Assessment of Pain, Healing Time, and Postoperative Complications in the Healing of Auricular Defects After Secondary Intent Healing Versus Split Thickness Skin Graft Placement.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of auricular defects after Mohs surgery is challenging given the prominence of the ear and its complex 3-dimensional architecture. OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of postoperative pain, healing time, and postoperative complications of auricular defects after split-thickness skin graft (STSG) placement versus secondary intent healing (SIH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: During this prospective, observational study, 30 patients recorded their daily maximum postoperative pain using the numeric pain rating scale from postoperative days 0 to 8. Surgical site healing was assessed at postoperative day 8 and 30. All postoperative complications were collected during the 30-day follow-up window. RESULTS: Patients undergoing STSG experienced significantly more pain during the first 3 postoperative days than patients in the SIH group. Maximum pain was experienced on the night of surgery, with a mean pain score of 3.6 in the STSG groups versus 0.8 in the SIH group. Healing was significantly faster in the STSG group, with 87% of patients fully healed at 1 week versus 21% in the SIH group. No major complications were experienced in either group. CONCLUSION: Split-thickness skin graft and SIH healing are well tolerated and provide excellent repair choices for auricular defects.

Assessment of Donor Site Scar Outcomes, Healing Time, and Postoperative Complications Associated With Split Thickness Skin Grafts Harvested From the Hair Bearing Scalp.

BACKGROUND: The hair-bearing scalp is an underused donor site for split-thickness skin grafts (STSG). OBJECTIVE: Evaluating the donor site scar outcomes, healing times, and complications associated with STSG harvested from the hair-bearing scalp. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During this prospective observational study, donor site healing was assessed on postoperative Days 8 and 30. Donor site scar outcomes were quantified at 1 month using the Vancouver Scar Scale. All postoperative complications were collected during the 30-day follow-up window. RESULTS: 80% of donor sites was fully healed at 1-week follow-up. Vancouver Scar Scale score at the donor site was 0.26 at 1-month follow-up. All patients experienced full hair regrowth. Maximum pain scores were reported on the night of surgery (Vancouver Scar Scale 1.8), with quick resolution in days to follow. No major complications were reported. All STSG obtained from the scalp had full take and good texture and color match with the recipient site. CONCLUSION: The hair-bearing scalp is an excellent donor site for split-thickness skin graft harvesting.

A Prospective, Randomized Controlled, Single-Blinded Study to Assess the Effect of a 33-Gauge Needle Versus a 34-Gauge Needle on Pain Experienced During Injection of Local Anesthetic on the Face.

BACKGROUND: Most pain experienced by patients during Mohs micrographic surgery is associated with the initial injection. Previous studies have shown that a smaller gauge needle (33-gauge vs 30-gauge) is associated with less patient-reported pain. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate patient-reported pain levels following injection with a 33-gauge versus a 34-gauge needle.  Methods: During this prospective, randomized, controlled, single-blinded study, 480 patients were randomized into a 33-gauge versus a 34-gauge needle group. Pain levels following needle insertion were recorded using the validated numerical rating scale (VNRS)-11 scale.  Results: Injection of local anesthetic with a 34-gauge needle is associated with significantly less pain compared to a 33-gauge needle across all subgroups (P=0.007, average pain level 0.49 [34-gauge group] vs 0.79 [33-gauge group] rated on a 0-10 pain scale). Females, first-time Mohs patients, patients under age 65, patients with basal cell carcinoma, and those with tumor locations on the nose experienced the most pain reduction with the use of a 34-gauge needle.  Limitations: This was a single-blinded study; thus, the injector was able to see which needle was being used. This knowledge could have subconsciously affected the angle, speed, or force used to insert the needle. CONCLUSIONS: Injections with a 33-gauge and a 34-gauge needle are both tolerated well and associated with minimal pain. While the pain reduction associated with using a 34-gauge needle is statistically significant, the use of a 34-gauge needle may be most clinically relevant for certain patient subgroups. J Drugs Dermatol. 2023;22(11): doi:10.36849/JDD.7689.

Multimedia Technology Used to Supplement Patient Consent for Mohs Micrographic Surgery.

