Collodion phenotype remains a challenge for neonatologists: A rare case of self-healing collodion baby.

We report a unique case of self-healing collodion baby (CB) that was successfully managed despite the risk of potentially serious complications. Self-healing CB is a rare and distinct outcome of collodion phenotype occurring in approximately 10% of the cases. The outcome depends on the initial assessment and adequate multidisciplinary approach.

Neonatal lupus erythematosus-a rare syndrome of transient autoimmunity.

Neonatal lupus erythematosus (NLE) is a rare autoimmune disease due to a passive transfer of maternal autoantibodies to the fetus. The clinical spectrum is variable and includes skin lesions, cardiac, hematological, or hepatobiliary disorders. We report an NLE case presenting with skin eruption that was initially considered as tinea.

How to prevent skin damage from air pollution part 2: Current treatment options.

In the first part of this review, we have summarized the methods used to examine skin exposure to air pollution and the fundamental concept of skin-exposome interactions. Part 2 of this review focuses on dermatoses, whose aggravation or initiation by air pollution has been confirmed in evidence based medicine manner. Based on the model of photodermatology and photodermatoses, we propose a new concept of "polludermatoses." A key feature of this concept is identifying patients at risk, which will reveal the noxious effects of air pollutants on skin health. Identifying clinical signs of pollution-damaged skin could be beneficial in categorizing conditions caused or exacerbated by exposure to air pollution. Finally, we discuss the current treatment options and the pathogenetic processes targeted by these therapeutics or the development of novel treatment modalities.

Back to the basics: Propolis and COVID-19.

The epidemiological burden of COVID-19 is a healthcare challenge throughout the world, not only in terms of testing the limits of medical capacities, but also as an enigma considering preventive strategies and methods. The upper respiratory tract mucosa is the first line of defense, as a physical barrier, as well as through multiple innate and adaptive immune mechanisms which are crucial for efficient antiviral responses. Identifying methods able to reduce or prevent colonization, viral adhesion, and promote virus shedding on mucous membranes or have the ability to inactivate pathogens and thus reduce virus dose and/or increase immune response would be essential in the management of COVID-19 outbreak and help in flattening the curve. We review the effects of propolis, an old remedy with proven antiviral properties, as a possible low-cost inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 in the oropharyngeal niche, prophylaxis, or adjuvant therapy.

Scleredema of Buschke associated with lichen sclerosus: Three cases.

Scleredema adultorum of Buschke is a rare fibromucinous, scleroderma-like connective tissue disease most commonly found in a post-infectious setting or linked to hematological disorders or diabetes. Lichen sclerosus et atrophicus is an autoimmune condition only in 2.5% of cases localized exclusively at an extragenital site, occurring in up to 34% of patients in association with other autoimmune diseases such as vitiligo, thyroid disorders, alopecia areata, lichen planus, morphea, pernicious anemia and systemic lupus erythematosus. In particular, a stronger link with an autoimmune background in lichen sclerosus et atrophicus has been observed in women who showed higher prevalence for autoimmune conditions and circulating autoantibodies. Literature reveals a genetic susceptibility linked to specific HLA types. We report three patients who developed lichen sclerosus et atrophicus superimposed on skin involved by scleredema adultorum of Buschke. Although the association of lichen sclerosus et atrophicus with scleredema adultorum of Buschke could be coincidental, both diseases could be considered part of the spectrum of sclerodermoid disorders with common underlying pathogenetic mechanisms; which could explain the sequential or simultaneous occurrence of both lesions in our patients.

How to prevent skin damage from air pollution. Part 1: Exposure assessment.

Both epidemiological and experimental studies have demonstrated the crucial connection between air pollution exposure and skin disorders. The exact mechanisms by which air pollutants mediate skin damage remain largely unknown. Therefore, it is very necessary to investigate the mechanism of air pollution-induced skin damage and explore some potential protective and therapeutic methods. In this review, we focus on the qualitative and quantitative skin exposure assessment methodologies-a relatively new field of interdisciplinary research.

Adult-onset Still's disease as a cutaneous marker of systemic disease.

Adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) is a rare, systemic, inflammatory disorder characterized by spiking fevers, an evanescent eruption, arthritis, and multiorgan involvement. The disease has been recently classified as a polygenic autoinflammatory disorder at the "crossroads" of autoinflammatory and autoimmune diseases. The highly characteristic salmon-colored eruption is a cutaneous manifestation of a generalized inflammatory reaction and an important diagnostic criterion. In addition to the evanescent eruption, there are atypical persistent papules and plaques in many patients with AOSD. Emerging data suggest that AOSD with this typical evanescent eruption has a different clinicopathologic presentation and clinical course than AODS with atypical cutaneous manifestations. It appears that there are two subtypes of AOSD with different immunologic profiles, including (1) a systemic disease with high fever, organ involvement, and elevated levels of ferritin, and (2) a chronic disease course with arthritis as the predominant finding. These observations provide novel insight into the disease pathogenesis, suggesting that the underlying mechanisms might differ between these two forms, partially explaining the reported differences in drug response. Recent advances in the understanding of AOSD are summarized with a focus on the spectrum of cutaneous manifestations and its relationship to systemic inflammation.

