Facial Dermatitis Herpetiformis.

A 34-year-old African-American woman with a past medical history of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hypertension presented to the clinic with a blister that was appearing about once a month on her nose or cheeks over the past 8 months. The blister was occasionally pru- ritic and would resolve spontaneously. At the time of presentation, the patient had only post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation on her nasal dorsum. The patient had photos of the blister on her phone to show what it originally looked like (Figure 1).

Hyperpigmented Macules and Patches on the Face: Exogenous Ochronosis or Lichen Planus Pigmentosus?

We present a case of a patient with a 10-year history of blue-black macules and patches on the face and an associated history of skin-lightening cream usage. The skin lightening cream contained hydroquinone, which is often associated with exogenous ochronosis (EO). Interestingly, the biopsy did not show characteristic findings of ochronosis, confusing the final diagnosis, however discontinuing the skin-lightening creams halted the progression of the patient's skin lesions supporting a diagnosis of EO. EO presents as asymptomatic hyperpigmentation after using products containing hydroquinone. This condition is most common in Black populations, likely due to the increased use of skin care products and bleaching cream containing hydroquinone in these populations. Topical hydroquinone is FDA-approved to treat melasma, chloasma, freckles, senile lentigines, and hyperpigmentation and is available by prescription only in the US and Canada. However, with the increased use of skin-lightening creams in certain populations, it is important for dermatologists to accurately recognize the clinical features of exogenous ochronosis to differentiate it from similar dermatoses. An earlier diagnosis can prevent the progression to severe presentations with papules and nodules. We summarize the clinical presentations diagnostic features, and treatment pearls, concluding with a discussion of the differential diagnoses.  J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(7):567-568.     doi:10.36849/JDD.8248.

Solid Facial Edema.

This case report describes nonpitting erythematous edema on the forehead, glabella, nose, and cheeks.

[Ulcerative colitis diagnosed with facial pyoderma gangrenosum: a case report].

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a sterile inflammatory skin condition that is frequently associated with immune-related diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). PG causes noninfectious ulcers. Facial PG is uncommon while PG usually occurs on the trunk and lower limbs. Herein, we report a case of a male teenager with fever, pustules, ulcers, and necrosis on both cheeks. He was initially diagnosed with complicated acne with bacterial infection, but the condition progressed to subcutaneous ulcers despite treatment. Biopsy revealed inflammatory lesions in dermal and subcutaneous tissue with neutrophil infiltration, consistent with PG. Although lacking typical IBD symptoms, blood tests revealed anemia and positive fecal occult blood. Sigmoidoscopy revealed inflammation, ulcers, and pseudopolyps in the colon and rectum, thereby diagnosing ulcerative colitis (UC). After treating PG and UC with prednisolone and skin grafts, golimumab was prescribed. The patient is now in remission. Necrotic tissue buildup can complicate closure in PG cases;this emphasizes the need for effective IBD treatment to facilitate procedures such as skin grafts.

Misdiagnosis of cutaneous facial sporotrichosis: An analysis of five cases.

BACKGROUND: Facial cutaneous sporotrichosis presents with diverse clinical manifestations, often leading to misdiagnosis. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to present the clinical characteristics of five misdiagnosed cases of facial cutaneous sporotrichosis, aiming to enhance understanding of this disease and prevent misdiagnosis and mistreatment. METHODS: Clinical data, histopathology, and fungal culture results of these five cases were comprehensively analyzed. RESULTS: Among these five patients, three presented with lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis, while two had the fixed cutaneous type. Due to misdiagnosis, initial treatments were ineffective for all patients. Upon histopathological examination and fungal culture confirming sporotrichosis, treatment with itraconazole for 3 months led to complete resolution of lesions. While one patient experienced a relapse due to noncompliance with the prescribed medication. CONCLUSION: Facial sporotrichosis, with its diverse clinical manifestations and obscure trauma history, is prone to misdiagnosis. Timely and thorough examinations are crucial for precise diagnosis and management. Itraconazole treatment demonstrated notable efficacy, and patient compliance is also essential for favorable outcomes.

Idiopathic aseptic facial granuloma: A retrospective study of 43 cases.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic aseptic facial granuloma (IAFG) is an underrecognized pediatric skin disease, currently considered within the spectrum of rosacea. It usually manifests as a solitary, reddish, asymptomatic nodule on the cheek that resolves spontaneously. METHODS: Retrospective and descriptive observational study of 43 pediatric patients with a clinical diagnosis of IAFG, followed between 2004 and 2022, at two general hospitals in Argentina. RESULTS: IAFG predominated in girls (65%) and the average age of onset was about 6 years. A single asymptomatic nodule was seen in 79% of patients. The most common localization was the cheek (58%) followed by lower eyelids (41%). Family history of rosacea was present in 16% of patients. A concomitant diagnosis of rosacea and periorificial dermatitis was made in 14% and 9% of our population, respectively. Past or present history of chalazia was detected in 42% of the children. IAFG diagnosis was mainly clinical (88% of cases). Oral antibiotics were the most common indicated treatment (84%). Complete healing was achieved by the majority, but 18% of those with eyelid compromise healed with scars. CONCLUSIONS: IAFG is a benign pediatric condition that physicians should recognize in order to manage correctly. We herein refer to a particular morphologic aspect of IAFG lesions affecting the lower eyelids, where nodules adopt a linear distribution and have a higher probability of involute leaving a scar. Also, we consider that the concomitant findings of rosacea, periorificial dermatitis and chalazia in our patients, reinforce the consideration of IAFG within the spectrum of rosacea.