Mohs micrographic surgery in the treatment of microcystic adnexal carcinoma.

Microcystic adnexal carcinoma is a rare neoplasm with a propensity for slow growth and extensive local invasion. Pathology is characterized by multiple islands of basaloid epithelial cells, ductal structures, and keratinizing cysts, located intradermally but often extending deep as thin strands of tumor cells intercalating between collagen bundles. Perineural and intramuscular invasion are common. Treatment with Mohs surgery allows for fewer procedures with increased likelihood of long-term cure and tissue conservation.

Complications of tissue ischemia in dermatologic surgery.

Ischemic complications in cutaneous surgery can be devastating. Tissue ischemia can result from improper technique or closure design (i.e., increased tension), inadequate hemostasis, or infection, all of which result in decreased blood supply to the surgical site. Knowledge of patient characteristics that affect blood supply to the surgical site, including comorbid conditions, medications and behaviors (i.e., tobacco and alcohol use), is essential. Also, a thorough understanding of cutaneous anatomy, principles of surgical design, coupled with meticulous technique will minimize the likelihood of ischemic complications. Prompt recognition of hematoma, infection and impending ischemia/necrosis, and proper treatment of such complications, can minimize poor outcomes.

Synovitis-acne-pustulosis-hyperostosis-osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome complicated by seven pulmonary emboli in a 15-year old patient.

SAPHO (synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis) syndrome represents a spectrum of various dermatologic and musculoskeletal conditions. Thromboses have infrequently been reported in SAPHO syndrome, most often in the subclavian vein. There have been no reported cases of pulmonary emboli associated with SAPHO. We report a case of a young patient with SAPHO syndrome who later presented with extensive iliofemoral deep vein thromboses and seven pulmonary emboli.

Characterization of Staphylococcus aureus cutaneous infections in a pediatric dermatology tertiary health care outpatient facility.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiology and patterns of antibiotic resistance for Staphylococcus aureus are changing in the United States. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the epidemiology and antibiotic susceptibility profiles in S aureus cutaneous infections in a pediatric dermatology tertiary health care facility in North Carolina. METHODS: We conducted a prospective observational study involving pediatric patients (n = 93, age<18 years) with signs of skin and soft tissue infections seen at a pediatric dermatology clinic between 2005 and 2007. RESULTS: We analyzed 141 cultures from 93 pediatric dermatology patients. S aureus was recovered from 97 cultures, of which 32% were methicillin-resistant S aureus (MRSA). In the pediatric dermatology clinic, children with atopic dermatitis accounted for 66% of the cultures; however, the presence of atopy did not represent a risk factor to acquire MRSA infection (P = .190; odds ratio = 1.643 [95% confidence interval: 0.672-4.014]). In all, 97 cultures were tested for antibiotic susceptibility and demonstrated the following resistance patterns: penicillin (86%), erythromycin (46%), methicillin (32%), clindamycin (22%), gentamicin (3%), vancomycin (0%), and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (0%). Of the pediatric dermatology outpatient MRSA infections, the resistance patterns were as follows: erythromycin (71%), clindamycin (16%), gentamicin (2%), and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (0%). LIMITATIONS: This study addressed a select population of children in North Carolina and may not generalize to different clinical settings or regions. CONCLUSION: Cutaneous S aureus infections in an outpatient pediatric dermatology tertiary health care facility demonstrated less resistance than previously reported from inpatient and emergency department settings. In our population, clindamycin and tetracyclines are still effective antibiotic choices in the majority of MRSA infections. Local prevalence and susceptibility of community-acquired MRSA as well as individual risk factors should be considered for diagnosis and treatment.

Treatment of head lice.

Pediculosis capitis, or head lice, is a common infestation among children worldwide. Multiple therapies exist for the treatment of this condition, including topical pediculicides and oral medications. When used in combination with environmental decontamination, these drugs can be very effective in eradicating head lice infestation without significant adverse events. The present study discusses the use of available over-the-counter and prescription treatments, including pyrethroids and permethrin, lindane, malathion, ivermectin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, in the treatment of head lice.

Water content and other aspects of brittle versus normal fingernails.

BACKGROUND: Previous authors have claimed that dehydration of the nail plate causes brittle nails. Some experts claim that normal nails contain 18% water, and brittle nails contain less than 16%. OBJECTIVE: We sought to test the hypothesis that brittle nails contain 2% less water than normal nails. We also examined the relationship between a number of health and behavioral variables and brittle nails. METHODS: In all, 102 participants with either brittle or normal nails had two nails clipped and then analyzed for water content by a blinded investigator in the laboratory. Participants filled out a detailed questionnaire designed to reveal information about health and behavior. RESULTS: The mean water content for normal nails was 11.90% and for brittle nails was 12.48%. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. The odds of having brittle nails was 3.23 times greater among participants who received a professional manicure (95% confidence interval 1.21, 8.59). The frequency of professional manicures was associated with the likelihood of having brittle nails. Frequency of hand moisturizer use was significantly associated with nail brittleness (95% confidence interval 1.35, 32.10). Family history was significantly associated with the likelihood of having brittle nails (95% confidence interval 1.65, 21.11). LIMITATIONS: Analyzing nails from living participants is limiting because samples can only be collected from the distal unattached nail plate. A small subanalysis was performed and showed that the nails were losing water between the time of clipping and laboratory analysis. Therefore, our water percentage results may not be representative of in vivo nail plate water contents. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference in water content of brittle compared with normal nails.

Rosacea: clinical presentation and pathophysiology.

Acne rosacea is one of the most common diagnoses seen in the clinical dermatologic practice. The classic presentation of rosacea, acneiform papules, and pustules on a background of telangiectasia, is often easily identified by primary care physicians, patients, or their similarly afflicted friends or family members. However, rosacea actually represents a spectrum of disease from chronic skin hypersensitivity and flushing to rhinophyma. Although the pathogenesis of rosacea remains unknown, it is important to understand its various presentations and possible etiologies prior to developing individualized treatment protocols.