Lichen Sclerosus of the Labial Mucosa: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Lichen sclerosus (LS) is an uncommon, chronic, inflammatory mucocutaneous disorder found predominantly in females with unknown etiology. It presents as a white sclerotic plaque commonly located on the anogenital area. Extragenital LS is less prevalent, and LS affecting the oral mucosa is extremely rare, with only 39 biopsy-confirmed cases reported in the literature. Due to its several mimicking conditions, histological examination is usually required for a definitive diagnosis, particularly in patients with oral LS. Current evidence-based treatment recommendations for oral LS are unavailable; however, most cases tend to improve after treatment with topical or intralesional corticosteroids. We report a case of a 58-year-old female referred from the otolaryngology department for evaluating an asymptomatic whitish sclerotic plaque on the lower lip mucosa that had existed for 1 year. Following a punch biopsy, the patient was diagnosed with LS of labial mucosa. The condition improved after 2 months of treatment with topical and intralesional corticosteroids. The present case report raises awareness in recognizing oral LS and contributes to knowledge of this rare disorder.

Characterizing Dermatological Conditions in the Transgender Population: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Purpose: This study aimed to demonstrate the effects of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) and gender-affirming procedures on the skin in transgender individuals. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among transgender people. Skin conditions related to GAHT were assessed, including acne (using the Investigator's Global Assessment, IGA), postacne sequelae, melasma, hypertrichosis in androgen-sensitive areas (HAAs) in transgender men (TM) and hirsutism in transgender women (TW) (using the modified Ferriman-Gallwey score, mFG score), and hair loss (using the Hamilton-Norwood and Ludwig scale) at baseline, 6 months after GAHT, and the day on which the questionnaire was completed. Dermatological problems after gender-affirming procedures were evaluated. Results: A total of 159 patients, including 134 TM and 25 TW, were eligible to participate. The median duration of GAHT was 23 and 36 months in TM and TW, respectively. In TM, the median IGA score of facial acne increased from 1 at baseline to 3 after 6 months and decreased to 2 after 2 years of GAHT. The mFG score indicated HAA in all TMs after testosterone treatment. A total of 88.1% of TM had no hair loss before hormone therapy. However, after 2 years of GAHT, 76.1% of TM developed male pattern hair loss (MPHL), and 26.1% of them had moderate-to-severe MPHL. In TW, the median IGA and mFG scores decreased after 3 years of hormone therapy, and the proportion of female pattern hair loss (FPHL) in TW increased to 16% after GAHT. In both groups, the most common skin complication after gender-affirming surgery was hypertrophic scarring. Conclusions: GAHT in TM resulted in acne and MPHL, whereas GAHT in TW caused melasma and FPHL.

Dermoscopic Features and Their Diagnostic Values Among Common Inflammatory and Infectious Dermatoses: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Dermoscopy is a non-invasive tool widely used to improve the diagnostic accuracy of general dermatological conditions. Objective: To determine the dermoscopic features and their diagnostic value in distinguishing common inflammatory and infectious dermatoses. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on patients clinically diagnosed with common inflammatory or infectious skin diseases. Baseline characteristics and clinical and dermoscopic findings were recorded. Dermoscopic variables were analyzed using a correlation matrix. A skin biopsy was performed for each patient for a definitive diagnosis. Results: Of 102 patients, 43 with dermatitis, 30 with psoriasis, 14 with lichen planus (LP), 5 with pityriasis rosea (PR), and 10 with others were included. Dull red background, patchy vessels, and scales showed significant positive correlations with dermatitis (r = 0.401, 0.488, and 0.327, respectively; p < 0.01), whereas bright red background, glomerular vessels, regular vascular distribution, and diffuse scales revealed significant positive correlations with psoriasis (r = 0.412, 0.266, 0.798, and 0.401, respectively; p < 0.01). For LP, whitish reticulate structures, purplish background, and dotted vessels mixed with linear vessels in the peripheral distribution were significantly positively correlated (r = 0.831, 0.771, 0.224, and 0.558, respectively; p < 0.05). Yellowish background and peripheral scales were predictive of PR diagnosis (r = 0.254 and 0.583, respectively; p < 0.01). Conclusion: Dermoscopy can be used as an adjunctive tool to differentiate conditions among common inflammatory and infectious dermatoses in order to minimize unnecessary invasive diagnostic procedures.

