Generalized Asymptomatic Nodulo-Ulcerative Lesions Without Systemic Symptoms in a Secondary Syphilis Patient Co-Infected with HIV.

Syphilis is a sexually-transmitted disease with various clinical stages. Secondary syphilis manifestations may mimic other skin lesions. Patient co-infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), with CD4 cell counts of 200-499 cells/mm3, often manifests an atypical cutaneous lesion, which may also occur as nodular or ulcerative lesions. Generalized nodulo-ulcerative lesions without systemic symptoms in secondary syphilis patients with HIV co-infection are rarely reported. A 22-year-old man presented with generalized asymptomatic multiple erythematous papules and plaques with scales, as well as nodular and nodulo-ulcerative lesions on the trunk, both arms, and both legs. His lesions spread progressively without the presence of any prodromal symptoms or adenopathy. He was previously diagnosed with HIV and is currently on antiretroviral medications, with a CD4 cell count of 388 cells/µL. His venereal disease research laboratories (VDRL) result was reactive (titer of 1:256). His Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay (TPHA) result was also reactive (titer of 1:10,240). A skin biopsy was performed from the nodulo-ulcerative lesion on his back. Hematoxylin-eosin staining revealed a hyperplastic epidermis, a massive influx of plasma cells, and lymphocyte infiltration into the deep dermis, especially in the peri-adnexal, peri-vascular, and peri-muscular regions. The patient was diagnosed with secondary syphilis with HIV co-infection. He had no previous history of drug allergy. A single dose of 2.4 million units of benzathine penicillin G was administered. Almost all the lesions became hyperpigmented macules after two weeks and resolved completely after one month. His VDRL titer declined to 1:32 after three months. The various atypical lesions of secondary syphilis may lead to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. The presence of multiple asymptomatic nodulo-ulcerative lesion without prodromal symptoms may indicate the presence of secondary syphilis, notably in patients co-infected with HIV. Therefore, knowledge of atypical cutaneous manifestations of secondary syphilis is warranted in order to treat patients accordingly.

Characteristics of Biofilm-Forming Ability and Antibiotic Resistance of Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis from Acne Vulgaris Patients.

Introduction: Acne vulgaris (AV) is a common and chronic disorder of the pilosebaceous unit and has a multifactorial pathology, including activities of Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis). Antibiotic resistance has become a major concern in dermatology daily practice, and the ability of biofilm formation by both bacteria is suggested to increase antibiotic resistance in acne. Purpose: Our aim was to analyze the comparison of antibiotic resistance between biofilm-forming (BF) and non-biofilm-forming (NBF) strains of C. acnes and S. epidermidis towards seven antibiotics commonly used for acne. Methods: This is a cross-sectional analytical study involving 60 patients with AV. Samples were obtained from closed comedones on the forehead using the standardized skin surface biopsy (SSSB) method at the Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic Dr. Hasan Sadikin in Bandung, Indonesia. Isolates were cultured and identified before undergoing the biofilm-forming test using the tissue culture plate method. Antibiotic susceptibility testing for each antibiotic was then performed using the disc diffusion method. Results: The incidence of antibiotic resistance to clindamycin in BF and NBF C. acnes isolates was 54.5% (p=1.00), while in BF and NBF S. epidermidis isolates, it was 54.5% and 45.5% respectively (p=0.67). The incidence of antibiotic resistance to erythromycin and azithromycin in BF and NBF C. acnes isolates was 54.5% and 63.6% respectively (p=1.00), whereas for S. epidermidis BF and NBF isolates, it was 54.5% (p=1.00). There was no resistance observed to tetracycline, doxycycline, levofloxacin, and cotrimoxazole in all groups. Conclusion: There were no significant differences in resistance against seven antibiotics between the C. acnes and S. epidermidis in BF and NBF groups. Furthermore, although statistically not significant, some resistances were observed against clindamycin, erythromycin, and azithromycin. Consequently, the use of these three antibiotics should be judiciously regulated.

Partial Unilateral Lentiginosis Successfully Treated with the Combination of 511 nm and 578 nm Copper Bromide Laser in an Indonesian Woman.

