Aluminium in dermatology - Inside story of an innocuous metal.

Aluminium, the third most abundant element in the earth's crust, was long considered virtually innocuous to humans but has gained importance in the recent past. Aluminium is ubiquitous in the environment, with various sources of exposure like cosmetics, the food industry, occupational industries, the medical field, transport and electronics. Aluminium finds its utility in various aspects of dermatology as an effective haemostatic agent, anti-perspirant and astringent. Aluminium has a pivotal role to play in wound healing, calciphylaxis, photodynamic therapy and vaccine immunotherapy with diagnostic importance in Finn chamber patch testing and confocal microscopy. The metal also finds significance in cosmetic procedures like microdermabrasion and as an Nd:YAG laser component. It is important to explore the allergic properties of aluminium, as in contact dermatitis and vaccine granulomas. The controversial role of aluminium in breast cancer and breast cysts also needs to be evaluated by further studies.

Dermatological adverse effects of hair dye use: A narrative review.

Hair dyeing is a popular practice dating back to ancient Egyptian times. Initially, hair dye use was restricted to concealing grey and white hairs of the elderly population. However, in recent times, its use is common among the younger generation as a fashion statement. Hair dye contact dermatitis is a common dermatological condition encountered by dermatologists. It is a delayed type of hypersensitivity reaction that commonly affects the scalp and the vicinity of hair line and neck. Para-phenylenediamine (PPD), a synthetic aromatic amine is the most common allergen specifically implicated in hair dye contact dermatitis. Para-phenylenediamine was announced as the allergen of the year in 2006 by the American Contact Dermatitis Society. Contact allergy to para-phenylenediamine can occur in 0.1-2.3% of the general population. Epicutaneous patch testing is the gold standard test for the diagnosis of hair dye contact dermatitis. However, para-phenylenediamine carries a risk of cross-sensitivity and co-sensitization to other allergens. Apart from contact dermatitis, hair dye use is also associated with various other cutaneous adverse effects such as pigmentary changes, hair loss, skin malignancies and autoimmune disorders. Due to the various adverse effects associated with hair dye use, it is prudent to look for safer alternatives to allergenic hair dyes. In this article, we review the epidemiology, cutaneous and systemic adverse effects associated with hair dye use, patch testing, preventive strategies to minimize the risk of hair dye contact dermatitis, and treatment aspects.

Dyschromatosis universalis hereditaria.

Reticulate pigmentary dyschromatoses primarily include dyschromatosis universalis hereditaria (DUH), dyschromatosis symmetrica hereditaria (DSH) (Reticulate acropigmentation of Dohi), and unilateral dermatomal pigmentary dermatosis, which differ in their patterns of distribution. The disease was initially described by Ichikawa and Hiraga in Germany in 1933. The prevalence of DUH is 0.3 per 100,000 with a female preponderance. The skin lesions usually appear in infancy or early childhood and cease to progress beyond adolescence. The subtypes DUH 1 and DUH 3 are found to have autosomal dominant inheritance, which is the most common inheritance pattern, while DUH 2 has an autosomal recessive pattern. The most common gene involved in DUH is ABCB6, while the other genes include SASH 1, PER 3, and KITLG (DUH type 2). DUH is characterized by multiple irregular hyperpigmented macules interspersed with hypopigmented macules in a mottled pattern over the trunk and extremities. The face is involved in 50% of individuals. Rarely, it can also involve hairs, nails, mucous membranes, palms, and soles. Other varied presentations include localized forms, localization of lesions to sun-exposed areas, large macules, uniform palmar hypopigmentation, diffuse hyperpigmentation with spotty depigmented macules, and unilateral involvement. DUH has been reported to be associated with various cutaneous and systemic diseases. The authors have observed cases of DUH associated with hepatocellular carcinoma, solitary keratoacanthoma, and dermoid cyst. The various diagnostic modalities include dermoscopy, histopathology, electron microscopy, and targeted gene sequencing. Though various treatment modalities like NBUVB and lasers have been tried, no treatment is promising.

Pitted keratolysis.

