Live bee acupuncture (Bong-Chim) dermatitis: dermatitis due to live bee acupuncture therapy in Korea.

Live bee acupuncture (Bong-Chim) dermatitis is an iatrogenic disease induced by so-called live bee acupuncture therapy, which applies the honeybee (Apis cerana) stinger directly into the lesion to treat various diseases in Korea. We present two cases of live bee acupuncture dermatitis and review previously published articles about this disease. We classify this entity into three stages: acute, subacute, and chronic. The acute stage is an inflammatory reaction, such as anaphylaxis or urticaria. In the chronic stage, a foreign body granuloma may develop from the remaining stingers, similar to that of a bee sting reaction. However, in the subacute stage, unlike bee stings, we see the characteristic histological "flame" figures resulting from eosinophilic stimulation induced by excessive bee venom exposure. We consider this stage to be different from the adverse skin reaction of accidental bee sting.

Persistent pemphigus vulgaris showing features of tufted hair folliculitis.

Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune blistering disease that commonly involves the scalp. Lesions of pemphigus vulgaris that persist on the scalp for a long period may be accompanied by tufted hair folliculitis. Only two previous accounts of tufted hair folliculitis developing in a lesion of pemphigus vulgaris have been reported. We report a 51-year-old-man with erosions and clusters of hair on the scalp. The scalp lesion had persisted for about 20 years. A histopathological examination of the skin lesion on the scalp revealed separation of the epidermis and clusters of several adjacent hair follicles. The patient was diagnosed with persistent pemphigus vulgaris of the scalp showing features of tufted hair folliculitis.

Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2B: Early Diagnosis by Multiple Mucosal Neuroma and Its DNA Analysis.

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B (MEN 2B) is a rare disease caused by germline mutations in the RET proto-oncogene and is transmitted in an autosomal dominant fashion. It is characterized by medullary thyroid carcinoma, pheochromocytoma and mucosal neuroma developing in the tongue, lip, intestinal tract, palate etc. Among these neoplasias, mucosal neuroma generally develops from early childhood. Therefore, early detection and proper treatment can minimize the disease course. Here we describe a 9-year-old male who presented with multiple verrucous papules and nodules on his lips, tongue and gingiva that were there since birth. Histologic findings of his lips and tongue showed well-defined nerve bundles and DNA analysis revealed a M918T mutation at codon 918 of the RET oncogene. He was diagnosed early as having MEN 2B according to his genetic and phenotypic features.