Complex Management of Basal Cell Carcinoma in a Frail Patient.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in older patients and has low mortality. Surgical versus medical management is considered in patients with multiple comorbidities and limited life expectancy (LLE), where the risk-to-benefit ratio must be carefully assessed. Watchful waiting (WW) is a viable option for some patients with severe LLE when follow-up care can be provided vigilantly and frequently. Special consideration should be given to morbidity factors such as tumor growth, bleeding, pain, and social withdrawal that negatively affect the quality of life. We present the case of a 75-year-old male with a past medical history of multiple system atrophy, who presented with a BCC on the ear and face. We discuss the management of this patient and factors that may have led to the inappropriate use of WW.

Psoriasis and Skin Barrier Dysfunction: The Role of Gentle Cleansers and Moisturizers in Treating Psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated dermatologic disorder with multisystemic comorbidities, which is effectively treated with a range of prescription therapies. Studies have reported epidermal barrier abnormalities in the lesional skin of psoriasis patients; however, there is currently insufficient information about skin barrier function in psoriasis patients. This review discusses the potential role of gentle cleansers and moisturizers in the management of psoriasis and in promoting a healthy skin barrier. METHODS: A literature review was followed by the authors' discussions and agreement on 5 statements to provide expert guidance for gentle cleansers and moisturizer use in psoriasis patients. RESULTS: In a workshop, the authors provided feedback on 15 draft statements created prior to the meeting, and agreed upon 5 statements. The authors agreed that guidelines rarely mention skincare for psoriasis patients, demonstrating a potential knowledge gap. Skincare may play a role in managing psoriasis as an adjuvant treatment of acute psoriasis and for maintenance treatment of healing skin during asymptomatic periods. Studies of patients with psoriasis applying topical moisturizers (such as those containing salicylic acid or ceramides) showed softened plaques, enhancing the absorption of topical treatments such as corticosteroids. Studies applying ceramide-containing skincare showed an overall improvement in the appearance of the skin and provided relief for psoriasis. CONCLUSION: The authors agreed that skincare and barrier restoration in treating psoriasis is a relatively new concept for most dermatologists. There is a need to develop a more robust body of evidence on skincare for psoriasis to influence clinical practice in a meaningful way. Kircik L, Alexis AF, Andriessen A, et al. Psoriasis and skin barrier dysfunction: the role of gentle cleansers and moisturizers in treating psoriasis. J Drugs Dermatol. 2023;22(8):773-778. doi:10.36849/JDD.7411.

Severe persistent urticaria following laser hair reduction.

BACKGROUND: Laser hair reduction is a common practice that utilized light-based therapy to prevent future hair growth. Complications following laser hair reduction treatment include thermal burns, which may lead to hyper- or hypopigmentation, hair stimulation, scar, or transient erythema of treated areas. AIMS: Review reports of persistent urticaria following laser hair reduction and discuss a rarely discussed laser complication. METHODS: Pubmed literature review. RESULTS: There have been very rare reports of persistent urticaria following laser hair reduction. Similar case reports have also been described though no definitive reasoning for this reaction, nor consistent treatment has been documented. DISCUSSION: In this report, we present a patient who developed persistent urticaria with severe pruritus in the areas treated with laser hair reduction. Previous reports an association was found between allergies and post-treatment urticarial eruption, with 33/36 patients having allergies, mostly to dust mites which is similar to the patient presented. Other etiologies such as reaction to cryogen and physical urticaria are unlikely. CONCLUSION: Our report highlights a case of persistent urticaria with severe pruritus following laser hair reduction treatment, with both similarities and differences to other cases reported in the literature. While this is a rare side effect of laser hair removal, it should be monitored in patients who have a history of moderate to severe environmental allergies.

Dose escalation and associated costs in biologic treatment of psoriasis based on real-world data.

OBJECTIVES: This study documents real-world patterns and additional costs of above-label (≥10% above the recommended maintenance dose) use of biologics in patients with plaque psoriasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a descriptive, retrospective cohort analysis using the IBM MarketScan Commercial and Medicare Supplemental Databases. Adult patients diagnosed with plaque psoriasis initiating treatment with etanercept, adalimumab, ixekizumab, or secukinumab between 1 January 2015 and 30 November 2019 (index) were eligible. Only biologics approved prior to 2017 were included to ensure data for all agents was available throughout the study period. Patients had no other indications for biologics of interest. Outcomes were measured in the 12-month follow-up period after start of maintenance dosing. RESULTS: Of 6453 patients included, 708 (11.0%) received etanercept, 4654 (72.1%) received adalimumab, 228 (3.5%) received ixekizumab, and 863 (13.4%) received secukinumab. Above-label dosing was recorded in 326 (46.0%) patients receiving etanercept, 513 (11.0%) receiving adalimumab, 40 (17.5%) receiving ixekizumab, and 79 (9.2%) receiving secukinumab. Mean time to above-label use for all treatments was 50.7-99.5 days; the median was 21-37 days. Mean duration of above-label use for all treatments was 130-196 days; the median was 35-175 days. Mean total additional annual psoriasis-related medical/pharmacy costs associated with above-label use were $312/$16,475 for etanercept, $278/$9,773 for adalimumab, $124/$5,202 for ixekizumab, and $277/$9,288 for secukinumab. Above-label use was generally not associated with safety concerns; however, gastrointestinal and combined "other" nonrespiratory infections were significantly more frequent in patients receiving adalimumab above-label. CONCLUSIONS: Above-label use of biologics for psoriasis treatment was most frequent for patients receiving etanercept, followed by ixekizumab, adalimumab, and secukinumab. Above-label vs on-label use resulted in additional costs but few significant safety concerns.

