A case of anti-BP230 antibody-positive bullous pemphigoid receiving DPP-4 inhibitor.

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is a cutaneous autoimmune blistering disorder. Recently, it has been reported that dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4i) is associated with the development of BP (DPP4i-BP). Patients with DPP4i-BP have autoantibodies (autoAbs) preferentially targeting full-length BP180, but not the BP180NC16a domain. In this report, we described a case of anti-BP230 antibody (Ab)-positive BP receiving DPP4i. A 78-year-old male with a medical history of type 2 diabetes receiving vildagliptin at 100 mg daily for 38 months was referred to our hospital with itching blisters on his body and extremities. Skin biopsy showed subepidermal bulla with eosinophil infiltration. Direct immunofluorescence staining revealed a linear staining pattern with complement C3 and IgG at the subepidermal basement membrane zone. By laboratory testing, autoAbs against BP180NC16a and full-length BP180 were negative by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); however, anti-BP230 Abs were positive by ELISA (index: 123.91). His HLA genotype was DQB1*04:01 and 05:01. Based on these results, we diagnosed the patient with anti-BP230 Abs-positive BP associated with DPP4i. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of DPP4i-BP with only anti-BP230 Abs. Further accumulation of DPP4i-BP cases is needed to clarify the relationship between overall features of DPP4i-BP and anti-BP230 Abs.

Prevention of photosensitivity with action spectrum adjusted protection for erythropoietic protoporphyria.

Erythropoietic protoporphyria is a genetic disease characterized by sensitivity to sunlight caused by the accumulation of protoporphyrin IX. Photoprotection against ultraviolet A and visible light is necessary for erythropoietic porphyria patients because the absorption spectrum of protoporphyrin IX lies in both ultraviolet A and visible light region. We developed a novel index, in vitro porphyrin protection factor, based on the protoporphyrin IX absorbance spectrum. We also selected appropriate photoprotective products designed according to protoporphyrin IX absorbance. The porphyrin protection factors of a combination of make-up base with a powder as well as with a liquid foundation were significantly higher than those of a conventional sunscreen product, even at a small application dose. An in-use test carried out for 6 months showed that the efficacy of these products was 78.3%, and no adverse reactions were observed. Male subjects preferred liquid foundation, whereas all female subjects used powder foundation. The preference of the subjects could lead to the long-term use of the tested products. In conclusion, this study provided a new approach to improve photoprotection in erythropoietic protoporphyria patients.

Disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis in a patient undergoing treatment with long-term narrowband ultraviolet B for psoriasis.

Disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis (DSAP) is a subtype of porokeratosis, thought to be clonal disorder of keratinization. Chronic exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light might be an etiological cause of DSAP, of which frequent sites are sun-exposed areas. We report a case of DSAP that occurred on the trunk of a 79-year-old man with psoriasis treated with narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) for clearing and maintenance therapies. DSAP has been reported to associate with psoralen and ultraviolet A therapy and broadband UVB, but not NB-UVB. This may be the first case of DSAP after repeated exposure to NB-UVB.

Clinical, dermoscopic, and histopathologic features in a case of infantile hemangioma without proliferation.

Infantile hemangioma precursors or those without a proliferative phase may mimic a port-wine stain. We describe a case of infantile hemangioma precursor, which proved to be Glut-1 positive in biopsy, with the dermoscopic features of red round globular vessels, red comma-like vessels, and red linear vessels. These dermoscopic features should help to distinguish infantile hemangioma precursors or those with an absent or minimal growth phase from a port-wine stain.

Genital Infection as a First Sign of Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Fournier's gangrene is a life-threatening disorder caused by aerobic and anaerobic bacterial infection. We report a case of genital infection as the initial warning sign of acute myeloid leukemia. We were able to prevent progression to Fournier's gangrene in our patient by immediate intensive therapy with incision, blood transfusions and intravenous administration of antibiotics. This case suggests that hematologists and dermatologists should keep in mind that genital infection can be a first sign of hematologic malignancy.

Photoallergic Contact Dermatitis due to Ketoprofen and Hydrogenated Rosin Glycerol Ester.

A topical application of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) may induct an adverse reaction of photoallergic contact dermatitis. The occlusive usage may provoke concomitant photoallergic sensitizations to an NSAID and other ingredients. We describe a 58-year-old woman with photoallergic contact dermatitis from ketoprofen and hydrogenated rosin glycerol ester in the applied compress. Our case indicates that photopatch testing with all ingredients is required to verify the actual photoallergen(s).

Amelanotic vulvar melanoma with intratumor histological heterogeneity.

