Student loan burden and its impact on career decisions in dermatology.

Dermatology departments in the United States face difficulties in recruiting dermatologists to academic positions, raising concerns for the future of dermatology education and research. This preliminary study aimed to explore the impact of student loan burden on career plans in dermatology and to determine if the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program can be used as a recruitment tool for academic positions in dermatology. Results from this electronic survey, which was distributed to dermatology residents and attending physicians, revealed that debt burden may influence career decisions in dermatology. Dermatologists may not be fully educated on loan repayment options. With increased awareness, the PSLF can potentially be used as a recruitment tool for academic positions in dermatology.

Generalized benign cutaneous reaction to cytarabine.

BACKGROUND: Cytarabine-induced toxicity manifests as various cutaneous morphologies. A generalized papular purpuric eruption has not been well described. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to characterize a distinct cytarabine-related eruption. METHODS: We reviewed all cases of cytarabine-related toxicity with papular purpuric eruptions or violaceous erythema at the University of California, San Francisco between 2006 and 2011. RESULTS: Sixteen cases were identified. The eruption began as erythematous papules that evolved into coalescing purpuric papules and plaques. It had affinity for intertriginous areas, neck, ears, and scalp. Pruritus was common, but no systemic complications were documented. Thirteen patients (81.3%) developed the eruption after completion of chemotherapy. Differential diagnosis often included viral exanthem (62.5%), drug eruption (50%), and vasculitis (37.5%). Histopathology was nonspecific but commonly demonstrated sparse lymphocytic infiltrates, spongiosis, and/or red cell extravasation. Importantly, the eruption was neither predicted by past cytarabine exposure nor predictive of future recurrence. LIMITATIONS: This is a review of cases from a single institution. Observation was limited to acute hospitalization, however, charts were reviewed for subsequent reactions on rechallenge. CONCLUSIONS: The eruption described herein represents a specific skin-limited reaction to cytarabine. Awareness of its characteristic morphology, distribution, and timeline will aid in clinical diagnosis. Reassurance concerning its benign nature will prevent unnecessary intervention or cessation of chemotherapy.

A 1,320-nm Nd: YAG laser for improving the appearance of onychomycosis.

BACKGROUND: Onychomycosis is a therapeutic challenge because of the toxicities of systemic medications. This has led to the investigation of light-based technologies for safe and effective alternative treatment modalities. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of 4 treatments with a 1,320-nm neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser in improving the appearance of onychomycosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a 24-week, single-center randomized placebo-controlled study. Ten subjects were enrolled with culture-proven, bilateral great toenail onychomycosis. The subjects received 4 treatments with the 1,320-nm Nd:YAG laser to the treatment toenail on Days 1, 7, 14, and 60. The control toenail received a sham treatment of cryogen cooling only. Mycologic cultures were obtained at 3-month follow-up visits. RESULTS: Fifty percent of mycologic cultures were negative at the 3-month follow-up after 4 laser treatments. Toenails had improvement in subungual debris, hypertrophy, and yellowing. Patient satisfaction was upheld as assessed by the Nail Quality of Life Questionnaire. CONCLUSION: The 1,320-nm Nd:YAG laser may be a safe and effective therapy for improving the appearance of onychomycosis. Additional therapy may be necessary to enhance long-term results. Further investigation needs to explore the optimal treatment settings and the most effective treatment schedule.

Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis: a case report and review of the literature.

The authors report a case of a patient who presented with thick, indurated, hyperpigmented plaques of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, ultimately discovered to be attributed to nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. The case was written to highlight the clinical manifestations of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, as well as to make dermatologists aware of this disease, their role in diagnosis and management, and review treatment options.

Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw presenting as a cutaneous dental sinus tract: a case report and review of the literature.

Bisphosphonates are endogenous pyrophosphate analogs that work to inhibit osteoclast activity. They are commonly used in the treatment of patients with bone related diseases, such as solid tumor metastasis and osteoporosis. One of the infrequent but not rare side effects, especially with high doses of bisphosphonates, is osteonecrosis of the jaw. Although predominantly recognized by dentists because of the bony and intraoral manifestations of the disease, it may also present on the skin. We present a case of osteonecrosis of the jaw resembling two flesh-colored papules associated with dental sinus tracts to highlight the clinical manifestations that dermatologists may encounter, and review the literature on this rare but morbid condition.