Rumpel-Leede Phenomenon Associated with Pneumatic Compression: A Case Report.

Rumpel-Leede phenomenon is a rarely reported condition with an unknown prevalence. It is characterized by the acute development of non-blanchable purpuric macules resulting from dermal capillary rupture caused by compressive forces. We report a case of Rumpel-Leede phenomenon in both feet following the application of pneumatic compression in a 49-year-old woman who underwent en bloc spondylectomy for a giant cell tumor of the spine. The condition appeared after the application of pneumatic compression on both legs for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis, and the lesions spontaneously resolved after discontinuation of compression. Currently, most cases are reported in patients with a history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, or thrombocytopenia. We report a case of Rumpel-Leede phenomenon in a patient without underlying medical conditions. In our patient, capillary fragility combined with increased intracapillary pressure was hypothesized as the underlying mechanism.

Pityriasis Lichenoides Et Varioliformis Acuta and Lymphomatoid Papulosis Type F: A Case Report of Two Entities in One Patient.

Pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta (PLEVA) and lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) are uncommon inflammatory skin disorders that occasionally share clinicopathological features. Differentiating between the two entities remains problematic, and a definitive diagnosis usually requires multi-step investigations, which is an enormous challenge to physicians. We hereby report a rare case of a 22-year-old female patient diagnosed with PLEVA who later developed LyP type F, a new histological variant of LyP. Our report highlights that long-term follow-up is essential to determine associated hematologic malignancies, particularly in cases with recalcitrant or progressive cutaneous lesions of PLEVA and/or LyP.

A Comparative Study of Dermatoscopic Features of Melasma and Hori's Nevus in Asian Patients.

Background: Dermatoscopy is a noninvasive diagnostic tool for pigmented lesions. However, data regarding dermatoscopic features in melasma and Hori's nevus, which are commonly found in Asian populations, are still lacking. In addition, melasma coexisting with Hori's nevus presents a particular diagnostic challenge and they generally require different treatments. Objective: We sought to describe the dermatoscopic features of melasma and Hori's nevus and to establish diagnostic clues for each condition. Methods: Fifty patients with melasma and 46 patients with Hori's nevus were enrolled in the study. Dermatoscopic pictures were taken with Dermlite DL200 HR (3Gen, San Juan Capistrano, Califorinia) and evaluated by two blinded board-certified dermatologists. Results: The dermatoscopic features more prominently seen in melasma compared to Hori's nevus include light brown pigmentation (98% vs. 10.9%, P<0.001), regular pigment network (38% vs. 2.2%, P<0.001), irregular pigment network (98% vs. 63%, P<0.001), arcuate structure (68% vs. 13%, P<0.001), circles (48% vs. 10.9%, P<0.001), sparing of follicles and sweat gland openings (98% vs. 4.3%, P<0.001), and telangiectasias (52% vs. 19.6%, P=0.001). In contrast, the common features of Hori's nevus include blue-brown or grey pigmentation (63% vs. 0%, P=0.001) and speckled homogenous pattern (52.2% vs. 0%, P<0.001). Conclusion: Dermatoscopy is a useful diagnostic tool for distinguishing between melasma and Hori's nevus. In patients with coexistence of both conditions, dermatoscopy can be used to confirm the diagnosis and aid the proper treatment.

Variation of Hair Follicle Counts among Different Scalp Areas: A Quantitative Histopathological Study.

