Alleviating and exacerbating foods in hidradenitis suppurativa.

While dietary triggers have been investigated in acne and other inflammatory follicular dermatoses, there is a paucity of data on diet and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). We sought to identify exacerbating and alleviating foods in HS patients. An anonymous survey was distributed via HS Facebook support groups and in person at HS specialty clinics. Participants were asked to select all that apply from a list to indicate foods that worsen and make HS better including sweet foods, breads and pasta, red meat, chicken, fish, canned foods, fruits, vegetables, dairy, high-fat foods, I do not know, and no. Only 12.0% (n = 89/744) identified alleviating foods while 32.6% (n = 237/728) identified HS-symptom-exacerbating foods. The most commonly reported exacerbating foods were sweets (67.9%), bread/pasta/rice (51.1%), dairy (50.6%), and high-fat foods (44.2%). The most commonly reported alleviating foods included vegetables (78.7%), fruit (56.2%), chicken (51.7%), and fish (42.7%). Further studies are required to evaluate the mechanistic links between diet and HS. HS patients may benefit from receiving dietary counseling as part of a comprehensive HS management plan.

Erythrodermic Darier disease associated with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma.

We present a patient with erythrodermic Darier disease occurring in temporal association with diagnosis of metastatic lung adenocarcinoma. The patient presented with eroded and crusted keratotic papules and plaques over greater than 90% body surface area with extensive secondary impetiginization. Given a longstanding history of pruritic eruption, this presentation represents a paraneoplastic flare of an underlying genodermatosis. Near total resolution was achieved with chemotherapy and topical corticosteroids.

Current and emerging therapies for hand eczema.

Although hand eczema (HE) and chronic hand eczema (CHE) are common conditions with significant disease burden, they traditionally have had limited treatment options beyond topical and short-term systemic corticosteroids. We reviewed published and preliminary evidence on the current and emerging topical and systemic therapeutic agents for HE and CHE. The etiologies of various HE subtypes are discussed, and remaining knowledge and practice gaps are highlighted to encourage further investigations. A comprehensive search of ClinicalTrials.gov and PubMed was completed for clinical trials that utilized known and emerging treatment options for HE and CHE. Several agents that target IL-4 and IL-13 signaling, keratinocyte proliferation, inflammatory cytokine production, bacterial protein synthesis, and inflammatory mediator (TNF-α, JAK1, JAK2, and JAK3) proliferation are shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of CHE. Systemic agents include dupilumab, alitretinoin, acitretin, cyclosporine, azathioprine, and probiotics. Topical agents include delgocitinib, retapamulin, halometasone/triclosan, calcipotriol/betamethasone, tacrolimus, and pimecrolimus. These modalities have demonstrated varying degrees of clinical efficacy, evaluated by subjective assessments and scoring indexes. Targeted therapies are emerging for HE, but options are still limited, partially due to our narrow understanding of this heterogeneous condition. Additional and targeted therapeutic options are needed to match the rising prevalence and burden of HE. KEYPOINTS: Hand eczema (HE) is a heterogenous dermatosis with limited therapeutic options due to a lack of international guidelines regarding classification of HE subtypes and treatment. This review discusses current and emerging topical and systemic agents and their efficacies in the treatment of different types of hand eczema.

Computer-Based Video Instruction for Training Medical Students on Skin Biopsies.

BACKGROUND: The development of procedural skills is necessary for medical students. Computer-based video instruction (CBVI) increases knowledge and procedural skills. OBJECTIVE: This pilot study's aim was to investigate the usefulness of CBVI in dermatologic procedure training for medical students and secondarily assess students' overall perception of the field of dermatology. METHODS: Twenty-nine first- and second-year medical students were randomly assigned to the CVBI group or control group, in addition to in-person instructor demonstration of shave and punch biopsies using fresh cadaver tissue. Blinded evaluators graded student performances using a five-point Likert scale immediately after demonstration, and 1 week later to assess knowledge retention. RESULTS: In overall performance, the CBVI group demonstrated higher scores both in shave (3.54 vs 2.59, p = .01) and punch biopsies (3.63 vs 2.88, p = .01) at immediate recall and knowledge retention (3.68 vs 2.67, p = .01; 4.00 vs 2.99, p < .001, respectively). Approximately 33.3% of the students stated that the experience increased their interest in the field of dermatology. CONCLUSION: Incorporation of CBVI into the dermatology curriculum augments medical students' procedural skills. The CBVI group performed significantly better in all 7 grading categories for shave biopsy and in 5 of 7 categories for punch biopsy. Integration of procedural laboratory tests raises students' interest in dermatology.

