ABSTRACT
An active duty male Soldier presents to your clinic with concerns of blister-like lesions on both hands and feet several weeks after receiving immunizations. He is diagnosed with erythema multiforme (EM), a hypersensitivity reaction that is typically self-resolving. This article reviews the etiologies, pathophysiology, course, diagnosis, and treatment of erythema multiforme.
Subject(s)
Erythema Multiforme/pathology , Military Personnel , Erythema Multiforme/etiology , Herpes Simplex/complications , Humans , Male , Mycoplasma pneumoniae , Pneumonia, Mycoplasma/complications , Young AdultABSTRACT
Erythema ab igne is a reticulated, erythematous, hyperpigmented dermatosis resulting from chronic mild to moderate heat exposure. The authors present two cases of erythema ab igne, one from a hot water bottle to treat chronic low back pain and another from a heated automobile seat. They review other reported etiologies and highlight scenarios in which military medical providers may encounter erythema ab igne.
Subject(s)
Burns , Erythema , Automobiles , Hot Temperature , Humans , Military PersonnelABSTRACT
Isotretinoin (13-cis-retinoic acid) is widely used for the treatment of severe acne as well as for disorders of conification, for psoriasis, and for skin cancer prevention. As a member of the retinoid family, it has a wide spectrum of side effects, including reproductive, cutaneous, ocular, neurological, musculoskeletal, and hepatic. As long as patients are able to tolerate these side effects, it can be a very effective treatment option. This article examines both the most common and the most concerning side effects as well as ways in which providers and patients may best manage them to be able to benefit from isotretinoin treatment.
Subject(s)
Dermatologic Agents/adverse effects , Isotretinoin/adverse effects , Humans , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Absorption spectra of common tattoo pigments, their reaction to irradiation at 532 and 752 nm, and correlation with their titanium and iron component are important to the selection of an optimal laser device. OBJECTIVE: The objectives were (1) to establish the absorption spectra of common tattoo pigments and India ink and (2) to determine their response to laser irradiation at 532 and 752 nm and correlate this to their composition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Samples of 28 tattoo pigments and India ink were mixed in agar and analyzed with a spectrophotometer. These agar plates were irradiated with Q-switched wavelengths of 532 and 752 nm. RESULTS: The highest absorbance of red was in the complementary spectrum, while blue, yellow, and orange had peaks in the adjacent portion of the visible light spectrum. There is great variability in the absorbance of green tattoo material. Pigment darkening was noted at both wavelengths in all iron-containing pigments except black. It was variable in those containing titanium. Pigments tested responded with either clearance or darkening at 532 nm; however, response at 752 nm was more limited. CONCLUSION: (1) Tattoo pigment absorption spectra can explain why some colors are more resistant to removal. (2) Pigment darkening is a complex process.
