Characteristics of Eccrine Tumors in a Tertiary Institution: A 5-Year Retrospective Study.

Eccrine tumors are adnexal tumors with a varied clinical presentation and wide histological spectrum. This study aims to consolidate data on the clinical characteristics of eccrine tumors to help improve clinical acumen and management of such tumors. Histopathological records from January 2008 to December 2012 were retrieved. Clinical characteristics of the tumor including site, appearance, symptoms, color, duration prior to presentation, and clinical and histological diagnosis were recorded. Eighty-four patients with eccrine tumors were identified, with seven main types of tumors recognized-hidradenoma (33.3%), poroma (29.8%), mixed tumors (14.3%), spiradenoma (8.3%), porocarcinoma (6.7%), eccrine adenoma (3.6%), and syringoma (3.6%). A total of 50% of mixed tumors were misdiagnosed as epidermal cysts. Eccrine tumors have a wide array of clinical presentations and are often clinically misdiagnosed as cysts. Recognizing certain clinical features may aid in the diagnosis, but, if in doubt, a biopsy should be performed.

Beliefs, perceptions and psychosocial impact of acne amongst Singaporean students in tertiary institutions.

BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition which can have a negative impact on a patient's quality of life. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A survey was distributed among students at tertiary institutions. Data was collected on participants' own rating of acne grade and how acne affected their social life. A clinician on-site graded the participants' acne. RESULTS: Of the 429 students who participated in the survey, 59.8 % felt embarrassed or self-conscious because of their acne. There was a low but statistically significant correlation (Spearman's Correlation Coefficient = 0.471, p < 0.001) between participants' and clinicians' grading of acne. CONCLUSIONS: Acne vulgaris causes a considerable amount of psychosocial stress. There are unfounded beliefs surrounding acne and unawareness of treatment options available.

Severe cutaneous adverse reactions in a local hospital setting: a 5-year retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCAR) are rare but important causes of morbidity and mortality. Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) are severe cutaneous drug reactions that can be potentially life threatening. Our study aims to look at the epidemiology of SCAR in the local setting in Singapore and the underlying characteristics of our patients that may influence the drug reaction seen. METHODS: Data was collected retrospectively from in-patient records in the period of January 2007 to December 2011. We looked at several factors: (i) patient demographics including age, gender, ethnicity, comorbidities, (ii) culprit drug(s), (iii) latent period, (iv) drug reaction observed, (v) systemic complications, (vi) length of hospital stay, (vii) treatment given, and (viii) outcomes (mortality, morbidity). RESULTS: We collected data from 42 patients. The mean age of our patients was 51.8 years. Twenty-nine (69%) of the patients had underlying comorbidities. The most common culprit drug group was antibiotics. SJS was the most common SCAR observed (54.8%), followed by acute generalized exanthematous pustolosis (AGEP; 24%), TEN (11.9%), and DRESS (2%). Sixteen patients (38.1%) had complications, and there was one reported death. There was a weak correlation (correlation coefficient 0.29, P value = 0.15, 95% CI = 2.07) between early steroid therapy and the length of stay. CONCLUSIONS: Antibiotics are the most common culprit drugs. The most common SCAR observed in our study was SJS. Early initiation of steroids may lead to a more favorable outcome.