Skin Cancer Epidemiology and Sun Protection Behaviors Among Native Americans

Introduction: Sun protection behaviors in Native American populations are historically under-reported, though the greatest proportion lives in Western states that have the greatest UV-index burden within the United States. Materials/Methods: We deployed an anonymous questionnaire online, in-clinic, and in the community to Native Americans belonging to federally recognized tribe and have resided on a reservation. The questionnaire explored demographics, sunscreen use and preference, skin cancer screening, and personal and family history. Results: One-hundred fifty-nine respondents fit the inclusion criteria. Greater than 80% reported experiencing at least one sunburn, though only 10.7% and 36.4% reported regular sunscreen use on their body and face, respectively. The participants reported a myriad of reasons for which they do not utilize sunscreen, with 9% believing that Native Americans, or other skin of color persons, do not develop skin cancer. This was additionally observed in the low reports of ever receiving a skin exam (7.5%). Discussion: Sunscreen use among Native Americans (36.4%) appears to be greater than other skin of color users, but less than that of non-Hispanic Whites (40.4%). We postulate that this may be due to the respondents living in states with high UV burden, or an intrinsically greater propensity to burn. Native American populations tend to lack skin cancer screenings by dermatologists and understanding of skin cancer etiology. Efforts are needed to encourage education and dermatologic services to Native American reservations. J Drugs Dermatol. 2019;18(5):420-423.

The role of nutrition in inflammatory pilosebaceous disorders: Implication of the skin-gut axis.

Nutrition plays a critical role in the manifestation and management of inflammatory pilosebaceous disorders. There is rich potential for insight into the impact of dietary effects on the pathophysiology of inflammatory pilosebaceous disorders including acne vulgaris, hidradenitis suppurativa, rosacea, and the closely related seborrhoeic dermatitis. Acne vulgaris and hidradenitis suppurativa are thought to have similar diet-modulating pathogenic pathways. Western diet influences Acne vulgaris and hidradenitis suppurativa by increasing insulin and modulating FOX01/mTOR, resulting in over-expression of cytokeratins, hyperproliferation of keratinocytes, and hypercornification of the follicular wall. Key receptors in rosacea are alternatively activated by UV radiation, hot beverages, spicy foods, vanilla, cinnamon, caffeine, alcohol, cold temperatures, and niacin- and formalin-containing foods, to increase oedema and flushing, resulting in erythema, telangiectasia, and warmth, characteristic features of the condition. Seborrhoeic dermatitis, while not a follicular disorder, is closely related, and can be modulated by dietary influences, such as biotin and probiotics. This overview summarizes the role that nutrition plays on these disorders, and identifies dietary modifications as potential adjunctive therapies.

Animated video consultation for reducing pre-operative anxiety in dermatologic surgery.

Pre-operative anxiety is common in patients undergoing dermatologic surgery. This pilot study aimed to evaluate whether the addition of an animated educational video to conventional in-person surgery consultation helps to reduce pre-operative anxiety related to anesthesia, surgery, wound care, and post-operative pain in patients undergoing outpatient dermatologic surgery. Patients awaiting dermatologic surgery were randomized into groups with conventional consultation, or video with consultation prior to undergoing their procedure. The conventional consultation group received conventional consultation with the surgeon, whereas the video with consultation group received conventional consultation and a two-minute-long animated educational video. Intra- and inter-individual score differences were assessed based on baseline and subsequent surveys. Although not statistically significant, video with consultation group anxiety scores were lower than conventional consultation group across all categories. After crossing over, conventional consultation group patients reported statistically significant improvement in anxiety related to all areas except wound care, in which anxiety did not change significantly, although a trend toward reduced anxiety was seen. Animated educational videos during surgical consultation can reduce pre-operative anxiety related to anesthesia, surgery, and post-operative pain. Future studies should explore its benefit to clinical outcomes and overall surgical experience.

Topical probiotics: the unknowns behind their rising popularity.

OBJECTIVE: Topical probiotics have been used for skin care and treatment since the early 20th century. Over the past decade, there has been a dramatic surge of commercially-available topical probiotic products. We conducted a systematic search of clinical data relating to the use of topical probiotics and identified relevant clinical and regulatory gaps. METHODS: PubMed and Google Scholar searches were conducted for trials and reviews of probiotics. FDA definitions of cosmetics, drugs, and regulation of topical probiotics were reviewed. RESULTS: Topical probiotics have shown efficacy in a number of limited trials, particularly those involving the treatment of acne, atopic dermatitis, and rosacea. However, there is a paucity of literature on the safety profiles, mechanistic action, and therapeutic potential of topical probiotic products. Several regulatory gaps exist, including approval and classification of topical probiotic products by the FDA; currently there are no topical probiotic products the FDA has approved as drugs. CONCLUSION: With increasing popularity among the general public, but insufficient clinical data to demonstrate large-scale effectiveness and a thorough understanding of side effects, there is a need for further mechanistic and clinical investigation, as well as improved regulation and standardization of topical probiotic products.

Navigating Targeted Therapeutics in Dermatology: Biologics and Small Molecules

Dermatology is entering an exciting era with new, targeted immune-modulating medications for treating a variety of dermatologic conditions including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis (AD), and hidradenitis suppurativa. Previously, mainstay treatments consisted of topical corticosteroids or broad systemic immunosuppressants. Recently, our understanding of cytokine signaling cascades has grown, presenting new opportunities to target skewed immune responses. Two major classes are biologics and small molecules. Herein, we highlight the similarities and differences between these two categories of targeted medications. J Drugs Dermatol. 2018;17(12):1330-1332.

