IADVL SIG Pediatric Dermatology (Academy) Recommendations on Hemangioma of Infancy (HOI).

Hemangioma of infancy (HOI) is a benign vascular proliferation. Though resolution is the norm, potential complications make an accurate diagnosis and early management of importance. The Indian association of dermatologists, venereologists and leprologists (IADVL) special interest group (SIG) paediatric dermatology in association with IADVL academy did an extensive analysis of the literature on the clinical features, diagnosis, and management of HOI published between 2010 and 2021. Online meetings were conducted from February 2021 to March 2022 to reach a consensus on these recommendations which are made from an Indian perspective.

Self-healing cutaneous nodules with fever and arthritis: worrisome presentation of a benign disorder.

A 4-year-old boy with extensive papules and nodules with arthritis was evaluated and followed up. In spite of the initial worrisome presentation, the lesions showed near-complete resolution over a 2-year follow-up period. Click here for the corresponding questions to this CME article.

Recommendations for Pediatric Dermatology Practice during COVID-19 Pandemic.

The current scenario of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in a huge disease burden worldwide affecting people across all age groups. Although children get infected by coronavirus, they are less commonly affected. Only 2% of cases are being reported among patients aged less than 20 years of age and childhood cases constitute around 1-5% of them. Moreover, they are less likely to be seriously affected when compared to adults, with more than 90% of them being either asymptomatic or having mild to moderate disease. This could be attributed to less exposure or sensitivity to COVID-19, varying immune response mechanisms, differences in the expression/function of the Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 receptors or higher antibody levels to viruses owing to exposures to multiple respiratory infections, protective role of measles and BCG vaccine, and few associated comorbidities. However, children with certain underlying medical conditions like cardiac or respiratory disease, diabetes, immunodeficiency disorders, cancer or on immunosuppressants may be at a higher risk for developing severe disease.

Cutaneous manifestations in disorders of hepatobiliary system.

BACKGROUND: Hepatobiliary diseases are associated with various mucocutaneous changes that are directly and indirectly associated with these diseases. There is a dearth of studies from India dealing with cutaneous manifestations in liver disorders. AIM: This study was conducted to know the spectrum of cutaneous changes and their correlation with liver function tests in patients with disorders of hepatobiliary system. METHODS: This was a descriptive study conducted among in patients and outpatients with primary hepatobiliary disorders at a tertiary care center in South India. Detailed history taking and examination was done. Visual analog score (VAS) and 5D itch score was employed to quantify pruritus. Correlation of liver function tests with pruritus and comparison of skin changes in the major disease groups was attempted. RESULTS: A total of 303 patients were recruited. Hepatic mass/malignancy followed by nonalcoholic liver disease were the most common diagnoses. Icterus followed by pruritus were the most common cutaneous complaints. The mean VAS and 5D itch scores among the patients with pruritus were 4.7 ± 1.9 and 13.6 ± 4.9. The most common mucocutaneous findings observed were icterus (241 patients; 79.5%), ichthyosis/xerosis (172 patients; 56.7%), pallor (131 patients; 43.2%), excoriations (118 patients; 38.9%), hyperpigmented palmar creases (118 patients; 38.9%), clubbing (113 patients; 37.2%), and pedal edema (85 patients; 28%). There was statistically significant correlation between serum bilirubin levels and pruritus. CONCLUSION: The common mucocutaneous manifestations associated with primary hepatobiliary disorders were icterus, ichthyosis/xerosis, pallor, excoriations, hyperpigmented palmar creases, clubbing, and pedal edema.

Evolving role of immunotherapy in the treatment of refractory warts.

Cutaneous and genital warts are common dermatological conditions caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). Although it is a benign condition, it causes disfigurement, has a tendency to koebnerize, and can be transmitted to others. This makes adequate and timely treatment important. There are several conventional treatments available with variable response. Topical and systemic immunotherapy has now found a significant place in the treatment of warts because of its nondestructive action, ease of use, and promising results. Through this review, we would like to present a brief overview of the various immunotherapeutic agents used. These include more established agents such as imiquimod, Mycobacterium w vaccine, bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine, measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine, Candida antigen, trichophyton antigen, tuberculin, zinc, cimetidine, levamisole, HPV vaccine, and autoimplantation therapy. Other agents such as contact immunotherapy which is sparsely used now than before and newer agents such as Corynebacterium parvum, sinecatechins, echinacea, propolis, glycyrrizinic acid, and Vitamin D have also been discussed. The mechanism of action of these agents, along with their dosage, mode of administration, duration of use, expected outcomes and comparative efficacy, evidence for their use, and expected side effects, if any, are reviewed.