A case of lichen aureus successfully treated with 595 nm wavelength pulsed-dye laser.

BACKGROUND: Lichen aureus (LA) is a variant of pigmented purpuric dermatosis (PPDs) that typically presents with the acute onset of a solitary, unilateral, purple to rust-yellow colored lichenoid patch or plaque on lower extremities. Treatment remains challenging and is based on anecdotal case reports often with poor results. AIMS: Describe a case of LA successfully treated with 595 nm wavelength pulsed-dye laser (PDL). PATIENT/METHOD: A 46-year-old woman with segmental LA was treated using a 595 nm PDL at a uniform spot size of 10 mm, with pulse durations of 10 milliseconds and fluence of 6 J/cm2. The patient had received previous treatments with no improvement. RESULTS: Clearance was archived after three sessions with PDL. Sessions were performed at intervals of 4 weeks, with no serious adverse events nor recurrence. CONCLUSION: We hypothesize the favorable clinical outcome with PDL is due to the affinity of the wavelength for oxyhemoglobin (allowing uniform vessel penetration and energy delivery to fragile capillaries and intraluminal blood) and to its anti-inflammatory profile. PDL seems to be an alternative for patients with progressive LA that have failed other therapies.

Prevalence of skin diseases among hospitals in the public healthcare system of a developing country.

BACKGROUND: Skin diseases in the population are universal, common, and can cause significant economic burden. The impact of skin diseases in the national public healthcare system is complex and poorly studied. This study analyzes the prevalence of skin diseases in a hospital setting within the National Public Health System of Mexico and describes the main associated characteristics. METHODS: Information was obtained from the 2015 hospital discharge database of the public healthcare system of Mexico. Pathologies that result in a direct dermatological condition were included according to chapter XII of the Tenth Revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD - 10) and grouped according to the classification of the report, The burden of skin diseases in the United States. RESULTS: In 2015, a total of 9,230,968 hospital discharges were registered nationwide, of which 170,917 discharges (1.85%) reported a dermatological disease as the main diagnosis; five states account for 40.79% of the cases reported in Mexico. Half of all the cases corresponded to skin infections (32.08%, n = 54,843) and non-cancerous skin growths (27.80%, n = 47,515), and 59.71% were adult patients between 18 and 65 years of age. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding of the configuration of skin diseases in a hospital setting and public healthcare system is warranted to develop effective public policies and research for the development of effective, safe, high-quality care processes for the main groups of identified diseases.