Pitted keratolysis (PK) is a common superficial bacterial skin infection confined to the stratum corneum. It is clinically characterized by multifocal, discrete, pits or crater-like punched-out lesions, commonly over the pressure-bearing aspects of the foot. It is asymptomatic and associated with malodour. The surface is often moist and macerated. The diagnosis of PK is often clinical and diagnostic procedures are usually unnecessary. Lifestyle modifications form the cornerstone of the management of PK. It responds well to topical antimicrobials.

Acquired Fibrokeratoma: A Retrospective Study in a Tertiary Centre in South India.

Background: Acquired fibrokeratoma (AFK) is an uncommon, sporadic, benign, acquired, slow-growing dermo-epidermal tumour. Aims and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to summarize the demographic, clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients with AFK in a tertiary care centre in South India. Methods: We evaluated the records of 26 patients with AFK who were diagnosed and treated in our centre between January 2017 and December 2021. The retrospective data related to age, sex, occupation, consistency, duration of lesions, history of trauma, anatomical site, morphological appearance, histopathological type, treatment provided and recurrence were taken into account and analysed. Results: Of the 26 patients, there were 21 males and 5 females. Fingers (n = 23) were the most common site involved, followed by toes (n = 2) and palm (n = 1). A total of 18 patients had finger-like projected lesions and eight patients had dome-shaped lesions. In histopathology, Type I AFK type was observed in 16 cases and Type II in 10 cases. Conclusion: We believe that our study would contribute by providing the clinical, histopathology and treatment outcomes of this uncommon dermo-epidermal tumour. The frequency of this condition is often underestimated as it is misdiagnosed for many other dermatological conditions.

Papulonecrotic tuberculid.

Papulonecrotic tuberculid (PNT) is an uncommon form of id eruption, which occurs in association with tuberculosis infections in patients with a high degree of immunity and allergic sensitivity to mycobacterial organisms. It commonly presents as recurrent crops of papulonecrotic lesions that crust or ulcerate, and heal with atrophic varioliform scars over time. The differential diagnoses of PTN are wide and varying. Tuberculin test is usually strongly positive. Histology shows tuberculoid histology with endarteritis and thrombosis of dermal blood vessels. One of the hallmarks of PNT is its prompt response to antituberculous therapy. The purpose of this article is to increase awareness of this condition among dermatologists.

Bowen's Disease.

Bowen's disease (BD) is an in-situ squamous cell carcinoma of epidermis. The etiology of BD is multifactorial with high incidence among Caucasians. BD is common in photo-exposed areas of skin, but other sites can also be involved. Lesions are usually solitary. The morphology of BD differs based on age of the lesion, site of origin, and the degree of keratinization. BD is considered as the "lull before the storm," which precedes an overt squamous cell carcinoma. Histopathology is the gold standard diagnostic modality to confirm the diagnosis. Immunohistochemistry, dermoscopy, and reflectance confocal microscopy are the adjuvant modalities used in the diagnosis of BD. The treatment depends on various factors like site, size, immune status, patient's age, esthetic outcome, etc. The available therapeutic modalities include topical chemotherapy, surgical modalities, light-based modalities, and destructive therapies. It requires a combined effort of dermatologist, oncosurgeon, and plastic surgeon to plan and execute the management in various presentations of BD.

Traditional threads tied on children in india trigger dermatitis and may contain carcinogens.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: It is a common Indian custom to tie threads on the hip, neck, or wrist of infants and children. METHODS/RESULTS: A retrospective registry review was performed for 23 children (age range 5-18 months) with threads tied around the hip/neck/forearm who presented with dermatitis. Analysis of one of the threads revealed the presence of three banned azo dyes and disperse yellow 3 (category 2B possible carcinogens). CONCLUSION: Thread dermatitis is a unique cultural dermatosis. Dermatitis caused by threads may have multifactorial causes including friction, maceration, and contact dermatitis (allergic and/ or irritant) to the thread contents. Use of banned dyes still used to color these threads may be contributory to dermatitis, but there is also concern for health and environmental hazards to children. Strict regulation is needed in the manufacture of these threads to protect the health and welfare of young children.