Partial unilateral lentiginosis (PUL) is a pigmentation disorder characterized by multiple lentigines restricted to the normal skin in a unilateral and segmental pattern. Various lasers have been used for the treatment of this pigmented disorders, one of which is the copper bromide (CuBr) laser, which emits a dual-wavelength beam at 511 nm and 578 nm. A 35-year-old woman presented with multiple brown macules with a sharp demarcation from the midline of the forehead to the right cheek in a dermatomal distribution. Histopathological results showed increased melanin pigmentation in the basal layer with elongated rete ridges, supporting the diagnosis of PUL. Following photoprotection and skin priming, CuBr laser treatment was performed in two steps using 511 nm and 578 nm wavelength as the first and second steps, respectively, with the second step delivered immediately after. Clinical improvement was achieved after two sessions of treatment at a one-month interval, as shown by an increasing lightness value (L*) in spectrophotometry. No side effects, such as hyperpigmented macules, was observed. The patient also expressed satisfaction at her brighter facial skin. A sustainable favorable result persisted after six months of laser treatment. Interactions between cutaneous vasculature and melanocytes can affect the development of pigmented lesions. Melanocytes express the functional vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGF) and are responsive to angiogenic factors. Ideally, these conditions should be treated with a dual-wavelength CuBr laser. The combination of 511 nm and 578 nm CuBr laser showed favorable results, supporting its potential as an effective treatment choice for PUL.

Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma on the Back Region Treated with a Combination of Cryotherapy and 5% Imiquimod Cream: A Case Report.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin malignancy, consisting of cells in the basal layer epidermis and its appendix. Superficial BCC is the second most common BCC subtype with a predilection on the trunk including the waist and can be treated with cryoimmunotherapy, a combination of cryotherapy and imiquimod cream. Herein, we report a case of superficial BCC in a 60-year-old woman which was triggered by short-wave diathermic (SWD) therapy on the waist one year previously. Superficial BCC was diagnosed based on clinical symptoms, a dermoscopy, and histopathology. The erythematous and hyperpigmented plaque on the waist had well-defined edges and bled easily. There were pseudopods, a blue-grey ovoid nest, haemorrhagic ulceration, and a deeply pigmented border with basaloid cells in the basal layer of the epidermis and palisade cells at the edges. The patient was treated with cryoimmunotherapy consisting of two cycles of a 30-second freeze time and a 5 mm margin, then two weeks later, 5% imiquimod cream was applied to the skin for five consecutive nights, followed by two days off for six cycles (six weeks). Follow-up at three months revealed clinical improvement with reduced lesion size, confirming that cryoimmunotherapy is an effective treatment for the management of superficial BCC with mild side effects.

Spring-Powered Needle-Free Injection of Triamcinolone Acetonide and 5-Fluorouracil for Keloid Treatment.

Introduction: Keloid is an abnormal fibroproliferative healing response characterized by excessive and invasive tissue growth beyond the wound boundaries. The conventional treatment involves injecting drugs such as triamcinolone acetonide (TA), 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), or their combination intralesionally. However, the pain associated with injections often leads to low patient compliance and treatment failure. The spring-powered needle-free injector (NFI) provides an affordable alternative option for drug delivery with reduced pain. Case: This case report presents a 69-year-old female patient with a keloid treated using a spring-powered needle-free injector (NFI) for drug delivery. The keloid was assessed using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) and the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). The patient's pain level was measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). TA and 5-FU mixed with lidocaine were loaded into the NFI and injected at a dose of 0.1 mL/cm2. The treatment was repeated twice a week. After four sessions, the keloid flattened by 0.5 cm, VSS score decreased from 11 to 10, and POSAS scores decreased from 49 to 43 (observer) and from 50 to 37 (patient). The NPRS during each procedure was 1, indicating minimal pain. Discussion: The spring-powered NFI is a simple and cost-effective device that operates based on Hooke's law, producing a high-pressure fluid jet for effective skin penetration. The NFI demonstrated effectiveness in treating keloid lesions, resulting in visible improvement after four treatments. Conclusion: The spring-powered NFI offers an affordable and painless alternative to keloid treatment.

Treatment of Facial Lentigines in an Adult Female Patient Suspected with Leopard Overlap Noonan Syndrome.

