Nonmelanoma skin cancer in the setting of erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp: A case series and comment on management implications.

BACKGROUND: Erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp (EPDS) is an inflammatory cutaneous disorder typically affecting sun-damaged skin of mature individuals. Clinical features of EPDS include sterile pustules and chronic crusted erosions that can be hyperkeratotic and lead to scarring alopecia, atrophy, and telangiectasia. While the condition occurs on sun-damaged skin, a relationship with non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) has not been investigated. OBJECTIVES: Here we attempted to identify cases of NMSC developing in the setting of EPDS. METHODS: Retrospective review of EPDS cases in a dermatology practice. RESULTS: Six patients with mean (range) age 82 (65-92) years that developed NMSC in the setting of EPDS are reported. Five patients had skin phototype I or II associated with substantial solar elastosis. Four patients had history of NMSC. Four patients developed squamous cell carcinoma and two patients basal cell carcinoma on the scalp in the setting of EPDS. A morphologic change in an EPDS lesion, such as a crusted plaque becoming nodular and/or growing significantly within a relatively short period of time, prompted a biopsy that revealed NMSC. CONCLUSIONS: NMSC may develop in the setting of EPDS. Possible mechanisms underlying this association include the chronic inflammation associated with EPDS and ultraviolet light exposure. It is crucial to promptly obtain a biopsy in EPDS cases showing signs suspicious for NMSC. Further studies are required to confirm whether NMSC shows a higher prevalence in the setting of EPDS.

Hormonal Therapies in the Management of Acne Vulgaris.

Acne vulgaris is a multifactorial chronic disorder of the pilosebaceous unit. Established treatments include topical retinoids, antibiotics in mild cases, and oral antibiotics and isotretinoin in moderate to severe cases. Anti-androgens and other hormonal therapies constitute another group of drugs in the armamentarium of acne management. These can be used in patients who do not respond to the aforementioned treatments or when other systemic drugs cannot be tolerated. Recent approval of topical androgen receptor blocker is an additional armamentarium for the management of acne. Considering limited systemic exposure and good efficacy, it has potential for wide usage in patients with acne. In this article, we critically review currently available hormonal treatment options based on published literature search of an electronic database (MEDLINE/PubMed) performed through June 2021. J Drugs Dermatol. 2022;21(6):618-623. doi:10.36849/JDD.6494.

Critical Review of the Sentinel Lymph Node Surgery in Malignant Melanoma.

Malignant melanoma is one of the most aggressive solid tumors but has low morbidity if treated at an early stage. Over the past decade, the advent of targeted therapy and immunotherapy have productively enriched the treatment options for advanced melanomas and further improved the prognosis. The treatment of melanoma is a rapidly evolving field. In patients with sentinel lymph node (SLN)-positive (SLN+) melanoma, the role of complete lymph node dissection (CLND) is still a matter of debate. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is a staging procedure for melanoma that is routinely offered to patients with tumor thickness ≥1 mm or ≥0.8 mm with additional risk factors and is widely accepted as an important diagnostic and prognostic tool, since SLN+ patients can receive adjuvant targeted treatment or immunotherapy. Currently, the role of CLND has largely been replaced by often recommended adjuvant therapies since their approval. This article provides an overview of sentinel lymph-node surgery in cutaneous melanoma. J Drugs Dermatol. 2022;21(5):510-516. doi:10.36849/JDD.6198.

Deoxycholic Acid (ATX-101) for Fat Reduction.

Excess, unwanted fat in submental and other body areas has been a focus of new modalities in aesthetics. Invasive and, more recently, non-invasive modalities for removal of unwanted fat have been on an increase. ATX-101 (deoxycholic acid injection) is the only injectable drug approved in the United States and Canada for reduction of moderate or severe submental fat in adults, with ongoing trials testing its efficacy in body contouring and lipomas. It has proven efficacy in submental fat reduction with a good safety profile. This article reviews the pharmacology, mechanism of action, clinical effects and adverse effects of ATX-101. It emphasizes on careful patient selection and advises on appropriate volume administration, number of treatments, and injection technique. The literature research includes peer-reviewed articles (clinical trials or scientific reviews). Studies were identified by searching electronic databases (MEDLINE and PubMed) till December 2019 and reference lists of respective articles. Only articles published in English language were included. J Drugs Dermatol. 2021;20(11):1169-1173. doi:10.36849/JDD.3936.

Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis: Presentation and Management.

Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (IGH) is a benign, typically asymptomatic, acquired leukoderma characteristically affecting mature individuals. Although the etiopathogenesis is unclear, chronic sun exposure and senile degeneration are important triggers. Researchers have been engaged in a continuous effort to unveil the gray areas encompassing different aspects of IGH pathogenesis. IGH is a clinical diagnosis; however, histopathology and dermoscopy may aid in quetionable cases. Patients often seek cosmetic treatment. There has been no standard therapy for this condition. Newer treatment modalities range from topical agents to procedure-based therapies and have enhanced the therapeutic armamentarium. Here we discuss the pathogenesis, presentation, and management of IGH.

Transcutaneous Temperature-Controlled Radiofrequency Treatment: Improvement in Female Genital Appearance, Sexual Dysfunction, and Stress Urinary Incontinence.

BACKGROUND: Transcutaneous temperature-controlled radiofrequency (TTCRF) treatment is an emerging modality for vulvovaginal rejuvenation. However, clinical experience with this modality is limited. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of TTCRF treatment in improving female genital appearance, sexual function, and stress urinary incontinence (SUI). METHODS: Forty-eight patients complaining of sexual dysfunction (SD; n = 41) and/or SUI (n = 37) were included. Most patients had ≤3 TTCRF sessions. To evaluate the aesthetic results, photographs of the genital area taken before treatment were compared to those taken 6 weeks posttreatment in a blinded manner. Prior to treatment and 6 weeks after the final session, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire was administered to participants complaining of SD and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-UI-SF) to those with complaints/symptoms of SUI. Preprocedure scores were compared with postprocedure scores by paired t test. RESULTS: Aesthetic improvement was noted in all patients. Preprocedure mean total FSFI score was 21.77 vs the respective postprocedure score of 25.79 (P < 0.00001). Most FSFI domains improved (pre- vs post-TTCRF mean score): sexual desire (from 2.99 to 3.54), arousal (from 3.14 to 3.83), orgasm (from 3.14 to 4.39), pain (from 4.41 to 5.04) (P < 0.00001 for all) and satisfaction (from 3.75 to 4.42; P = 0.001). Mean preprocedure ICIQ-UI-SF score was 10.10 and decreased to 4.81 (P < 0.00001) postprocedure. CONCLUSIONS: A substantial improvement in genital appearance was observed. Assessment based on validated instruments demonstrated significant improvements in sexual function and SUI. TTCRF is a safe and effective treatment for these conditions.

Mental distress in dermatologists during COVID-19 pandemic: Assessment and risk factors in a global, cross-sectional study.

There is a sparsity of data regarding the mental health status of dermatologists during COVID-19 pandemic. Evaluate the effects of pandemic on mental health of dermatologists on a large scale and identify risk factors for mental distress. 733 dermatologists were included in this cross-sectional, web-based survey. Mental distress was reported by 77.2% of responders. Considerable percentages of participants experienced stress (73.9%), irritation (33.7%), insomnia (30%), or depression (27.6%), and 78.6% were overwhelmed with the amount of pandemic information they were receiving. Mental distress was significantly associated with practice years, volume of patients seen per week before pandemic, personal protective equipment availability at hospital (P = .001 for each), practice location (continent; P < .001), and participant's assessment that the healthcare system was not equipped for the pandemic (P = .003). Stress was associated with hospital service (P = .003), and depression with being overwhelmed with the amount of pandemic information received (P = .004). In a logistic model, teledermatology use was the most powerful predictor of mental distress (OR, 1.57 [95% CI, 1.07-2.32]). Mental distress was common among dermatologists during this pandemic. Teledermatology use was the most powerful predictor of mental distress. Preventative strategies and psychosocial interventions should be implemented.

5-Alpha reductase inhibitors in androgenetic alopecia: Shifting paradigms, current concepts, comparative efficacy, and safety.