Occult dysraphism presenting with acro-osteolysis.

The skin and the nervous system share common embryologic origins. Cutaneous stigmata may be early clues to underlying occult spinal dysraphism. The delayed manifestations of spinal dysraphism may also involve the skin. We report a case of a 4-year-old child in whom acro-osteolysis and cutaneous trophic changes on the right foot were the presenting features of occult dysraphism.

Turmeric: A condiment, cosmetic and cure.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is an integral part of Asian culture and cuisine. It has been used in traditional medicine since centuries. A myriad of health benefits have been attributed to it. Curcumin, the most biologically active curcuminoid in turmeric, is being investigated in pre-clinical and clinical trials for its role in disease prevention and cure. It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antineoplastic, anti-proliferative and antimicrobial effects. We review the chemistry of this plant, its cultural relevance in Indian skin care, and its uses in dermatology.

Ichthyosis Follicularis, Alopecia, and Photophobia Syndrome.

Ichthyosis follicularis, alopecia, and photophobia (IFAP) syndrome is a rare genetic, oculocutaneous disorder. So far, about forty patients have been reported worldwide. This disorder results from mutations in the membrane-bound transcription factor protease site 2 gene that impairs cholesterol homeostasis and the ability to cope with endoplasmic reticulum stress. We report this rare case of IFAP with atypical presentation and it was interesting to note that alopecia in this child was confined to eyebrows; this unique presentation has not been described earlier. This rare oculocutaneous disorder requires proper documentation so that identification of its variants may be possible in the future.

Bowen's disease: Two case reports of a giant and dwarf lesions.

Bowen's disease is a form of intraepidermal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). It usually presents as a well-demarcated, slow growing erythematous patch, or plaque with a scaly or crusted surface. The size of the tumor varies from a few millimeters to several centimeters. The risk of progression into an invasive carcinoma is 3-5% in extragenital lesions and about 10% in genital lesions. We present two cases of Bowen's disease where the pattern, size, and perception of the disease between the patients varied. The two cases demonstrated two varying spectrum of the disease, one being a giant lesion and other a dwarf. One patient was more concerned about the lesion, whereas the other patient neglected the lesions, though widespread. High index of suspicion is required to diagnose such atypical presentations of Bowen's disease. As Bowen's disease has tendency to progress to SCC, it should be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.

Apocrine hidrocystoma arising from nevus sebaceous on the scalp.

Nevus sebaceous is a hamartoma with an uneventful course since birth but many benign or malignant tumors are known to develop in about one third of the patients. A 37-year-old woman with asymptomatic hairless raised lesion over the scalp since birth presented with change in the morphology of the lesions associated with itching and irritation since one month. On examination, multiple well-defined hyperpigmented verrucous plaques coalescing with each other were seen over the right parietal scalp associated with alopecia. A single well-defined soft skin-colored cystic swelling of size 1 × 2 cm was seen interspersed within the plaque. After a clinical diagnosis of nevus sebaceous, a biopsy of the cyst was done, which revealed a large cyst lined by columnar and myoepithelial cells in the dermis. The columnar cells at a few places showed "decapitation secretion" giving the impression of apocrine hidrocystoma. Post-excision of the cyst, biopsy of the entire nevus was done and the histopathological diagnosis correlated with the clinical diagnosis of nevus sebaceous. Apocrine hidrocystoma developing from a sebaceous nevus over the scalp is a rarity with only three other cases of it arising on the scalp being reported and none of them developed from a sebaceous nevus.

Penile cutaneous horn: An enigma-newer insights and perspectives.

Cutaneous horn refers to unusually cohesive keratinized material and not a true pathologic diagnosis. Though cutaneous horn has been described at various sites, horn over the penis is very rare and represents the most unusual site. The role of chronic irritation, phimosis, surgical trauma and radiotherapy have been implicated in penile horn formation. Penile horns present as elongated, keratinous, white or yellowish projections that range from a few millimeters to centimeters in size arising from the glans penis. Histopathology of the keratotic mass reveals nothing but keratin. The underlying mass may vary from verruca vulgaris to squamous cell carcinoma. The treatment is based on the pathology.