Efficacy of 0.25% Lidocaine Versus 0.5% Lidocaine in Dermatologic Surgery: A Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Although lidocaine is widely used in dermatologic surgery, no formal standard concentration is established. Previous research indicates that more dilute concentrations may offer equally effective anesthesia while potentially reducing toxicity risks. In addition, diluting commercially available lidocaine conserves supplies-a significant benefit during periods of lidocaine shortage. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of 0.25% lidocaine compared with that of 0.5% lidocaine in achieving anesthesia in cutaneous surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, double-blind study with 100 patients undergoing cutaneous surgery (Mohs surgery or excision) randomized to receive either 0.25% or 0.5% lidocaine for their percutaneous anesthesia. Patients completed a postoperative survey assessing pain level, satisfaction, and willingness to undergo future dermatologic surgery. RESULTS: This study revealed no statistically significant differences between the 0.25% and 0.5% lidocaine groups regarding pain scores, patient satisfaction, total lidocaine volume, rescue lidocaine volume, or willingness to undergo the procedure again. CONCLUSION: 0.25% lidocaine is a safe and effective option for achieving anesthesia during Mohs surgery and standard excisions. The results suggest that 0.25% lidocaine can be used to optimize high-value care and enhance patient safety in dermatologic surgery.

A Large Pilar Sheath Acanthoma of the Cheek Successfully Treated With Surgical Excision.

This case report describes an atypically large pilar sheath acanthoma (PSA) presenting on a patient's cheek. Due to the bothersome nature of the lesion, the patient underwent surgical excision, with subsequent histopathological analysis confirming the diagnosis of an unusually large PSA. In addition to a definitive diagnosis, surgical excision provided symptomatic relief for the patient.

Report of Basal Cell Carcinoma Occurring With a Desmoplastic Trichilemmoma Successfully Treated With Mohs Micrographic Surgery.

Desmoplastic trichilemmoma, an uncommon variant of trichilemmoma, is a benign adnexal neoplasm originating from the outer root sheath of a hair follicle, which has rarely been associated with atypical basaloid proliferations, including basal cell carcinoma. In this patient case, a 67-year-old female presented to our dermatology clinic for a skin check. On physical examination, a pearly, pink papule was noted on the vertex scalp, and a biopsy was obtained to rule out malignancy. Histologic examination of the lesion favored a desmoplastic trichilemmoma; however, a basaloid neoplasm could not be ruled out. Subsequently, the patient underwent Mohs micrographic surgery, and upon examination of the Stage I Mohs slides, superficial basal cell carcinoma was identified within the lesion. This case serves to further strengthen the known association between basal cell carcinoma and desmoplastic trichilemmoma. In addition, it demonstrates that the presence of basal cell carcinoma may not be observed on the initial biopsy of these lesions, underscoring the utility of complete surgical excision.

Failure of Nasal Defect Closures Following the Use of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure.

In this paper, we report a case series of three patients who developed nasal tip necrosis following Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS), complicated by the concomitant use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine for sleep apnea.

Chromoblastomycosis Presenting as a Solitary Lesion in a Non-endemic Region.

Chromoblastomycosis is a neglected tropical disease typically found in endemic tropical and subtropical regions. Herein, we discuss a rare case of a 55-year-old man in Texas who presented with an exophytic papule on the forearm, diagnosed to have chromoblastomycosis by shave biopsy and subsequent histopathological analysis. Treatment options for chromoblastomycosis include long-term oral antifungal therapy with itraconazole, physical modalities such as heat therapy in conjunction with oral antifungals, and surgical interventions such as cryosurgery or surgical excision.

A case of filgrastim-induced neutrophilic dermatosis of the dorsal hands in a patient with Felty Syndrome.

