Erythema Nodosum Triggered by a Bite From a Copperhead Snake.

Erythema nodosum (EN) is a form of septal panniculitis that can occur secondary to multiple etiologies including inflammatory disorders, infections, or medications. We describe a 42-year-old woman who developed tender, erythematous, subcutaneous nodules persisting for 4 months following a copperhead snakebite. The diagnosis of EN was confirmed via histopathology, and the patient was treated with colchicine. Physicians should be aware of possible etiologies of EN to evaluate patients who present with new-onset tender subcutaneous nodules. Additionally, physicians should understand the various complications that can result from snakebites, with the potential for lingering cutaneous manifestations weeks to months following the initial bite.

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.

Generalized Fixed Drug Eruptions Require Urgent Care: A Case Series.

A generalized fixed drug eruption (FDE) is an uncommon but potentially dangerous reaction to medication. In this case series, we present 1 patient with a generalized FDE and 2 patients with generalized bullous FDE that resolved with cyclosporine, though 1 patient required close monitoring in the intensive care unit. Immediate acceleration of care upon development and recognition of generalized bullous FDE is essential, as the mortality rate is similar to Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS)/toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN).

Efficacy and safety of low-dose interleukin 2 in the treatment of moderate-to-severe bullous pemphigoid: A single center perspective-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are reduced in the peripheral blood and skin lesions of patients with bullous pemphigoid (BP). Low-dose interleukin 2 (IL-2) therapy can stimulate Tregs specifically, suggesting potential for the treatment of BP. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the response to low-dose IL-2 therapy in the treatment of moderate-to-severe BP. METHODS: Forty-three patients with moderate-to-severe BP were included. The therapy included systemic corticosteroids with an initial dose of 0.5 mg/kg/d for moderate and 1.0 mg/kg/d for severe disease, respectively, combined with allowed immunosuppressants for the control group, whereas in addition to the same corticosteroid therapy, IL-2 (half million IU) was administered subcutaneously every other day for the treatment group for 8 weeks. The primary outcome was the number of days required to achieve disease control. Secondary outcomes included other clinical responses. RESULTS: The number of days required to achieve disease control with the treatment group was (7.60 ± 3.00), which was shorter than in the control group (10.43 ± 3.06) (P = .008). The total amount of systemic corticosteroids was less, and no serious infections were detected in the treatment group. LIMITATIONS: Single center, open-label study with short duration and small size. CONCLUSION: Our trial supports the potential of low-dose IL-2 therapy for patients with moderate-to-severe BP, which showed earlier treatment responses.

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.