Bonbon toffee sign: a new dermatoscopic feature for sebaceous hyperplasia.

INTRODUCTION: Sebaceous hyperplasia is a benign proliferation of the sebaceous gland. In this study, we tried to define the dermatoscopic features of sebaceous hyperplasia, which will help to minimize misdiagnoses. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Seventeen patients with 30 sebaceous hyperplasia lesions were included in the study. All the lesions were evaluated dermatoscopically. RESULTS: Cumulus sign, crown vessels, and milia-like cysts were detected in 100%, 86.6%, 53.3% of the lesions, respectively. In 80% of the lesions, the bonbon toffee sign was detected. CONCLUSION: During this study, we observed a feature with central umbilication surrounded by cumulus sign in 80% of our cases, and we named this entity as the 'Bonbon toffee sign', which resembled us 'bonbon toffee'. We think the 'bonbon toffee sign' is a simple and easily recognizable phrase, and it can be used as a new terminology in dermatoscopic diagnosis of sebaceous hyperplasia.

Effects of polyphenols on skin damage due to ultraviolet A rays: an experimental study on rats.

BACKGROUND: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes many acute and chronic conditions such as oedema of the skin, sunburn, immunosuppression, photo-ageing and skin cancer. The use of antioxidants has become of paramount importance in prevention of the damage caused by ultraviolet radiation. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), one of the main components of green tea, has been reported to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticarcinogenic properties. AIM: The aim of this experimental study was to investigate to what extent EGCG prevented acute skin damage caused by UVA. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The sample contained 2% EGCG, which was prepared in hydrophilic ointment (USP XXIV) as the vehicle. Twenty-four 12-week-old Wistar albino rats are included in the study and divided into four groups, each containing six rats. Group I was formed to be the control group, which was not applied any topical medication or exposed to UV radiation. Group II was formed to observe acute effects of UVA on the skin, Group III was formed to observe effectiveness of topical EGCG on the skin applied 30 min after exposure to UVA, and Group IV was formed to observe topical EGCG applied 30 min before exposure to UVA. All groups were examined for sunburn cells, leucocyte infiltration, dermo-epidermal activity, collagen changes and elastic fibre pathologies on 24 and 72 h. Statistical analysis was performed using spss 11.5, and chi-squared test was used for the evaluation of parameters. RESULTS: Group IV showed a statistically significant decrease in sunburn cells and dermo-epidermal activation compared with Group II. Group II showed significant increase in all parameters compared with Group I, showing the effects of UV exposure alone, and no difference was detected in Group II and III. CONCLUSION: These results show a protective effect of EGCG when applied topically before UVA exposure. No benefit was detected when EGCG was applied after UV exposure.

Development of pemphigus vulgaris in a patient with vitiligo and Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune blistering disease. An association of pemphigus vulgaris with vitiligo or Hashimoto's thyroiditis has not been reported before. We reported a 38 yr-old female patient with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and vitiligo who eventually developed pemphigus vulgaris on vitiliginous lesions. A genetic predisposition or a local event on vitiliginous skin may be responsible for the development of pemphigus in this patient.

Familial eyebrow diffuse alopecia.

Eyebrows are important structures both cosmetically and functionally. Diffuse alopecia of the eyebrows (sparseness of the eyebrows) may be seen in many acquired or congenital conditions. In this article, a family with diffuse eyebrow alopecia is reported.

Decompression for the management of onychocryptosis.

BACKGROUND: There are many therapeutic alternatives for the management of onychocryptosis. Generally in severe cases, surgical approaches are preferred. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to introduce the new surgical method that treats onychocryptosis without inducing a permanent injury to the matrix. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-two patients with 30 cases of onychocryptosis were treated by unilateral soft tissue resection combined with partial nail plate avulsion technique without permanent matricectomy. RESULTS: Complete recovery was attained in 25 (83.3%) of cases. No complication was observed. CONCLUSION: The most important advantage of this method was on the nail matrix. No permanent injury is incurred on the matrix.

Idiopathic perianal pruritus: washing compared with topical corticosteroids.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic perianal pruritus is a poorly managed condition. Topical corticosteroids are effective in idiopathic perianal pruritus, but they may cause some side effects. In this study, the effectiveness of topical steroids were compared with perianal cleansers in the treatment of idiopathic perianal pruritus. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventy two patients with the complaint of perianal pruritus were evaluated; 60 of the 72 patients were found to be idiopathic. Twenty eight patients were treated with topical steroids and 32 patients were treated only with a liquid cleanser. RESULTS: At the end of this two week period, cleansers were found to be as effective as topical corticosteroids. CONCLUSION: This study shows that perianal cleansers can be used as a safe first step treatment in idiopathic perianal pruritus.

Minimizing postoperative drainage with 20% ferric chloride after chemical matricectomy with phenol.

BACKGROUND: Phenol used in partial matricectomy shows its effects by denaturing matrix proteins. This highly successful method has the major problem of oozing which can continue for 5-6 weeks. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to determine the effect of 20% ferric chloride (FC) (FeCl3) on minimizing the oozing after chemical matricectomy with phenol. METHODS: Sixty-seven patients with stage III onychocryptosis were treated by chemical matricectomy with 90% aqueous phenol. In 32 of these patients FC was applied to the nail bed after the phenolization procedure. RESULTS: We found a statistically significant (P <.001) reduction of oozing in the FC-applied group of patients. CONCLUSION: We think that using FC after phenol chemical matricectomy results in a significant reduction in oozing from the operation site.

Isotretinoin-induced nail fragility and onycholysis.

A 23 year old woman who presented with severe acne had been treated with 40 mg/day isotretinoin. On her monthly control, severe cheilitis and bilateral toe nail onycholysis were observed. It is well known that systemic retinoids have several side effects. Although dystropic nail, paronichia-like changes, median nail dystrophy have previously been reported with isotretinoin therapy, onycholysis is rare. In this report, we describe a case with isotretinoin induced nail fragility and onycholysis.