Techniques to minimize the pain of injected local anesthetic.

The process of injecting local anesthetic still often remains the most uncomfortable part of dermatologic surgery for patients. This review discusses strategies that may be used to reduce this discomfort.

The fusiform skin excision: one recipe for success.

The fusiform skin excision is commonly performed by dermatologists. This brief review presents a stepwise approach to this procedure and discusses recent evidence related to dermatologic minor surgery.

A challenging case of multiply recurrent nasal basal cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common human malignancy worldwide and represents a significant cost to health care systems. Most cases occur on the head and neck, and many are successfully treated with relatively simple measures. However, if high-risk or complicated cases are not treated effectively, they may result in considerable disfigurement or morbidity. We report on a patient with a complex nasal basal cell carcinoma (BCC) that failed multiple treatments by electrodesiccation and curettage (EDC). Management strategies for primary and recurrent BCC, including EDC, standard excision, Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS), and radiation therapy, are discussed. This case required extensive resection, and we review the literature for predictive factors of significant subclinical spread. OBJECTIVE: To present a complex case that illustrates the management options of high-risk, recurrent BCC of the head and neck. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Case report and review of the literature. RESULTS: MMS offers the lowest recurrence rate in the treatment of recurrent BCC in surgical candidates. A validated risk scale may predict subclinical spread in patients with BCC of the head and neck. CONCLUSIONS: BCC can progress to locally advanced disease, necessitating definitive treatment. EDC performed by an experienced dermatologist may offer cure rates comparable to those of surgery in lower-risk BCC. However, in higher-risk tumors, such as recurrent or larger lesions, methods that ensure clear margins should be considered first line, especially in sensitive locations. The routine use of a validated risk scale can better prepare patients and dermatologists for potentially extensive resections. In cases with risk of extensive involvement, strategies to clearly communicate options and progress at all stages of the process should be available.

Facial nerve danger zone in dermatologic surgery: temporal branch.

BACKGROUND: The principal function of cranial nerve 7 (CN VII), the facial nerve, is to provide motor innervation to the muscles of facial expression. The temporal branch of the facial nerve primarily innervates the frontalis muscle, which raises the eyebrow. OBJECTIVE: To present a case that illustrates the importance of facial nerve anatomy to skin surgery practice. CONCLUSION: The relevant surgical anatomy of the temporal branch is reviewed, as well as clinical practice points around nerve damage in skin surgery.

Infundibular carcinoma of the skin: a distinct morphological and immunohistochemical entity.

This report describes a new entity which has been defined as infundibular carcinoma (IC) of the skin. This new entity must be distinguished from other basaloid carcinomas arising from the epidermis, the hair follicles or from sweat duct and glandular elements. Specific criteria have been used to define ICs. These include the macroscopic and the microscopic site of the tumour as well as its histomorphological and immunohistochemical patterns. A brief review of benign and malignant tumours of the pilar unit and the differential diagnosis of IC is also provided.

Botulinum toxin for hyperhidrosis: a review.

Primary focal hyperhidrosis is a disorder of idiopathic excessive sweating that typically affects the axillae, palms, soles, and face. The disorder, which affects up to 2.8% of the US population, is associated with considerable physical, psychosocial, and occupational impairments. Current therapeutic strategies include topical aluminum salts, tap-water iontophoresis, oral anticholinergic agents, local surgical approaches, and sympathectomies. These treatments, however, have been limited by a relatively high incidence of adverse effects and complications. Non-surgical treatment complications are typically transient, whereas those of surgical therapies may be permanent and significant. Recently, considerable evidence suggests that botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) injections into hyperhidrotic areas can considerably reduce focal sweating in multiple areas without major adverse effects. BTX-A has therefore shown promise as a potential replacement for more invasive treatments after topical aluminum salts have failed. This article reviews the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of primary focal hyperhidrosis, with an emphasis on recent research evidence supporting the use of BTX-A injections for this indication.

Evaluating the patient presenting with hyperhidrosis.