INTRODUCTION: Scalp biopsy is a standard method for the definitive diagnosis of alopecia. The hair count parameters of each scalp area remain unclear. This study aimed to determine hair count values at different scalp locations from histopathology and to establish reference values for each part of the scalp. METHODS: We obtained biopsy specimens from the frontal, vertex, temporoparietal, and occipital areas of the scalps of normal deceased subjects. All specimens were evaluated for the number of follicular units, hair counts, hair types, and stages of the hair cycle. RESULTS: In total, 240 specimens were collected from 60 cadavers. Across all scalp sites, the temporoparietal area showed the lowest mean hair count, number of follicular units, terminal and vellus hairs, and terminal-to-vellus hair ratio. The average anagen-to-telogen hair ratio was comparable across all scalp sites. This study did not observe a significant association of hair parameters with gender differences or increasing age in all scalp areas. CONCLUSIONS: The present study revealed the diversity of the hair index among different scalp areas and suggested that normal hair count values should be separately standardized on each scalp region. Our findings may provide useful reference values for the histopathological evaluation of hair disorders in Asians.

Circle Hairs in a Patient with Multiple Myeloma.

Circle hair is a rare body-hair disorder of unknown etiology, typically characterized by perfectly or nearly perfectly coiled hair located below the cornified layer of the skin. Its main histopathological features are dilated hair-follicle infundibula and entrapped hair shafts. After its first description in 1963, there have only been a small number of reported cases, and its pathophysiology remains unclear. Herein, we report a case of an 80-year-old woman with skin lesions and abnormal hairs on both legs. We also propose a possible mechanism of her circle hairs: it may have occurred as an effect of her acquired ichthyosis secondary to her underlying multiple myeloma. There is no specific treatment for circle hairs, and reassurance that it is a harmless condition is sufficient. We prescribed a topical humectant and keratolytic agent to moisten the skin and lessen the hair entrapment, which resulted in clinical improvement. As the pathogenesis of the disease is unknown, further studies are warranted.

Histopathological Evidence of Occipital Involvement in Male Androgenetic Alopecia.

Background: The occipital region of the scalp is generally accepted as an unaffected area of androgenetic alopecia (AGA) for both genders. However, evidence of AGA involving the occipital scalp has been demonstrated in women; meanwhile, it is unclear whether occipital involvement also occurs in men. Objective: We aimed to determine if there is occipital involvement in men with AGA. Methods: This case-control study compared hair counts of scalp biopsy specimens from the occipital region of 82 men with Hamilton-Norwood III-VII and 82 unaffected men. Results: The mean ages of men with AGA and controls were 40.1 ± 8.9 and 38.6 ± 10.5 years, respectively (P = 0.291). A significant decrease in total hair follicles, terminal hair follicles, follicular units and terminal to vellus (T:V) ratio, along with a significant increase in follicular stelae was indicated in the AGA group compared to controls (all P < 0.05). Subgroup analyses revealed that average counts of total hair follicles, terminal hair follicles and T:V ratios were also significantly lower in males with Hamilton-Norwood VI and VII than in controls (all P < 0.05). There were no correlations between increasing age and hair count parameters, but a significant negative association was found between total follicle numbers and disease duration (r = -0.23, P = 0.02). Conclusions: AGA can involve the occipital area of male patients with advanced disease. Therefore, the occiput of particular cases should not be used to determine reference data for normal scalp hair, and preoperative measurements of miniaturized hairs in the donor site are strongly recommended in all persons undergoing hair transplantation.

Clinicopathological Characteristics Related to Etiologies of Erythema Nodosum: A 10-Year Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Erythema nodosum (EN) is the most common panniculitis associated with a wide variety of conditions. Updated studies regarding the clinicopathological manifestations related to etiologies of EN and its prognosis are limited. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to explore the clinicopathological features in relation to the etiologies of EN and determine characteristics of disease recurrence and its predictive factors. METHODS: A total of 169 patients with biopsy-proven EN or septal panniculitis from January 2008 to September 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were classified as either idiopathic or secondary EN. Patients' general information, clinical manifestations, investigations, and recurrence of EN were recorded. The details on histopathological findings were reviewed by a blinded dermatopathologist. RESULTS: The mean age at diagnosis of EN was 40.6 ± 17.3 years. The majority of patients (85.2%) were female. Idiopathic EN was found in 62.7% of patients. Tuberculosis (23.8%) and drugs (23.8%) were the leading causes of secondary EN. In univariate logistic regression analysis, lesions on upper extremities (p = 0.018), fever (p = 0.003), clinical lymphadenopathy (p < 0.001) favored secondary EN. Histopathologically, the presence of focal peripheral lobular panniculitis with eosinophils was linked to idiopathic EN (p = 0.03). However, multivariable logistic regression analysis failed to demonstrate factors associated with secondary EN. Recurrence was found in 46.6% of patients with no identifiable predictive factors. CONCLUSION: Although no clinical risk factors were associated with the etiology of EN, the histopathological presence of eosinophils in focal peripheral lobular panniculitis suggested idiopathic EN.

