Tinea capitis in infants: recognition, evaluation, and management suggestions.

Tinea capitis is a reasonably common infection among the pediatric population; however, it is still a relatively rare entity among infants less than one year of age. As such, a high index of suspicion is necessary for diagnosis among infants and an appropriate diagnostic work up should be employed in any case where a dermatophyte infection is suspected. Several methods are available for diagnosis. In addition, proper identification of the specific dermatophyte genera involved should be considered as treatment options may be altered based on the causative pathogen identified.

Erythropoietic protoporphyria: a case report and literature review.

Erythropoietic protoporphyria is considered a rare disease overall, but in children is the most common form of porphyria, and certainly the most common type of erythropoietic porphyria. Despite this fact, erythropoietic protoporphyria is a disease that has been known to evade or at least delay diagnosis, leading to unnecessary suffering by the patient. Given the distress it may cause a patient and his or her family as well as the potential complications of this disease, the importance of maintaining a heightened awareness when presented with a child complaining of photosensitivity cannot be overstated. This case report will review the important clinical indicators, pathogenesis, histology, diagnosis, management, and treatment of this disease, so that affected children will no longer have to play "hide and seek" when diagnosed with this sun-sensitive disease.

Avoiding the legal "blemish": medicolegal pitfalls in dermatology.

In today's legal environment, it is unlikely that a physician will complete a medical career without being introduced to the legal system in some way. Despite this, medical education often does not incorporate a basic teaching of general legal principles, and many physicians are left unaware of some of the important legal aspects of practicing medicine. The purpose of this article is to provide a background of the essential legal principles of a malpractice action as well as review the fundamentals of the legal process, provide published caselaw of prior dermatological pitfalls, and ultimately, provide suggestions to better prepare the dermatologist to practice medicine.