Assessment of thyroid function and lipid profile in patients with postadolescent acne in a Mediterranean population from Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Postadolescent acne is defined as acne that is seen even after the age of 25 years, regardless of the age at onset. The causes of postadolescent acne have not been completely clarified up to now. Androgens are considered to be the major factor involved in pathogenesis. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the status of thyroid functions and lipid levels in patients with postadolescent acne and determine the effects of lifestyle and environmental factors on postadolescent acne in a Turkish population. METHODS: In total, 184 patients and 82 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Thyroid function and lipid profiles of all participants were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 30.4 ± 4.9 years (25-50). The mean age of control group was 30.0 ± 4.4 years (25-40). Cigarette smoking was significantly associated with postadolescent acne (P < 0.001). No significant differences were observed between patients with postadolescent acne and control subjects in triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, thyroid hormone profiles, and thyroid ultrasound scans. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly decreased with postadolescent acne (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the thyroid functions and lipid profile in men and women with postadolescent acne. In this study, there was no relationship between thyroid functions and postadolescent acne. However, an association with low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and postadolescent acne was detected. Further investigations with more patients in different populations are needed to determine the causes of postadolescent acne.

Dermatoscopic findings of atrophic dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans.

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is an uncommon locally aggressive mesenchymal tumor with a high local recurrence rate. Atrophic DFSP is a rare variant of DFSP characterized by a non-protuberant lesion. We report on a 23-year-old female, who presented with an atrophic, asymptomatic macule on the right side of her back 2 cm in diameter. Dermatoscopic examination revealed homogenous pigment network on a purplish erythematous background. The histopathological finding of the incisional biopsy material was consistent with DFSP. To our knowledge, this is the second case of atrophic DFSP discussing the dermatoscopic features of this relatively rare condition.

Comparison of dermatoscopic diagnostic algorithms based on calculation: The ABCD rule of dermatoscopy, the seven-point checklist, the three-point checklist and the CASH algorithm in dermatoscopic evaluation of melanocytic lesions.

Dermatoscopic analysis of melanocytic lesions using the CASH algorithm has rarely been described in the literature. The purpose of this study was to compare the sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy rates of the ABCD rule of dermatoscopy, the seven-point checklist, the three-point checklist, and the CASH algorithm in the diagnosis and dermatoscopic evaluation of melanocytic lesions on the hairy skin. One hundred and fifteen melanocytic lesions of 115 patients were examined retrospectively using dermatoscopic images and compared with the histopathologic diagnosis. Four dermatoscopic algorithms were carried out for all lesions. The ABCD rule of dermatoscopy showed sensitivity of 91.6%, specificity of 60.4%, and diagnostic accuracy of 66.9%. The seven-point checklist showed sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of 87.5, 65.9, and 70.4%, respectively; the three-point checklist 79.1, 62.6, 66%; and the CASH algorithm 91.6, 64.8, and 70.4%, respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first study that compares the sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of the ABCD rule of dermatoscopy, the three-point checklist, the seven-point checklist, and the CASH algorithm for the diagnosis of melanocytic lesions on the hairy skin. In our study, the ABCD rule of dermatoscopy and the CASH algorithm showed the highest sensitivity for the diagnosis of melanoma.

Photosensitive rash in association with porphyrin biosynthesis possibly induced by docetaxel and trastuzumab therapy in a patient with metastatic breast carcinoma.

Docetaxel (Taxotere), an anticancer agent, is known to cause various reactions, including hypersensitivity, oedema, skin toxicity with erythrodysesthesia syndrome, infusion site reactions, alopecia, nail onycholysis, nail pigmentation, photosensitivity, scleroderma and stomatitis. However, of all the reported effects, photosensitivity has only rarely been described in the literature. We experienced a case of cutaneous photosensitivity with aberrations in porphyrin biosynthesis that developed 1 month after the patient received combination chemotherapy consisting of docetaxel and trastuzumab. The eruption resolved with sun avoidance and discontinuation of docetaxel therapy. To our knowledge, this is the first case of a photosensitive reaction with enhanced levels of porphyrins during docetaxel therapy.

Congenital pilar leiomyoma.

Piloleiomyomas are benign smooth muscle tumors arising from the arrectores pilorum muscles in the skin. They usually occur as multiple firm dermal nodules located on the extremities and trunk. Solitary lesions are rare. Leiomyomas usually develop during adolescence or early adult life. Congenital pilar leiomiyoma is an extremely rare entity. We present a case of congenital solitary pilar leiomyoma located on the face.