Inactivated COVID-19 Vaccine Induces a Low Humoral Immune Response in a Subset of Dermatological Patients Receiving Immunosuppressants.

Inactivated Sinovac-CoronaVac vaccine (Sinovac Life Sciences, Beijing) for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been used in many countries. However, its immunogenicity profile in immunosuppressed dermatological patients is lacking. This prospective observational case-control study compared the humoral immune response between adult dermatological patients receiving systemic immunosuppressive therapies (n = 14) and those who did not (n = 18); excluding patients with HIV infection, cancer, non-dermatological autoimmune conditions, previous COVID-19 infection, and positive anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) IgG prior to vaccination. The subjects were advised to withhold methotrexate for 1 week after each vaccine dose while continuing other therapies unadjusted. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody, surrogate neutralizing antibody (sNAb), and seroconversion rates (calculated from the percentages of participants in the group with positive sNAb) were used to assess immunogenicity. We found that participants using azathioprine, cyclosporin, mycophenolate mofetil, or prednisolone ≥ 10 mg/day had a lower level of serum anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody and sNAb than those received methotrexate ≤ 10 mg/week, prednisolone < 10 mg/day, or biologics (i.e., secukinumab, ixekizumab, omalizumab). Patients who received methotrexate ≤ 10 mg/week, prednisolone < 10 mg/day or the biologics had a similar immunogenicity profile to those without immunosuppressive therapies. Despite the lack of statistical significance, a reduction of humoral immune response was observed among the study participants who used ≥2 immunosuppressants or pemphigus patients. Our findings suggest that a subset of patients with immune-mediated skin conditions respond poorly to the vaccine despite having low-level immunosuppression. These patients could benefit from vaccines that trigger a greater level of immunogenicity or booster doses.

Case Report: Pityriasis Rosea-Like Eruption Following COVID-19 Vaccination.

Vaccination is one of the cornerstones in the efforts towards ending the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, several adverse effects of COVID-19 vaccination have been identified. Pityriasis rosea (PR)-like eruption is a rare cutaneous complication of immunization. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no reports of PR-like eruptions following inoculation with Oxford/AstraZeneca ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (AZD1222) vaccine. Here, we described a case of PR-like eruption that developed 14 days after Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccination in a 52-year-old Thai woman with glioblastoma. Treatment with topical 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide twice per day showed partial response after seven days. Despite this rare complication, our report highlights that the presence of PR-like eruption is not a contraindication for subsequent vaccinations.

Characterization and classification of different female hairline patterns in the Thai population.

BACKGROUND: The hairline is an essential component of the human face. Disfigurement of the hairline may cause physical and psychological problems. Standard guidelines do not exist for female hairline designs, average values of infratemporal portion, hairline classifications, and preferences. AIMS: We aimed to study hairline characteristics in Thai females and further compare the values with previous studies in different populations. Furthermore, we aimed to introduce a comprehensive hairline classification system that allowed an easy and detailed phenotypic characterization of female hairline. PATIENTS/METHODS: Healthy Thai females aged over 18 years were included in the study. Collection of demographic data, infratemporal measurements, and standard photography was performed. All collected data were analyzed to determine the standard values of each hairline dimension for comparison to previous studies. RESULTS: Two hundred and twenty-nine females, with a mean age of 32.4 ± 8.6 years, participated in this study. The mean mid-frontal line was 6.45 ± 0.89 cm, which was not correlated with age. Lateral mounds, widow's peaks, and cowlicks were observed in 42.35%, 24.45%, and 1.74% participants, respectively. Our study revealed five patterns of the frontal hairline and four patterns of the temporal hairline. The mid-frontal line in Asian females trended longer than that in Caucasians, without statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Measurements of the infratemporal portions in Thai females revealed no change with age, and the mid-frontal line showed no statistically significant differences between Korean and Turkish participants. The hairline classification system introduced in our study was comprehensive and would be easily applicable in clinical practice. Female hairline dimensions and patterns reported in our study could provide reference values for hairline design in hairline restoration surgery as well as assist in accurate diagnosis of hair disorders.