BACKGROUND: The patient consent process traditionally relies on conversations between the physician and the patient and rarely utilizes supplemental multimedia aids. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the addition of an educational video on Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) can improve patient satisfaction with the consent process. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective observational quality improvement study compared the outcomes of traditional patient consent alone versus standard consent plus an educational video among patients undergoing their first MMS for a primary skin cancer. End points were patient satisfaction and preferences measured by postprocedure questionnaires. RESULTS: The addition of a supplemental video to the consent process did not affect overall patient satisfaction, which was very high in both video and control groups. However, specific components of patient satisfaction were improved such as patient perception of the opportunity to ask questions and understand the procedure. CONCLUSION: Multimedia aids can be effective tools in the patient consent process.

Outcomes of Second Intention Healing of the Lower Eyelid Margin After Mohs Micrographic Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Lower eyelid margin defects can be a reconstructive challenge. A possible alternative is second intention healing of the lower eyelid margin. OBJECTIVE: To determine the cosmetic outcomes and patient satisfaction of second intention healing of the lower eyelid margin after Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on patients who underwent MMS of the lower eyelid margin. Patient information was gathered on age, sex, diagnosis, postoperative size, number of Mohs stages, thickness of defect, and clinical photographs. The preoperative and postoperative photographs were evaluated with a physician assessment scale and patients completed a satisfaction survey. RESULTS: In all 17 patients (100%), the cosmetic results obtained were considered good to excellent. The objective outcomes were graded as excellent, very good, good, satisfactory, unsatisfactory, and poor. The patient satisfaction survey was divided into excellent, good, satisfied, and unsatisfied. Patient satisfaction ranged from satisfied to excellent. The incidence of complications was low with one report of trichiasis. CONCLUSION: Second intention healing of the lower eyelid margin can produce good cosmetic results and patients are generally satisfied with their outcomes.

Repair of Apical Triangle Defects Using Melolabial Rotation Flaps.

BACKGROUND: The apical triangle of the upper cutaneous lip, also known as the alar-facial sulcus, is an anatomical structure bound medially by the nasal ala, laterally by the medial cheek, and inferiorly by the remainder of the upper cutaneous lip. During reconstruction, retaining the central concavity and the convex lateral and medial outlines of this location is required to maintain midfacial symmetry. OBJECTIVE: This is a retrospective study of our use of the melolabial rotation flap for reconstruction of surgical defects of the apical triangle. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Eighty-six surgical defects involving the apical triangle that were repaired with melolabial rotation flaps were included. All tumors were treated with Mohs micrographic surgery before reconstruction. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative details of each case were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 86 defects included in the study, 68 (79%) were evaluated postoperatively. The apical triangle was preserved in all cases. Clinical asymmetry was noted in 3 patients (3.4%). No major complications were noted, and no patient required surgical revision. CONCLUSION: Melolabial rotation flaps may be considered for single-stage reconstruction of surgical defects involving the apical triangle.

Repair of Anterior Ear Defects Using Transcartilage Island Pedicle Flaps.

BACKGROUND: Surgical reconstruction of the anterior surface of the ear (concha, antihelix, scapha, and triangular fossa) is complicated by the paucity of mobile local skin. OBJECTIVE: This is a retrospective study of the transcartilage island pedicle flap for reconstruction of surgical defects of the anterior ear. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Two hundred thirty-two Mohs micrographic surgery defects were included in the study. The technique involves circumferential incision of the flap in the postauricular sulcus, transfer of the flap to the anterior ear through a surgically created cartilage slit, suturing of the flap on the anterior surface of the ear, and repair of the secondary postauricular defect. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative details of each case were tabulated and analyzed. RESULTS: The mean defect size was 1.9 × 1.5 cm. Complications included flap edema (n = 6, 2.6%), postoperative bleeding (n = 4, 1.7%), partial thickness flap necrosis (n = 2, 0.9%), pinning back of the ear (n = 2, 0.9%), and central flap dimpling (n = 2, 0.9%). There was 1 acute staphylococcal abscess and 1 sterile abscess that developed 13 months postoperatively. All complications resolved with medical or surgical management. CONCLUSION: Transcartilage island pedicle flaps may be considered for single-stage surgical reconstruction of defects involving the anterior ear.

