Multilobed flaps for intermediate and large nasal defects: Flap characteristics, patient outcomes, and provider experience at two institutions.

BACKGROUND: While bilobed and trilobed transposition flaps are established workhorses for nasal reconstruction, their utility is often limited to defects less than 1.5 cm, subjecting patients to more involved multistage or cosmetically less favorable repairs. We highlight the use of bilobed and trilobed transposition flaps for intermediate (≥ 1.5 cm) and large (≥ 2.0 cm) nasal defects. METHODS: Patients reconstructed with multilobed transposition flaps 2017-2020 were identified at two institutions. Validated scar scale (SCAR) and patient component of the patient and observer scar assessment survey (POSAS) were used to assess patient outcomes at a minimum 5-week follow-up. Statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients were identified with mean defect size 1.8 cm diameter. There were no major postoperative events. Scar revision was performed in 9 patients. The mean provider SCAR score was 3.06 (best possible 0, worst possible 13). The mean patient arm of the SCAR scale and POSAS were 0.07 (best possible 0, worst possible 2) and 10.93 (best possible 6, worst possible 60), respectively. CONCLUSION: Bilobed and trilobed flaps have excellent outcomes for intermediate and large nasal defects.

A Call for Evidence-Based Conservative Management of Nail Unit Malignancies.

SUMMARY: Nail unit squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma are the most common malignancies of the nail apparatus. Compared to their cutaneous counterparts, they are diagnosed later and perceived as more aggressive. This may result in overzealous management, including radiographic imaging with poor sensitivity and specificity, interventional nodal staging by sentinel lymph node biopsy, amputation over digit-sparing tumor resections, and elaborate reconstructions after tumor extirpation. In this review article, the authors evaluate the evidence behind several misconceptions in nail malignancy management and provide evidence-based guidance for more conservative care.

Artificial intelligence and melanoma: A comprehensive review of clinical, dermoscopic, and histologic applications.

Melanoma detection, prognosis, and treatment represent challenging and complex areas of cutaneous oncology with considerable impact on patient outcomes and healthcare economics. Artificial intelligence (AI) applications in these tasks are rapidly developing. Neural networks with increasing levels of sophistication are being implemented in clinical image, dermoscopic image, and histopathologic specimen classification of pigmented lesions. These efforts hold promise of earlier and highly accurate melanoma detection, as well as reliable prognostication and prediction of therapeutic response. Herein, we provide a brief introduction to AI, discuss contemporary investigational applications of AI in melanoma, and summarize challenges encountered with AI.

Case of hypoactive delirium precipitated by thiamine deficiency.

Thiamine is an essential cofactor in the process of nucleic acid synthesis. Neuronal tissues are especially sensitive to thiamine deficiency, manifesting as Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE). The typical triad of WE, encephalopathy, oculomotor dysfunction and gait ataxia, is only present in less than one-third of the cases. We present the case of a middle-aged man with hypoactive delirium due to presumed thiamine deficiency, who had a prolonged hospital course and a delayed diagnosis of the cause of altered mental status. The presentation of this disorder solely as a decreased level of consciousness is uncommon but has been reported in the literature. It is essential to recognise WE as a treatable condition that may manifest only as a hypoactive delirium. The delay in the diagnosis and treatment may lead to coma and death.

A review of intralesional wart therapy.

BACKGROUND: New treatment options for warts include intralesional wart injection with agents such as vitamin D, measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine antigen, Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) antigen, and candida antigen but there have been limited studies to compare their efficacies. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this systematic review is to compare the efficacy and safety of injectable agents used for the treatment of warts. METHODS: A PubMed search included terms "intralesional wart therapy," "wart injection" and "verruca injection." Articles reviewed were published over 10 years. RESULTS: A total of 43 articles were reviewed; 30 covered studies with more than 10 participants and 13 were case reports, case series, and reviews. In comparison studies intralesional agents have equal or superior efficacy (66%-94.9%) compared to first-line salicylic acid or cryotherapy (65.5-76.5%). One advantage of intralesional injections is the rate of complete resolution of distant warts. LIMITATIONS: Each study varied in their agents, treatment interval, and treatment dose, making comparisons difficult. CONCLUSIONS: Intralesional wart injections are safe, affordable, and efficacious treatments for warts. Physicians should consider intralesional injections for patients with refractory warts, multiple warts, or warts in sensitive areas.

An update on the topical and oral therapy options for treating pediatric atopic dermatitis.

INTRODUCTION: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common childhood skin disorders. Multiple mechanisms contribute to the pathology of AD and treatment approaches are directed at these processes. AREAS COVERED: The purpose of this review is to discuss the chemical treatment options for pediatric atopic dermatitis, including immunomodulators and small molecule inhibitors. A systematic literature search was conducted, and publications were reviewed for applicable treatment guidelines. EXPERT OPINION: Topical therapy is first-line for pediatric atopic dermatitis. Providers should work closely with patients and caregivers to promote the success of topical treatments. In disease refractory to topical treatments, systemic agents may be considered. Clinical trials are ongoing for the use of biologics in the treatment of pediatric AD. When choosing the most appropriate treatment, physicians should consider the drug efficacy, potential adverse effects, patient adherence, and quality of life for both patients and caregivers. Additional studies are required to determine the safest and most effective doses for systemic therapy in childhood AD.