Amelanotic vulvar melanoma is a rare type of malignant melanoma. This paper describes a case of an asymptomatic ulcerated nodule 20 mm in size. The tumor cells from the nodular lesion showed positive staining immunohistochemically for Melan-A, but negative staining with HMB-45. The cells showed negative reactivity to S-100 except in one region. The melanoma cells in the epidermis were detected in one of the specimens from the excised tumor nodule. The cells in the epidermis showed positive staining for Melan-A and S-100 and partial staining with HMB-45. The tumor was diagnosed as malignant melanoma of the vulva and immunohistochemically shown to have intratumor histological heterogeneity. This case suggests the importance of viewing non-pigmented nodules on the vulva of elderly females as potentially malignant melanoma, and that a combination of immunohistochemical stains may be useful for recognizing the stage of the melanosomes in the melanoma cells.

Adult T-cell leukemia-lymphoma associated with follicular mucinosis.

Follicular mucinosis (alopecia mucinosa) is often associated with malignancies including mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome, but not adult T-cell leukemia-lymphoma (ATLL). We report a 49-year-old male patient who had pruritic follicular papules and erythemas clinically, and follicular and perifollicular infiltrates and follicular mucin deposition histopathologically. The patient showed 11% of flower-shaped atypical lymphocytes in blood examination and positive human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 antibody in serology, consistent with the chronic type of ATLL. This case seems to be a very rare association of follicular mucinosis and chronic ATLL, suggesting that malignant T cells may have a feature of folliculotropism as well as epidermotropism.

Evaluation of anti-wrinkle effects of a novel cosmetic containing retinol using the guideline of the Japan Cosmetic Industry Association.

Retinol is known to be effective in the treatment of sallowness, wrinkling, red blotchiness and hyperpigmented spots in aging skin. In this study, we have evaluated the anti-wrinkle effects of a new cosmetic containing retinol. An open study was performed in 30 healthy Japanese women who had wrinkles at the corners of the eyes. The tested lotion, Retin-OX+ (RoC SA, Colombes, France), was applied on wrinkles of one side of the face for 8 weeks, and not on the other site as a control. Anti-wrinkle effects were evaluated by two methods: (i) doctors' observation and photos based on the guideline of the Japan Cosmetic Industry Association; and (ii) the Robo Skin Analyzer. This lotion showed marked and moderate improvement in 34% of the subjects with a significant difference as compared with the control sites (P < 0.05). Moreover, the length and area decreased in the applied site more than the control site with a significant difference (P < 0.01). All the patients completed the study without significant adverse reactions. The tested lotion was well tolerated and may be an optional preparation for the treatment of wrinkles at the corner of the eyes.

Pityriasis rubra pilaris with preceding cytomegalovirus infection.

Pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP) is a papulosquamous disorder comprising 6 clinical types. Some factors - including abnormal vitamin A metabolism, internal malignancies, autoimmune diseases, infection and trauma - are thought to be involved in the etiology. Recently, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated PRP has been reported to have distinct clinical features, such as nodulocystic acne and lichen spinulosus alongside PRP. We report here the case of a 38-year-old female with onset of classical PRP after a high fever. Virological studies indicated that the patient had primary systemic cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and not HIV infection. Our case suggested that primary CMV infection might have triggered typical PRP that was clinically different from HIV-associated PRP.

An Adolescent Patient with Scabies Mimicking Gottron Papules.

Atypical features of scabies occur in infants and children and patients with prolonged use of corticosteroids or immunosuppression. We report a non-immunosuppressed 15-year-old female case of scabies showing scaly reddish papules over the proximal interphalangeal joints mimicking Gottron papules in classic dermatomyositis. Periungal erythema was also seen. Four months' topical corticosteroids from previous clinics had been used. Dermoscopic findings were consistent with typical pictures of scabies. Scraping of hand crusts demonstrated scabies mites and ova. Skin lesions of the patient were cured with oral ivermectin and topical 10% crotamiton. This case suggests that a lesion resembling Gottron papules may be added to the panel of unusual presentations of scabies.

Evaluation of anti-wrinkle effects of a novel cosmetic containing niacinamide.

Niacinamide is known to have effectiveness on sallowness, wrinkling, red blotchiness and hyperpigmented spots in aging skin. In this study, we have evaluated the anti-wrinkle effects of a new cosmetic containing niacinamide. A randomized, placebo-controlled, split face study was performed in 30 healthy Japanese females who had wrinkles in the eye areas. The tested cosmetic containing 4% niacinamide was applied on wrinkles of one side for 8 weeks, and a control cosmetic without niacinamide on another site. Anti-wrinkle effects were evaluated with two methods: (i) doctors' observation and photographs based on the guideline of the Japan Cosmetic Industry Association; and (ii) average roughness of skin surface (Ra value) using skin replica. This cosmetic showed marked and moderate improvement in 64% of the subjects with a significant difference as compared with the control site (P < 0.001). Wrinkle grades in the tested area significantly reduced more than pre-application (P < 0.001) and the control (P < 0.001). Reduction in Ra value on the tested area was more than pre-application (P < 0.01) and the control site (P < 0.05) with significant differences. Only one subject stopped the study with minimal irritation. These results indicated that the tested lotion was well tolerated and may be an optional preparation for the treatment of wrinkles in the eye areas.

