Removal of Incidental Skin Cancer During Mohs Micrographic Surgery Indicated for a Different Primary Tumor.

BACKGROUND: Mohs surgery is a tissue-sparing, microscopically controlled procedure used to treat biopsy-proven skin cancers. Because Mohs surgery allows for examination of the complete margin of each tissue layer removed, separate cancers can be treated concomitantly when identified. As early detection of skin cancer is beneficial for reducing morbidity, incidental tumors discovered during Mohs surgery are of significant interest. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to determine the prevalence and characteristics of incidental skin cancers found during Mohs surgery. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of cases seen at University of California, San Diego, from 2014 to 2021 was performed. RESULTS: Of 13,464 Mohs surgery cases, 4.53% ( n = 610) had incidental skin cancers found during removal of the initially identified tumor. Of the 610 cases, 88.4% ( n = 539) had basal cell carcinoma as the primary tumor and either squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) or SCC in situ as the incidental tumor. About 7.87% ( n = 48) had SCC as the primary tumor and basal cell carcinoma as the incidental tumor. All tumors were removed with clear margins and without significant complications. CONCLUSION: Diagnosis of incidental tumors during Mohs surgery enables early detection of skin cancer and circumvents the need for additional surgery, likely resulting in decreased morbidity and improved cost-effectiveness.

Undergarment and Fabric Selection in the Management of Hidradenitis Suppurativa.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory condition manifesting as recurrent and exquisitely painful nodules in intertriginous regions. The role of mechanical stress in HS pathogenesis is gaining attention, as factors including intertriginous distribution of lesions, obesity, sweating, and suboptimal clothing contribute to increased friction and exacerbation of disease. Undergarment and clothing selection are often-overlooked components of HS management and should be addressed with patients as practical lifestyle changes that can decrease the frequency of disease flares and reduce symptoms of pain and irritation at involved sites. Selection of breathable and absorbent fabrics can also aid in reducing microbial colonization, sweat retention, and odor. This discussion is based on expert recommendations and aims to provide practitioners with the rationale for appropriate undergarment and clothing selection for HS patients. We propose practical principles for choosing undergarment design and fabrics for breathability, absorbency, and skin pressure reduction.

Novel Application of the 730 and 785 nm Picosecond Titanium Sapphire Lasers for the Treatment of Nevus of Ota.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Nevus of Ota is a benign dermal melanocytosis that may pose significant psychosocial distress to patients. Q-switched nanosecond lasers have traditionally been considered the first-line treatment but pain, bleeding, and postinflammatory pigmentary alteration are common adverse effects. Picosecond devices have been increasingly used to treat nevus of Ota with promising results. We present two cases demonstrating novel applications of the 730 and 785 nm picosecond titanium sapphire lasers for the treatment of nevus of Ota in two patients with types III and IV skin. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 730 and 785 nm picosecond titanium sapphire laser with pulse durations of 250 and 300 picoseconds, respectively, were used to treat two cases of nevus of Ota. Four to seven treatment sessions were conducted at monthly intervals, and follow-up evaluation was performed 1-3 months following the final treatment session. RESULTS: Both cases demonstrated greater than 75% clearance following treatment. There were no adverse events or pigmentary alteration noted as a result of picosecond titanium sapphire laser treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The 730 and 785 nm picosecond titanium sapphire lasers are safe and effective for the treatment of nevus of Ota. Lasers Surg. Med. 00:00-00, 2021. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Current Practices in Pediatric Dermatology Laser Therapy: An International Survey.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To date, there are no well-established guidelines regarding laser therapy for the treatment of cutaneous lesions in pediatric patients. We aim to ascertain the types of lasers commonly used, types of lesions treated, and factors that affect the selection of specific laser modalities in pediatric patients. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: An anonymous online survey was distributed to healthcare providers who treat children with lasers through listservs of four major national and international dermatology and laser organizations. RESULTS: Outpatient office-based procedure rooms are the most common clinical setting for laser procedures (74.4%), and pulsed dye laser is the most commonly used laser (95.4%). Conditions routinely treated with lasers included port wine stains (95.4%), infantile hemangiomas (81.5%), other vascular lesions (81.5%), scars (77.7%), and hair (60.8%). 84.4% of respondents expressed concern about general anesthesia in patients <2 years old. Nevi of Ota is treated with laser more frequently (52.3%) than other pigmented lesions. LIMITATIONS: Limited generalizability of case examples to general conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Vascular lesions are the most common lesions treated with lasers in pediatric dermatology patients, and most providers are using these devices in the outpatient setting. Many providers are concerned about the effects of repeated general anesthesia in infants, and there appears to be a trend toward providing laser therapy in the outpatient setting without general anesthesia. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Sequential posttranslational modifications program FEN1 degradation during cell-cycle progression.