Current pharmacological treatment guidelines for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

INTRODUCTION: Psoriasis is a common chronic skin condition that is prevalent worldwide. Despite the numerous treatment options available, discrepancies exist between international guidelines. Areas covered: This review aims to evaluate the current international guidelines for the systemic treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Expert commentary: Most guidelines are unanimous on medication dosing and laboratory monitoring. However, even the most up-to-date guidelines do not include many of the new biologic medications. Guidelines will require frequent updates to include the newer treatments and will soon need to state a recommendation on the use of biosimilars.

Cutaneous varicella zoster virus infection following zoster vaccination: report of post-vaccination herpes zoster skin infection and literature review of zoster vaccination efficacy and guidelines.

BackgroundHerpes zoster vaccine is currently recommended in the United States for immune competent individuals ≥60 years. The efficacy of the herpes zoster vaccine decreases with age and with time following vaccination.PurposeAn elderly man with herpes zoster following vaccination is described. The guidelines for vaccination and issues regarding re-vaccination are reviewed. METHODS: PubMed was used to search the following terms: efficacy, elderly, herpes zoster, herpes zoster incidence, herpes zoster recurrence, and vaccination. The papers and relevant citations were reviewed. The clinical features of a patient with post-vaccination herpes zoster skin infection are presented; in addition, vaccine efficacy and guidelines are reviewed.ResultsA 91-year-old man, vaccinated for herpes zoster 10 years earlier, presented with crusted erosions on his face corresponding to the area innervated by the ophthalmic division of the left trigeminal nerve. Evaluation using polymerase chain reaction confirmed the diagnosis of herpes zoster.ConclusionsHerpes zoster vaccine decreases in efficacy with both age and number of years following vaccination. Therefore, booster shots or revaccination in the older population may be of benefit.

Palisaded Granulomatous Dermatitis Associated with Ulcerative Colitis: A Comprehensive Literature Review.

Palisaded granulomatous dermatitis is an uncommon pathologic condition potentially associated with several disorders. These include drugs, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple myelomas, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. An illustrative case of a man with palisaded granulomatous dermatitis who subsequently developed ulcerative colitis is described, and the characteristics of other individuals with ulcerative colitis-associated palisaded granulomatous dermatitis are reviewed. PubMed was used to search the following terms: palisaded, interstitial, granulomatous, dermatitis, ulcerative colitis, and neutrophilic. Papers were obtained and references were reviewed. Ulcerative colitis-associated palisaded granulomatous dermatitis is uncommon. Palisaded granulomatous dermatitis-associated ulcerative colitis has been reported in four individuals. The palisaded granulomatous dermatitis appeared from six years prior to diagnosis to 19 years following diagnosis of the patient's gastrointestinal disease. In addition to individual and grouped papular lesions on the elbows, the morphology of palisaded granulomatous dermatitis can also present as indurated linear plaques overlying the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints and proximal fingers.

Scabies Surrepticius: Scabies Masquerading as Pityriasis Rosea.

Scabies, a mite infestation caused by 'Sarcoptes scabiei', most commonly presents as pruritic linear burrows where the mite has invaded the skin. Scabies variant such as bullous, crusted, hidden, incognito, nodular and scalp-mimic the other conditions. In addition, atypical presentations of scabies can masquerade as dermatitis herpetiformis, ecchymosis, Langerhans cell histiocytosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, urticaria, and urticaria pigmentosa. A 59-year-old male presented with non-pruritic papulosquamous plaques on his chest, abdomen, and back resembling lesions of pityriasis rosea in morphology and distribution. The complete cutaneous examination also demonstrated burrows on his finger webs. A mineral oil preparation of skin scrapings showed scabies mites, ova, and scybala. His infestation resolved after the treatment with topical permethrin 5% cream and oral ivermectin 15 mg on days one and eight. In conclusion, scabies surrepticius is a term that has recently been established to unify not only the numerous variants but also the atypical presentations of scabies. The inaccurate diagnosis of scabies infestation can lead to increased medical costs and the side effects of unnecessary tests and the treatment. Pityriasis rosea-like scabies can be added to the list of atypical presentations that are included under the unifying designation scabies surrepticius.

Vegas (Verruciform Genital-Associated) Xanthoma: A Comprehensive Literature Review.

INTRODUCTION: Verruciform xanthoma is a wart-like benign lesion. The classic histologic appearance consists of foamy histiocytes within elongated dermal papillae and epithelial acanthosis. The lesion most commonly occurs in the oral cavity, but has been reported in extra-oral sites such as the penis, scrotum, and vulva. The clinical and histologic characteristics of verruciform genital-associated (Vegas) xanthomas of the penis, scrotum, and vulva are reviewed. METHODS: PubMed was used to search the following term: verruciform xanthoma. The relevant papers were obtained and reviewed. RESULTS: There have been 193 cases of genital-associated verruciform xanthomas. There were 164 in men and 29 in women. Similar to verruciform xanthomas of the oral mucosa, they presented as asymptomatic lesions, demonstrated foam cells in the dermal papillae, and were typically managed successfully with surgical excision. CONCLUSION: Verruciform xanthoma is a benign lesion characterized by a wart-like growth that is most commonly seen in the oral mucosa. Verruciform xanthomas of the genital region have been coined Vegas xanthomas. Vegas xanthomas have been reported in association with a variety of diseases, as well as in healthy individuals. Biopsy is required for diagnosis, and complete surgical excision is typically curative.