Innovative Use of Negative Air Ions As an Alternative Therapy for Acne Vulgaris: A Report of Three Cases

Acne vulgaris is a universal skin disease with multifactorial pathogenesis. Although an extensive range of treatment options exist for acne, a substantial number of patients are still struggling for an optimal treatment option due to the side effects or contraindications to the conventional acne treatment. Negative air ions (NAIs) are electrically charged molecules that naturally exist in the atmosphere. Since they are natural component of air, there are no known side effects and contraindications to their application. Furthermore, among the identified benefits of NAIs, certain mechanisms are related to acne pathogenesis, allowing them to be attractive candidates for acne treatment. Here, we describe three patients with acne who showed considerable clinical improvement after NAI therapy. All of the patients had failed to tolerate traditional acne treatment options. In all three cases, considerable improvement was observed in acne severity and the number of total lesions. Based on the three cases and a review of literature underlying the effects of NAIs, we suggest that NAIs may be a safe and effective alternative therapeutic option for acne vulgaris.

Non-Invasive Diagnosis of a Facial Tumor Using Dermoscopy and Successful Treatment with 595 nm Pulsed Dye Laser

Clear cell acanthoma (CCA) is an uncommon, benign epithelial tumor presenting as a well-defined, slow-growing solitary nodule. The diagnosis of CCA is usually based on clinical and histopathological evaluation of the tumor.However, when such type of benign tumor occurs on an exposed area, a biopsy is not always the best diagnostic option since it may leave scar. The recent advent of dermoscopy has offered an accurate and non-invasive method to diagnose CCA without resorting to skin biopsy. A 40-year-old male presented with a shiny, erythematous-to-brown, flattened nodule on the left cheek. Dermoscopic examination revealed a ‘string of pearls’ vascular pattern, a characteristic dermoscopic feature of CCA. Under the clinical and dermoscopic impression of CCA, a 595 nm pulsed dye laser (PDL) therapy targeting the vascular tissue in the superficial dermis of the lesion was chosen for a minimally invasive treatment.After repeated sessions of PDL, an optimal cosmetic outcome was achieved and no recurrence was recorded during the follow-up period. Herein, we report a case of presumed CCA which was successfully diagnosed and treated by utilizing non-invasive modalities.

Non-Invasive Diagnosis of a Facial Tumor Using Dermoscopy and Successful Treatment with 595 nm Pulsed Dye Laser

Clear cell acanthoma (CCA) is an uncommon, benign epithelial tumor presenting as a well-defined, slow-growing solitary nodule. The diagnosis of CCA is usually based on clinical and histopathological evaluation of the tumor.However, when such type of benign tumor occurs on an exposed area, a biopsy is not always the best diagnostic option since it may leave scar. The recent advent of dermoscopy has offered an accurate and non-invasive method to diagnose CCA without resorting to skin biopsy. A 40-year-old male presented with a shiny, erythematous-to-brown, flattened nodule on the left cheek. Dermoscopic examination revealed a ‘string of pearls’ vascular pattern, a characteristic dermoscopic feature of CCA. Under the clinical and dermoscopic impression of CCA, a 595 nm pulsed dye laser (PDL) therapy targeting the vascular tissue in the superficial dermis of the lesion was chosen for a minimally invasive treatment.After repeated sessions of PDL, an optimal cosmetic outcome was achieved and no recurrence was recorded during the follow-up period. Herein, we report a case of presumed CCA which was successfully diagnosed and treated by utilizing non-invasive modalities.

Reduced Mitochondrial Properties in Putative Progenitor/Stem Cells of Human Keratinocytes

BACKGROUND: The characterization of progenitor/keratinocyte stem cells (KSC) remains an unachieved goal. A previous study showed that rapid adhering cells to collagen IV had the characteristics of putative progenitor/KSCs. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the genetic expression of rapid adhering cells compared to non adhering cells to determine the characteristic of KSCs. METHODS: We isolated rapid adhering cells representative of KSCs from non adhering cells representative of transient amplifying cells. In addition, we differentiated cells from human tonsilar keratinocytes utilizing the adhering capability of the KSCs to collagen IV. Annealing control primer based differentially displayed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed as well as Western blot analysis. RESULTS: The levels of mitochondria-related gene expression were low in the rapid adhering cells compared to the non adhering cells. Mitochondrial complex I, COX IV, peroxiredoxins (I, II and IV) and mitochondrial membrane potential were all low in the rapid adhering cells compared to the non adhering cells. CONCLUSION: Using an adhesion method on human collagen IV-coated plates, our results suggest that reduced mitochondrial function may be an important characteristic of KSCs.