Comorbidities as Risk Factors for Acute and Recurrent Erysipelas.

BACKGROUND: Erysipelas is a common infectious skin disease. A typical feature of erysipelas, especially on the lower limbs, is the tendency to reoccur and the study aimed to define the comorbidities associated with it. AIM: We aimed to investigate systemic and local comorbidities in patients diagnosed with erysipelas on the lower limbs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospectively-prospective, population-based cohort study which included all patients diagnosed with erysipelas on the lower limbs, during two years. Patients were divided into two groups: patients with first episode and patients with recurrent erysipelas. These two groups were compared, with particular emphasis on systemic and local comorbidities. RESULTS: The study included 313 patients, of which 187 with the first episode of erysipelas and 126 with a recurrent. Regarding the analyzed systemic risk factors, the recurrent erysipelas was significantly associated with obesity (p < 0.0001), insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (p = 0.0015), history of malignant disease (p = 0.02) and tonsillectomy (p = 0.000001). For a p-value < 0.0001, significantly more frequent finding of peripheral arterial occlusive disease, chronic oedema/lymphoedema, fungal infections of the affected leg and chronic ulcer was confirmed in recurrent erysipelas. Neuropathy had 23% of the recurrent cases and 8.6% in patients without recurrence, and the difference was found to be significant for p = 0.0003. The only dissection of the lymph nodes was found more frequently in recurrent erysipelas (p = 0.017), but no associations with other analysed local surgery on the affected leg. Patients with recurrent erysipelas had ipsilateral coexisting dermatitis p = 0.00003 significantly more frequent. Minor trauma often preceded the first episode of erysipelas p = 0.005. CONCLUSION: Identification and treatment of modifiable risk factors are expected to reduce the risk of a subsequent episode of erysipelas on the lower limbs.

Trichotillomania (hair pulling disorder): Clinical characteristics, psychosocial aspects, treatment approaches, and ethical considerations.

Trichotillomania (hair pulling disorder) is a fairly common but underreported disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of pulling hair from different parts of the body. Currently classified in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Psychiatric Disorders (DSM-5) under the heading of the "Obsessive-compulsive spectrum and related disorders." The estimated prevalence data suggest that 0.5-2% of the general population suffers from this disorder. Stress and anxiety are directly correlated to the production of trichotillomania symptoms. The psychosocial aspects of trichotillomania are greatly underestimated, but recent literature suggests an increased interest in this neglected area. Although no FDA approved medications are available for the treatment of trichotillomania, a variety of medications including N-acetylcysteine have shown benefit in case reports. Combined liaison clinics, with an interdisciplinary approach, are highly advisable in the treatment of these cases.

Hydroxyurea Associated Cutaneous Lesions: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Hydroxyurea (HU) is an antimetabolite agent that interferes with the S-phase of cellular replication and inhibits DNA synthesis, with little or no effect on RNA or protein synthesis. It is used in the treatment of many myeloproliferative disorders (MD) and is particularly a first line treatment drug for intermediate to high-risk essential thrombocythemia. Although safe and very well tolerated by the patients suffering from MD, there have been numerous reports of a broad palette of cutaneous side effects associated with prolonged intake of the medication. These may include classical symptoms such as xerosis, diffuse hyperpigmentation, brown-nail discolouration, stomatitis and scaling of the face, hands, and feet or more serious side effects such as actinic keratosis lesions, leg ulcers and multiple skin carcinomas. CASE REPORT: We report a case of a 52-year-old man, on long-term therapy with HU for essential thrombocytosis, with several concurrent skin lesions. Despite the perennial use of HU, the cutaneous changes were neglected. The local dermatological examination revealed oval perimalleolar ulcer on the right leg, with dimensions 6 x 4 cm, clearly demarcated from the surroundings with regular margins, periulcerous erythema, with very deep and highly fibrinous bed of the ulcer, positive for bacterial infection. The ulcer was treated with topical wound therapy with alginate and parenteral antibiotics. The extended dermatological screening also showed two nummular lesions in the right brachial region, presenting as erythematous papules with sharp margins from the surrounding skin, gritty desquamation and dotted hyperpigmentations inside the lesion. Further dermoscopy and biopsy investigations confirmed a diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma. Nasal actinic keratosis was also noted. The patient was advised for discontinuing or substituting the HU therapy. CONCLUSION: We present this case to draw attention to the various cutaneous side effects that occur with perennial HU use and suggest an obligatory reference to a dermatological consult.

Complementary and integrative therapies for psoriasis: Looking forward.

Despite the great advances in our understanding of disease pathogenesis and a rich variety of therapeutic options, including the availability of newer biologic agents, there is still no cure for psoriasis. Based on low levels of satisfaction in the treatment they receive and their overall care, it is not surprising that a substantial part of patients turn to complementary and alternative therapies. Integrative medicine is an exciting new approach to health care. The dermatologist should recognize this growing trend and become familiar with the current literature on integrative therapies for psoriasis. Several complementary therapies, those that have been found to be safe and effective, can be recommended as part of an integrative treatment plan.

