Can we manage the melanocytic lesions with peripheral globules according to the grade of dysplasia?

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Although excision of melanocytic nevi with high-grade dysplasia is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), clinical studies investigating the approach based on the grading dysplasia of melanocytic lesions with peripheral globules (PGs) are lacking. We investigated the grades of dysplasia and their distinguishable dermoscopic and clinical features to provide accurate data for managing these lesions. METHODS: We retrospectively classified histologically confirmed melanocytic lesions with PGs according to the 2018 WHO Classification of Skin Tumours criteria in a university hospital in Turkey. Dermoscopic features, lesions, and patient characteristics were recorded. RESULTS: Sixty-six lesions of 56 patients were included. After classification, 9.1% (n: 6) of lesions were melanomas, 39.4% (n: 26) were high-grade dysplastic nevi, and 50% (n: 33) were low-grade dysplastic nevi (n: 33, 50%). There was one nevus with no dysplasia (n: 1, 1.5%). Univariate analysis revealed that ≥31 years of age, irregular shape of peripheral globules, black colour, total colour count, and maximum diameter of the lesion were associated with high-grade dysplasia and melanoma. In the multivariate analyses, ≥31 years of age (OR = 3.80, 95% CI, 1.17-12.37), irregular shape of peripheral globules (OR = 3.90, 95% CI, 1.15-13.2), and total colour count (OR = 3.21, 95% CI, 1.2-8.5) were significant predictive factors for the lesions with high-grade dysplasia and melanomas. CONCLUSIONS: To avoid the underdiagnosis of both melanomas and high-grade dysplastic nevi with PGs, the irregular shape of peripheral globules and multiple colours after the third decade may be useful in making an excision decision. The risk increases every 1-year increase in age. Excision is suggested for all melanocytic lesions with PGs for patients 60 years or older because of the high risk of melanoma and melanocytic nevus with high-grade dysplasia.

Dermoscopic pattern of Kyrle's disease.

The clinical diagnosis of Kyrle's disease may sometimes be challenging, due to the clinical similarity of lesions to other pruritic dermatosis. Although the dermoscopy is being increasingly used in daily practice, there is insufficient data in literature describing the dermoscopic patterns of Kyrle's disease, since only one report has been published to date. Herein we report our dermoscopic observation with additional diagnostic tips in a case who was diagnosed with Kyrle's disease histopathologically.

Dermoscopic pattern of Kyrles disease

Abstract The clinical diagnosis of Kyrle's disease may sometimes be challenging, due to the clinical similarity of lesions to other pruritic dermatosis. Although the dermoscopy is being increasingly used in daily practice, there is insufficient data in literature describing the dermoscopic patterns of Kyrle's disease, since only one report has been published to date. Herein we report our dermoscopic observation with additional diagnostic tips in a case who was diagnosed with Kyrle's disease histopathologically.

Contact sensitization to cosmetic series of allergens in patients with rosacea: A prospective controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have documented the cosmetic allergic contact dermatitis due to common cosmetic allergens in standard series and various cosmetic products used in rosacea patients; however, the prevalence of contact sensitization to other cosmetic allergens other than those in standard series is largely unknown. AIMS: To assess the prevalence of contact sensitization to a European cosmetic series of allergens (Chemotechnique Diagnostics AB, Malmö, Sweden) in rosacea patients and to compare this with the prevalence observed in general population. METHODS: In this prospective monocenter study, 103 patients with rosacea and 104 control subjects were investigated for contact sensitizations via patch testing the cosmetic series including 49 allergens. RESULTS: At least one positive allergic reaction was observed in 62 (60.2%) rosacea patients, and in 25 (24.0%) control subjects. Compared with control subjects, rosacea patients were statistically more likely to have positive patch tests. The most common allergens giving positive results were octyl gallate (10.68%), dodecyl gallate (8.74%), tert-Butylhydroquinone (7.77%), thimerosal (6.80%), euxyl K400 (6.80%), cocamidopropyl betaine (5.83%), and 2,6-Di-tert-butyl-4-cresol (4.85%). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that rosacea patients show a strikingly high prevalence of contact sensitization to cosmetic allergens. We recommend the additional use of cosmetic series for patch testing, and the careful use of cosmetics in rosacea patients if cosmetic contact sensitivity is suspected.

Comparison of serum lipid parameters between patients with classic cutaneous lichen planus and oral lichen planus.

