Efficacy of 800 nm Diode Laser to Treat Trichostasis Spinulosa in Asian Patients

Pruritic Trichostasis Spinulosa: A Rare Variant

Trichostasis spinulosa is a disorder of hair follicles characterized by the retention of vellus telogen club hair, leading to the formation of comedo-like lesions. It usually presents over the face and is frequently asymptomatic. We report a 53-year-old female who presented with multiple itchy, discrete, bluish-black, 2-3 mm comedo-like follicular papules and pustules on her breast and lower abdomen for the past 2 years. In-vivo dermoscopy showed keratotic plugs with a tuft of hair. Extraction dermoscopy yielded a cystic structure filled with keratin and multiple vellus telogen club hairs. Histology showed a cyst lined by squamous epithelium containing abundant laminated keratinous debris and a vellus hair shaft. Truncal or breast involvement, as seen in the present case, is relatively rare, and can be pruritic, causing significant morbidity due to itching and secondary bacterial infections. Dermoscopy, especially ex-vivo extraction dermoscopy, can show diagnostic features and obviate the need for abiopsy.

Trichostasis Spinulosa: A Case Report with an Unusual Presentation

Trichostasis spinulosa (TS) is a follicular disorder characterized by the retention of multiple vellus hairs in a hyperkeratotic dilated hair follicle. TS is considered as a common disorder; however, it is often underdiagnosed due to its asymptomatic nature. Although the condition frequently affects the face or extremities, the widespread distribution of TS over the entire body has been once reported in a patient with chronic renal failure. To emphasize the infrequent presentation of TS, we herein report a 57-year-old male with an unusual location of TS.

Acne in the first three decades of life: An update of a disorder with profound implications for all decades of life

Acne vulgaris is a chronic, inflammatory, skin condition that involves the pilosebaceous follicles and is influenced by a variety of factors including genetics, androgen-stimulation of sebaceous glands with abnormal keratinization, colonization with Cutibacterium acnes (previously called Propionibacterium acnes), and pathological immune response to inflammation. Acne can occur at all ages and this discussion focuses on the first three decades of life. Conditions that are part of the differential diagnosis and/or are co-morbid with acne vulgaris are also considered. Acne in the first year of life includes neonatal acne (acne neonatorum) that presents in the first four weeks of life and infantile acne that usually presents between 3 and 6 months of the first year of life with a range of 3 to 16 months after birth. Acne rosacea is a chronic, inflammatory, skin condition that is distinct from acne vulgaris, typically presents in adults, and has four main types: erythemato-telangiectatic, papulopustular, phymatous and ocular. Treatment options for acne vulgaris include topical retinoids, topical benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics (topical, oral), oral contraceptive pills, isotretinoin, and others. Management must consider the increasing impact of antibiotic resistance in the 21st century. Psychological impact of acne can be quite severe and treatment of acne includes awareness of the potential emotional toll this disease may bring to the person with acne as well as assiduous attention to known side effects of various anti-acne medications (topical and systemic). Efforts should be directed at preventing acne-caused scars and depigmentation on the skin as well as emotional scars within the person suffering from acne.

Unconventional Uses of Laser Hair Removal: A Review

Laser hair removal since its availability has been primarily used for aesthetic purposes. Over the years, it has emerged as an important therapeutic modality in various dermatological and surgical disorders, both as an adjuvant and as a monotherapy. Depending on the skin type, all laser hair removal systems have been used with good results and minimal complications. We hereby review the diverse range of unconventional indications of laser hair removal.