A cross-sectional review of contact allergens in popular self-tanning products.

Background: In recent years, self-tanners have become a well-liked alternative to sun tanning and tanning bed usage, as strikingly similar results can be achieved without the harmful side effects of ultraviolet exposure. Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the presence and prevalence of potential allergens in the most popular self-tanning products. Methods: Five major retailers in the United States were evaluated, from which 17 different brands and 44 unique self-tanning products were analyzed. The ingredients in each self-tanning product were compared with 80 and 36 notable contact allergens taken from the North American Contact Dermatitis Group and Food and Drug Administration-approved T.R.U.E (Thin-Layer Rapid Use Epicutaneous Patch Test), respectively. Results: We found that contact allergens are frequently present in self-tanning products; allergens especially common are propylene glycol, linalool, polysorbate, d-limonene, benzyl alcohol, tocopherol (vitamin E), fragrances, and other scented botanicals. On average, each self-tanner we analyzed contained 11.86 allergens. Limitations: The limitation is that commercial names could not be eliminated from the analysis, introducing potential bias. Conclusion: While self-tanning products are a safer alternative to tanning bed use or sunbathing, consumers and clinicians alike must be aware that they may cause an allergic reaction of the skin for some users.

A Case of Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus and Review of Cutaneous Lupus Clinical Variants.

Lupus erythematosus (LE) is a complex autoimmune disease that presents with a wide variety of clinical and immunopathological features, making it challenging to reach a correct and prompt diagnosis. Patients with LE most frequently present with cutaneous and rheumatologic manifestations. As cutaneous findings may be the first sign of disease, their timely recognition is important for proper workup and management of LE. Here we present a case of subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) and review the cutaneous manifestations of lupus erythematosus and the histopathological correlates to raise awareness and promote faster times to diagnosis and treatment.

A Case-Based Review of Systemic Mastocytosis and Its Cutaneous Manifestations.

Mastocytosis represents an uncommon spectrum of disorders where mast cells proliferate and accumulate in different organs and tissues throughout the body, most frequently affecting the skin. Here we present a case of systemic mastocytosis and review the manifestations of cutaneous and systemic mastocytosis to raise awareness and try to reduce the typical delay in diagnosis.

When a Cyst is Not Just a Cyst.

In this article we report a series of cases with a cystic appearance clinically which were diagnosed as surprising entities histologically. The aim of presenting these cases is to demonstrate the importance of always sending clinically-appearing 'cysts' to pathology, because even the most experienced clinicians can be fooled by these lesions.

A Case-Based Review of Systemic Amyloidosis and its Cutaneous Findings.

Systemic amyloidosis is a disorder in which misfolded proteins deposit extracellularly, causing diverse clinical presentations depending on which organ systems are involved and to what degree they are involved. Delay in diagnosis is common and leads to increased mortality. In this article we report a case of systemic amyloidosis with the aim of increasing awareness of this entity.