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a multifactorial disease that carries a significant psychological burden with it. Dihydrotestosterone, the main pathogenic androgen in AGA, is produced by conversion of testosterone, which is catalyzed by the 5-alpha reductase (5-AR) isoenzyme family. Finasteride and dutasteride are inhibitors of these enzymes. Finasteride, which is a single receptor 5-alpha reductase inhibitor (5-ARI), acts by blocking dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Dutasteride, a dual receptor DHT blocker, has a higher potency than its predecessor, finasteride. This review corroborates the evidence of superiority of dutasteride over finasteride, and its comparable safety profile concerning fertility, teratogenicity, neurotoxicity, and hepatotoxicity.

Efficacy of 595- and 1319-nm pulsed dye laser in the treatment of acne vulgaris: a narrative review.

Acne is one of the commonest problems of adolescence with almost half of the patients experiencing persistence into adulthood. Pulsed dye lasers (PDL) with wavelengths of 585 and 595 nm targeting hemoglobin have been used for the treatment of this condition and its sequelae. Recent introduction of PDL with a higher wavelength of 1319 nm has been reported to offer some benefit to acne patients. We reviewed the literature on the use of 595-nm and 1319-nm PDL in the management of acne. A PubMed literature search for search terms "pulsed dye laser," "acne laser therapy," "light therapy for acne," "595 nm and acne," "1319 nm and acne" was done. Studies, series and case reports were included. These lasers were compared to other lasers and light sources such as 532-nm Potassium Titanyl Phosphate laser, 585-nm PDLs, 1450-nm diode laser, 1540-nm erbium glass laser, intense-pulsed light (IPL), photodynamic therapy, red and blue light and short-pulsed 1064 nm laser utilized in acne management regarding their efficacy. Improvement in acne grading, scale severity or reduction in lesion count indicated substantial efficacy of the laser system utilized.

Travelers' tropical skin diseases: Challenges and interventions.

Tropical regions receive a significant part of the traveling population. It is very important that health professionals are familiar with the main tropical skin diseases and able to advice patients appropriately. This article reviews the main tropical diseases of travelers, with an emphasis on diagnosis, management, and prevention. Among others, cutaneous larva migrans, myiasis, tungiasis, Chagas disease, Dengue fever, African trypanosomiasis, filariasis, and leishmaniasis are discussed. Increasing awareness among travelers and health care professionals can help reduce morbidity and mortality. Continued research on new drugs and vaccines is needed to reduce the risks of tropical diseases.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix arising in a patient on adalimumab � a need for cervical screenings in patients on tumor necrosis factor inhibitors.

Adalimumab, a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor, has been approved for treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa. We report a case of cervical cancer in a patient with hidradenitis suppurativa taking adalimumab, which prompted discontinuation of the medication. Physicians should obtain a detailed cervical medical history before putting a female patient on a TNF inhibitor. Patients on TNF inhibitors who have pre-existing cervical issues such as human papillomavirus (HPV), dysplasia, or high grade intraepithelial lesions should be counseled about an increased risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the cervix while on a TNF inhibitor. Furthermore, patients on TNF inhibitors should comply with the national screening guidelines for cervical cancer and be tested for human papillomavirus.

Psychocutaneous disease: Clinical perspectives.

Psychocutaneous disease, defined in this review as primary psychiatric disease with skin manifestations, is commonly encountered in dermatology. Dermatologists can play an important role in the management of psychocutaneous disease because patients visit dermatology for treatment of their skin problems but often refuse psychiatric intervention. This review describes common psychocutaneous syndromes, including delusional, factitious, obsessive-compulsive and related, and eating disorders, as well as psychogenic pruritus, cutaneous sensory (pain) syndromes, posttraumatic stress disorder, and sleep-wake disorders. The updated classification of these disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition is included. Strategies for management are reviewed.

Psychocutaneous disease: Pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy.

Building a strong therapeutic alliance with the patient is of utmost importance in the management of psychocutaneous disease. Optimal management of psychocutaneous disease includes both pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. This article reviews psychotropic medications currently used for psychocutaneous disease, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and anxiolytics, with a discussion of relevant dosing regimens and adverse effects. Pruritus management is addressed. In addition, basic and complex forms of psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and habit-reversal training, are described.