Neutrophilic dermatosis of the dorsal hands (NDDH) is a variant of Sweet syndrome that presents with erythematous bullae, papules/plaques, or pustules on the dorsal hands. It is most commonly associated with hematologic and solid organ malignancies, though cases of NDDH associated with inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatologic disorders, and medication exposure have also been described in the literature. Felty syndrome is a rare complication of long-standing rheumatoid arthritis characterized by neuropathy, splenomegaly, and neutropenia. Granulocyte colony stimulating factors (e.g., filgrastim) can be utilized to rescue the neutropenia observed in Felty syndrome, but this treatment may subsequently cause Sweet syndrome. Herein, we present a 64-year-old man with Felty syndrome and a complex medical history who presented with sudden onset, painful blisters located on the dorsal and palmar aspects of his bilateral hands. Given the patient's past medical history, a broad differential diagnosis, including disseminated fungal and viral infection was initially considered. A punch biopsy of the skin lesion disclosed neutrophilic dermatosis, which together with laboratory data satisfied the von den Driesch criteria for Sweet syndrome. As the lesions were localized exclusively on the patient's hands, the qualification of NDDH was also endorsed.

Bipolar fractionated radiofrequency midface lift: A retrospective review.

INTRODUCTION: Midface rejuvenation is an important component of overall facial rejuvenation. Traditionally, midfacial skin laxity and volume loss have been addressed with surgical midfacial lifting and soft tissue augmentation with dermal fillers. We present a novel noninvasive approach to midface rejuvenation with a bipolar fractionated radiofrequency (FRF) device that addresses both volume loss and improves skin laxity. METHODS: An institutional review board-approved retrospective review was performed and included subjects who received midfacial treatment with a bipolar FRF device. Follow-up photographs were objectively assessed by a blinded evaluator using a validated scale, the Facial Laxity Rating Scale. Paired t tests were used to evaluate the results for statistical significance. RESULTS: A total of 15 subjects were included in the study. The average age was 64 and ranged from 48 to 73. The average midface laxity score prior to treatment was 5.6 and post-treatment was 6.3 (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Bipolar FRF is a promising noninvasive intervention for midface rejuvenation.

Mohs micrographic surgery: a treatment method for many non-melanocytic skin cancers.

Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is a breakthrough surgical technique that has changed the management of neoplasms in dermatology. Through continued practice and evolution, MMS now can successfully treat a variety of rare non-melanocytic cutaneous malignancies for which achieving remission and the optimal aesthetic result after surgery was previously challenging. Mohs micrographic surgery has utility for conditions besides melanoma. Herein, we discuss this versatility of Mohs micrographic surgery. Specifically, Mohs micrographic surgery can be successfully used for cases such as dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, atypical fibroxanthomas, extramammary Paget disease, Merkel cell carcinoma, sebaceous carcinoma, and microcystic adnexal carcinoma.

White Fibrous Papulosis of the Axillae and Neck.

Fibroelastolytic papulosis of the neck (FEPN) consists of two disorders: white fibrous papulosis of the neck (WFPN) and pseudoxanthoma elasticum-like papillary dermal elastolysis (PXE-PDE). The neck and supraclavicular areas are frequently involved; however, axillary involvement is significantly more rare, especially for white fibrous papulosis. Herein, we present an unusual case of white fibrous papulosis of the axillae, in addition to the neck, in a Caucasian woman.

Spiny Keratoderma of Nonfamilial Nature and Without Systemic Disease in a Woman.

Spiny keratoderma is a rare condition that presents as many small, firm hyperkeratotic papules on the palms and soles. This condition can be familial, typically arising in adolescence or young adulthood. However, if the condition arises later in adulthood, it is more frequently associated with internal malignancy. Therefore, a thorough workup is required to identify a potential underlying cancer. It is rare for spiny keratoderma to spontaneously arise in individuals in adulthood and yet not be associated with systemic disease, but such is the scenario for our patient.

A Rare Presentation of Nodular Amyloidosis on the Lower Back.

Primary localized cutaneous amyloidosis (PLCA) occurs when amyloid is deposited only within the skin and there is no evidence of systemic involvement. Nodular amyloidosis is the rarest subtype of PLCA. It typically involves the acral regions but can sometimes present on the head and neck. The condition usually presents clinically as a single tan or yellow nodule or plaque that may appear waxy. Herein, we present a rare case of a 66-year-old man with nodular amyloidosis on the lower back.