RESUMO
Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, which most commonly involves the anogenital region. The etiology of LS is obscure, but genetic susceptibility, autoimmune mechanisms, infective agents like human papillomavirus and spirochaetes, and Koebner phenomenon has been postulated as causative factors. We report our observation in 6 patients (3 males and 3 females) with histologically proven lichen sclerosus that showed relative sparing of the uncovered areas of the genitals, thereby suggesting that the occlusion of the genital skin may be playing a greater role in the causation of LS than is currently thought, in both sexes.
RESUMO
Imiquimod, an immune response modifier, is known to possess both anti-viral and anti-tumor effect. We report our experience of treating a large superficial spreading basal cell carcinoma with 5% imiquimod cream. A 65-year-old male had an asymptomatic, hyperpigmented, slowly progressive, indurated, 3 x 4 cm plaque on the left cheek for two months. Biopsy from the lesion showed features of basal cell carcinoma. The patient was treated with imiquimod 5% cream, topically three times a week for six months with complete resolution of the lesion and without any side-effects. There was no clinical or histological recurrence after three months of stopping the treatment.