We propose that cell-cycle-dependent timing of FEN1 nuclease activity is essential for cell-cycle progression and the maintenance of genome stability. After DNA replication is complete at the exit point of the S phase, removal of excess FEN1 may be crucial. Here, we report a mechanism that controls the programmed degradation of FEN1 via a sequential cascade of posttranslational modifications. We found that FEN1 phosphorylation stimulated its SUMOylation, which in turn stimulated its ubiquitination and ultimately led to its degradation via the proteasome pathway. Mutations or inhibitors that blocked the modification at any step in this pathway suppressed FEN1 degradation. Critically, the presence of SUMOylation- or ubiquitination-defective, nondegradable FEN1 mutant protein caused accumulation of Cyclin B, delays in the G1 and G2/M phases, and polyploidy. These findings may represent a newly identified regulatory mechanism used by cells to ensure precise cell-cycle progression and to prevent transformation.

Allergenic potential, marketing claims, and pricing of facial moisturizers.

Ingredients found in facial moisturizers can impact a myriad of skin conditions, including sensitive skin syndrome and contact dermatitis. There is a paucity of evidence on the allergenic potential and marketing claims of facial moisturizers, posing challenges to clinician recommendation and consumer selection. In this study, we systematically evaluate the 100 top-selling sun protective facial moisturizers that claim to be natural, fragrance free, expert-approved, age preventing, beneficial for sensitive skin, and sun protective. Allergenic potential of these moisturizers is evaluated based on ingredients used and prices and consumer ratings are compared. Accordingly, 75 of 100 marketed at least one additional benefit. "Anti-aging" products had the highest average price ($14.99/oz) and "expert-approved" had the lowest ($5.91/oz). Consumer rating was highest for facial moisturizers that were "fragrance-free" (4.35/5.00) whereas products that were "natural" received the lowest ratings (3.49/5.00). The most prevalent allergens found in these moisturizers were ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), phenoxyethanol, and cetyl alcohol. "Expert-approved" products had the fewest average allergens in their ingredient lists (P=0.033), whereas products advertising "SPF" had significantly more (P<0.001). Marketing claims play a role in product sales and ratings. When recommending products, physicians should balance allergenic risk with affordability and consumer preferences.

Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Dorsal Foot: An Update and Comprehensive Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Ultraviolet radiation is a well-known risk factor for basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Therefore, the high incidence of BCCs in sun-exposed areas such as the head and neck is unsurprising. However, unexpectedly, BCCs on the sun-protected dorsal foot have also been reported, and tumor occurrence here suggests that other factors besides ultraviolet radiation may play a role in BCC pathogenesis. Because only few dorsal foot BCCs have been reported, data on their clinical features and management are limited. OBJECTIVE: To perform an updated review of the literature on clinical characteristics and treatment of dorsal foot BCCs. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive literature review by searching the PubMed database with the key phrases "basal cell carcinoma dorsal foot," "basal cell carcinoma foot," and "basal cell carcinoma toe." RESULTS: We identified 20 cases of dorsal foot BCCs in the literature, 17 of which had sufficient data for analysis. Only 1 case was treated with Mohs micrographic surgery. We present 8 additional cases of dorsal foot BCCs treated with Mohs micrographic surgery. CONCLUSION: Basal cell carcinomas on the dorsal foot are rare, and potential risk factors include Caucasian descent and personal history of skin cancer. Mohs micrographic surgery seems to be an effective treatment option.

