Bleach baths for atopic dermatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis including unpublished data, Bayesian interpretation, and GRADE.

BACKGROUND: Bleach bathing is frequently recommended to treat atopic dermatitis (AD), but its efficacy and safety are uncertain. OBJECTIVE: To systematically synthesize randomized controlled trials (RCTs) addressing bleach baths for AD. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and GREAT from inception to December 29, 2021, for RCTs assigning patients with AD to bleach vs no bleach baths. Paired reviewers independently and in duplicate screened records, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias (Cochrane version 2) and GRADE quality of evidence. We obtained unpublished data, harmonized individual patient data and did Frequentist and Bayesian random-effects meta-analyses. RESULTS: There were 10 RCTs that enrolled 307 participants (median of mean age 7.2 years, Eczema Area Severity Index baseline mean of means 27.57 [median SD, 10.74]) for a median of 6 weeks (range, 4-10). We confirmed that other trials registered globally were terminated. Bleach baths probably improve AD severity (22% vs 32% improved Eczema Area Severity Index by 50% [ratio of means 0.78, 95% credible interval 0.59-0.99]; moderate certainty) and may slightly reduce skin Staphylococcal aureus colonization (risk ratio, 0.89 [95% confidence interval, 0.73-1.09]; low certainty). Adverse events, mostly dry skin and irritation, along with itch, patient-reported disease severity, sleep quality, quality of life, and risk of AD flares were not clearly different between groups and of low to very low certainty. CONCLUSION: In patients with moderate-to-severe AD, bleach baths probably improve clinician-reported severity by a relative 22%. One in 10 will likely improve severity by 50%. Changes in other patient-important outcomes are uncertain. These findings support optimal eczema care and the need for additional large clinical trials. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO Identifier: CRD42021238486.

Structural racism and its influence on the severity of atopic dermatitis in African American children.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common skin disease of childhood and is often more severe in African American than white children. The reason for this disparity is unknown, but recent research indicates that it may be due to a combination of environmental and genetic factors. The objective of this article was to explore the relationship between measures of structural racism and residential segregation within pediatric AD. METHODS: An in-office, online survey consisting of 58 questions spanning 5 domains (demographics, in-home crowding, community crowding, air quality, and litter) was administered to a convenience sample of 201 pediatric AD patients (age 0-18 years). Survey data were geocoded and linked to a measure of structural racism (ie, residential segregation). RESULTS: African American children were more likely to live in rented homes, be in lower income families, have caregivers with lower educational attainment, and be exposed to tobacco smoke. The same factors that were associated with worse AD severity in this study were also found in published literature, emphasizing the role of social determinants of health and racial differences in AD severity. Additionally, this study found that living in highly segregated communities was more likely to be associated with severe AD in African American children. CONCLUSIONS: Consistent with reported literature, socioeconomic status, race, and the physical environment appear to affect AD severity. This investigation adds structural racism as an important community characteristic that likely has significant effects on AD severity for African American Children.

Idiopathic, Refractory Sweet's Syndrome Associated with Common Variable Immunodeficiency: a Case Report and Literature Review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Sweet's syndrome (SS) is classically considered a hypersensitivity reaction often associated with autoimmune disorders and malignancy. SS has also been increasingly reported to occur with immunodeficiencies. We present a case of treatment-refractory, systemic SS as the initial manifestation in a young child with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). We also review current literature about SS and concurrent immunodeficiencies and autoimmunity in CVID patients. RECENT FINDINGS: Few case reports exist regarding the co-occurrence of Sweet's syndrome and primary immunodeficiencies. SS is characterized by a pro-inflammatory state with a neutrophil predominance resulting in a spectrum of clinical manifestations. CVID is a multifactorial antibody deficiency that can be associated with autoimmunity, which some studies have proposed to be secondary to altered CD21 expression. SS occurring in patients with CVID has been infrequently reported, and one case study demonstrated improvement of Sweet's associated skin lesions with immunoglobulin replacement. In our case, the patient had multi-system SS refractory to multiple immunomodulatory therapies. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the effective and safe use of intravenous tocilizumab and oral lenalidomide to treat SS in a child with CVID. Immunoglobulin replacement reduced the frequency of infections and may have contributed to the opportunity to wean the immunosuppressive therapies for Sweet's syndrome. Sweet's syndrome as an initial manifestation of co-occurring immunodeficiencies is rare, and providers need a high index of suspicion. In addition, treatment of SS associated with an immunodeficiency can be a challenge. Treatment with immunoglobulin replacement reduces the frequency of infections, and in some patients with concurrent SS may improve skin lesions and reduce the need for immunomodulator therapy. Further study is necessary to better understand the pathogenesis of CVID in patients with SS and to identify possible biomarkers that predict who with SS are at risk for developing hypogammaglobulinemia.

