exposure to its toxins.

Updates on coding in dermatology.

Correct coding is an important component of effective dermatology practice management. Over the past several years there have been updates to many commonly used codes within dermatology. This review highlights many of these updates, such as: the skin biopsy codes have been subdivided to reflect the different biopsy techniques. The definition of complex linear repairs has been updated and clarified. Outpatient and inpatient evaluation and management visits have new coding guidelines to determine level of care. Dermatopathology consultation codes have been updated and category III codes related to digital pathology have been created. Understanding the details and nuances of each of these categories of codes is vital to ensuring appropriate coding is performed.

Botanical Briefs: Contact Dermatitis Induced by Western Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron rydbergii).

"Leaves of three, leave it be" serves as an apt caution for avoiding poison ivy (Toxicodendron species) and its dermatitis-inducing sap. Toxicodendron contact dermatitis (TCD) poses a notable burden to the American health care system by accounting for half a million reported cases of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) annually. Identifying and avoiding physical contact with the western poison ivy (Toxicodendron rydbergii) plant prevails as the chief method of preventing TCD. This article discusses common features of T rydbergii as well as clinical manifestations and treatment options following exposure to this allergenic plant.

What's Eating You? Rhipicephalus Ticks Revisited.

Rhipicephalus ticks are vectors of disease in humans and animals. Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (the brown dog tick) is one of the most geographically widespread tick species worldwide, likely due to its ability to colonize human and canine dwellings over a range of habitats. They transmit a variety of diseases to dogs and humans, including canine babesiosis, canine monocytic ehrlichiosis, hepatozoonosis, Mediterranean spotted fever, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Tick bites manifest as intensely pruritic, erythematous papules at the site of tick attachment; symptomatic relief usually can be achieved with topical antipruritics. Prevention of tick bites is best achieved through a combination of veterinary and environmental control; protective clothing; repellents, such as N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET) and permethrin; and prompt identification and removal of ticks.