A new eruption of bullous pemphigoid following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination.

The rapid development and implementation of COVID-19 vaccines throughout the global population has given rise to unique, rare, adverse skin reactions. This case report describes an elderly man with new-onset bullous pemphigoid following the second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech (mRNA) COVID-19 vaccine.

A virtual faculty exchange program enhances dermatology resident education in the COVID-19 era: a survey study.

One of the many consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic was the cancelation of the 2020 American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting. This conference historically features lectures from world-renowned experts in all areas of dermatology, thus providing an important educational experience for dermatology residents. We hypothesized that the cancellation of this meeting produced a substantial educational loss for dermatology residents. To mitigate this impact, we developed a virtual faculty exchange program and surveyed dermatology residents' perspectives on its implementation. All participating residents found the virtual faculty exchange useful and would recommend it to other residents/programs. Moreover, all residents wanted to participate in more faculty exchange sessions as well as incorporate them throughout the academic year. Additionally, this educational program eliminated the potential cost of >$15,000 in flights and >24 metric tons of carbon emissions. This virtual faculty exchange program is a viable tool to enhance dermatology resident education in the COVID-19 era.

Vancomycin-associated drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Although hypersensitivity reactions are well characterized for certain medications, vancomycin-associated drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DIHS), or drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), has yet to be defined. OBJECTIVE: To better define the clinical phenotype of vancomycin-associated DIHS. METHODS: A retrospective case series was conducted over an 8-year period at a single, academic institution. A total of 29 cases of DIHS/DRESS were identified, of which 4 were attributed to vancomycin. A literature review was performed; it identified 28 additional cases of vancomycin-induced DIHS. Vancomycin-associated acute interstitial nephritis was also reviewed to detect additional, previously uncharacterized cases of systemic hypersensitivity. The review yielded 11 additional cases. RESULTS: In this literature review and retrospective series, the incidence of renal dysfunction among vancomycin-induced cases (75% and 68% of cases in the series and literature, respectively) was notably higher than the overall reported incidence in DIHS (10%-40%). The degree of renal impairment was also significantly increased in the retrospective series (a median 4.98-fold change in baseline creatinine level vs a 2.25-fold increase in non-vancomycin-associated cases [P = .011]). LIMITATIONS: The principal limitation of this study is the small sample size. Other notable limitations include the retrospective nature of the study and absence of confirmatory renal biopsies. CONCLUSION: Although the current understanding of DIHS/DRESS is imperfect, our findings suggest that vancomycin-induced cases present with a unique phenotype characterized by a higher burden of renal involvement.

Where are we now with inpatient consultative dermatology?: Assessing the value and evolution of this subspecialty over the past decade.

The importance of inpatient consultative dermatology is often underrecognized and undervalued. A significant need exists because the burden of skin disease in the hospital is great and expertise regarding the recognition and management of uncommon and severe skin disorders is limited outside the field. In response to this need, the concept of a dermatology hospitalist was defined and the Society for Dermatology Hospitalists was created in 2009. Over the past decade, the subspecialty has developed and fostered both research and education. Data now exist demonstrating the value of inpatient dermatology services not only to patients but also to payors and health care systems. Future needs include strategies to improve access to expertise and additional efforts to establish our field as an indispensable and enduring component of hospital-based care.

Compliance with serial dermoscopic monitoring: An academic perspective.

BACKGROUND: For even seasoned practitioners, early melanomas can be difficult to distinguish from melanocytic nevi. Although serial digital dermoscopy is considered by many to be the gold standard for monitoring patients at high risk, poor compliance can seriously alter efficacy. In 2014, a concerning compliance rate of 25% was reported from a single, private clinic. Information is currently limited regarding the determinants of compliance and whether patients at high risk return at an acceptable rate. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the compliance rate within the pigmented lesions clinic at our academic institution and identify demographic variables that may influence adherence. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted using 120 patient charts. RESULTS: An overall compliance rate of 87.5% was observed with 63.3% of patients returning within 1 month of the recommended interval. The most notable risk factor for noncompliance was patient age between 20 and 29 years. Factors promoting adherence include a personal history of melanoma, greater than 5 serially monitored nevi, and a personal history of atypical nevi. LIMITATIONS: The external validity is limited and the sample size is small. CONCLUSION: These findings contradict concerns that adherence to serial monitoring is unacceptably poor and demonstrate that compliance is highest for patients with the greatest inherent risk.

Exploring the gaps in the evidence-based application of narrowband UVB for the treatment of vitiligo.

While narrowband ultraviolet light B (NB-UVB) has become integral to the treatment of diffuse vitiligo, evidence-based guidelines have been lacking with regard to dosing and administration. This is largely the result of heterogeneous study designs, ambiguous methodologies, disparate dosing strategies, and the use of varied, and somewhat arbitrary, outcome measures. In the absence of prospective trials to address each of these concerns, the available literature regarding the application of NB-UVB for vitiligo was reviewed and the authors now pose a set of questions to the phototherapy community in an attempt to highlight gaps within our understanding. We aim to stimulate discussion, elicit expert opinion, and identify areas for future research to move toward a unified and safe treatment guideline for patients afflicted by this disease.

VEXAS Syndrome-Diagnostic Clues for the Dermatologist and Gaps in Our Current Understanding: A Narrative Review.

Vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory, somatic syndrome is a newly recognized, acquired autoinflammatory disorder with broad systemic implications and a poor global prognosis. Because cutaneous lesions are present in the majority of those affected, it is necessary that dermatologists are equipped to recognize this important disease. Through identification, there is a greater opportunity for disease stratification, surveillance for systemic involvement, and selection of the best available therapies. As our understanding of this disease develops, dermatologists should also play a role in addressing the knowledge gaps that exist.

Tanning beds: Impact on health, and recent regulations.

As the use of indoor tanning beds gained popularity in the decades after their appearance in the market in the early 1970s, concerns arose regarding their use. Clinical research has revealed an association between indoor tanning and several health risks, including the subsequent occurrence of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers, the development of psychologic dependence, and a tendency toward other high-risk health behaviors. In the face of mounting evidence, legislation has been passed, which includes the restriction of access to tanning beds by minors in 42 states and the District of Columbia, and the recent reclassification by the Food and Drug Administration, which now categorizes tanning beds as class II devices and worthy of restrictions and oversight. Early evidence suggests that these labors are resulting in cultural change, although continued efforts are necessary to limit further exposure and better inform the public of the dangers associated with indoor tanning use.