Laser and light therapies for the treatment of necrobiosis lipoidica.

Necrobiosis lipoidica (NL) is a rare, inflammatory granulomatous skin disorder involving collagen degeneration. In recent years, several light and laser therapies have been proposed and used in the treatment of NL with variable outcomes. The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of lasers and light therapies for the treatment of NL. A review of PubMed was conducted to search for studies using laser and light therapies for the treatment of NL. Articles that employed a combination of treatment modalities were excluded. Twenty-four studies were reviewed. Light and laser therapies used in these studies included CO2 laser, pulsed dye laser, methyl aminolevulinate (MAL)-photodynamic therapy (PDT), aminolevulinic acid (ALA)-PDT, ultraviolet A1 (UVA1) phototherapy, and psoralen plus ultraviolet-A (PUVA). PUVA was identified as the modality with the most available evidence (7 studies), followed by MAL-PDT and ALA-PDT (5 studies each), pulsed dye laser and UVA1 (3 studies each), and lastly CO2 laser (2 studies). Most modalities demonstrated variable efficacies and side effects with the exception of PDL, which consistently showed successful outcomes. Multiple dermatologic light and laser therapies have been investigated for the treatment of NL, including PUVA, ALA-PDT, MAL-PDT, pulsed dye laser, UVA1, and CO2 laser. However, a clear consensus on the preferred treatment is yet to be addressed. Each treatment option demonstrates both advantages and disadvantages that should be discussed with patients when selecting the treatment modality.

Comparing the efficacy and safety of Q-switched and picosecond lasers in the treatment of nevus of Ota: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Nevus of Ota is cosmetically burdensome and often prompts patients to seek treatment. Lasers are commonly used in removing these lesions; however, no systemic analysis has been conducted to support a gold standard laser. To conduct a meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers (QSNL), Q-switched ruby lasers (QSRL), Q-switched alexandrite lasers (QSAL), and picosecond alexandrite lasers (PSAL) in removing nevus of Ota. Inclusion criteria were nevus of Ota patients treated with QSNL, QSRL, QSAL, or PSAL and documentation of percent clearance and the rate of at least one adverse event. Articles in English, Chinese, or Japanese were included. The prespecified outcome measures were efficacy (percent clearance) and safety (rates of hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, scarring, and recurrence). The review included 57 studies and 13,417 patients. The pooled success rate was 64% for QSNL (95% CI 52-76%), 54% for QSRL (95% CI 39-69%), 58% for QSAL (95% CI 44-72%), and 100% for PSAL (95% CI 98-102%). The pooled adverse event rate was 5% for QSNL (95% CI 4-6%), 14% for QSRL (95% CI 9-19%), 9% for QSAL (95% CI 6-12%), and 44% (95% CI 31-57%) for PSAL. QSNL has the most evidence for effectively and safely treating nevus of Ota. PSAL potentially has a superior efficacy; however, further studies are needed to elucidate its side effect profile when treating nevus of Ota.

The importance of caveolins and caveolae to dermatology: Lessons from the caves and beyond.

Caveolae are flask-shaped invaginations of the cell membrane rich in cholesterol and sphingomyelin, with caveolin proteins acting as their primary structural components that allow compartmentalization and orchestration of various signalling molecules. In this review, we discuss how pleiotropic functions of caveolin-1 (Cav1) and its intricate roles in numerous cellular functions including lipid trafficking, signalling, cell migration and proliferation, as well as cellular senescence, infection and inflammation, are integral for normal development and functioning of skin and its appendages. We then examine how disruption of the homeostatic levels of Cav1 can lead to development of various cutaneous pathophysiologies including skin cancers, cutaneous fibroses, psoriasis, alopecia, age-related changes in skin and aberrant wound healing and propose how levels of Cav1 may have theragnostic value in skin physiology/pathophysiology.

Dermoscopy in Selected Latin American Countries: A Preliminary Look into Current Trends and Future Opportunities Among Dermatology Residency Programs.

INTRODUCTION: Skin cancer remains a global public health burden. Dermoscopy is a useful technique that aids in early detection and increases diagnostic accuracy with adequate training. However, dermoscopy is not uniformly taught to residents worldwide. Dermoscopy training in Latin American dermatology residency programs has not been explored. OBJECTIVES: To assess current dermoscopy training among dermatology residency programs in Latin America (eg training modalities, preferred/most effective modalities per residents, diseases/pathologies taught). METHODS: Cross-sectional survey distributed via e-mail between March and May 2021. Chief residents from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Chile, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, and Uruguay were invited to participate. RESULTS: 81 chief residents completed the questionnaire (81/126, 64.2%). Seventy-two percent of programs had an established dermoscopy curriculum, with dedicated hours of training varying greatly by program. Institutions commonly utilized sessions with "unknown" dermoscopy images and direct teaching by experts in the clinical setting as supplements to lectures, also described by residents as most effective. The most commonly taught methods included pattern analysis (74.1%), the two-step algorithm (61.7%), and the ABCD rule (59.3%). Almost all respondents reported desiring additional training during residency and believe that dermoscopy training should be a requirement to graduate from residency. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights a preliminary look into current landscape in dermoscopy training among selected Latin American dermatology residency programs, demonstrating room for improvement and standardization in dermoscopic education and training. Our results serve as a baseline reference and provide valuable information to guide future educational initiatives incorporating successful teaching strategies (eg. spaced education/repetition, flipped classroom model) used in dermatology and other fields.