OBJECTIVES: Previous studies have shown that patients with lichen planus (LP) have an increased occurrence of inflammation-related dyslipidemia. Although classic cutaneous LP (CCLP) and oral LP (OLP) are basically known as the different subtypes of the same disease sharing the common histopathological features, they actually have significant differences both in the clinical behavior and in the molecular inflammatory pathogenesis. We aimed to compare the lipid profile of patients with CCLP and OLP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 120 patients, 30 with isolated CCLP, 30 with isolated OLP, 30 with CCLP + OLP, and 30 controls consecutively admitted to the outpatient clinics of Dermatology Department of Dokuz Eylul University Hospital, Izmir, Turkey. RESULTS: Triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) values, TC/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and LDL-C/HDL-C atherogenic indexes were significantly higher, and HDL-C values were significantly lower in all LP subtypes compared with the controls. Among LP subtypes, although the differences were not statistically significant, TG, TC, and LDL-C values were markedly higher in OLP and OLP + CCLP patients compared with CCLP patients. OLP and CCLP + OLP patients also showed significantly higher TC/HDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C atherogenic indexes compared with CCLP patients. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with OLP have a more impaired lipid metabolism and significantly higher atherogenic indexes compared with patients with CCLP. The differences in the molecular inflammatory pathways between OLP and CCLP and the longer disease duration of OLP leading to long-lasting inflammation may elucidate this distinction. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: We recommend to pay close attention to the early recognition of coexisting atherogenic dyslipidemia and to apply the early protective measures against the development of cardiovascular disease in OLP patients.

Dermoscopic Differentiation of Facial Lentigo Maligna from Pigmented Actinic Keratosis and Solar Lentigines.

The differential diagnosis of lentigo maligna (LM) from pigmented actinic keratosis (PAK) and solar lentigines (SL) remains a challenge for clinicians, especially in the early stages of LM when there are no distinctive dermoscopic features. Objective of this study was to evaluate the frequencies of selective dermoscopic criteria in LM, PAK, and SL and to find the specific combination of distinguishing dermoscopic criteria for LM. Dermoscopists blinded to histopathological diagnosis evaluated 42 LM, 107 PAK, and 16 SL for the presence of predefined dermoscopic criteria. The differences in the presence of dermoscopic criteria between LM and others were evaluated with the chi-squared test or Fisher's exact test as appropriate. Multivariate logistic regression analysis with the forward conditional stepwise method were performed and odds ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals for LM, PAK, and SL were calculated. LM, PAK, and SL showed many common dermoscopic findings. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, darkening at dermoscopic examination (sevenfold), gray circles (sevenfold), target-like pattern (sixfold), gray rhomboids (sixfold), and slate-gray dots/globules (threefold) represented the strongest predictors of LM, while hyperkeratosis (thirteenfold), white circles (twelvefold), and red rhomboids (sixfold) represented the strongest predictors of PAK. The dermoscopic diagnosis of a given lesion should be based on the presence of the combination of specific dermoscopic criteria rather than a single benign or malignant criterion. Our results suggest that the presence of darkening at dermoscopic examination, gray circles, target-like pattern, gray rhomboids, and slate-gray dots/globules should be considered supportive findings for the diagnosis of early LM.

Piebaldism Associated with Café-au-lait Macules and Intertriginous Freckling: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

We present 9-year-old fraternal twins from a family with piebaldism, having congenital depigmented macules and meeting the diagnostic criteria for neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) due to the multiple café-au-lait macules (CALMs) and intertriginous freckling at the same time. It's still a debatable issue that CALMs and intertriginous freckling may be seen in the clinical spectrum of piebaldism or these patients should be regarded as coexistence of piebaldism and NF1. However, based on recent literature and our patients' findings, we suggest that this rare phenotypic variant of piebaldism may not need the careful clinical follow-up and molecular testing for NF1. Besides, it may be suitable that these individuals with piebaldism showing NF1-like clinical phenotypes should be further tested for KIT and SPRED1 gene mutations.

Xerosis cutis and associated co-factors in women with prurigo nodularis

Abstract: Background: Current data regarding the associated factors of prurigo nodularis are still uncertain, except for atopic predisposition. Objectives: The purposes of this study were to (1) determine the frequencies of xerosis and other accompanying diseases of female patients with prurigo nodularis; (2) compare the demographic, clinical and accompanying disease characteristics by grouping these patients according to whether they have associated xerosis (who were subsequently subgrouped as atopic or non-atopic) or not. Methods: In this retrospective descriptive study, 80 females with PN were categorized according to the accompanying diseases (dermatological, systemic, neurological, psychogenic, mixed, or undetermined origin). Results: A total of 45 associated co-factors including dermatological in 63 (78.8%), systemic in 57 (71.3%), psychological in 33 (41.3%) and neurological co-factors in 14 (17.5%) of all patients with prurigo nodularis were detected. Xerosis was observed in 48 (60%) patients (non-atopic co-factors in 66.7% of them). The ratio of patients with mixed co-factors, dermatological+systemic co-factors and dermatological+systemic+psychological co-factors were found to be significantly higher in patients with xerosis compared to those without xerosis. Study limitations: Our study has certain limitations such as the absence of an age-matched control group, absence of follow-up data and the fact that the diagnosis of xerosis has not been based on objective methods. Conclusions: Xerosis has been identified in more than half of the patients with PN and it has been determined that in most patients xerosis is associated especially with diabetes mellitus and other conditions related to prurigo nodularis.

