Comparing the use of a novel antibiotic-free film-forming topical wound dressing versus a topical triple antibiotic in dermatologic surgical procedures including Mohs micrographic surgery.

BACKGROUND: There is no universally accepted protocol of topical wound care after cutaneous surgical procedures. The current practice is to use petrolatum-based products, commonly containing topical antibiotics. The rise in antibiotic-resistant bacteria and increased risk of allergic and contact dermatitis due to the use of topical antibiotics is well established. OBJECTIVE: To compare the prevalence of contact dermatitis, the infection rate and the subjective measures of healing of a novel, antibiotic-free, film-forming silicone-based wound dressing to a topical triple antibiotic petrolatum-based ointment in patients undergoing invasive dermatological interventions in two arms: (1) Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) and (2) a combination of various routine dermatologic surgical procedures. DESIGN: The 231 patients were enrolled in this open-label, randomized, single-blinded study. Patients applied the products immediately after surgery and daily afterwards. Clinicians evaluated the surgical site for infection or contact dermatitis at all follow-up visits. Acute wound healing progression was assessed using a rating scale against clinical experience and expected results from -4 (much worse) to +4 (much better). RESULTS: Contact dermatitis was significantly decreased in the wound dressing group compared to the topical antibiotic group (0 vs 15.9%, P < 0.001). There was no difference between the study arms (Mohs vs. non-Mohs, P = 0.242). Infection rate was not significantly different between the groups (P > 0.05) and between the study arms (P > 0.05). Assessor-rated secondary outcomes like healing time, healing quality, erythema and new tissue quality were significantly better in the wound dressing group, while comfort and perceived overall satisfaction were better in the antibiotic group. Patient-rated outcomes did not show any difference between groups and between study arms. CONCLUSION: The wound dressing used in this study is a topical silicone gel preparation and presents a viable alternative to topical antibiotics for postoperative wound care without enhancing the risk of infection.

The significance of orbital anatomy and periocular wrinkling when performing laser skin resurfacing.

Knowledge of orbital anatomy and the interaction of muscle contractions, gravitational forces and photoagingis fundamental in understanding the limitations of carbon dioxide (CO2) laser skin resurfacing when rejuvenating the skin of the periocular area. Laser resurfacing does not change the mimetic behavior of the facial muscles nor does it influence gravitational forces. When resurfacing periocular tissue, the creation of scleral show and ectropion are a potential consequence when there is an over zealous attempt at improving the sagging malar fat pad and eyelid laxity by performing an excess amount of laser passes at the lateral portion of the lower eyelid. This results in an inadvertent widening of the palpebral fissure due to the lateral pull of the Orbicularis oculi. Retrospectively, 85 patients were studied, who had undergone periorbital resurfacing with a CO2 laser using anew treatment approach. The Sharplan 40C CO2 Feather Touchlaser was programmed with a circular scanning pattern and used just for the shoulders of the wrinkles. A final laser pass was performed with the same program over the entire lower eyelid skin surface, excluding the outer lateral portion (e.g. a truncated triangle-like area),corresponding to the lateral canthus. Only a single laser pass was delivered to the lateral canthal triangle to avoid widening the lateral opening of the eyelid, which might lead to the potential complications of scleral show and ectropion. When the area of the crows' feet is to be treated, three passes on the skin of this entire lateral orbital surface are completed by moving laterally and upward toward the hairline. Patients examined on days 1, 7, 15, 30, 60, and one year after laser resurfacing showed good results. At two months after treatment, the clinical improvement was rated by the patient and physician as being "very good" in 81 of the 85 patients reviewed. These patients underwent laser resurfacing without complications. The proposed technique of periocular resurfacing prevents complications of scleral show and laxity in the lateral eyelid opening and even ectropion, because treatment conforms to the osseo-muscular anatomical relationship of eyelid structures.

Relapsing cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa associated with streptococcal infections.

BACKGROUND: Polyarteritis nodosa is an aggressive, often fatal form of vasculitis associated with multi-organ involvement. Cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa is purported to be a more benign form of this disorder with involvement limited to the skin. METHODS: The identification of a female patient from childhood to adulthood documenting repeated episodes of cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa following bouts of recurrent streptococcal pharyngitis. RESULTS: Repeated bouts of streptococcal pharyngitis at ages 11, 28, and 33 years were followed by episodes of cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa, documented by histopathologic skin changes and clinical presentation, and confirmed by therapeutic management. CONCLUSIONS: Various infectious and non-infectious conditions have been linked both to the initiation and relapse of this disease. We describe a patient with recurrent episodes of cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa spanning a period of over 20 years with each episode appearing to be linked to a prior streptococcal infection.

Intralesional electrodesiccation of syringomas.

