A review of bubble hair deformity.

Bubble hair deformity is an acquired abnormality characterized by air-filled cavity formations within the hair shaft, usually because of heat damage. Traditionally, bubble hair is diagnosed by visualization of characteristic bubbles under light microscopy. The increased utilization of trichoscopy (scalp dermoscopy) has led to its adoption in the diagnosis of many hair and scalp conditions, including bubble hair deformity. We sought to review clinical reports evaluating the patient profile, use of diagnostic imaging, and treatment options for bubble hair deformity. A systematic search of PubMed was performed in February 2021 using various keywords. Titles and abstracts were screened, leading to the selection of 11 case reports or series. The majority of patients were middle-aged Caucasian women who had used a heated tool to dry or style wet hair. Treatment consisted of cessation of heated tool usage. Light microscopy visualization of characteristic hair shaft cavities was used for diagnosis of bubble hair deformity in reports published prior to 2012. Diagnosis by trichoscopy was used in more recent reports. Our findings support the use of trichoscopy as a convenient and noninvasive method of diagnosing bubble hair deformity. More clinical studies are needed to evaluate the development of bubble hair deformity in ethnic hair.

Development of squamous cell carcinoma in the setting of chronic discoid lupus erythematosus may be associated with plasmacytoid dendritic cell inflammation.

Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is the most common type of cutaneous lupus and is clinically characterized by alopecia, depigmentation, and scars on sun-exposed skin. Squamous cell carcinoma is a potential long-term complication. The most important risk factor for squamous cell carcinoma development in people with dark skin is chronic scarring and inflammation, such as those seen in long-standing discoid plaques. African Americans who develop squamous cell carcinoma in the setting of chronic scarring and inflammation have a greater risk of metastasis and recurrence compared to sun-induced squamous cell carcinoma seen in whites. Despite this, the pathogenesis of squamous cell carcinoma development in chronic DLE is not fully understood. Herein, we describe a case of an African American patient who developed squamous cell carcinoma on a long-standing discoid plaque. Analysis of the lesion revealed a null type pattern of p53 protein expression and abundant CD123+ plasmacytoid dendritic cells, as potential drivers of oncogenesis and inflammation, respectively. Dermatologists should be aware of the increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma development within long-standing discoid plaques for a prompt early diagnosis and active long-term surveillance.

Teledermatology and Skin of Color Patients.

The COVID-19 pandemic popularized telemedicine for many medical systems around the world. Although it came with many advantages for some individuals, it created challenges for other populations, particularly patients with skin of color and minority populations (largely comprised of patients with skin of color). The social determinants of health (SODH) are defined as individuals' living, working, and learning circumstances that can affect their health and quality of life.

Monodactylous Longitudinal Melanonychia: A Sign of Bowen's Disease in Skin of Color.

INTRODUCTION: Monodactylous longitudinal melanonychia (LM) may represent both benign and malignant dermatologic disorders. However, squamous cell carcinoma in situ (SCCis) is not commonly considered in this setting. CASE PRESENTATION: In this report, we present 2 cases of SCCis of the nail matrix in patients with skin of color who presented with monodactylous LM involving the lateral aspect of the nail. CONCLUSION: These cases suggest that SCCis should be included in the differential diagnosis for monodactylous LM, especially when involving the lateral nail plate in darker skin.