Lentigines are defined as multiple small pigmented macules measuring up to one centimeter and surrounded by normal-appearing skin, commonly caused by genetic factors. LEOPARD syndrome (LS) is an autosomal dominant distinguished by the presence of several lentigines, with specific phenotypic characteristics that resembles Noonan syndrome (NS). LS is likely to be underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed because many of its symptoms are minor and the accurate diagnosis may be overlooked. Therapy for lentigines are generally aimed at tackling aesthetic disfigurement and its subsequent psychological impacts. This case report aims to highlight the efficacy of 532-nanometer (nm) Q-switched (QS) Nd:YAG laser in treating lentigines in a 21-year-old woman with LS overlap NS. The patient initially came to seek treatment of her facial lentigines. However, some mild abnormalities such as ocular hypertelorism, left eye ptosis, and webbed neck were observed. Hormonal, cardiac, and pulmonary functions were within normal limit. Histopathological results supported the diagnosis of lentigo. The patient was given sunscreen and depigmenting agents and was instructed to apply the medications routinely. The patient then underwent two sessions of 532-nm QS Nd:YAG laser with a 3 mm spot size, 1 J/cm2 fluence, and a 1 Hz frequency. Objective clinical improvements were observed using spectrophotometer examination, there were no side effects found, and she was satisfied with the results. Dermatologists should play an integral role in establishing the diagnosis and management of systemic syndrome, manifesting specifically as dermatological symptoms. Lentigines in LS last throughout the patient's lifespan. Nd:YAG laser therapy can be effective in treating lentigines with long-lasting results. It plays a role in improving the patient's life quality, especially where the genetic disorder itself is a debilitating condition. The limitation of this case report was the lack of a genetic test, as the suspected diagnosis was made based on clinical symptoms.

Atypical Nevus Sebaceus at an Unusual Location Treated with Carbon Dioxide Laser: A Case Report.

Nevus sebaceus (NS) or organoid nevus is an epidermal nevus comprising predominantly sebaceous glands with a prevalence of approximately 0.3% of the newborns. The initial clinical manifestations of NS are single or less commonly multiple yellowish patches with overlying alopecia, usually confined to the scalp. However, it can also appear on the face, preauricular area, and the neck. During puberty, skin lesions will turn into round or linear verrucous plaques accompanied with an increase in number due to the influence of androgens. As they progress, about 20% of the NS cases might turn into secondary tumors which can be benign or malignant (in 2.5% cases). NS can manifest as atypical lesions and may also arise on areas other than its predilection sites. A case of a lesion presented on an atypical location of an 18-year-old male patient treated with carbon dioxide (CO2) laser was reported. Physical examination revealed skin-colored and blackish-brown papules arranged in groups on the left side of the patient's chest. Histopathological examination on a sample taken from one of the skin lesions on the chest showed hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, papillomatosis, and sebaceous hyperplasia, confirming the diagnosis of NS. The patient was treated with CO2 laser, and clinical improvements were observed. Histopathological examination of NS is not routinely performed; however, it should be carried out when the lesion is atypical and presented at an unusual location, or there is a suspicion of malignancy.

Cryotherapy as an Effective therapeutic Option in Patients with Nodular Basal Cell Carcinoma - Case Report.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a malignant tumor originating from epidermal cells. A case of BCC was reported in a 67-year-old female, with the initial complaint of skin-colored papules, which later turned into a nodule with erosion and crusts on the right shoulder. The diagnosis is established from findings consistent with nodular BCC on physical examination, and from dermoscopic appearance revealing ulceration, blue-gray ovoid nests, deeply pigmented border, and arborizing vessels. Histopathological examination showed tumor cells forming palisading structures with myxoid stroma, polymorphic, hyperchromatic and mitotic nuclei, as well as fibrocollagen connective tissue cells with lymphocyte infiltrates. Cryotherapy is a therapeutic option for BCC in old patients and has a cure rate of around 95%. Observation on the 25th day revealed clinical improvement with reduced nodular lesion size; thus, further cryotherapy was needed to enhance the therapeutic outcomes.

Promising Treatment for Twenty-Nail Dystrophy with Combination of Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser and Topical Therapy: A Case Report.

