Recurrent sclerotic fibroma of the skin.

The pathologic findings of a sclerotic fibroma of the skin may resemble those of other benign cutaneous lesions. In this report, the sequential pathologic changes of a recurrent sclerotic fibroma of the skin during a period of 7 years are documented. As the lesion became older, there was not only a decrease in cellularity, but also a progressive organization of the collagen bundles toward a "plywood-like" appearance.

Topical zinc therapy for acne vulgaris.

A double-blind study of 30 patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a topically applied 2% zinc sulfate solution for acne therapy. Over a 12-week period, no difference was noted between placebo- and zinc-treated participants in regard to either the number or type of acne lesions. The irritancy due to topically applied zinc was significantly greater (p less than or equal to 0.05) than that due to the placebo. Zinc serum levels were not significantly elevated between the two regimens before, during, or after treatment. This study suggests that topical zinc therapy alone is not of significant benefit in the treatment of acne vulgaris.

An unusual case of calcinosis cutis.

A case of calcinosis cutis is presented in a patient with hypercalcemia of unknown etiology. The axillae and inguinal areas were involved and the clinical and histologic picture is compared with pseudoxanthoma elasticum. We propose that the similarities between the two diseases stem from a common origin in damaged elastic fibers.

Reactive perforating collagenosis of diabetes mellitus and renal failure.

We believe that the disease we are reporting is associated with diabetes, particularly in patients on renal dialysis, and the perforation is initiated by scratching. Decreasing pruritus is the only needed treatment as the lesions tend to resolve on their own. While this entity has been called Kyrle's disease, it more correctly is reactive perforating collagenosis, both clinically and histologically. Whether this is a variant of what Kyrle originally described is not clear. We propose that this entity be called reactive perforating collagenosis of diabetes and renal failure.

Fibrofolliculoma: a clinicopathologic study.

A 63-year-old woman with numerous fibrofolliculomas on the face, neck, ears, and trunk is described. These papular lesions developed at approximately 30 years of age. Various family members have clinically identical lesions suggesting an autosomal dominant disorder. The hamartomatous lesions consisted of a proliferation of the pilar fibrous root sheath which surrounded anastomosing bands of epithelium arising from the hair follicle. The clinical and pathologic features of pilar complex tumors are reviewed.

Contact dermatitis caused by ECG electrode paste.

A case of contact dermatitis caused by ECG electrode cream is presented and the pertinent literature is reviewed. Our patient was found to be allergic to propylene glycol. Patch-testing remains an invaluable tool in the evaluation of patients suspected of being allergic to ECG paste, creams, and gels.