Dermatologic Manifestations, Histologic Features and Disease Progression among Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Subtypes: A Prospective Observational Study in Asians.

INTRODUCTION: Cutaneous manifestations are central to the primary diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, information on the clinical, histopathologic, and direct immunofluorescence (DIF) features among subtypes of cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE), as well as longitudinal prospective observational study to evaluate the natural history and the progression to SLE, is lacking among Asians. Our objectives are to summarize the differences in the clinical, histopathologic, and DIF characteristics and serological profiles between various subtypes of CLE, and to provide its natural history and the association with disease activity in our Asian population. METHODS: A prospective observational study on CLE patients was performed between May 2016 and May 2020. Patients underwent full physical/dermatologic examination, skin biopsy for histology, and DIF. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) scores and laboratory data were evaluated. Time schedule and characteristics for resolution and/or the disease progression to SLE were recorded in subsequent follow-ups. RESULTS: Of 101 biopsy-proven CLE patients, 25 had acute CLE (ACLE), 8 had subacute CLE (SCLE), 39 had chronic CLE (CCLE) only, 22 had CCLE with SLE, and 7 had LE-nonspecific cutaneous lesions only. Patients with exclusive CLE showed lower female preponderance, serological abnormalities, and correlation to systemic disease. However, when CLE was accompanied with any LE-nonspecific cutaneous manifestations, they were associated with high antinuclear antibody (ANA) titer, renal, hematologic, joint involvement, and greater SLEDAI score. Of 207 biopsy sections, SCLE/CCLE regardless of systemic involvement showed significantly higher percentage of superficial/deep perivascular and perieccrine infiltration than ACLE. On DIF, deposition of multiple immunoreactants was associated with higher systemic disease. Approximately 10% of CLE-only patients later developed SLE but had mild systemic involvement. CONCLUSION: Our findings support that each CLE subtype has a diverse and unique character. Comprehensive understanding of the differences among CLE subtypes is important for achieving the correct diagnosis and providing appropriate disease monitoring and management.

Clinical and Onychoscopic Features of Benign and Malignant Conditions in Longitudinal Melanonychia in the Thai Population: A Comparative Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Longitudinal melanonychia can arise from many underlying conditions, both benign and malignant. Practitioners tend to be reluctant to perform a biopsy of this condition due to procedure-related pain and the possibility of permanent nail dystrophy. Onychoscopy has become a useful tool to provide a provisional diagnosis and assist in deciding on a nail biopsy. OBJECTIVE: To investigate and differentiate the clinical and onychoscopic features of subungual melanoma (SUM)/subungual melanoma in situ (SMIS) and other benign melanocytic conditions (BM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 32 cases of longitudinal melanonychia were examined, and baseline characteristics were recorded. Onychoscopic pictures were taken by handheld dermoscopy with 10x and 50x magnification. A biopsy was then performed in each case, and a pathological diagnosis was obtained. RESULTS: Of the 32 cases, 6 were diagnosed with SMIS and 26 with BM (21 simple lentigines, 5 junctional nevi). The median age was significantly higher among the SMIS group (56 vs 31 years) (p = 0.034). Regarding onychoscopic findings, cases with SMIS were significantly associated with a greater band width percentage (p = 0.014), multicolor presentation (p = 0.005), the presence of granular pigmentation (p = 0.034), and micro-Hutchinson's sign (p = 0.015). In addition, subungual hyperkeratosis, a newly recognized onychoscopic feature, was more significantly associated with SMIS in comparison to BM (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Onychoscopy provides useful information to aid in the differential diagnosis of longitudinal melanonychia. From our study, onychoscopy can be utilized to assist in making a decision whether to perform a biopsy in patients with longitudinal melanonychia suspicious of malignant melanocytic conditions.

