Localized alopecia with itching on the scalp.

We describe the use of trichoscopy to arrive at a diagnosis, and discuss the possible differential diagnoses in a patient presenting with localized itching and alopecia of the scalp.

Increased incidence of facial pityriasis versicolor in children during the COVID-19 pandemic-A consequence of mask usage?

We describe a case series of seven children presenting with pityriasis versicolor on the face, localized to the area of coverage by the mask. The increased use of face masks after the opening up of schools, combined with a humid environment and associated sweating might be responsible for an increased presentation of facial pityriasis versicolor in children in our community.

DICODerma: A Practical Approach for Metadata Management of Images in Dermatology.

Clinical images are vital for diagnosing and monitoring skin diseases, and their importance has increased with the growing popularity of machine learning. Lack of standards has stifled innovation in dermatological imaging, unlike other image-intensive specialties such as radiology. We investigate the meta-requirements for utilizing the popular DICOM standard for metadata management of images in dermatology. We propose practical design solutions and provide open-source tools to integrate dermatologists' workflow with enterprise imaging systems. Using the tool, dermatologists can tag, search, organize and convert clinical images to the DICOM format. We believe that our less disruptive approach will improve the adoption of standards in the specialty.

Practical suggestions to improve standardization of repeated open application testing (ROAT) for daily use products.

Introduction: Repeated open application testing (ROAT) is an important adjuvant in the evaluation of allergic contact dermatitis. There are variations in the way ROAT is used by practitioners and standardizing the method, in terms of the area and amount of the antigen applied, could help improve the validity of the process. Aim: Our study attempts to address ways in which part of the ROAT technique can be standardized - with respect to the area and amount of application and validation of the same through consensus opinion. Material and methods: Two proposed modifications - one for the area of application (using waterproof surgical markers and a stencil to mark the area of application) and one for daily amount applied (using easily available 1 cm3 syringes), for the ROAT technique were drafted. The same was discussed with a total of 10 dermatologists. The participants were given four statements and were asked to choose one option for each statement (strongly agree - agree - neutral - disagree - strongly disagree). All the respondents were also asked to give their opinion on possible limitations and problems of the proposed modifications and possible solutions for the same. Results: There was generally a consensus among the 10 dermatologists, with the majority agreeing that the proposed modifications were both effective and practical. Conclusions: Simple practical modifications of the ROAT technique like marking the area to be applied using a waterproof skin marker and stencil, and the use of 1 cm3 syringes to dispense the test product, can improve the standardization of the process.