A Case of Condyloma Lata with HIV Infection / 대한피부과학회지

Both human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and syphilis are sexually transmitted and affect the same patient groups. Syphilis may enhance the transmission of HIV, probably through the increased incidence of genital ulcers, and may accelerate development of immunodeficiency in HIV-infected people. Conversely, HIV infection causes reactivation of dormant syphilis and is often associated with unusual, non-typical features of syphilis. Condyloma latum is one of the cutaneous manifestations of secondary syphilis, is highly infectious, and shows moist papules that coalesce into plaques typically located on the genitals, perianal area, and axilla. Herein, we present a case of condyloma lata, which developed on the perianal area after anal sexual intercourse, in a patient with HIV infection.

A Case of Sparganosis with Eosinophilic Panniculitis in a Patient with Rectal Cancer / 대한피부과학회지

Sparganosis is an infection by sparganum, the generic term for the migrating plerocercoid larva of a tapeworm of the species Spirometra. The clinical appearance of sparganosis is usually a soft palpable, sometimes migratory, subcutaneous nodule, and microscopically, an elongated tract-like cavity, with or without a parasite body associated with eosinophilic infiltration, may be seen. Herein we present a case of sparganosis with eosinophilic panniculitis, which developed in a patient who had suffered from rectal adenocarcinoma about 5- months before presenting to our department with the skin lesion.

A Case of Dermatomyofibroma / 대한피부과학회지

Dermatomyofibroma represents a recently-described, relatively rare, distinct cutaneous mesenchymal neoplasm, which shows a myofibroblastic line of differentiation. It presents as a solitary, slow-growing, nodular or plaque-like lesion, and commonly occurs on the shoulder and axilla area of young female patients. Histopathologically, the tumor is a non-encapsulated, plaque-like lesion, composed of fascicles of monomorphic spindle cells predominantly oriented parallel to the skin surface. We report a 21-year-old female with a solitary nodule on the shoulder, which showed histological and immunohistochemical features diagnostic of dermatomyofibroma.

A Case of Annular Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis / 대한피부과학회지

Leukocytoclastic vasculitis is characterized by necrotizing, neutrophilic inflammation of small dermal blood vessels usually presenting as palpable purpuric lesions. Different clinical forms such as urticarial wheals, nodules, bullaes, ulcers and pustules have been less commonly encountered. Annular lesions have been rarely reported in the clinical spectrum of leukocytoclastic vasculitis. Herein we present a case of purpuric eruptions with unusual centrifugal evolution, creating polycyclic patches on both lower extremities. Histopathologic examination revealed compatible features of leukocytoclastic vasculitis.

Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease with Cutaneous Involvement Associated with Hemophagocytic Syndrome

No abstract available.

A Case of Steatocystoma Multiplex: Successful Treatment with Mini-incisions

No abstract available.

A Case of Generalized Herpes Zoster associated with Herpetic Folliculitis and Syringitis / 대한피부과학회지

Although herpes viruses are a common cause of a wide variety of mucocutaneous infections, the involvement of a follicular or a sebaceous gland epithelium (herpetic folliculitis) and eccrine structures (herpetic syringitis) are only rarely reported in the literature. Herein we describe an 88-year-old male who showed multiple, partially-crusted, erythematous papules and vesicles on the trunk and face, especially on the right cheek, chin and perioral areas. Histopathologic examination showed typical herpetic cytopathic features involving the pilosebaceous units and eccrine structures.

A Case of Diffuse Black Dot Tinea Capitis Caused by Trichophyton tonsurans / 대한의진균학회지

"Black dot" tinea capitis is a clinical form of tinea capitis, which is a dermatophytosis of the scalp and associated hair. It is caused by the anthropophilic endothrix organisms. We report a case of black dot tinea capitis caused by Trichophyton (T.) tonsurans in an 18-year-old woman who is a judoist in the college. She had suffered from a diffuse hair loss involving nearly entire scalp hair for 1 year. The scalp lesion showed diffuse multiple black dots with minimal inflammatory sign or scales. KOH examination revealed arthroconidia of endothrix pattern. On mycological studies, T. tonsusrans was identified. She was treated with oral itraconazole pulse therapy (2 cycles) and ketoconazole shampoo.

A Case of Multiple Intravascular Papillary Endothelial Hyperplasia / 대한피부과학회지

Intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia (IPEH), also known as Masson's pseudoangiosarcoma, is an unusual pattern of organization of a thrombus within a vein, or within one or more of the component vessels of various vascular abnormalities, such as cavernous hemangioma, pyogenic granuloma and lymphangioma. It is characterized by the development of endothelial-lined papillary projections in a vascular lumen. Lesions of IPEH usually occur on the head, neck or upper extremities as a solitary reddish or bluish nodule. Herein we report a 34-year-old female who presented with multiple bluish nodules on the left hand, which upon histopathological examination showed intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia.