Twenty-nail dystrophy (TND) is a trachyonychia affecting all nails which cause aesthetic complaints. The difficulty of topical medication to penetrate through the nail plate brings a great challenge for TND treatment. We reported a case of TND in a 27-year-old woman, with clinical manifestation of trachyonychia, longitudinal ridging, mottled lunula, and subungual hyperkeratosis with ragged cuticle affected all nails. She has suffered from TND for 20 years with no systemic involvement found. Histopathological examination supported the diagnosis of nail lichen planus. The patient received a mixture of topical therapy consist of tacrolimus, urea, and salicylic acid, combined with fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser with pulse energy: 160 mJ, pulse duration: 8.0 ms, density level: 17, and depth level: 2. After two sessions of treatment within five weeks interval, clinical improvement was seen as refinement of nail's texture. Treatment of TND often unsatisfactory due to difficulty of drug penetration through the nail plate. The fractional CO2 laser creates a column of destruction down to the dermis, which aid penetration of topical medication and stimulate nail bed rejuvenation. The use of fractional CO2 laser as a penetration enhancer can be a therapeutic option for the treatment of TND with promising result as shown in this patient. This procedure enabled combination with topical medications as long-term therapy for TND.

Melatonin and Sleep Disturbances in Children With Atopic Dermatitis.

Objective: To evaluate the correlation between melatonin levels and sleep quality, based on the Children's Sleep Habit Questionnaire (CSHQ), among children with atopic dermatitis (AD). Methods: This was an analytic study with a cross-sectional design involving two groups, AD children as the case group and participants without AD as the control group, conducted at the Pediatric Dermatology Clinic of Dr. Hasan Sadikin Hospital, Bandung, Indonesia. Melatonin levels and CSHQ score in the case group were compared to that in the control group. Correlation analysis was performed between melatonin levels and sleep quality based on CSHQ in the case group. Results: Participants in this study consisted of 19 children with moderate AD, (no patient with mild and severe AD was recruited), and 19 participants without AD. The mean CSHQ score in the case group was significantly higher than the control group (47.84 vs 36.79; p<0.05). The mean melatonin level in the case group was significantly lower than the control group (320.18 pg/mL vs 383.86 pg/mL; p<0.05). Comparative analysis was conducted using independent t-test. There was a significant Pearson's correlation index between SCORAD and CSHQ (p<0.05). However, there was no correlation between melatonin levels and CSHQ, as well as between melatonin levels and SCORAD (p<0.05). Conclusion: Children with moderate AD have impaired sleep quality and lower melatonin levels compared to controls. No correlation was found between melatonin levels and CSHQ, as well as melatonin levels and SCORAD, although there was a strong and significant correlation between SCORAD and CSHQ. Therefore, melatonin levels may not be the main cause of sleep disturbances in children with moderate AD.

Efficacy of Triamcinolone Acetonide Injection in a Case of Giant Spiradenoma.

Spiradenoma is a rare benign adnexal tumor with eccrine differentiation. The clinical manifestations include painful, skin-colored, red, gray, or bluish nodules on the upper half of the body. We report a case of spiradenoma in a 31-year-old man. The diagnosis was established from the patient's history, physical examination, and histopathological examination. In this case, the patient was treated with intralesional injection of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) 10 mg/mL. After the fourth injection, the lesions grew smaller and thinner. TA injection is easy to administer and showed good efficacy in spiradenoma case, although further research with a larger number of patients is needed.

Cutaneous Metastases from Thymic Carcinoma Primary Tumor: A Rare Case.

Cutaneous metastases (CM) are neoplastic lesions of the skin originating from a primary tumor elsewhere. CM originating from primary thymic carcinoma is rare, and its incidence remains uncertain. A case of CM from thymic carcinoma in a 57-year-old man was reported. The patient complained about lumps on the skin of the chest, right shoulder and neck that appeared eleven months before the diagnosis of thymic carcinoma was established. Physical examination revealed tumors on the chest, right shoulder and neck. Histopathological examination results were consistent with CM. An immunohistochemical (IHC) examination was performed to determine the primary tumor, with a positive result for CK7. The diagnosis of thymic carcinoma was established based on the results of enhanced chest CT-scan and immunohistochemistry on lymph node biopsies. The patient was treated with a chemotherapy regimen of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and carboplatin scheduled for six cycles. However, the patient did not survive his third cycle of chemotherapy. Establishing the diagnosis and managing CM are challenging for clinicians. This requires careful historical and physical examination, supported by histopathological examination and specific immunohistochemical marker in accordance with the suspected tumor.

