Evaluation of the effectiveness and safety of combined oral and topical photoprotection with a standardized extract of Polypodium leucotomos (Fernblock®) in a Moroccan population with xeroderma pigmentosum.

BACKGROUND: Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a rare autosomal-recessive genodermatosis resulting from a DNA-repair defect syndrome. The purpose was to evaluate the prevention on new malignant lesions in patients taking a supplement with Fernblock® (Polypodium leucotomos extract [PLE]) and secondarily correlation with the photoprotective behavior. METHODS: A prospective, single-center and open cohort study was conducted over a 12-month period. The study was performed in Morocco. Optimal photoprotection behavior was recommended. Patients were instructed to take one capsule containing 480 mg of Fernblock® and 5 mcg vitamin D and to apply sunscreen with a SPF50+ and Fernblock® every 2 h during sun exposure. The demographic, clinical, and dermatoscopic patient data were collected at baseline (T0) and following visits at 3 months (T3), 6 months (T6), and 12 months (T12) when it was assessed: Investigator Global Assessment (IGA), Patient/Guardian Global Assessment (PGA), Patient/Guardian Satisfaction Questionnaire, and Photographic and Adverse Events Registration. Pertinent statistical study was performed. RESULTS: Eighteen patients completed the study. Eleven patients (61%) finished the study without new lesions. Seven patients developed new lesions by the end of the study. Among them, only 30% showed an ideal photoprotective behavior. The lack of an optimal photoprotective behavior increased the probability of developing lesions by 2.5 times with 95% confidence interval. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, more than 60% of patients taking a supplement with Fernblock® did not develop new lesions, and furthermore, we detected that patients following almost ideal photoprotection were 2.5 times less likely to develop NMSC lesions.

Nasolabial Ulcerated Placard Revealing a Primary Cutaneous Aggressive Epidermotropic CD8+ T-cell Lymphoma.

Primary cutaneous aggressive epidermotropic CD8+ T-cell lymphoma is a rare entity representing less than 1% of cutaneous lymphomas. It has an aggressive clinical manifestation with a poor prognosis. It is characterized by cytotoxic and epidermotropic CD8+ proliferation. It also expresses the TIA-1 marker. We report a new case for its display and aggressive character, diagnostic difficulty, and good therapeutic response to chemotherapy. This is a 62-year-old female patient admitted to the hospital for a nasolabial ulcerated placard evolving for two years. Clinical examination revealed submandibular lymph nodes. The specimen analysis associated with anatomoclinical manifestation was concluded for a primary cutaneous aggressive epidermotropic CD8+ T-cell lymphoma. Tumor extent assessment did not show any secondary localization. The blood tests and serology were unremarkable. The patient had benefited from a CHOEP-type multidrug therapy protocol with complete healing of the lesion after three courses of chemotherapy.

Linear IgA bullous dermatosis following Oxford AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

A case of linear IgA bullous dermatosis developing 3 days after the second dose of Oxford AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in an adult patient, suggesting a possible causal association. It is worth keeping in mind that COVID-19 vaccination could induce immune-mediated bullous disease in susceptible people.

Erysipelas of the leg: A cross-sectional study of risk factors for recurrence.

BACKGROUND: Erysipelas is a common infection of the superficial layer of skin. The main causative agent is group A ß-hemolytic streptococci. One of the most challenging aspects of this disease is its high rate of recurrence. OBJECTIVES: To identify risk factors for recurrence of erysipelas of the leg. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We included in a cross-sectional study all patients hospitalized for erysipelas of the leg seen at the dermatology department of the Ibn Rochd University Hospital in Casablanca, Morocco, from January 2015 to April 2020. Patients were divided into two groups: those with a single episode (SE) and those with recurrent erysipelas (RE). These two groups were compared for clinical and laboratory characteristics, with particular focus on systemic and local risk factors. RESULTS: The study included 270 patients, of whom 132 had SE and 138 had RE. Age, gender, hospital stay as well as laboratory findings did not differ significantly between the two groups. In multivariable analysis, cutaneous disruption [adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=1.9; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.0-3.71], lymphedema [aOR=19.6; 95% CI: 8.0-57.2], and obesity [aOR=2.3; 95% CI: 1.1-5.2] were significantly associated with RE. Venous insufficiency and diabetes were not found to be associated with risk of recurrence. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that erysipelas is a potentially chronic disease and patients with identified local risk factors or obesity should be considered as exposed to recurrence and considered as targets for antibiotic prophylaxis and other preventive methods.

Trichloroacetic acid (50%) in the treatment of venous leg ulcers.

INTRODUCTION: Leg ulcers are a chronic and disabling condition that is difficult, time-consuming and costly to treat. We report a study evaluating the efficacy of trichloroacetic acid in the treatment of venous leg ulcers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We treated 19 patients with leg ulcers with 50% trichloroacetic acid with one application per week for 6 weeks. The primary evaluation criteria was healing, assessed by measuring the surface area of the ulcer before and after treatment. RESULTS: We included 13 men and 6 women, with venous leg ulcers, with an average age of 57 years. The mean ulcer duration was 2.9 years. Complete healing was achieved in 2 patients, good healing in 9 patients, moderate healing in 6 patients, and poor healing in 2 patients. DISCUSSION: Our study supports the data in the literature from two published series, and suggests that 50% trichloroacetic acid would be a good therapeutic alternative with satisfactory wound healing, low cost, and absence of adverse effects.

[Genetic predisposition to mucocutaneous fungal infections]. / Prédisposition génétique aux infections fongiques cutanéomuqueuses.

Mucocutaneous fungal infections are common and usually occur in the presence of certain risk factors. However, these infections can occur in patients with no known risk factors. This indicates the presence of an underlying genetic susceptibility to fungi reflecting an innate or adaptive immune deficiency. In this review, we highlight genetic factors that predispose to mucocutaneous fungal infections specially candidiasis and dermatophytosis.