BACKGROUND: Syringomas are common, benign adnexal tumors. In the periorbital area, they pose a cosmetic dilemma for both patients and physicians alike. Many different therapeutic modalities potentially can cause scarring, and recurrences are common. OBJECTIVE: To develop a treatment method that minimizes scarring and subsequent recurrences. METHOD: Each syringoma is treated with short bursts of high frequency low voltage electrodesiccation delivered with a fine needle electrode that is inserted into the center of the syringoma, as deeply as the reticular dermis. RESULTS: Twelve patients treated over a 4-year period showed no permanent adverse effects postoperatively and no recurrences. CONCLUSIONS: Intralesional electrodesiccation is a safe, nonscarring and, reliable method that can be used to eradicate periorbital syringomas.

Syringomas: new approach to an old technique.

BACKGROUND: Syringomas are common, benign periorbital adnexal tumors that pose a cosmetic dilemma for both patients and physicians alike. Many therapeutic modalities can potentially cause scarring and recurrences are common. The objective was to develop a treatment method that minimizes scarring and subsequent recurrences. METHODS: Each syringoma is treated with short bursts of low voltage electrodesiccation, delivered with an epilating needle that is inserted deeply into the skin at the level of the reticular dermis. RESULTS: A patient treated by intralesional electrodesiccation of her long-standing periorbital syringomas remains lesion-free for over 24 months after therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Intralesional electrodesiccation is a safe, nonscarring and reliable method that can be used to eradicate periorbital syringomas.

Exuberant keloidal formation.

Keloids are disfiguring deformities that occur after trauma or wounding of the skin, most commonly among blacks. The case presented here is unusual because of the number of keloids and the massive size of one. The patient underwent full surgical excision together with intraoperative and postoperative steroid injections with good cosmetic results. Various causes of keloids are reviewed as are the histopathologic differences between hypertrophic scars and keloids. Alternative surgical and nonsurgical treatment techniques are examined.

Dermabrasion: therapy and prophylaxis of the photoaged face.

BACKGROUND: For many years dermabrasion has been used for the treatment of photoaged facial skin. However, there is a paucity of correlative studies that document the beneficial histopathologic effects of dermabrasion with clinical changes. Moreover, long-term follow-up and comparative studies that document these therapeutic results are lacking. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to study patients with photoaged facial skin by comparing the preoperative and postoperative clinical and histopathologic changes that occur as a result of surgical dermabrasion of aged and photodamaged facial skin. METHODS: Twelve patients 40 years of age and older with significant photoaging and dermatoheliosis were treated with full-face dermabrasion. Predermabrasion biopsy specimens were compared with matched postdermabrasion biopsy specimens taken at various time intervals from 6 months to 8 years after dermabrasion. RESULTS: Microscopic normalization of the actinically damaged epidermis and papillary dermis was manifested clinically by the replacement of dermatoheliosis with supple, smooth-textured facial skin that remained clinically evident well beyond 8 years after dermabrasion. In addition, the necessity for the continued treatment of premalignant and malignant lesions was virtually eliminated during the 8-year postdermabrasion period. CONCLUSION: Not only is dermabrasion a beneficial therapeutic option for aged and photo-damaged skin, but it also is a valid means of prophylaxis against neoplastic changes.

Multiple cutaneous reticulohistiocytomas (reticulohistiocytic granulomas).

Multiple cutaneous reticulohistiocytomas (reticulohistiocytic granulomas) represent a unique pattern in the spectrum of the reticulohistiocytoses. Seven cases have been reported in the English-language literature. A case of multiple cutaneous reticulohistiocytomas observed for 5 years is presented. The spectrum of the reticulohistiocytoses is reviewed, and the distinct clinical patterns of the disease are compared.

The history of the Space Dermatology Foundation.

The five-year history of the Space Dermatology Foundation is reviewed. How the organization was conceived, its purpose, and what it intends to accomplish are presented.

Necrotizing sialometaplasia masquerading as residual cancer of the lip.

Necrotizing sialometaplasia is a benign disorder that histologically can mimic carcinoma. It is thought to develop as a result of ischemia or adjacent tissue injury. A patient is described who underwent a Mohs' micrographical fresh-tissue excision of one-third of the upper lip for basal cell carcinoma. By the time she was ready for reconstruction, a marked eczematous reaction developed to a polymyxin neomycin preparation (Neosporin ointment) at the wound edges. Reexcision of the wound margins before a flap reconstruction revealed necrotizing sialometaplasia on histopathological examination. This incidental finding fortunately was not mistaken for residual tumor. To prevent over-diagnosis and over-treatment of presumed malignancies, an awareness of necrotizing sialometaplasia is essential for all surgeons operating on mucosal surfaces in the head and neck.

Acanthoma fissuratum. Histopathology and review of the literature.

A review of the literature and report of a case describing perhaps the youngest and first black patient recorded in whom bilateral lesions of acanthoma fissuratum developed and were successfully treated with intralesional corticosteroids is presented herein. Awareness of the clinical characteristics of this benign process can prevent potentially costly and needless diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.