An unusual presentation of seborrheic keratoses in a man with hereditary hemochromatosis.

Hereditary hemochromatosis is an autosomal recessive disorder that disturbs iron metabolism and results in iron deposition throughout the body. Iron accumulation in various organs may cause a wide range of systemic symptoms and cutaneous manifestations of the disease are particularly striking. Classically, hereditary hemochromatosis has been termed "bronze diabetes." Although diffuse hyperpigmentation is a well-described feature of this disease, other cutaneous symptoms may also occur, and a variety of anomalies may be observed. We present a case of long-standing hereditary hemochromatosis associated with hypopigmented plaques, which were found to be seborrheic keratoses on histologic examination. The cutaneous findings in hereditary hemochromatosis are summarized and an unusual case of seborrheic keratosis manifesting as hypopigmented plaques in a man with hereditary hemochromatosis is described. PubMed was used to search the following terms: hemochromatosis, hereditary, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, keratosis, melanin, seborrheic, siderosis. Despite the generalized hyperpigmentation that is usually observed in hereditary hemochromatosis, seborrheic keratosis may present rarely as hypopigmented lesions in individuals affected by this disease. Therefore, seborrheic keratoses should be considered in the differential diagnosis in hemochromatosis patients who present with uncharacteristic pigmentation.

Rituximab in the management of juvenile pemphigus foliaceus.

BackgroundPemphigus foliaceus (PF) is a blistering disorder most commonly presenting in middle age. As PF is restricted to the superficial epidermis, it is considered more benign than other pemphigus diseases. However, progression to severe disease is not uncommon. Although rituximab's efficacy has been well-documented in adults with refractory PF, little data is available on its role in adolescents.PurposeWe describe a patient with juvenile PF treated with rituximab and review the literature for similar cases.MethodsPubMed was searched for the terms: antibody, B cells, blistering, CD20, foliaceus, juvenile, pemphigus, rituximab, immunosuppression. As the first reported case of rituximab treated pemphigus was in 2001, only cases from 2001 and after were included. Juvenile PF was defined as disease diagnosis between ages 12-17.ResultsFive cases have been reported. The indication for rituximab in most cases was refractory PF unresponsive to systemic glucocorticoids and non-steroidal adjuvant therapies. All cases demonstrated significant improvement or complete remission and most experienced no adverse events.ConclusionsRituximab appears to be both well tolerated and efficacious for refractory juvenile PF. Therefore, it may be considered for severe cases of PF to avoid side effects associated with conventional glucocorticoid therapy.

Continuity of care in dermatology residency programs in the United States.

PURPOSE: As established by the AccreditationCouncil for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME),dermatology residents in the United States must participate in continuity clinic. This requirement may be achieved through multiple means, allowing for program variation. To better assess continuity clinic's role in resident learning, more data on this component of graduate medical education is needed. METHODS: An anonymous online survey was distributed via the American Board of Dermatology list serv to all U.S. dermatology residents. Continuity clinic organization, setting, frequency, and patient and preceptor characteristics were assessed; resident satisfaction and learning were compared. RESULTS: Of 231 responses, 7.8% reported continuity clinic daily, 77.1% weekly, 9.1% every other week, 3.0%monthly, 0.4% once every several months, and 2.2%only during certain blocks. Of the clinics reported,80.1% were "resident-run with attending" and 11.3%were attending-run. The rest were "resident-run with no attending" (0.9%), both resident and attending run(3.0%), or "other" (4.8%). Trainees in resident-run clinics (with attendings) reported greater continuity of care than those in attending-run clinics (p<0.001).Residents reported better teaching with attending presence during patient encounters than when attendings were present only if concerns were raised(p<0.01).

Characteristics of research tracks in dermatology residency programs: a national survey.