A Case of Multiple Pilomatricoma Combined with and without Secondary Anetoderma / 대한피부과학회지

Pilomatricoma, also known as the calcifying epithelioma of Malherbe, is a benign adnexal neoplasm that arises from primitive cells of the hair matrix. It usually appears as a firm, slowly growing dermal or subcutaneous nodule, almost solitary but occasionally multiple. Anetoderma is characterized clinically by discrete, atrophic skin lesions and pathologically by the focal loss of elastic fibers in the dermis. Anetodermic cutaneous changes in the skin overlying a pilomatricoma have been rarely described in the literature. Herein, we report 17-year-old girl who presented with two skin lesions, one of which was a painful nodule with bag-like, wrinkled surface on the left posterior shoulder and the other was asymptomatic deep seated nodule with skin colored surface on the left upper back. The histopathologic examination showed typical findings of pilomatricoma, and anetoderma was associated with tender nodule on the shoulder.

A Case of Multiple Linear Lichen Planus along the Lines of Blaschko / 대한피부과학회지

Linear lichen planus (LLP) is a rare variant of lichen planus, which accounts for 0.24-0.62% of all patients with lichen planus. Blaschko lines are the pattern assumed by many different nevoid and acquired skin diseases on the human skin, which present with a characteristic S-shape on the abdomen, a V-shape near the posterior midline, a linear pattern on the lower trunk and limbs, and whorls on the scalp and abdomen. Multiple LLP along the lines of Blaschko has been rarely reported. Differential diagnosis of LLP includes lichen striatus, epidermal nevi, linear psoriasis, inflammatory linear verrucous epidermal nevus (ILVEN), linear Darier disease, linear lupus erythematosus, and linear lichen nitidus. We herein describe a 49-year-old female who showed multiple linear erythematous, brownish papules on her right trunk, shoulder, arm, and groin with typical histopathologic findings of lichen planus.

A Case of Acrodermatitis Continua of Hallopeau

No abstract available.

A Case of Seborrheic Keratosis of the Areola Presenting as a Cutaneous Horn / 대한피부과학회지

Several conditions such as nipple eczema, erosive adenomatosis of the nipple, mammary Paget's disease and hyperkeratosis of the nipple and areola occur exclusively in the region of the areola and nipple. Seborrheic keratosis is a benign epidermal lesion that can appear on any part of the body but reported cases appearing on the areola are very rare. Cutaneous horn generally presents as an asymptomatic, conical keratotic mass, which commonly occurs on sun-exposed skin, and has an underlying condition that may be benign, premalignant, or malignant. Seborrheic keratosis is a well known benign underlying condition of the cutaneous horn. We herein present a 49-year-old male with a conical hyperkeratotic mass on his right areola, which, upon microscopic examination was revealed to be seborrheic keratosis.

A Case of Verrucous Hyperplasia with Lymphedema at the Distal Stump of a Below-the-knee Amputee / 대한피부과학회지

Verrucous hyperplasia of the distal stump skin is a rare condition which shows multiple, irregular warty papules and plaques but histologically no evidence of viral warts. It has been suggested that verrucous hyperplasia results from persistent stump edema, usually when the distal stump is unsupported in the prosthesis socket. We present a 53-year-old male who showed verrucous plaques on the distal stump skin and also showed edematous change with oozing. He has been wearing a below-the-knee prosthesis for 35 years since a traumatic amputation and has not changed the prosthesis for 30 years. Histopathological findings showed hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis, acanthosis, papillomatosis, dermal edema, fibrosis, dermal vessel proliferation and dilatation. He was diagnosed as having verrucous hyperplasia with lymphedema by clinical and histopathological findings.

Two Cases of Dieting-associated Prurigo Pigmentosa / 대한피부과학회지

Prurigo pigmentosa is a rare inflammatory dermatosis of unknown etiology characterized by recurrent, pruritic, erythematous papules with gross reticulate hyperpigmentation. The cause of prurigo pigmentosa is unknown. Exogenous factors, fasting, dieting, ketosis, diabetes mellitus and pregnancy have been reported to be associated with prurigo pigmentosa. We now present two cases of prurigo pigmentosa associated with dieting. These findings suggest that the ketosis produced by dieting may well contribute to the pathogenesis of prurigo pigmentosa.

A Case of Tinea Nigra / 대한피부과학회지

Tinea nigra is a superficial mold infection, by Phaeoannellomyces werneckii, rarely seen in Asia including Korea. Since the lesion can easily mimic a melanocytic lesion, it is important to recognize the infection before recommending unnecessary aggressive surgical procedures. We herein describe a case of tinea nigra presenting on the finger of a 41-year-old Caucasian man. Initially we diagnosed him as having lentigo, but fungal elements were detected by histopathologic examination. We recommend the routine KOH examination for the all pigmented lesion on the hands and feet.