Inherited ichthyosis as a paradigm of rare skin disorders: Genomic medicine, pathogenesis, and management.

Great advances have been made in the field of heritable skin disorders using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies (ie, whole-genome sequencing, whole-exome sequencing, whole-transcriptome sequencing, and disease-targeted multigene panels). When NGS first became available, the cost and lack of access to these technologies were limiting factors; however, with decreasing sequencing costs and the expanding knowledge base of genetic skin diseases, fundamental awareness of NGS has become prudent. The heritable ichthyoses comprise a genotypically and phenotypically heterogeneous group of monogenic keratinization disorders characterized by persistent scaling, with at least 55 distinct genes currently implicated in causing nonsyndromic and syndromic forms of the disease. By providing a simplified overview of available NGS techniques and applying them in the context of ichthyosis, one of the most common genodermatoses, we hope to encourage dermatologists to offer, when appropriate, genetic testing earlier in patients with unsolved presentations. With the aid of NGS, dermatologists can provide diagnostic certainty in cases of suspected genodermatoses and offer potentially life-changing genome-guided and targeted therapies as they become available.

Skin Cancer Education in the Rural Salon.

INTRODUCTION: Due to an increase in the incidence of skin cancer and a shortage of primary care and specialty physicians in rural areas, creative public health strategies must be employed to address disparities in skin cancer education, prevention, and detection. METHODS: Hair salons in eastern South Dakota communities with populations less than 15,000 were visited in-person by medical student facilitators. Hair professionals at these locations completed pre-survey assessments for baseline self-assessed comfort with detecting suspicious skin lesions and with educating patrons on skin cancer prevention strategies. Their likelihood to both alert patrons of suspicious skin lesions and encourage them to have their lesion evaluated by a physician was also assessed. A 20-minute educational PowerPoint presentation was given. Final assessment was evaluated with a post-presentation survey. RESULTS: Self-assessed hair professional comfort with identifying suspicious skin lesions was higher in post-survey results, in addition, the educational presentation increased comfort with sharing skin cancer prevention information with patrons. Hair professionals also reported increased likelihood that they would alert patrons to suspect skin lesions. Also, hair professionals reported increased likelihood that they would encourage patrons to seek medical care for their concerning lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Hair professionals may act as lay skin cancer educators in rural salons. Educational programs for hair professionals can increase their comfort with detecting lesions suspicious for skin cancer, increase their comfort with sharing skin protection information with patrons, and increase their likelihood of both alerting their patrons about suspicious skin lesions and encouraging their patrons to have their suspicious lesions evaluated.

"Slime" dermatitis, a fad-associated chronic hand dermatitis.

"Slime" is the colloquial name for a non-Newtonian viscoelastic putty-like substance that is currently a popular plaything among pre-teens and adolescents. Several ingredients in homemade slime recipes may cause irritant or allergic contact dermatitis. We report two children who developed slime-associated chronic hand dermatitis, more prominently on their dominant hand. We review the potential for irritant and allergic contact dermatoses as the causes of dermatitis associated with homemade slime.

Biologic therapy in psoriasis: navigating the options.

Psoriasis is a T cell-mediated inflammatory disease associated with comorbidities impacting the overall health and quality of life of those affected. This article offers a brief overview of treatment classes available and an approach to choosing biologic treatments based on individual patient characteristics, including disease severity, comorbidities, and ultimate treatment goals.