Online Readability Analysis: Mohs Micrographic Surgery Postsurgical Wound Care.

OBJECTIVE: Although various treatment modalities exist for skin cancer care, Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is one of the most effective and cosmetically sensitive surgical techniques. The readability of online informational materials specifically related to MMS postsurgical wound care is extremely relevant for patients given the high rates of skin cancer in the US and the number of patients utilizing the internet for information. METHODS: Investigators conducted Google searches to evaluate the current state of readability on MMS postsurgical wound care using the specific keywords "healing after Mohs surgery" and "wound care Mohs surgery." The readabilities of individual websites were analyzed using the WebFX online software. Health-specific click-through rate was used to select the number of samples assessed. RESULTS: Based on the 33 unique websites evaluated, the aggregate readability of online MMS postsurgical wound care materials was 11.3, corresponding to an 11th-grade reading level by US standards. CONCLUSIONS: Although this level of readability is an improvement in online MMS postsurgical wound care information relative to prior literature, there is still considerable work to be done by the dermatologic community in improving the readability of online patient materials regarding MMS.

Dermatomyositis: Histopathologic findings of parakeratosis and dermal edema revisited.

The cutaneous manifestations of dermatomyositis range from classical in the case of heliotrope rash and Gottron papules to less common papulosquamous and edematous/vesiculobullous lesions; histopathologic descriptions are dominated by interface dermatitis. We present a case of dermatomyositis with a combination of common and rare skin findings, both clinically and histologically. Increased awareness of papulosquamous and edematous lesions of dermatomyositis can help direct patient care. Although uncommon, confluent parakeratosis and dermal edema can be manifestations of dermatomyositis.

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) associated with levamisole-adulterated cocaine: Clinical, serologic, and histopathologic findings in a cohort of patients.

BACKGROUND: Recently, isolated reports of pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) secondary to levamisole-contaminated cocaine have been described, with similar serologic findings to the vasculopathic presentation. OBJECTIVE: We sought to describe clinical, histopathological, and serologic findings in 8 patients with PG associated with levamisole-contaminated cocaine. METHODS: Eight consecutive patients presenting with this disease spanning the period from 2011 to 2015 were included for the cohort. Observed variables included: lesion distribution, morphology, serologic titers, and histopathologic evaluation for vasculitis and vasculopathy. RESULTS: All patients reported cocaine exposure prior to the onset of lesions resembling PG. Lesions appeared primarily on the upper (6 of 8 patients) and lower (all 8 patients) extremities. Most patients demonstrated elevated titers for p-ANCA and antiphospholipid antibodies, and a diffuse dermal infiltrate dominated by neutrophils was seen in all biopsy specimens. Lesions improved or remained stable with conservative management or short courses of steroids, and recurrence was only noted on re-exposure to adulterated cocaine. LIMITATIONS: The study is limited by sample size. CONCLUSIONS: PG may occur after exposure to levamisole-adulterated cocaine. Clinical and histopathological findings resemble those seen in conventional forms of PG, whereas serologic findings mirror those seen in other levamisole-associated vasculopathic or vasculitic eruptions. Cocaine avoidance represents a cornerstone of management in these patients.

Neurofibroma Within a Nevus Sebaceus: A Case Report.

Nevus sebaceus most commonly presents as a yellow, alopecic plaque on the head or neck in childhood and evolves into a verrucous plaque at puberty. Numerous secondary tumors may arise within nevus sebaceus lesions. Tumors of mesenchymal origin have been rarely documented. We present a unique case of a patient who presented with a nevus sebaceus on the scalp. Excision of the tumor and subsequent histopathology of the lesion revealed a nevus sebaceus with a desmoplastic trichilemmoma, a tumor of follicular infundibulum, and a neurofibroma. This case highlights a rare finding of a mesenchymal tumor, and the first reported neurofibroma, arising in association with a nevus sebaceus.

Management of full-thickness skin grafts.

Full-thickness skin grafts are a commonly used reconstructive method following Mohs micrographic surgery. The literature varies on the most appropriate methods of suturing and securing grafts as well as best practices to dress the graft postoperatively. Our objective was to review various approaches to management of full-thickness skin grafts, including suturing the graft, securing the graft, and topical emollient use on the graft postoperatively. It was found that absorbable sutures, plain gut, provide preferable outcomes with full-thickness skin grafts. The tie-over bolster is the most-used method for securing skin grafts after placement, although several other methods have demonstrated efficacy, including the polyurethane foam, sandwich, and quilting suture methods. While various topical emollients are used in the immediate postoperative period, plain white petrolatum is the least likely to form allergic contact dermatitis.