Head-and-neck dermatitis: Diagnostic difficulties and management pearls.

Head-and-neck dermatitis is a variant of atopic dermatitis (AD) often seen in children and is challenging to diagnose, as it frequently overlaps with other eczematous dermatoses. Successful head-and-neck dermatitis (HND) treatment requires identification of common triggers and clinical mimickers, such as airborne dermatitis, periorificial dermatitis, and steroid-induced rosacea. Head-and-neck involvement negatively impacts quality of life and is often harder to treat than other body parts, as long-term topical corticosteroid use carries higher risks for skin atrophy on the face. Heating and flushing associated with HND further exacerbate the itch-and-scratch-cycle and disrupt sleep. We aim to address diagnostic gaps, identify clinical mimickers, and share clinical pearls in managing HND, including cooling pillows, thermal water sprays, rice starch paper facial masks, and tips to minimize food and saliva-induced facial irritation.

Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole-induced drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms in a child with congenital renal disease.

We present a special case of an 8-year-old girl diagnosed with severe drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms due to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for urinary tract infection prophylaxis for congenital vesicoureteral reflux. The patient is believed to have developed drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms because of her underlying renal disease.

Nivolumab reactivation of hypertrophic lichen planus, a case report and review of published literature.

We report a case of nivolumab-induced lichen planus (LP) reactivation that was previously in remission following chemotherapy for non-smallcelllung cancer (NSCLC). Chemotherapy-induced immunosuppression allowed for complete resolution of the patient's pre-existing LP, a T-cell mediatedautoimmune process. When the patient was switched to nivolumab immunotherapy owing to progression of NSCLC, PD-1 inhibition led to an overwhelming T-cell response that seemed to have provoked a severe LPreactivation. Although lichenoid reactions have been reported with nivolumab, to our knowledge, this is the first reported case of nivolumab monotherapycausing LP reactivation in a patient with a strong personal and family history of the disease that was previously in remission after chemotherapy.

The Use of a Fresh-Tissue Cadaver Model for the Instruction of Dermatological Procedures: A Laboratory Study for Training Medical Students.

BACKGROUND: A realistic model for the instruction of basic dermatologic procedural skills was developed, while simultaneously increasing medical student exposure to the field of dermatology. OBJECTIVE: The primary purpose of the authors' study was to evaluate the utilization of a fresh-tissue cadaver model (FTCM) as a method for the instruction of common dermatologic procedures. The authors' secondary aim was to assess students' perceived clinical skills and overall perception of the field of dermatology after the lab. METHODS: Nineteen first- and second-year medical students were pre- and post-tested on their ability to perform punch and excisional biopsies on a fresh-tissue cadaver. Students were then surveyed on their experience. RESULTS: Assessment of the cognitive knowledge gain and technical skills revealed a statistically significant improvement in all categories (p < .001). An analysis of the survey demonstrated that 78.9% were more interested in selecting dermatology as a career and 63.2% of participants were more likely to refer their future patients to a Mohs surgeon. CONCLUSION: An FTCM is a viable method for the instruction and training of dermatologic procedures. In addition, the authors conclude that an FTCM provides realistic instruction for common dermatologic procedures and enhances medical students' early exposure and interest in the field of dermatology.

Familial pseudoxanthoma elasticum associated with multiple comedones.

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by atypical elastic fibers that causes connective tissue abnormalities of the skin, eyes, and heart, among other organs. The disorder is rare, with a classic presentation of yellow-orange cobblestone-like papules on flexural areas, lax skin, ocular degeneration, and moribund vasculature in multiple organs. There is wide variability in the presentation of the affected organs [1]. We present two sisters with classic cutaneous findings of PXE with the additional unusual findings of numerous open comedones on the neck. To our knowledge, this is the first report of numerous open comedones in familial PXE.

Relationship Disturbances in Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Patient Perspective.

Introduction: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) can significantly impact patients' relationships. Methods: Using an anonymous electronic survey, we aimed to determine what aspects of sexual relationships are affected by HS discomfort and patients' reluctance to discuss HS with their partner. Results: Among the 873 participants, 60.9% reported that some aspect of their relationship was affected by HS discomfort, with the greatest being their sexual encounters with spouse (49.1%). Furthermore, 43.0% (320) of participants reported feeling reluctant to discuss HS with their spouse/significant other, with the more common reason being fear of partner seeing boils and scars (84.7%). Multiple aspects of relationships can be affected by HS such as sexual encounters, overall relationship, and finding a relationship. Additionally, several communication barriers are present, such as fear of partner seeing boils and scars, partner thinking they had an infection such as a sexually transmitted disease, and fear of bloody or malodorous drainage, among others. The presence of anogenital pain, Hurley stage, gender, and age significantly affect these findings. Conclusion: Addressing HS-related relationship disturbances should be included in HS management.