Prognostic Value of Concurrent Expression of C-MYC and BCL2 in Intravascular Large B-Cell Lymphoma: A 10-Year Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (IVLBCL) is a variant of extranodal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), characterized by the presence of a B-lymphoma cell in the lumina of small blood vessels or capillaries. Due to its extremely variable clinical manifestations, IVLBCL typically results in a delayed diagnosis and poor disease prognosis. Skin biopsy, particularly random skin biopsy, has shown a potential role in the diagnosis of IVLBCL. However, information of clinicopathological features in patients with IVLBCL diagnosed by skin biopsy is limited. OBJECTIVES: To study the clinicopathological features in relation to immunohistochemical features and to identify prognostic factors in IVLBCL patients diagnosed by skin biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical characteristics; laboratory, histological, and immunohistochemical findings; and therapeutic response of all biopsy-confirmed IVLBCL patients during the years 2008-2017 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: The mean age was 67.4 (±9.8) years. Fever was the most common presenting symptom, accounting for 64.7%. Cutaneous and bone marrow involvement was found in 23.5% and 35.3% of patients, respectively. Patients receiving R-CHOP showed more favorable therapeutic outcome. C-MYC/BCL2 double expressors showed significantly higher incidence rate to mortality compared with nondouble expressors (p = 0.042). One-year and two-year overall survival rates were 67.2% and 53.8%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Skin biopsy is an effective diagnostic method for IVLBCL. Concurrent expression of C-MYC and BCL2 may be a useful prognostic indicator and should be performed in order to predict the prognosis in IVLBCL patients.

The study of hair follicle counts from scalp histopathology in the Thai population.

BACKGROUND: The horizontal section of a scalp specimen offers an advantage over a vertical section by providing quantitative information. The reference data for hair counts in Asians, including Thais, are inconclusive. We aimed to determine the normal values of hair counts in scalp biopsy specimens in the Thai population. METHODS: A 4-mm punch biopsy was performed at the occipital area of the scalp from subjects presenting with clinically normal hair and scalp appearance. All specimens were horizontally sectioned and observed to assess the number of follicular units and hair follicles, type of hairs, and phase of the hair cycle. The results were further compared between sexes and with the pre-existing data from previous studies. RESULTS: Ninety specimens were collected from 90 subjects. The average number of total hairs, terminal hairs, vellus hairs, and follicular units per 4-mm punch scalp skin were 20.5 ± 5.2, 18.2 ± 4.1, 2 (range 0-7), and 9.1 ± 1.6, respectively. The mean ratio of terminal to vellus hair was 8.9:1 and of anagen to telogen hair was 91.9:7.9. There were no gender differences in any of the parameters and no correlations with changing age. Compared to other Asian populations, Thais and Taiwanese showed intermediate values between Iranians and Koreans; when compared to other ethnic groups, hair density in Asians showed lower than Caucasians and Hispanics but was comparable to Africans. CONCLUSION: This study established reference values of scalp horizontal sections in the Thai population; this will be helpful for clinicians and researchers to evaluate hair disorders.

A Case Report of Idiopathic Follicular Hyperkeratotic Spicules and Literature Review.

Follicular hyperkeratotic spicules is a rare skin disorder that is usually associated with multiple myeloma. The condition typically presents with tiny hyperkeratotic spicules in follicular distribution and predominantly on the face. To our knowledge, there has been one reported case of this condition without underlying disease. We herein report the second case of idiopathic follicular hyperkeratotic spicules in a 54-year-old Thai woman presenting with multiple follicular horn-like spicules on her face and neck.