Successful Therapy of Alopecia Universalis Using a Combination of Systemic Methotrexate and Corticosteroids and Topical 5% Minoxidil.

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease-specific to specific organs mediated by T lymphocytes with hair follicles as targets. Severe AA could be in the form of alopecia universalis (AU). AU therapy is relatively difficult and challenging with varying outcomes. Herein, we reported a case of AU in a 19-year-old man with alopecia in the hairy scalp area, eyebrows, eyelashes, moustache, beard, and axillary hair since 2.5 years ago. The patient's severity of alopecia tool (SALT) score was 100%. The patient was given a combination therapy of 15 mg methotrexate per week and 16 mg methylprednisolone per day orally and topical treatment with minoxidil 5%. Observations after nine months of treatment showed an improvement in the decrease in SALT scores to 41%. However, striae were found after 3rd month of therapy. Systemic combination therapy of methotrexate and low-dose corticosteroids and topical minoxidil 5% in this patient gave responsive results. Performed the hematological examination, liver function levels, blood glucose levels, and cortisol during long-term use of methotrexate and corticosteroids are necessary. The combination of systemic methotrexate and corticosteroids, and topical minoxidil showed promising results in AU. Nevertheless, long-term observation is still needed to monitor the side effects of therapy.

Combination of 1064 nm Long-Pulsed and Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser for Facial Hypertrophic Scar and Hyperpigmentation Following Burn Injury.

Burn injury is a common type of trauma which causes significant morbidity and mortality. Wound healing following burns can be complicated by the formation of hypertrophic scars and the occurrence of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser might become one of the treatments of choice for hypertrophic scars and PIH. We report a case of post-burn hypertrophic scars and hyperpigmentation in a 20-year-old man. The patient was consulted from the Department of Plastic Surgery and Reconstruction after scar revision. He was treated with 1064 nm long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser therapy, spot size 6 mm, fluence 55 J/cm2, pulse duration 3 millisecond (ms), for three sessions with one month interval, followed by 1064 nm Q-switched (QS) Nd:YAG, spot size 4 mm, fluence 2.5 J/cm2, frequency 2 Hz for two sessions with one month interval. Clinical improvement was observed after five sessions, characterized by scar thinning as assessed using Vancouver scar scale and increased skin tone brightness also reduced redness assessed using a spectrophotometer with no significant side effects. The management of post-burn facial scars and hyperpigmentation remains a challenge. Aside from surgery, the treatment strategy for hypertrophic scar is laser, one of which is the long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser which reduces the production of collagen. In hyperpigmented lesions, QS Nd:YAG laser destructs the melanosome. Combination of 1064 nm long-pulsed and QS Nd:YAG laser therapy provide significant improvement. These therapeutic strategies can be considered as a treatment option for post-burn hypertrophic scars and hyperpigmentation.

Hypertrophic Scar Following Excisional Surgery and Full-Thickness Skin Grafting Due to Rhinophyma Treated with 1064 nm Q-Switched Neodymium:Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Laser.

Rhinophyma is characterized by progressive enlargement of the nasal skin, which is considered to be an advanced stage of phymatous rosacea. Esthetic disfigurement makes surgical treatment necessary for this condition. Hypertrophic scars are the consequence of alterations in the skin's healing process following surgical interventions. Laser may be the treatment of choice in hypertrophic scars. We reported a case of hypertrophic scars following excisional surgery and full-thickness skin grafting due to rhinophyma in an 18-year-old male who was consulted from the Department of Plastic Surgery and Reconstruction. The 1064 nanometer (nm) Q-switched Neodymium: Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (QS Nd:YAG) with 4 mm spot size, 1.5 J/cm2 and 1 Hz was applied to the hypertrophic scars for three sessions within one month interval. Clinical improvement was observed as indicated by the patient's Vancouver scar scale score and spectrophotometry result, and no side effects were found. Nd:YAG laser is a non-ablative device that targets hemoglobin, water, and melanin. Any thermal effects on dermal tissue containing blood vessels could result in reduced blood flow through the capillaries in the dermal papillae. QS Nd:YAG-induced selective photothermolysis was responsible for collagen breakdown and reduced collagen production in hypertrophic scars. The 1064 nm QS Nd:YAG laser gave good results in this case although more treatment sessions may be recommended and a longer follow-up is necessary in order to assess the stability of the result.