Allergic contact dermatitis caused by sesame oil in a topical Chinese medicine, shi-un-ko.

Topical Chinese medicines are used for skin disorders as traditional medicine in Japan. We describe a case of allergic contact dermatitis from a topical Chinese medicine, shi-un-ko.

An evaluation of whitening effect of an intense pulsed light source using computer analysis of the video-captured digital image.

Recently, we reported an evaluation method with computer analysis of the video-captured digital image for whitening effects of cosmetics. In this study we have developed a new evaluation method of change of skin color using Robo Skin Analyzer that analyzes digital-camera-captured image. We have also investigated whitening effects of an intense pulsed light (IPL), NatuLight (LUMENIS, Tokyo), on skin color of the face in 27 Japanese female patients. Measurement was performed after three to five treatments. Whitening effects were evaluated in pigmentary and normal areas. IPL showed improvement in Value data (lightness) of the pigmentary and normal areas. In 16 (59%) of 27 patients IPL had whitening effects on the pigmentary lesions. In 18 (66%) of 27 patients IPL also demonstrated whitening effects on normal skin. Fourteen patients (52%) showed whitening effects both on pigmentary and normal areas. These results indicated that IPL therapy may have a whitening effect both on pigmentary and normal areas of the face. This novel method may be useful to evaluate the whitening effect of phototherapy and color change of cutaneous disorders.

Clinical effectiveness of a novel intense pulsed light source on facial pigmentary lesions.

Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy improves various clinical symptoms of photoaging skin. In this study we have investigated clinical effects of a novel IPL, Lumenis One (LUMENIS, Tokyo) on facial pigmentary lesions in 18 Japanese female patients. Measurement was performed after 3-5 treatments. IPL showed marked and slight improvements in 28 and 39%, respectively. The data of melanin index demonstrated the improvement after IPL therapy. These results indicated that IPL therapy using Lumenis One may be useful to treat solar lentigines and ephelides on the face.

New approach to the evaluation of skin color of pigmentary lesions using Skin Tone Color Scale.

Objective methods of measuring skin color are needed to evaluate pigmentary lesions quantitatively. We have developed a new method of measuring skin color using a plastic bar system called the Skin Tone Color Scale based on Munsell's color space system. We have also evaluated the effectiveness of various therapies using this measurement system. Our system was designed to measure skin color in normal skin, pigmentary lesions of solar lentigo, chloasma and ephelides, and postinflammatory pigmentation. Moreover, effectiveness of various therapies for these pigmentary lesions was evaluated. The evaluations made with this system were closely related to physician assessment. This method may be useful in measuring of skin color and evaluating the effectiveness of therapies for pigmentary diseases.

Clinical evaluation of anti-aminoacyl tRNA synthetase antibodies in Japanese patients with dermatomyositis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the distribution of anti-aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase (anti-ARS) antibodies among patients with autoimmune diseases, and to analyze the clinical features of patients with dermatomyositis (DM) with anti-ARS antibodies. METHODS: Serum samples from 315 patients with autoimmune diseases or related disorders who had visited Kanazawa University Hospital or affiliated facilities were assessed for anti-ARS antibodies by immunoprecipitation. In particular, the association between anti-ARS antibodies and clinical features was investigated in detail in patients with DM. RESULTS: Anti-ARS antibody was positive in 16 (29%) of 55 patients with DM, 2 (22%) of 9 patients with polymyositis, and 7 (25%) of 28 patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Although anti-ARS antibody was detected with high frequency (63%, 15/24) in DM patients with interstitital lung disease (ILD), the incidence of anti-ARS antibody was very low (3%, 1/31) in DM patients without ILD. Anti-ARS antibody-positive patients with DM had significantly higher incidences of ILD (94% vs 23%) and fever (64% vs 10%) than the antibody-negative patients. Some immunosuppressive agents, in addition to oral corticosteroids, were required more frequently in the antibody-positive patients with DM than the antibody-negative patients (88% vs 26%). Although 60% of DM patients with ILD simultaneously developed ILD and myositis, ILD preceded myositis in 33% of patients. CONCLUSION: Among patients with DM, anti-ARS antibodies are found in a subset with ILD. DM patients with anti-ARS antibodies appear to have a more persistent disease course that requires additional therapy compared to those without anti-ARS antibodies.