Hyperhidrosis is a debilitating condition that affects approximately 2.8% of the population. Patients experience reduced quality of life and face significantly impairment in social interactions and occupational activities. Primary focal hyperhidrosis stems from neurogenic overactivity involving normal eccrine glands, while secondary generalized hyperhidrosis is due to any one of a number of causes. Patient history, physical examination, and appropriate laboratory tests should rule out secondary causes of hyperhidrosis. For primary hyperhidrosis, rate and volume of sweat production and quality of life assessment can be determined.

Primary focal hyperhidrosis: diagnosis and management. .

Primary focal hyperhidrosis is a common and serious medical condition that causes considerable psychosocial morbidity. Diagnostic and effective management strategies can improve patients' quality of living dramatically.

Treatment of focal hyperhidrosis.

BACKGROUND: Focal hyperhidrosis is not rare, affecting over 2.5% of the population. This condition is often socially and professionally debilitating, leading to significant quality of life impairment. It most commonly involves the axillae, palms, soles, and face. OBJECTIVE: To review hyperhidrosis and discuss and compare the treatment options currently available. CONCLUSIONS: Topical or systemic therapies may be helpful for patients with mild disease. Invasive surgical options, although often effective, are limited by complications. More recently, botulinum toxin injection has proven to be a safe and successful treatment for hyperhidrosis and results in high patient satisfaction. Botulinum toxin A (Botox, Allergan Inc., Irvine, CA) is currently approved in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and many other countries for the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis and is routinely used off-label for other anatomic sites.

Diagnosis, impact, and management of focal hyperhidrosis: treatment review including botulinum toxin therapy.

Idiopathic localized hyperhidrosis, called for hyperhidrosis, affects almost 3% of the US population. The most frequent anatomic sites of involvement include the axillae, palms, soles, and face. For those affected, this condition can be extremely socially debilitating and interfere with work activities. Until recently, frequently ineffective topical regimens or problematic surgical procedures have been the treatments of choice. Since 1996, intracutaneous injections of botulinum toxin have been used as a minimally invasive treatment for this condition with numerous studies documenting safety, efficacy, and extremely high levels of patient satisfaction. Botulinum toxin type A (Botox) was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2004 for the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis.

Basal cell carcinoma: review of epidemiology, pathogenesis, and associated risk factors.

BACKGROUND: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is extremely common, and its incidence continues to rise. OBJECTIVE: This review presents the literature pertaining to the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and risk factors associated with BCC. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of developing BCC depends on both genetic predisposition and exposure to risk. Fair-skinned people account for the overwhelming majority of patients, beyond what would be expected by skin phototype alone. Damage to multiple lines of defense appears to be necessary for cancer development and spread. This damage distorts the concerted effort of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) repair, immunosurveillance, and cellular growth regulation to protect against malignant progression. Ultraviolet light exposure is the most critical modifiable factor determining early expression and frequency of BCC development.

The evolution of soft tissue fillers in clinical practice.

To remain experts in skin care and treatment, every dermatologist must be aware of the evolving role of soft tissue fillers in dermatology. Patients with facial scarring, lipodystrophy, contour abnormalities, and age- and sun-induced rhytids can be successfully treated. A literature review, industry recommendations, and the authors' experience serve to highlight fillers most appropriate for each patient's complaint. Newer agents, including the hyaluronic acids and human collagens, and long-lasting materials, such as polymethlymethracrylate and calcium hydroxlyapatite, are reviewed. This discussion of the specific risks, indications, and technical pearls for the various fillers will allow clinicians to accurately advise or treat patients.

Foreign body granuloma: a new manifestation of immune restoration syndrome.

BACKGROUND: People with human immunodeficiency virus may experience an immune restoration syndrome during the lymphocyte recovery period following effective highly active antiretroviral therapy. In this syndrome, antigens that previously were ignored by the immune system now induce an exaggerated response with obvious clinical effects. Most cases have been associated with infectious agents such as cytomegalovirus or mycobacterium avium intracellulare. However, the sudden onset of sarcoidal granulomatous reactions have also been described in this setting. OBJECTIVE: We report a 66-year-old HIV-positive man who presented with exacerbation of multiple foreign body granulomas decades after the original injuries. The presentation coincided with a significant rise in CD4 count after beginning highly active antiretroviral therapy. CONCLUSION: We propose that this case demonstrates another manifestation of the immune restoration syndrome and postulate that an uncontrolled Th1 response is the causative mechanism.