Once-Daily Halobetasol Propionate 0.01% Lotion for Moderate-to-Severe Plaque Psoriasis: Phase 3 Analysis of Hispanic Participants.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory disease that may differ in prevalence and clinical presentation among patients from various racial and ethnic groups. Two phase 3 studies demonstrated efficacy and safety of halobetasol propionate (HP) 0.01% lotion in the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis (NCT02514577, NCT02515097). These post hoc analyses evaluated HP 0.01% lotion in Hispanic participants. METHODS: Participants were randomized (2:1) to receive once-daily HP or vehicle lotion for 8 weeks, with a 4-week posttreatment follow-up. Post hoc efficacy assessments in Hispanic participants (HP, n=76; vehicle, n=43) included treatment success (≥2­grade improvement in Investigator’s Global Assessment and score of ‘clear’ or ‘almost clear’), psoriasis signs, and affected body surface area (BSA). Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were evaluated. RESULTS: At week 8, 38.8% of participants achieved treatment success with HP versus 10.3% on vehicle (P=0.001). HP­treated participants achieved greater improvements in psoriasis signs, compared with vehicle (P<0.01 all). HP group had a greater reduction in affected BSA versus vehicle (P=0.001). Treatment-related TEAEs with HP were application site infection and dermatitis (n=1 each). CONCLUSIONS: Once-daily HP 0.01% lotion was associated with significant reductions in disease severity in Hispanic participants with moderate-to-severe psoriasis, with good tolerability and safety over 8 weeks. J Drugs Dermatol. 2021;20(3):252-258. doi:10.36849/JDD.5698.

Intravascular Basal Cell Carcinoma Hiding under a Keratoacanthoma.

A 79-year-old male presented for removal of what was proven to be a keratoacanthoma. Additional tissue removed deep to the initial lesion revealed intravascular basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Intravascular BCC is exceedingly rare with only 8 cases previously reported in the literature. Intravascular BCC may be associated with more aggressive subtypes. Intravascular infiltration is more common in metastatic BCC, but this finding may not imply causality. More data are required in order to determine prognostic implications of intravascular BCC and to develop a protocol for managing patients with this unique finding.

Melanoma and Thyroid Carcinoma: Our Current Understanding.

Melanoma is listed among the most common cancers in the United States, with new cases increasing steadily.1 Due to the aggressive nature of melanoma and its high risk of metastasis, early detection and treatment is essential. It is noted that the majority of unresectable and metastatic melanomas are BRAF V600-mutated.2 Recently, rates of papillary thyroid carcinoma have also been increasing. Studies have indicated BRAF V600-mutations are common in papillary thyroid carcinoma, second only to melanoma. The BRAF mutation in thyroid carcinoma similarly portends more aggressive behavior. The association between melanoma and thyroid disease was noted in several patients in our clinic and fueled our literature review in an attempt to better understand this clinical observation. A systematic English-language literature review was performed using PubMed Central and ScienceDirect online databases. Search parameters included articles published from January 2000 to July 2018 and key search terms were melanoma and thyroid carcinoma and BRAF mutation and thyroid cancer. The initial search yielded 2,470 and 234 articles in each respective database. Articles that lacked relevant information were excluded. The literature we reviewed supports our theory that thyroid dysfunction is disproportionately noted among patients with a history of melanoma. In order to detect disease early, it is critical for dermatologists, internists, family practitioners, endocrinologists, and oncologists to be aware of the association between these two primary malignancies when proceeding with appropriate screening examinations.

Multiple Facial Lesions of Recalcitrant Pyoderma Gangrenosum Successfully Treated with Adalimumab.

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare, ulcerative, inflammatory skin disease that most commonly presents on the lower legs. Development of PG on the head and neck is exceedingly rare. We present the case of a 52-year-old man with no known history of underlying systemic disease who developed multiple facial lesions of PG that were refractory to both standard and alternative treatment modalities. Clearance of disease was ultimately achieved using adalimumab.

