Platelet-rich plasma in dermatology: Boon or a bane.

There has been a recent spurt in application of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in dermatology and aesthetic medicine. However, the details regarding use of PRP in various dermatological indications ranging from hair restoration to chronic ulcers are dispersed in literature, herein we have tried to focus all under one heading. Overall, PRP seems to be a promising therapeutic modality but the level of evidence as of now, from the available published data is low. This review will also stimulate readers to carry out well designed, larger population based trials, so as to validate its use in dermatology practice.

Psychodermatology: A comprehensive review.

Psychodermatology is an interesting domain of dermatology that overlaps with psychiatry. This arena in dermatology has received limited diligence, partly due to lack of training in this realm. We present here a comprehensive review of salient features and treatment updates in primary psychiatric dermatoses and have also discussed the role of psyche in psychophysiological cutaneous disorders. Secondary psychiatric morbidity is relatively common among patients visiting the dermatologists but often overlooked and uncared for. Dermatologist should be able to initiate basic pharmacotherapy, should be knowledgeable about various non-pharmacological treatments and know the right time to refer the patient to the psychiatrist. Awareness and pertinent treatment of psychodermatological disorders among dermatologists will lead to a more holistic treatment approach and better prognosis in this unique group of patients.

Acantholysis revisited: Back to basics.

Acantholysis means loss of coherence between epidermal cells due to the breakdown of intercellular bridges. It is an important pathogenetic mechanism underlying various bullous disorders, particularly the pemphigus group, as well as many non-blistering disorders. Although a well-known concept, the student often has to refer to many sources to comprehend acantholysis completely. Thorough knowledge of this topic helps in clinching many diagnoses. The etiopathogenesis, classification, clinical signs, and laboratory demonstration of acantholysis are discussed in detail to help students build clear concepts. We have focused on various distinguishing points in different disorders for an easy grasp of the topic.

Familial dyskeratotic comedones.

Familial dyskeratotic comedones (FDC) is a rare autosomal dominant inherited condition, characterized by widespread, symmetrically scattered, comedone-like, hyperkeratotic papules, which are cosmetically unappealing. These lesions appear around puberty and show a predilection to involve the trunk, arms and face. The lesions are asymptomatic and gradually worsen with time. Histology shows invagination of the epidermis with a lamellar keratinous plug and focal evidence of dyskeratosis. This condition is generally refractory to therapy. We report here two cases with this rare disorder who had a strong familial history of the same disorder.

Costello syndrome.

Costello syndrome is a rare, distinctive, multiple congenital anomaly syndrome, characterized by soft, loose skin with deep palmar and plantar creases, loose joints, distinctive coarse facial features and skeletal and cardiac abnormalities. The affected patients have a predisposition to develop malignancy, developmental delays and mental retardation. Recently, a 7-year-old male child born to normal nonconsanguineous parents presented to us with abnormal facial features, arrhythmia, mitral valve dysfunction and growth retardation. His cutaneous examination revealed lax and pigmented skin over hands and feet with deep creases, acanthosis nigricans and short curly hairs. Its differentiation from other syndromes with similar clinical features is discussed in this article.