Patients presenting with a linear, erythematous, blistering eruption may experience a sudden painful sunburn that seems to get worse rather than better with time. In warm climates, exposure to the common fig tree (Ficus carica) may be the culprit. Dermatologists should recognize fig phytophotodermatitis as a possible cause and help the patient connect their symptoms with the inciting agent as well as administer proper treatment.
Ficus , Humans , Ficus/adverse effects , Dermatitis, Phototoxic/etiology , Dermatitis, Phototoxic/diagnosis , Photosensitivity Disorders/diagnosis , Photosensitivity Disorders/etiology , Sunburn
There is a large burden of treatable dermatologic conditions in refugee populations. Parasitic infestations are particularly common when there are barriers to basic hygiene, crowded living or travel conditions, and lack of access to health care. Body lice are associated with anemia and can transmit a variety of diseases; chronic impetigo secondary to scabies is a leading cause of chronic kidney disease globally. Dermatologists have unique skills to identify skin infections, inflammatory diseases, and infestations. Appropriate dermatologic care has the potential to improve overall outcomes.
Lice Infestations , Refugees , Scabies , Animals , Humans , Health Services Accessibility , Lice Infestations/therapy , Lice Infestations/diagnosis , Scabies/diagnosis , Scabies/therapy , Pediculus , Sarcoptes scabiei
Scorpionfish are among the most venomous creatures found in American and Caribbean seas. Their envenomation is responsible for considerable morbidity and socioeconomic burden associated with marine animal injuries. Avoiding physical contact with scorpionfish through proper identification prevails as the chief prevention method for stings. This article discusses common features of scorpionfish as well as the clinical presentation and treatment options following exposure to its toxins.
Bites and Stings , Humans , Animals , Bites and Stings/therapy , Fishes, Poisonous , Fish Venoms , Antivenins/therapeutic use , Antivenins/administration & dosage
Correct coding is an important component of effective dermatology practice management. Over the past several years there have been updates to many commonly used codes within dermatology. This review highlights many of these updates, such as: the skin biopsy codes have been subdivided to reflect the different biopsy techniques. The definition of complex linear repairs has been updated and clarified. Outpatient and inpatient evaluation and management visits have new coding guidelines to determine level of care. Dermatopathology consultation codes have been updated and category III codes related to digital pathology have been created. Understanding the details and nuances of each of these categories of codes is vital to ensuring appropriate coding is performed.
"Leaves of three, leave it be" serves as an apt caution for avoiding poison ivy (Toxicodendron species) and its dermatitis-inducing sap. Toxicodendron contact dermatitis (TCD) poses a notable burden to the American health care system by accounting for half a million reported cases of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) annually. Identifying and avoiding physical contact with the western poison ivy (Toxicodendron rydbergii) plant prevails as the chief method of preventing TCD. This article discusses common features of T rydbergii as well as clinical manifestations and treatment options following exposure to this allergenic plant.
Dermatitis, Allergic Contact , Dermatitis, Toxicodendron , Toxicodendron , Humans , Dermatitis, Toxicodendron/diagnosis , Dermatitis, Allergic Contact/diagnosis , Dermatitis, Allergic Contact/etiology , Allergens
Rhipicephalus ticks are vectors of disease in humans and animals. Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (the brown dog tick) is one of the most geographically widespread tick species worldwide, likely due to its ability to colonize human and canine dwellings over a range of habitats. They transmit a variety of diseases to dogs and humans, including canine babesiosis, canine monocytic ehrlichiosis, hepatozoonosis, Mediterranean spotted fever, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Tick bites manifest as intensely pruritic, erythematous papules at the site of tick attachment; symptomatic relief usually can be achieved with topical antipruritics. Prevention of tick bites is best achieved through a combination of veterinary and environmental control; protective clothing; repellents, such as N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET) and permethrin; and prompt identification and removal of ticks.
Ehrlichiosis , Rhipicephalus sanguineus , Rhipicephalus , Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever , Tick Bites , Tick Infestations , Dogs , Animals , Humans , DEET
Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita , Pemphigoid, Bullous , Humans , Retrospective Studies , Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita/diagnosis , Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita/drug therapy , Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita/pathology , Pemphigoid, Bullous/diagnosis , Pemphigoid, Bullous/pathology , Female , Male , Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous/diagnosis , Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous/pathology , Middle Aged , Aged