Median canaliform dystrophy of Heller after cryotherapy.

Cryotherapy, widely used in the treatment of common warts, can cause long-term side effects when used in the treatment of warts near the nail bed. Here we present the case of a 11-year-old girl who developed canaliform dystrophy and long-term hypopigmentation following cryotherapy of warts on the proximal nail folds.

Onychomadesis Following Cutaneous Vasculitis.

Beau lines are transverse, band-like depressions extending from one lateral edge of the nail to the other and affecting all nails at corresponding levels (1). Onychomadesis is considered an extreme form of Beau line with subsequent separation of the proximal nail plate from the nail bed. Both fall along a spectrum of nail plate abnormalities that occur secondary to temporary nail matrix arrest (NMA). Various systemic and dermatologic conditions have been reported in association with onychomadesis (2-7) (Table 1). Nail changes can affect all or some of the nails and both the fingernails and toenails; however, fingernails are more frequently affected. The severity of the nail changes varies depending on the underlying cause, its duration, and environmental factors (8). We present a case of onychomadesis following cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis (CLCV). A 61-year-old woman presented to the Dermatology Clinic complaining of a purpuric rash that began on her lower extremities and rapidly progressed to her abdomen and upper extremities over the previous five days. Her medical history was remarkable for hypertension and diet-controlled diabetes mellitus. Her medications included enalapril, which she had been taking for the past four years. On three consecutive days before the skin eruption, the patient took oral diclofenac sodium for hip pain. A clinical examination revealed non-blanching petechial rash on the legs, abdomen, and upper limbs up to the elbow (Figure 1, A) with leukocytoclastic vasculitis on biopsy (Figure 1, B). Direct immunofluorescence was negative. Laboratory investigations revealed a white blood cell count of 14.5 × 109/L with a normal differential count, and a platelet count of 380 × 109/L. Westergren erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 65 mm/1st h, and C reactive protein was at 8.5 mg/dL. Antinuclear antibodies, rheumatoid factor, immune complexes, and cryoglobulinemia were negative, as were B and C hepatitis virus serological tests. Her renal, cardiac, pulmonary, and abdominal exams were normal. Diclofenac was discontinued due to a clinical suspicion of drug-induced cutaneous vasculitis. The rash resolved in 2 weeks without treatment, leaving post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Four weeks later, she presented with painless, palpable grooves on all 10 fingernails (Figure 2). The grooves were 3 to 4 mm in width, at a similar distance from the proximal nail fold. There were no signs of periungual inflammation. The patient denied any recent history of trauma, unusual activities, or chemical exposure. Routine serum biochemistry and hematology results were normal. Repeated potassium hydroxide preparations and fungal cultures of the nail clippings were negative. A diagnosis of Beau lines and onychomadesis was made. Nail changes were tolerable and did not require any specific treatment. During the follow up, the Beau lines advanced with the linear growth of the nails and disappeared (Figure 3 and 4). Four fingernails developed complete nail shedding (onychomadesis). No toenail alterations were observed in this period. A complete recovery of the nail plate surface was observed after 4 months. The nail matrix epithelium is formed by highly proliferating cells that differentiate and keratinize to produce the nail plate. The nail matrix epithelium is very susceptible to toxic noxae, and acute damage results in a defective nail plate formation. Nail matrix arrest is a term used to describe a temporary inhibition of the nail matrix proliferation that can present as Beau lines and onychomadesis (8). The width of Beau lines relates to the duration of the etiological agent. As the nail adheres firmly to the nail bed, the onychomadesis remains latent for several weeks before leading to temporary shedding (8,9). There are several proposed etiological mechanisms for NMA. NMA associated with fever, severe infection, and major medical illnesses can be explained by an inflammation of the matrix, periungual tissues, or digital blood vessels (8); chemotherapy agents temporary inhibit the mitotic activity in nail matrix (10); the detection of Coxackie virus in the shedding nail particle, following hand, foot, and mouth disease, suggests that the viral replication itself may directly damage the nail matrix (11). However, as nail changes are not unique, it may be difficult to incriminate a single etiological agent. Our patient presented with an onset of Beau lines seven weeks after the initial CLCV lesions, which suggests that vasculitis might have acted as a trigger for NMA. As the fingers were not affected by CLCV, an indirect effect of vasculitis is more plausible. Leukocytoclastic vasculitis is a small-vessel inflammatory disease mediated by a deposition of immune complexes. Thus, the circulating immune complexes may be involved in the damage of nail bed microvasculature. Considering that the patient had been receiving enalapril and diclofenac, it is less likely that those drugs were involved in the pathogenesis of NMA. Enalapril was continued, and the nail changes were resolved while patient was still on enalapril. Furthermore, diclofenac is a widely prescribed drug and its association with NMA is yet to be described in literature. We described a patient who developed Beau lines and onychomadesis following cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis. This clinical observation can expand the spectrum of possible causes of nail matrix arrest.