Solitary plaque on the leg of a child: A report of two cases and a brief review of acral pseudolymphomatous angiokeratoma of children and unilesional mycosis fungoides.

Acral pseudolymphomatous angiokeratoma of children (APACHE) and unilesional mycosis fungoides (MF) are two rare dermatoses in the pediatric population which may have overlapping clinical and histopathologic features, making differentiation between these two diagnoses difficult. We present two similar cases of a solitary plaque on the thigh of a child, one representing APACHE and the other representing unilesional MF with granulomatous features, and we provide a brief overview of the clinical and histopathologic features of APACHE and unilesional MF.

Thread epilation: a less traumatic technique for patients undergoing isotretinoin therapy.

Skin fragility is a well-established complication of isotretinoin therapy for severe or resistant acne and presents a challenge to traditional modes of epilation such as waxing. As such, other less traumatic hair removal methods are desired. Herein we present the threading technique as an alternative form of epilation for patients in whom waxing is contraindicated secondary to concerns over skin fragility.

Pediatric periorificial dermatitis: clinical course and treatment outcomes in 222 patients.

BACKGROUND: Periorificial dermatitis (POD) is a rosacea-like papulopustular facial eruption most commonly reported in young adult women. Although POD has been reported in children as young as 6 months of age, there are limited data on the diagnosis and management of POD in pediatric cases. METHODS: All children diagnosed with POD at the Dermatology Clinic at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill between June 2002 and March 2014 were included in the current study. Information related to demographics, associated risk factors, treatment prescribed, adverse effects, and response to treatment were obtained from a retrospective analysis of medical records. RESULTS: Of the 222 children identified, 55.4% were female, 62.2% Caucasian, and the average age at presentation to the clinic was 6.6 years. Although the etiology of POD remains uncertain, 29.3% reported a past medical history of atopic dermatitis, 14.9% reported a history of asthma and 58.1% reported a history of steroid use prior to POD onset. Fifty-nine percent were seen at a clinic visit for follow-up at an average of 3.8 months. Treatment often involved combining oral azithromycin with topical metronidazole or sodium sulfacetamide lotion. Of the patients with documented follow-up, 71.8% experienced complete resolution of POD. Recurrence of POD occurred in children dependent on inhaled steroids or nebulizers. Adverse effects were minimally noted, but included pigmentary changes (1.8%), worsening of symptoms (1.8%), gastrointestinal upset (0.9%), irritant dermatitis (0.9%), and xerosis (0.5%). CONCLUSION: This study discusses the clinical diagnosis and management of POD in pediatric cases.

Isotretinoin and vitiligo: can chronic cheilitis cause koebnerization?

Vitiligo after trauma through koebnerization is a widely reported phenomenon. Herein we present a case of vitiligo in an area of chronic cheilitis after isotretinoin treatment.

Wolf's Isotopic Response: Varicella Within a Prior Immunization Reaction Site.

Wolf's isotopic response describes the occurrence of a dermatologic condition at the site of a prior healed unrelated condition. Our report details a case of varicella occurring as a secondary condition at the site of a prior immunization reaction; herpesvirus infection has not been reported as a secondary condition in cases of Wolf's isotopic response before. Current hypotheses favor the involvement of neurohormonal modulation of local immunity in response to various forms of injury as a model for explaining these phenomena.

Genetics of hemangiomas, vascular malformations, and primary lymphedema.

With improved genetic testing and genomic sequencing, abnormalities are increasingly being identified in affected or germline tissues in DNA of patients with vascular tumors, vascular malformations, and lymphedema. Recognition of the genetics of vascular anomalies should help clinicians make more specific diagnoses, anticipate diagnosis-specific morbidities, provide better genetic counseling, and have a better understanding of the pathogenesis of these anomalies. Growing pharmacologic options, including therapies targeted to specific mutations, with obvious parallels to cancer treatment now allow the pediatric hematologist-oncologist to assume a more prominent role in clinical care and research for patients with these diagnoses. We summarize genes and genetic loci that have been associated with vascular anomalies and offer guidelines for patient evaluations.

Beetle juice: a guide for the use of cantharidin in the treatment of molluscum contagiosum.

Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is an increasingly common cutaneous viral infection that primarily affects the pediatric population. MC lesions are benign, and most cases resolve within 6-9 months. Nonetheless, many patients and their parents seek active treatment of MC because of local pain, pruritus, embarrassment due to the lesions, or desire to reduce transmission to siblings. Individuals with atopic dermatitis are predisposed to severe and protracted MC, and immunocompromised patients may never clear the infection without treatment. Despite the availability of various therapies, no clear best treatment for MC has emerged. Cantharidin is a commonly used and effective therapy for MC that is generally well tolerated and has high rates of parental satisfaction. In this review, current literature regarding MC is summarized and particular focus is placed on the use of cantharidin for treating MC, including a review of the literature and detailed instructions for its use.

