Insight into evolution of a giant congenital nevomelanocytic nevus over 14 years.

Giant congenital nevomelanocytic nevus (GCNN) is a rare variant of congenital melanocytic nevus measuring >20 cm in size that often has a garment-like distribution. Regular follow up is recommended because of a risk of melanoma transformation of 4.6%. We report a 14-year-old boy with gradual regression of giant congenital melanocytic nevus over the left upper limb, chest, back and axilla, whom we have followed-up since birth. At birth, a hyperpigmented jet-black patch without hair was present over the left side of torso and upper limb including palms and nails. Follow up at the ages of 1, 5, 11 and 14 years showed progressive spontaneous regression of the nevus resulting in shiny atrophic skin, diffuse hypopigmentation, lentigo-like macules, nodules and arthrogryphosis of affected areas. Histopathology of the lesions on follow-up revealed absence of pigmented nevus cells in the regressing areas and thickened sclerotic collagen bundles.

Fractional lasers in dermatology--current status and recommendations.

INTRODUCTION: Fractional laser technology is a new emerging technology to improve scars, fine lines, dyspigmentation, striae and wrinkles. The technique is easy, safe to use and has been used effectively for several clinical and cosmetic indications in Indian skin. DEVICES: Different fractional laser machines, with different wavelengths, both ablative and non-ablative, are now available in India. A detailed understanding of the device being used is recommended. INDICATIONS: Common indications include resurfacing for acne, chickenpox and surgical scars, periorbital and perioral wrinkles, photoageing changes, facial dyschromias. The use of fractional lasers in stretch marks, melasma and other pigmentary conditions, dermatological conditions such as granuloma annulare has been reported. But further data are needed before adopting them for routine use in such conditions. PHYSICIAN QUALIFICATION: Any qualified dermatologist may administer fractional laser treatment. He/ she should possess a Master's degree or diploma in dermatology and should have had specific hands-on training in lasers, either during postgraduation or later at a facility which routinely performs laser procedures under a competent dermatologist or plastic surgeon with experience and training in using lasers. Since parameters may vary with different systems, specific training tailored towards the concerned device at either the manufacturer's facility or at another center using the machine is recommended. FACILITY: Fractional lasers can be used in the dermatologist's minor procedure room for the above indications. PREOPERATIVE COUNSELING AND INFORMED CONSENT: Detailed counseling with respect to the treatment, desired effects and possible postoperative complications should be provided to the patient. The patient should be provided brochures to study and also adequate opportunity to seek information. A detailed consent form needs to be completed by the patient. Consent form should include information on the machine, possible postoperative course expected and postoperative complications. Preoperative photography should be carried out in all cases of resurfacing. A close-up front and 45-degree lateral photographs of both sides must be taken. LASER PARAMETERS: There are different machines based on different technologies available. Choice parameters depend on the type of machine, location and type of lesion, and skin color. Physician needs to be familiar with these requirements before using the machine. ANESTHESIA: Fractional laser treatment can be carried out under topical anesthesia with eutectic mixture of lidocaine and prilocaine. Some machines can be used without any anesthesia or only with topical cooling or cryospray. But for maximal patient comfort, a topical anesthetic prior to the procedure is recommended. POSTOPERATIVE CARE: Proper postoperative care is important in avoiding complications. Post-treatment edema and redness settle in a few hours to a few days. A sunscreen is mandatory, and emollients may be prescribed for the dryness and peeling that could occur.

An approach to the diagnosis of neutrophilic dermatoses: A histopathological perspective.

Neutrophilic dermatoses comprises of non-infective dermatoses which are histopathologically characterized by neutrophil predominant infiltrate and clinically, respond promptly to corticsteroids. Conditions primarily with vasculitis though neutrophilic are excluded from this group. In this article we intend to briefly outline the approach to diagnose these conditions with histological perspective. The ambiguity regarding few recent dermatosis viz, rheumatoid neutrophilic dermatosis, bowel associated-dermatosis-arthritis syndrome etc. with regard to their inclusion in this group has also been highlighted.

www.derm101.com: a growing online resource for learning dermatology and dermatopathology.

The internet is increasingly being used to distribute knowledge in medicine in novel and unconventional ways. In this article, we give a brief introduction into the website www.derm101.com, which was founded by A. B. Ackerman for the purpose of teaching dermatology and dermatopathology. A clinical atlas, online books such as the 3rd edition of his volume "Histologic diagnosis of inflammatory skin diseases", works on clues and differential diagnoses in dermatopathology, a resource on therapeutic strategies in dermatology, a video lecture library on controversial issues in dermatology, the quarterly online journal Dermatopathology: Practical and Conceptual and much more can be found on derm101.com. The site is enriched with new contents biweekly and offers several interactive teaching devices. Currently, www.derm101.com is the most comprehensive online library of dermatology resources.

Improving adherence to antiretroviral therapy.

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has transformed HIV infection into a treatable, chronic condition. However, the need to continue treatment for decades rather than years, calls for a long-term perspective of ART. Adherence to the regimen is essential for successful treatment and sustained viral control. Studies have indicated that at least 95% adherence to ART regimens is optimal. It has been demonstrated that a 10% higher level of adherence results in a 21% reduction in disease progression. The various factors affecting success of ART are social aspects like motivation to begin therapy, ability to adhere to therapy, lifestyle pattern, financial support, family support, pros and cons of starting therapy and pharmacological aspects like tolerability of the regimen, availability of the drugs. Also, the regimen's pill burden, dosing frequency, food requirements, convenience, toxicity and drug interaction profile compared with other regimens are to be considered before starting ART. The lack of trust between clinician and patient, active drug and alcohol use, active mental illness (e.g. depression), lack of patient education and inability of patients to identify their medications, lack of reliable access to primary medical care or medication are considered to be predictors of inadequate adherence. Interventions at various levels, viz. patient level, medication level, healthcare level and community level, boost adherence and overall outcome of ART.

Darier's disease following radiotherapy for carcinoma of cervix.

Darier-White disease is due to a defect in the ATP2A2 gene encoding the sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA2b). We report a case of carcinoma cervix in whom Darier's disease manifested after the initiation of radiation therapy. Conventional cytogenetics on peripheral blood revealed non-clonal constitutional autosomal and X chromosome abnormalities suggesting radiation induced gene toxicity. Occurrence of Darier's disease in our case could be due to treatment induced sustained differentiation in the Darier's affected skin by an unknown mechanism. Late onset or sporadic Darier's disease is the other possibility.