Xerosis cutis and associated co-factors in women with prurigo nodularis.

BACKGROUND: Current data regarding the associated factors of prurigo nodularis are still uncertain, except for atopic predisposition. OBJECTIVES: The purposes of this study were to (1) determine the frequencies of xerosis and other accompanying diseases of female patients with prurigo nodularis; (2) compare the demographic, clinical and accompanying disease characteristics by grouping these patients according to whether they have associated xerosis (who were subsequently subgrouped as atopic or non-atopic) or not. METHODS: In this retrospective descriptive study, 80 females with PN were categorized according to the accompanying diseases (dermatological, systemic, neurological, psychogenic, mixed, or undetermined origin). RESULTS: A total of 45 associated co-factors including dermatological in 63 (78.8%), systemic in 57 (71.3%), psychological in 33 (41.3%) and neurological co-factors in 14 (17.5%) of all patients with prurigo nodularis were detected. Xerosis was observed in 48 (60%) patients (non-atopic co-factors in 66.7% of them). The ratio of patients with mixed co-factors, dermatological+systemic co-factors and dermatological+systemic+psychological co-factors were found to be significantly higher in patients with xerosis compared to those without xerosis. STUDY LIMITATIONS: Our study has certain limitations such as the absence of an age-matched control group, absence of follow-up data and the fact that the diagnosis of xerosis has not been based on objective methods. CONCLUSIONS: Xerosis has been identified in more than half of the patients with PN and it has been determined that in most patients xerosis is associated especially with diabetes mellitus and other conditions related to prurigo nodularis.

Blocking or enhancing effects of some basic emollients in UVA penetration.

BACKGROUND: Topical agents used in combination with phototherapy or photochemotherapy may have both blocking or enhancing effects in ultraviolet rays. OBJECTIVE: In this in vivo study, the effects of topical petrolatum, basis cream, glycerine, and olive oil on the transmission of ultraviolet A radiation were investigated. METHODS: A test was performed to determine the minimal phototoxic dose on 29 volunteers with only psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) and then the same test was repeated with white petrolatum, basis cream, glycerine, olive oil, and sunscreen (0.3cc/25cm2). The effects of each agent on the minimal phototoxic dose were determined after 72 h. RESULTS: When compared to pure PUVA, there was a statistically significant increase in the mean minimal phototoxic dose values by the application of white petrolatum (P = 0.011), but there was no significant increase or decrease in the mean minimal phototoxic dose values after the application of basis cream (P = 0.326), glycerine (P = 0.611) or olive oil (P = 0.799). STUDY LIMITATIONS: Low number of patients Conclusion: The application of white petrolatum, which has a blocking effect, and also of basis cream immediately before PUVA therapy should not be recommended. Although we specify that glycerine and maybe olive oil can be used before photochemotherapy, there is a need for further research in larger series.

Blocking or enhancing effects of some basic emollients in UVA penetration

Abstract: Background: Topical agents used in combination with phototherapy or photochemotherapy may have both blocking or enhancing effects in ultraviolet rays. Objective: In this in vivo study, the effects of topical petrolatum, basis cream, glycerine, and olive oil on the transmission of ultraviolet A radiation were investigated. Methods: A test was performed to determine the minimal phototoxic dose on 29 volunteers with only psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) and then the same test was repeated with white petrolatum, basis cream, glycerine, olive oil, and sunscreen (0.3cc/25cm2). The effects of each agent on the minimal phototoxic dose were determined after 72 h. Results: When compared to pure PUVA, there was a statistically significant increase in the mean minimal phototoxic dose values by the application of white petrolatum (P = 0.011), but there was no significant increase or decrease in the mean minimal phototoxic dose values after the application of basis cream (P = 0.326), glycerine (P = 0.611) or olive oil (P = 0.799). Study limitations: Low number of patients Conclusion: The application of white petrolatum, which has a blocking effect, and also of basis cream immediately before PUVA therapy should not be recommended. Although we specify that glycerine and maybe olive oil can be used before photochemotherapy, there is a need for further research in larger series.

Examination of the Microbial Spectrum in the Etiology of Erythema Nodosum: A Retrospective Descriptive Study.