Pursuing research is encouraged in dermatology residency programs. Some programs offer specific research or investigative tracks. Currently, there is little data on the structure or scope of research tracks in dermatology residency programs. An anonymous online survey was distributed to the Association of Professors of Dermatology listserve in 2016. Program directors of dermatology residency programs in the United States were asked to participate and 38 of the 95 program directors responded. The survey results confirmed that a 2+2 research track, which is two years of clinical training followed by two years of research, was the most common investigator trackmodel and may promote an academic career at the resident's home institution. Further studies will help determine the most effective research track models to promote long-term outcomes.

Ketoprofen-induced photoallergic dermatitis.

Drug-induced photosensitivity reactions are significant adverse effects. Ketoprofen is one of the most common drugs that can cause skin rash in sun-exposed areas. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ketoprofen, are often used for a variety of symptoms, including pain and fever. An understanding of the presentation and clinical course of ketoprofen-induced photosensitivity is necessary to correctly diagnose and manage this condition. Ketoprofen-induced photosensitivity reactions usually present as photoallergic dermatitis, which is a cell-mediated immune process. The benzophenone moiety in ketoprofen plays a major role in ketoprofen's ability to act as a photosensitizer. Several agents, such as fenofibrate and octocrylene have been found to be associated with aggravation of ketoprofen-induced photoallergic dermatitis or cross-photosensitization, and these reactions result from structural similarities with ketoprofen. Treatment of ketoprofen-induced photoallergic dermatitis includes discontinuation of ketoprofen, topical or systemic corticosteroids and avoidance of sun exposure and agents known to exacerbate dermatitis. In conclusion, photoallergic dermatitis is a significant adverse effect of ketoprofen. Some agents known to worsen dermatitis may be found in sun protection products (notably, octocrylene in sunscreen). Educating the patient to avoid these products is critical to treatment. Since NSAIDs, such as ketoprofen, are used commonly for a variety of illnesses, drug-induced photoallergic dermatitis should be high on the differential in individuals using these medications who present with acute onset of a rash in sun-exposed areas.

Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Dorsal Hand: An Update and Comprehensive Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Excessive ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure is the primary predisposing factor for basal cell carcinoma (BCC). However, surprisingly, BCCs occur very rarely on the dorsal hand, which is subject to intense sun exposure, and their infrequent presentation in this location suggests that other factors besides UVR may play a role in BCC pathogenesis. Because dorsal hand BCCs are uncommon, knowledge of their characteristics is limited, and more data are needed to describe their clinical presentation and treatment. OBJECTIVE: To perform an updated review of the literature on the management of dorsal hand BCCs. METHODS: The authors conducted a comprehensive literature review by searching the PubMed database with the key phrases "basal cell carcinoma dorsal hand," "basal cell carcinoma hand," and "basal cell carcinoma finger," and "basal cell carcinoma thumb." RESULTS: The authors identified 176 cases of dorsal hand BCCs in the literature, 120 of which had sufficient data for analysis. Only 4 cases were treated with Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS). The authors present 14 additional cases of dorsal hand BCCs treated with MMS. CONCLUSION: Basal cell carcinomas on the dorsal hand occur infrequently, and potential risk factors include being a male of white descent and personal history of skin cancer. Mohs micrographic surgery seems to be an effective treatment method.

Management of Mucosal Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Lip: An Update and Comprehensive Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common malignancy in the United States. Most BCCs occur on cutaneous surfaces, but rare cases on the mucosal lip have also been documented. Because only a small number of mucosal BCC (mBCC) cases have been reported, data on their clinical characteristics and management are limited. OBJECTIVE: To perform an updated literature review of the management of mBCCs on the lip. METHODS: A comprehensive literature review was conducted through a search of the PubMed database with the key phrases "mucosal basal cell carcinoma," "basal cell carcinoma mucosa," and "basal cell carcinoma lip mucosa." RESULTS: Forty-eight cases of mBCCs have been reported, and 35 had sufficient data for analysis. The average age at presentation was 66.8 years, and 57% (n = 20) had a history of skin cancer. Most cases were treated with surgical excision or Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS), with only 1 recurrence in the literature. Furthermore, the authors present 8 additional cases of mBCCs successfully treated with MMS. CONCLUSION: Mucosal basal cell carcinomas are rare, and skin cancer history may be a risk factor. Because the lip is a cosmetically and functionally important area, MMS may be the preferred treatment method for mBCCs in this location.

Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers Among Hispanic and Asian Patients Compared With White Patients in the United States: A 5-Year, Single-Institution Retrospective Review.

BACKGROUND: Nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) are the most common malignancy in the United States. Although historically most cases occurred in whites, in recent years, NMSC incidence in Hispanics and Asians has increased. As Hispanics and Asians are the 2 fastest growing groups in the United States, the NMSC rise in these populations is concerning. Currently, data on clinical characteristics of NMSCs in these minorities are limited, and a thorough analysis of risk differences among Hispanic, Asian, and white patients is lacking. OBJECTIVE: To assess differences in NMSC prevalence, risk factors, and clinical presentation among Hispanic, Asian, and white populations at University of California San Diego Dermatologic and Mohs Micrographic Surgery Center. METHODS: Five-year retrospective chart review. RESULTS: Of 4,029 NMSC cases, 3,881 (96.3%) were in whites, 115 (2.9%) were in Hispanics, and 33 (0.8%) were in Asians. Most cases in whites occurred in men, whereas this gender ratio was reversed for Hispanics and Asians. Hispanics had significantly more cases occurring in the "central face." CONCLUSION: The rise of NMSCs in Hispanic and Asians, especially among women, is concerning given that they are the fastest growing ethnic populations in the United States. It is important that proper counseling for photoprotection be stressed to these populations.

Red Dot Basal Cell Carcinoma: An Unusual Variant of a Common Malignancy.

BACKGROUND: Red dot basal cell carcinoma is a distinct but rare subtype of basal cell carcinoma (BCC). It presents as a red macule or papule; therefore, in most cases, it may easily be mistaken for a benign vascular lesion, such as a telangiectasia or angioma.
PURPOSE: A red dot BCC in an older woman is described. Clinical and histological differences between red dot BCCs and telangiectasias are described.
METHOD: A 72-year-old woman initially presented with a painless red macule on her nose. Biopsy of the lesion established the diagnosis of a red dot BCC. Pubmed was searched for the following terms: angioma, basal cell carcinoma, dermoscope, diascopy, red dot, non-melanoma skin cancer, telangiectasia, and vascular. The papers were reviewed for cases of red dot basal cell carcinoma. Clinical and histological characteristics of red dot basal cell carcinoma and telangiectasias were compared.
CONCLUSION: Red dot BCC is an extremely rare variant of BCC that may be confused with benign vascular lesions. Although BCCs rarely metastasize and are associated with low mortality, they have the potential to become locally invasive and destructive if left untreated. Thus, a high index of suspicion for red dot BCC is necessary.

J Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(5):645-647.

Challenges of Treating an Acute Hepatitis C Virus Infection With Concurrent Seizure Treatment in a Free Clinic.

Currently, there is limited data evaluating the coadministration of first-generation anticonvulsants for epilepsy treatment and direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. There is a potential risk of suboptimal DAA serum concentrations that could potentially lead to HCV treatment failure. In this report, we describe the case of an uninsured, non-Hispanic Black male in his mid-40s with a history of generalized epilepsy that was managed with phenytoin 100mg twice a day and divalproex 500mg extended-release once daily. He was diagnosed with an acute hepatitis C viral infection with a genotype of 1a. Due to the viral genotype, treatment naivety, and lack of cirrhosis, the recommended treatment is to start glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, but the concomitant use of phenytoin and glecaprevir/pibrentasvir is not recommended due to a drug-drug interaction that could lead to subtherapeutic DAA levels and possible treatment failure. Through shared decision-making and close follow-up, we slowly weaned the patient off phenytoin, replaced it with levetiracetam, and started glecaprevir/pibrentasvir. We successfully eradicated the patient's HCV infection, and no breakthrough seizures were reported. Although an unprecedented case and with the limited data evaluating the coadministration of DAAs and treatment of acute HCV infection, we were able to successfully treat and achieve full remission of the HCV infection. By virtue of this case report, we hope to encourage others to report similar cases and spread awareness regarding the difficulties in management.