Treatment of Chemotherapy-Induced Subungual Pyogenic Granuloma with Topical Timolol Solution.

INTRODUCTION: Subungual pyogenic granuloma (PG) can be caused by numerous medications including chemotherapeutic agents. These lesions grow rapidly, oftentimes causing significant pain and bleeding, prompting patients to seek treatment. The management of subungual PG ranges from topical steroids to surgical excision. However, patients with chemotherapy-induced PGs are prone to developing multiple or recurrent lesions. Therefore, finding a therapeutic option that effectively eliminates the tumor and prevents the need for repeated procedural interventions is important. The use of topical ß-adrenergic antagonists has been reported to be effective in regressing cutaneous PG. CASE PRESENTATION: In this report, we present a case of chemotherapy-induced subungual PG of the toenail arising in a 62-year-old woman that was successfully treated with topical timolol solution. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the promising use of timolol solution for therapeutically challenging PGs, such as those of subungual regions. This option may be particularly useful for individuals who are vulnerable to multiple PGs secondary to chemotherapy who wish to avoid repeated procedural interventions.

Reticulated Hyperpigmentation as a Sign of Lichen Planopilaris.

INTRODUCTION: Reticulated hyperpigmentation is a relatively uncommon dermatologic pattern. It is used to describe brown-colored skin lesions that manifest in a lacy or net-like distribution. When a clinician encounters a patient with reticulated hyperpigmentation, its location is often the most helpful feature in establishing a differential diagnosis. As this pattern is rarely observed on the scalp, this site is currently not included in the diagnostic approach. CASE PRESENTATION: In this report, we present a case of lichen planopilaris (LPP) in a black man who presented with reticulated hyperpigmentation over the scalp. CONCLUSION: We suggest that it may be warranted to add LPP to the differential diagnosis of reticulated hyperpigmentation, especially when arising on the scalp of darker skinned individuals.

Melanoma in the setting of nevus of Ota: a review for dermatologists.

Nevus of Ota, also known as oculodermal melanocytosis or nevus fuscoceruleus ophthalmomaxillaris, is a benign dermal melanocytic nevus that most commonly affects Asian women. While the lesion is largely a cosmetic concern, it has the potential to undergo malignant transformation to melanoma. Patients with nevus of Ota often present to a dermatologist at some point for examination or removal with laser therapy. Therefore, it is important for dermatologists to understand the cutaneous and extracutaneous risks these lesions carry and how they may present to further optimize management and appropriate referrals. This review describes the demographic, clinical, and prognostic features of melanoma in the setting of nevus of Ota, divided by the nature of the primary melanoma: cutaneous, orbital, intracranial.

Monodactylous Longitudinal Melanonychia: A Sign of Bowen's Disease in Skin of Color.

INTRODUCTION: Monodactylous longitudinal melanonychia (LM) may represent both benign and malignant dermatologic disorders. However, squamous cell carcinoma in situ (SCCis) is not commonly considered in this setting. CASE PRESENTATION: In this report, we present 2 cases of SCCis of the nail matrix in patients with skin of color who presented with monodactylous LM involving the lateral aspect of the nail. CONCLUSION: These cases suggest that SCCis should be included in the differential diagnosis for monodactylous LM, especially when involving the lateral nail plate in darker skin.

Hormonal Contraceptives and Dermatology.

Hormones play a significant role in normal skin physiology and many dermatologic conditions. As contraceptives and hormonal therapies continue to advance and increase in popularity, it is important for dermatologists to understand their mechanisms and dermatologic effects given the intricate interplay between hormones and the skin. This article reviews the dermatologic effects, both adverse and beneficial, of combined oral contraceptives (COCs), hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs), implants, injections, and vaginal rings. Overall, the literature suggests that progesterone-only methods, such as implants and hormonal IUDs, tend to trigger or worsen many conditions, including acne, hirsutism, alopecia, and even rosacea. Therefore, it is worthwhile to obtain detailed medication and contraceptive histories on patients with these conditions. There is sufficient evidence that hormonal contraceptives, particularly COCs and vaginal rings, may effectively treat acne and hirsutism. While there are less data to support the role of hormonal contraceptives in other dermatologic disorders, they demonstrate potential in improving androgenetic alopecia and hidradenitis suppurativa.

Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy of Dermoscopic Structures and Patterns Used in Melanoma Detection: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

IMPORTANCE: Dermoscopy increases the diagnostic accuracy for melanoma. However, the accuracy of individual structures and patterns used in melanoma detection has not been systematically evaluated. OBJECTIVE: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of individual dermoscopic structures and patterns used in melanoma detection. DATA SOURCES: A search of Ovid Medline, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted from inception to July 2020. STUDY SELECTION: Studies evaluating the dermoscopic structures and patterns among melanomas in comparison with nonmelanoma lesions were included. Excluded were studies with fewer than 3 patients, studies in languages other than English or Spanish, studies not reporting dermoscopic structures per lesion type, and studies assessing only nail, mucosal, acral, facial, or metastatic melanomas or melanomas on chronically sun-damaged skin. Multiple reviewers applied these criteria, and 0.7% of studies met selection criteria. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses reporting guideline and Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology reporting guideline were followed. Guidelines were applied via independent extraction by multiple observers. Data were pooled using a random-effects model. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The prespecified outcome measures were diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity and specificity) and risk (odds ratio [OR]) of melanoma for the following dermoscopic structures/patterns: atypical dots/globules, atypical network, blue-white veil, negative network, off-centered blotch, peripheral-tan structureless areas, atypical vessels (eg, linear irregular, polymorphous), pseudopods, streaks, regression (ie, peppering, scarlike areas), shiny white structures, angulated lines, irregular pigmentation, and a multicomponent pattern. RESULTS: A total of 40 studies including 22 796 skin lesions and 5736 melanomas were evaluated. The structures and patterns with the highest ORs were shiny white structures (OR, 6.7; 95% CI, 2.5-17.9), pseudopods (OR, 6.7; 95% CI, 2.7-16.1), irregular pigmentation (OR, 6.4; 95% CI, 2.0-20.5), blue-white veil (OR, 6.3; 95% CI, 3.7-10.7), and peppering (OR, 6.3; 95% CI, 2.4-16.1). The structures with the highest specificity were pseudopods (97.3%; 95% CI, 94.3%-98.7%), shiny white structures (93.6%; 95% CI, 85.6%-97.3%), peppering (93.4%; 95% CI, 81.9%-97.8%), and streaks (92.1%; 95% CI, 88.4%-94.7%), whereas features with the highest sensitivity were irregular pigmentation (62.3%; 95% CI, 31.2%-85.8%), blue-white veil (60.6%; 95% CI, 46.7%-72.9%), atypical network (56.8%; 95% CI, 43.6%-69.2%), and a multicomponent pattern (53.7%; 95% CI, 40.4%-66.4%). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis support the diagnostic importance of dermoscopic structures associated with melanoma detection (eg, shiny white structures, blue-white veil), further corroborate the importance of the overall pattern, and may suggest a hierarchy in the significance of these structures and patterns.

Skin Cancer and Dermoscopy Training for Primary Care Physicians: A Pilot Study.

INTRODUCTION: The primary objective of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy and effect of an educational training on skin cancer course and dermoscopy use among primary care physicians in rural areas of Colombia. The secondary objective was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of skin cancer diagnosis and detection rate after 3 months of the initial training. METHODS: Twenty-one primary care physicians from 6 rural areas of Colombia participated in a 2-day skin cancer and dermoscopy training, followed by a day-long hands-on session on dermoscopy at a free skin cancer screening event. Pre- and post-tests were performed using clinical and dermoscopic images to evaluate the user's ability to diagnose and differentiate benign and malignant neoplasms. In addition, participants' levels of confidence were assessed. RESULTS: After the training, the sensitivity and specificity of characterizing skin lesions as benign or malignant or providing a specific diagnosis (ie, angioma, seborrheic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma, etc.) increased by 23.6% (62.9% to 86.5%; P < 0.0001) and 21% (54.7% to 75.7%; P < 0.0017), respectively. In addition, levels of confidence when diagnosing skin lesions changed from extremely low or low, to high or extremely high by 20.7% (38.3% to 59%) using dermoscopic images (odds ratio (OR) 3.22; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.67-3.86; P < 0.0001). The secondary objective was not achieved due to loss of follow-up of the majority of participants. CONCLUSION: Providers serving populations with limited healthcare access may benefit from education in diagnosing and differentiating skin cancer with the use of dermoscopy, which may ultimately improve patient care and reduce healthcare costs.