Wong-type dermatomyositis: a mimic of many dermatoses.

Wong-type dermatomyositis (DM) is a rare variant characterized by keratotic follicular papules that may mimic pityriasis rubra pilaris. Histopathologic examination shows follicular and non-follicular epidermal invaginations filled with keratin. The diagnosis is often delayed. Twenty-four cases of Wong-type DM have been reported thus far in the literature. Herein, we report the clinical and histopathologic findings of three additional cases in order to raise awareness of the disorder.

Irritant contact dermatitis due to the use of a continuous positive airway pressure nasal mask: 2 case reports and review of the literature.

Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is commonly used to treat various respiratory conditions including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Several side effects related to the use of nasal CPAP are described in the literature. The side effects can cause patients to discontinue this effective therapy. We report 2 patients who used nasal CPAP for several years for the treatment of OSA and developed irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) from a CPAP nasal mask.

Hair in the middle phalanges: clinical significance.

Middle phalangeal hair has been a focus of study in different populations for the absence or presence of this trait. Clinically, this is often perceived as a solely cosmetic feature. However, because of a series of patients questioning the presence of hair on this location, we have performed a more in-depth literature-based evaluation of the trait. The goal of this manuscript was to examine the clinical significance of this anthropological phenomenon. A literature review was performed that focused on the differences of this trait in terms of pattern of presentation, age, race, sex, and usage as an identifiable marker for medical significance in certain medications and criteria for tailored treatment. Anatomically, middle phalangeal hair is mostly on the fourth finger and more ulnar rather than central or symmetric in pattern of deviation. Its presence has been most associated with high prenatal androgen exposure, predisposing patients to suffer from adverse side effects from oral contraceptives. Phalangeal hair may be helpful in tailoring treatment to certain patients from different ethnic backgrounds, and particularly in individuals with unknown ancestry.

Statins in skin: research and rediscovery, from psoriasis to sclerosis.

Statins, initially developed as antimicrobials, are primarily considered cholesterol-lowering agents. Recently, researchers discovered anti-inflammatory properties of statins. Studies on the effects of statins and the alterations noted include: bench work that supported a Th1/Th2 skew to Th1, altered lymphocyte migration, inhibition of MHC-II induction and cytokine release on antigen-presenting cells, inhibition of mast cell degranulation and inhibition of Th17 cells and IL-17 production. In addition to the anti-inflammatory properties, statins have been found to induce apoptosis in melanoma models. The potential therapeutic value of statins is illustrated in the management of alopecia areata, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, systemic lupus erythematosus, cutaneous T-cell lymphomas, cutaneous melanoma, mastocytosis and more. This manuscript presents a comprehensive review of statins and their potential dermatologic application.