Pustular DRESS Syndrome Secondary to Hydroxychloroquine With EBV Reactivation

Background: Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS syndrome) or drug-induced hypersensitivity (DIHS) is a rare and feared complication of frequently used medications such as anticonvulsants, sulfonamides, and allopurinol. To date, no reports of hydroxychloroquine-induced pustular DRESS syndrome have been associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation nor imitated other cutaneous adverse drug reactions as in our patient. Observation: A 56-year-old female presented with a diffuse cutaneous eruption involving the face, trunk, extremities, and palms approximately two weeks after the initiation of hydroxychloroquine therapy for a suspected Sjögren's-like process with inflammatory cervical lymphadenopathy. Skin examination demonstrated diffuse erythematous and edematous papules and pustules on her dorsal and volar hands and fingers, arms, legs, chest, abdomen, back, scalp, and face. In many areas, lesions coalesced into plaques with overlying pustules, scale, and crust. Additional notable exam findings included centralized facial edema, edema of the hands, and cervical lymphadenopathy. Laboratory workup revealed leukocytosis, peripheral eosinophilia, elevated transaminases, and a negative autoimmune workup; however, serology demonstrated EBV reactivation. Histologic assessment displayed a spongiotic dermatitis with eosinophils, superficial perivascular dermatitis, as well as corneal, subcorneal, and intraepidermal neutrophilic microabscesses, mimicking acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis or pustular psoriasis, even though clinical evaluation suggested DRESS syndrome. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of hydroxychloroquine-induced pustular DRESS syndrome in the context of EBV reactivation. Given hydroxychloroquine's immunomodulatory function and association with other cutaneous manifestations, our patient represents a significant diagnostic challenge. Therefore, this case highlights the importance of knowledge regarding overlapping features, histologically and clinically, among acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, pustular psoriasis, and DRESS syndrome. J Drugs Dermatol. 2019;18(2):207-209.

Review of the Evaluation and Treatment of Vasovagal Reactions in Outpatient Procedures.

BACKGROUND: A vasovagal reaction is a commonly encountered event in outpatient procedures. There is a paucity of discussion on vasovagal reactions (VVRs) in the dermatologic surgery literature. However, recent investigations in the physiology, evaluation, and treatment of VVRs have been reported in other specialties. OBJECTIVE: A comprehensive review of the physiology, evaluation, treatment, and prevention of VVRs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A search as performed using the PubMed/MEDLINE databases. Search terms included "vasovagal," "vasovagal reaction," "syncope," "reflex syncope," "neurocardiogenic syncope," and "fainting." RESULTS: Studies demonstrate greater understanding in the physiology of a vasovagal reaction. Although permanent sequelae are uncommon, it is important to respond in a prompt manner. A variety of treatment and prevention options are presented. CONCLUSION: Vasovagal reactions should be carefully evaluated. Additional studies may provide greater data in understanding and managing vasovagal reactions.

Finer Needles Reduce Pain Associated With Injection of Local Anesthetic Using a Minimal Insertion Injection Technique.

BACKGROUND: The injection of local anesthetic into the skin is often the only memorable event described by the patient after dermatologic procedures. OBJECTIVE: The authors compared the pain felt during injection of local anesthetic using a minimal needle insertion technique with a 30- or 33-gauge needle. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three hundred eighteen patients with tumors on the head and neck were injected with lidocaine using a previously described technique with either a 30- or 33-gauge needle. After injection, patients were surveyed using the visual assessment scale for pain. RESULTS: Seventy-seven percent of patients felt no pain with injection on the face using a 33-gauge needle compared with 64% with a 30 gauge, whereas 94% of patients felt no pain on the scalp with a 33-gauge needle compared with 54% with a 30 gauge. Visual analog scale scores were also significantly decreased on the face and scalp using the smaller needle. There was no difference in pain between the 2 needles with injection on the neck. CONCLUSION: This study further validates the use of this technique for the injection of lidocaine and the preference of a 33 gauge over a 30-gauge needle for the initial injection on the face and scalp.

Subungual nail bed melanoma masquerading as tinea ungium.

Subungual amelanotic melanoma can masquerade as onychomycosis. Recently a man whose amelanotic nail bed melanoma presented as persistent onychodystrophy was reported in the Dermatology Online Journal. The patient had a persistent nail dystrophy; culture and biopsy of the nail demonstrated Candida and dermatophyte infection, respectively. However, he subsequently presented with a nodule that was biopsied and demonstrated melanoma. Similar to that patient, we recently described a 67-year-old woman with a four-year history of persistent nail dystrophy of the left fourth fingernail who had a periodic acid-Schiff staining of the nail plate demonstrating fungal hyphae. Her nail plate subsequently detached, demonstrating a friable nodule; a biopsy of the nodule demonstrated melanoma. In conclusion, in individuals with new morphologic changes to a dystrophic nail or with persistent nail dystrophy despite appropriate therapy, it is important for clinicians to consider performing additional evaluation and possible biopsy to exclude malignancy.