Goodbye warts, hello vitiligo: Candida antigen-induced depigmentation.

Depigmentation after the use of topical immune modulators is a rare but reported event. Herein we present what is to our knowledge the first case of vitiligo at a site of Candida antigen injection.

Failure to thrive in infants with complicated facial hemangiomas.

We have observed that some children with facial hemangiomas of infancy have feeding difficulties coincident with periods of failure to thrive. We evaluated the early oral sensory and feeding experiences of four children with facial hemangiomas through medical record review and parental surveys to investigate their contribution to the patients' failure to thrive. All children with feeding irregularities experienced some degree of oral sensory impairment and required early oral sensory intervention, but there were varying reports of difficulty or delay in the development of oral feeding. The nature of these difficulties is discussed. Infants with complicated facial hemangiomas with perioral and airway involvement may be at higher risk for feeding and oral sensory problems. We recommend close monitoring for failure to thrive and early evaluation by speech or occupational therapists.

Lupus erythematosus panniculitis in children: report of three cases and review of previously reported cases.

Lupus erythematosus panniculitis (LEP) is a rare finding in children, with only 12 fully reported prior cases in the English literature. We describe three cases of LEP in children younger than 18 and compare them to previous cases reported in the literature. We examine laboratory tests performed, biopsy results, age at onset and diagnosis, presence or absence of systemic symptoms, and outcomes after treatment. It is unknown what the risk is of these patients developing future systemic lupus erythematosus. We also discuss the relevance of subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma, because the clinical and pathologic pictures are similar in presentation.

Epidermolysis bullosa nevus-like lesions in a pediatric patient with pyoderma gangrenosum.

Epidermolysis bullosa-associated nevi are recently described dysplastic nevi found in patients with epidermolysis bullosa. These lesions display clinical features of unusual nevi suggestive of malignancy but thus far cases with malignant transformation have not been reported. We describe a case of epidermolysis bullosa-type nevi developing in a child with pyoderma gangrenosum. The nevi in our patient were found in areas previously affected by pyoderma gangrenosum and were clinically concerning for malignancy. However, they were only moderately atypical on light and confocal microscopy. This case demonstrates that pediatric patients with cutaneous inflammation, bullae formation, or both, are at risk for developing unusual nevi at previous sites of skin involvement. Considering the absence of malignant change in these nevi, we suggest that close observation can be employed in cases where this diagnosis can be confirmed both clinically and microscopically.

Case report: Meningothelial hamartoma of the scalp in a 9-year-old child.

Meningothelial hamartomas represent a collection of meningothelial elements in an ectopic location. Lesions are histologically characterized as a proliferation of connective tissue elements and small- and medium-sized vessels admixed with meningothelial elements. Lesions are most often located on the scalp, present at birth, and do not extend past the subcutis. We discuss the case of a 9-year-old African American girl presenting with one such lesion on the parietal aspect of the scalp.

Perioral lesions in ectrodactyly, ectodermal dysplasia, clefting syndrome.

Ectrodactyly, ectodermal dysplasia, clefting syndrome (EEC) is a rare autosomal dominant genodermatosis. We describe perioral lesions presented in a young boy with a history of EEC. While this is not the first mention of perioral lesions in EEC, they have been poorly characterized and are not defined as a common feature of the syndrome.

Pediatric procedural dermatology.

Pediatric procedural dermatology is a broad and emerging field. Pediatric patients often present with unique diagnoses, and procedures in this population often require special tools. In addition, performing procedures on infants, children, and teenagers requires special considerations, skill sets, and knowledge. This article provides a brief overview of decision-making processes, common diagnoses, and common procedures performed by dermatologists in this patient population.

Emerging drugs for acne.

Acne vulgaris is a common skin disorder that affects most individuals at some point in their lives. It may result in significant morbidity, including cutaneous scarring and psychological impairment. Current treatments include topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, topical and systemic antibiotics, and systemic isotretinoin. There are growing concerns of rising antibiotic resistance, significant side effects of isotretinoin therapy, and lack of safe and effective treatment for pregnant females. Recent advances in the pathogenesis of acne have led to a greater understanding of the underlying inflammatory mechanisms and the role the Propionibacterium acnes and biofilms. This has led to the development of new therapeutic targets. This article reviews emerging treatments of acne, including topical picolinic acid, topical antibiotic dapsone, systemic zinc salts, oral antibiotic lymecycline, new formulations of and synergistic combinations of benzoyl peroxide, photodynamic therapy with topical photosensitizers and potential acne vaccines.