The spectrum of oculocutaneous disease: Part I. Infectious, inflammatory, and genetic causes of oculocutaneous disease.

Many skin diseases are associated with ocular findings, emphasizing the need for dermatologists to be fully aware of their presence, and as a result, avoid overlooking conditions with potentially major ocular complications, including blindness. We review important oculocutaneous disease associations with recommendations for the management of the ocular complications and appropriate referral to our ophthalmology colleagues. Part I of this 2-part review focuses on the infectious, inflammatory, and genetic relationships.

The spectrum of oculocutaneous disease: Part II. Neoplastic and drug-related causes of oculocutaneous disease.

There are a multitude of diseases that commonly affect both the skin and the eye. Part II of this 2-part series reviews the oculocutaneous manifestations of neoplasms, both benign and malignant, and adverse drug reactions affecting the skin and the eye. Though rare, a number of neoplasms that primarily involve the skin, such as melanoma and basal cell carcinoma, can metastasize to the eye, leading to permanent damage if not properly treated. In addition, periocular neoplasms can irritate the conjunctiva and lid, reducing a patient's ability to see clearly. Neoplastic diseases, such as xeroderma pigmentosum, Sturge-Weber syndrome, and multiple myeloma, can also lead to permanent changes in the eye if not discovered and managed promptly. Furthermore, there are a multitude of drugs, including those commonly used by dermatologists, which can result in permanent damage to the eye. With proper knowledge of the ocular manifestations and treatment recommendations described in this 2-part series, dermatologists with the assistance of their ophthalmology colleagues can help avoid the complications, including permanent blindness, associated with infectious, inflammatory, genetic, neoplastic, and drug-related conditions.

Tangential shave removal of basal cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the outcome of tangential shave removal (TS) of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) on the trunk and extremities. DESIGN: Cohort study of patients with multiple truncal BCC treated using TS in an academic dermatologic surgery practice. SETTING: Academic institution referral practice. PATIENTS: Individuals with BCC referred to the dermatologic surgery unit for ongoing therapy of multiple lesions. INTERVENTIONS: TS of amenable superficial and nodular BCCs with twice-annual follow-up. Lesions were removed using a scalpel as a uniform-depth mid-to-upper dermal shave and sent for routine pathology. Basic wound care was applied. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Apparent cure rate and outcome of scars. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-two BCCs were treated in 19 individuals. Patients were followed for an average of 5.2 years. One lesion recurred. Three specimens had positive margins requiring further surgery. Scarring was acceptable and similar to what is observed with curettage and electrocoagulation. CONCLUSIONS: TS is a reasonable treatment for primary superficial and nodular BCC on the trunk and extremities.