Pathogenesis of acne vulgaris: what's new, what's interesting and what may be clinically relevant.

Acne vulgaris is the most common skin disorder seen in dermatology and primary care offices today with significant associated morbidity. The pathogenesis of acne is complex and multifactorial, and there continues to be an influx of new information to increase our understanding of this chronic disease. Recent advances in acne pathogenesis will be discussed, including theories regarding the sequence of events in acne formation, the functions of P. acnes, TLR involvement and role of the sebaceous gland and factors influencing sebum production.

Overcoming the Barrier Treatment of Ichthyosis: A Combination-therapy Approach.

Ichthyosis vulgaris is an inherited disorder of keratinization that results in asteatotic scales on extensor surfaces of the arm, legs, and trunk. A combination-therapy approach with a physiological lipid-based barrier repair topical emulsion and ammonium lactate 12% lotion applied topically was shown to be effective at four-week follow up without any untoward side effects. This combination therapy addresses the importance of caring for both the corneocytes ("bricks") and the intercellular lipid bilayer ("mortar") for optimal benefit.

Skin cancer in asians: part 2: melanoma.

The Asian population in the United States is expected to increase in the next 50 years. Concurrently, there is an overall rise in the incidence of melanoma. It is therefore crucial to obtain a better understanding of this deadly skin cancer in this minority population, as little information is currently available and prognosis remains poor. Through a review of the literature, this paper explores melanoma in the Asian population, including the most common subtype encountered, prognosis, theories on pathogenesis, and molecular biology.

Primary carcinosarcoma of the ear: case report and review of the literature.

Primary carcinosarcoma is a very rare neoplasm comprising two intermingling malignant components-epithelial and mesenchymal. The authors report a new case of primary cutaneous carcinosarcoma involving the helix of the ear. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed epithelial components of both basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas with a partially ossified sarcomatous-like component.Cutaneous carcinosarcoma (CS) is a neoplasm with dual epithelial and mesenchymal malignant components. It is most commonly seen in elderly males on sun-exposed areas of the body.(1-2) The histogenesis of CS is currently under debate. Immunohistochemistry plays an integral part in the diagnosis of this rare biphasic neoplasm. After a review of the literature, the authors were able to find only four other reported cases of CS involving the ear.(1,3) They present the fifth case of primary cutaneous CS, which involved the helix of the ear.

Skin cancer in asians: part 1: nonmelanoma skin cancer.

Since the 1960s, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma among the Caucasian population have increased 3 to 8 percent annually. Although Asians display relative protection from basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, incidence rates of these nonmelanoma skin cancers have been increasing over the past three decades. With changing demographics and a steady rise in the minority population in the United States, there is an increased need for further studies of cutaneous malignancies within Asian and other ethnic populations. This article reviews nonmelanoma skin cancers in the Asian population with an insight into contributing factors, such as skin type, occupation, cultural practices, and genetic components.