Pyogenic granuloma of the scalp arising from a retained bullet fragment after a contralateral skull-penetrating gunshot wound.

Pyogenic granulomas are benign lesions commonly found on the skin and mucosal surfaces. Although the etiology of pyogenic granuloma is not well understood, some reports have suggested that PG may be caused by impaired wound healing following tissue injury. Rare cases of pyogenic granulomas in the setting of local foreign body have been reported in the literature. Although foreign body reactions have not been identified as a cause of pyogenic granuloma, these reports evidence the need to further investigate this association. We present a 33-year-old man who presented with a pyogenic granuloma on the scalp six years after a contralateral skull-penetrating gunshot wound that resulted in retained bullet fragments.

Benefits of dermoscopy in primary care.

ABSTRACT: Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, with an estimated 9,500 new diagnoses made each day. Dermoscopy (also called dermatoscopy) is an established clinical approach to improving skin cancer evaluation. However, only 8% to 9% of primary care physicians use it, and no data are available for physician associate/assistant or NP use. This article reports a dermoscopy algorithm that primary care providers can use to increase the detection of skin cancer and reduce unnecessary referrals and biopsies.

Diversity of PA cohorts during the evolution to an entry-level master's degree.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the racial and ethnic diversity of physician associate/assistant (PA) graduating cohorts during the profession's transition from a standard undergraduate degree to an entry-level master's degree. METHODS: Using all existing program reports from the Physician Assistant Education Association (1985-2019), we explored potential associations between changes in tuition, degree types offered, and racial/ethnic makeup of graduating cohorts. RESULTS: We observed a strong negative association between Black students and graduates versus increasing tuition and the rise of master's level programs. CONCLUSIONS: More equitable opportunities for joining the PA profession may be needed.

Bullous impetigo on a young man's abdomen.

Bullous impetigo is a variant of epidermal infection by Staphylococcus aureus, representing 30% of impetigo cases. Its clinical appearance may mimic certain autoimmune blistering dermatoses and other cutaneous infections, sometimes necessitating careful evaluation. Herein we present a patient with bullous impetigo in a striking and characteristic appearance and briefly overview the approach to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Cutaneous larva migrans in the northeastern US.

Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) is a dermo-epidermal parasitic infection with a disproportionate incidence in developing countries, particularly in, and near tropical areas. It is characterized by erythematous, twisting, and linear plaques that can migrate to adjacent skin. Herein, we present an otherwise healthy 45-year-old woman who acquired a pruritic, erythematous, and serpiginous rash localized to her right medial ankle during a trip to New England. Oral ivermectin, the preferred first-line treatment for cutaneous larva migrans, was administered in combination with triamcinolone. This was followed by removal of the papular area via punch biopsy; treatment was successful with a one-week recovery. Although cutaneous larva migrans has traditionally been considered a tropical disease, clinicians should be cognizant of its expanding geographic spread.

Pityriasis rubra pilaris heralding diagnosis of urothelial carcinoma: a case report.

Pityriasis rubra pilaris is a papulosquamous inflammatory dermatosis that can be associated with HIV, autoimmunity, infections, certain medications, and neoplasms. Paraneoplastic pityriasis rubra pilaris has previously been reported in association with solid organ malignancies and once with leukemia. Herein, we present an elderly man with paraneoplastic pityriasis rubra pilaris, heralding the diagnosis of low-grade papillary urothelial carcinoma. Our patient's pityriasis rubra pilaris resolved after surgical resection of the tumor.

Degenerative collagenous plaques of the hands in an elderly woman.

Degenerative collagenous plaques of the hands is an underrecognized acquired dermatosis characterized by slowly progressive linear depressed bands appearing symmetrically at the margins of palmar and dorsal skin of the hands. It is more common in the elderly and is believed to result from chronic pressure and ultraviolet radiation. We present an elderly woman with degenerative collagenous plaques of the hands to highlight an underrecognized rare dermatosis.

Primary cutaneous CD4+ small/medium-sized pleomorphic T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder in a young woman.

Primary cutaneous CD4+ small/medium T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder (CD4+PCSM-LPD) is a low-grade cutaneous T cell disorder. There is no standardized approach to treatment of CD4+ PCSM-LPD due to its rarity. Herein, we discuss a 33-year-old woman with CD4+PCSM-LPD which resolved after a partial biopsy. We highlight that conservative and local treatment modalities should be considered prior to utilizing more aggressive and invasive treatment options.

Subcorneal pustular dermatosis associated with IgG monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance.

Subcorneal pustular dermatosis is a rare chronic relapsing bullous neutrophilic dermatosis. Because it can be associated with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and multiple myeloma, screening for these conditions is necessary. Herein, we present a case of subcorneal pustular dermatosis, with concurrent monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, successfully treated with acitretin.