Consensus Guidelines on the Use of Superficial Radiation Therapy for Treating Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers and Keloids.

Background: The use of superficial radiation therapy (SRT) has experienced a renaissance for treating nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) and recurrent keloids; however, published treatment guidelines are lacking. Objective: The objective of this work was to provide consensus guidelines on the use of SRT for treating NMSC and recurrent keloids based on a review of the literature and expert opinion. Methods and Materials: A search of the medical literature was performed to obtain published information on the use of SRT for review. A group of qualified dermatologists convened to discuss their views on the use of SRT for the treatment of NMSCs and recurrent keloids. The various guidelines were considered to have consensus based on a supermajority two-thirds vote. The final consensus guidelines are thus based on the medical literature, when available, and expert opinions. Results: Agreement on consensus guidelines was reached for numerous aspects of SRT use, including appropriate tumor types for SRT; anatomical areas suitable for SRT; energy, fractions, and scheduling recommendations for SRT; use of SRT in the presence of comorbidities; safety factors; and treatment recommendations for recurrent keloids, based the literature and on both the opinions of the expert group and a survey of experienced users. Conclusion: Consensus was reached that SRT is a safe and effective treatment for basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas and should be considered as the first-line form of radiation treatment. Postsurgical treatment of keloid excision suture lines with SRT significantly reduces keloid recurrence rates.

Pyoderma Gangrenosum-associated Granulomatosis with Polyangitis: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Granulomatosis with polyangitis, formerly known as Wegener's granulomatosis, is a multi-system vasculitis that has a variable clinical presentation. Although uncommon, cutaneous symptoms can be the initial presenting symptom of granulomatosis with polyangitis. We present an unusual case of pyoderma gangrenosum followed by a diagnosis of granulomatosis with polyangitis. We also provide a review of current literature on therapeutic options.

Dehydrated Human Amnion/Chorion Membrane as Adjunctive Therapy in the Multidisciplinary Treatment of Pyoderma Gangrenosum: A Case Report.

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is an uncommon chronic and progressive skin disorder that can lead to severe tissue necrosis, pathergy, horrendous pain, and disfigurement if not properly and promptly diagnosed and treated. Systemic treatment traditionally consists of long-term immunosuppression. Topical care of the painful wound often represents a clinical challenge. A 77-year-old woman with multiple comorbidities including venous insufficiency and diabetes mellitus was diagnosed through exclusion with refractory, painful PG. She was managed for 3 months by a multidisciplinary team comprised of an internist, 2 dermatologists, and a podiatric wound care specialist using immunosuppressive therapy, several local wound care modalities, and supportive bandages. During that time, severe wound pain continued unabated and the affected area changed from 3 separate wounds measuring 1.4 cm x 1.0 cm x .01 cm, 1.2 cm x 0.5 cm x 0.1 cm, and 0.6 cm x 0.5 cm x 0.1 cm to 1 wound measuring 8.0 cm x 10.3 cm x 0.1 cm. At that time, dehydrated human amnion/chorion membrane (dHACM) allograft, previously reported to facilitate healing venous leg and diabetic foot ulcers, was incorporated into the treatment plan. The patient reported wound pain decreased from 10 out of 10 to 5 out of 10 within hours following application. At the 4 day follow-up visit, she reported no pain; after 1 week, the wound decreased 6.4 cm x 9.4 cm x 0.1 cm in size and after 2 months (3 applications) the wound had reduced in area from 103 cm2 to 57.96 cm2 (reduced by more than half [56%]). In this patient, following the application of dHACM as an adjunct to immunosuppressive therapy, pain receded and wound healing commenced. Additional controlled studies are needed to ascertain the generalizability of this observation.

Treatment of Schamberg's disease with advanced fluorescence technology.

Schamberg's disease is a pigmented purpuric dermatosis that is generally asymptomatic, however, patients with Schamberg's disease often seek treatment for aesthetic improvement. Many topical and systemic therapies have been tried without consistent results. This case series describes the treatment of five patients with Schamberg's disease of the lower extremities using Advanced Fluorescence Technology (AFT) pulsed light with favorable results.

Etanercept: an evolving role in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) plays a key pathophysiological role in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Recent interest has thus focused on the clinical potential of TNFalpha antagonists (e.g. etanercept) in these settings. In psoriasis, several large pooled analyses and well-designed clinical trials documented the significant clinical efficacy and generally favorable tolerability of etanercept for up to 96 weeks. Similarly, in PsA, a large phase III trial showed that, etanercept significantly reduced arthritic symptoms and inhibited radiographic disease progression; sustained clinical benefit was again evident for up to 2 years. Etanercept is at the forefront of psoriatic disease management, and continued evolution and evaluation of the compound - for example, in detailed comparative studies and economic analyses - is likely to confirm a key role for etanercept in the treatment of psoriasis and PsA.