Even though infections are the most common cause of erythema nodosum (EN), only certain microorganisms take the great interest such as streptococci in knowledge. Our aim was to examine the frequency and type of infections in EN, to determine the characteristics of patients with an infectious etiology, and to discuss the role of these microbes in EN pathology in the context of their interactions with humans. Charts of 81 patients with EN who were seen between 2003 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Identified etiological factors were classified into three groups: infectious, noninfectious, and idiopathic. While there were no significant demographic and clinical differences between the infectious and idiopathic groups, systemic symptoms (p = 0.034) and the number of EN lesions (p = 0.016) were significantly lower; the mean erythrocyte sedimentation rate was significantly higher (p = 0.049), but the mean aspartate aminotransferase value was significantly lower in the infectious group compared to the noninfectious group (p = 0.019). Besides streptococci, many other microbes, including the ones living on and inside us, were identified in the etiology of EN. There is a need for large-scale prospective studies involving control groups for a better understanding of the microbial immunopathology of EN.

Lupus Band Test in Patients with Borderline Systemic Lupus Erythematosus with Discoid Lesions.

Patients with lupus erythematosus (LE) that have discoid lesions who fulfill the four diagnostic criteria of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with only mucocutaneous findings and antinuclear antibody (ANA) positivity were classified as borderline SLE in the literature. Objective of this study was to determine the place of borderline SLE with discoid lesions on the LE spectrum according to the lupus band test (LBT). Lesional and sun-protected non-lesional (SPNL) skin LBTs of 94 patients with LE that had discoid lesions were retrospectively evaluated. Firstly, patients were divided into two main groups: discoid LE (DLE; group A) and SLE (Group B); three subgroups were then classified as DLE (Group A), borderline SLE (Group B1) and SLE (Group B2) using another method. Each group had its own comparisons. Immunoreactant (IR) deposition was observed on the lesional skin in all patients and on the SPNL skin in 42 (44.7%). In patients with borderline SLE, the deposition of IgM was lower on the lesional LBTs, whereas isolated IgG was higher than SLE; thus, it shows similarity with DLE. Additionally, it was also closer to DLE because of the low deposition of C3, multiple IRs, and a double conjugate of IRs on the SPNL skin. However, it showed similarity with SLE in the high percentage of LBT positivity and more immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) deposition on the SPNL skin. The deposition of multiple conjugates on SPNL skin in patients with LE with discoid lesions may reflect systemic involvement. Despite the fact that LBT positivity on SPNL skin in borderline SLE was higher than DLE, less deposition of multiple conjugates compared to SLE indicates that the classification of borderline SLE with discoid lesions in the LE spectrum is questionable.

Influence of demographic and clinical characteristics of actinic keratosis patients on illness perceptions and readiness to increase sun protection behaviours: an exploratory study.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: There are no data comprehensively investigating the key beliefs and sun protection behaviours in patients with actinic keratosis (AK). Our aim was to determine and correlate the AK perceptions and readiness to increase sun protection (RISP) behaviours. METHODS: AK patients' (n = 200) demographics and clinical findings were recorded. Participants completed questionnaires (Illness Perception Questionnaire-Revised and RISP behaviours scales). RESULTS: The mean scores of giving up sunbathing of the patients aged <65 years, and giving up sunbathing and staying in the shade behaviours of females were higher. As the level of education increased, while the mean scores of giving up sunbathing decreased, using sunscreen scores increased. The mean scores of giving up sunbathing, using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing of those with the history of non-skin cancer (had cancer other than of the skin) were lower. The readiness to increase using sunscreen was found to be higher in patients with more chronic timeline beliefs, more positive perceived personal control and blaming sunlight more, and the wearing protective clothing was found to be higher in those with more cyclical timeline beliefs. CONCLUSION: AK patients, especially the subjects aged ≥65 years, have non-skin cancer history, and male gender should be informed to apply sun-protective behaviours.

Possible Triggering Effect of Influenza Vaccination on Psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a chronic, recurrent, immune-mediated inflammatory disease and it can be provoked or exacerbated by a variety of different environmental factors, particularly infections and drugs. In addition, a possible association between vaccination and the new onset and/or exacerbation of psoriasis has been reported by a number of different authors. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of influenza vaccination on patients with psoriasis. Here, we report the findings from 43 patients suffering from psoriasis (clinical phenotypes as mixed guttate/plaque lesions, palmoplantar or scalp psoriasis) whose diseases had been triggered after influenza vaccination applied in the 2009-2010 season. The short time intervals between vaccination and psoriasis flares in our patients and the lack of other possible triggers suggest that influenza vaccinations may have provocative effects on psoriasis. However, further large and controlled studies need to be carried out to confirm this relationship.