Dermatology Resident Training on Depression Screening: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Background

Many dermatologic diseases are implicated in the development of depression. Currently, there is no literature addressing the extent of dermatology residency training on depression screening.

Objective

Our study aimed to determine the extent of dermatology residency training on depression screening to potentially improve education in this area.

Methods

We designed a 12-question survey to assess the level of resident training and comfort in depression screening for patients with acne vulgaris, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and skin cancer. Fifty-six residents completed the survey, and data for each question was analysed in aggregate.

Results

Participants found depression screening most important for patients with acne vulgaris, psoriasis, and hidradenitis suppurativa (p<0.0001, 95% CI). Ratings of confidence in screening were similar across all conditions. Most residents reported only occasional screening in the setting of these diseases. Sixty-four percent of participants stated that education on depression screening is not included as part of their curriculum or clinical practice, while 23% were uncertain.

Conclusions

Our results suggest a lack in relevant training during residency, warranting the inclusion of education on depression screening into the dermatology residency curriculum to facilitate better recognition of the mental health comorbidities of dermatologic diseases.

A Rare Clinical Presentation of Metastatic Crohn's Disease

A 31-year-old female with a history of systemic lupus erythematous, IgA nephropathy, and psoriasis presented with a one-month history of a painful, pruritic rash under the bilateral breasts and in the genital region. Cutaneous examination revealed a large, tender ulcer under the left breast with a shiny erythematous base and peripheral hypertrophic changes. Small ulcers were present on the bilateral inguinal folds, and the labia majora were edematous with multiple erythematous papules. Histological examination of the left breast revealed ulceration with granulomatous dermatitis, consistent with a diagnosis of metastatic Crohn's disease. Metastatic Crohn's disease is a rare cutaneous manifestation of Crohn's disease characterized by non-caseating granulomas in regions non-contiguous with the gastrointestinal tract. At the time of diagnosis, our patient reported no gastrointestinal symptoms aside from occasional blood-streaked stools from hemorrhoids. This case demonstrates the importance of considering the disease when a patient presents with intertriginous or genital lesions, even in the absence of systemic manifestations.

The oral manifestations of syphilitic disease: a case report

Background

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection of the spirochete, Treponema pallidum. While primary syphilis often involves genitalia, oral manifestations are observed in a subset of patients. These lesions are often associated with submandibular and cervical lymphadenopathy. This is a case report of a primary syphilitic lesion located on the hard palate of the oral cavity, with only a very few cases described previously.

Case presentation

We describe a rare case of syphilis in a 59-year-old African American man presenting with subjective fevers, chills, marked submental lymphadenopathy, a diffuse skin rash, and an ulcer of the hard palate.

Conclusions

This case report demonstrates the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for syphilitic infection when a patient presents with nonspecific symptoms, a diffuse rash, and an oral lesion.

Side-by-side Comparison of a Picosecond 755-nm Alexandrite Laser and a Quality-switched 1064-nm Neodymium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Laser in the Treatment of Argyria

Argyria is a rare but cosmetically distressing and difficult-to-treat condition for which quality-switched (Q-switched) lasers have been most commonly employed. However, at least one previous report suggests that the picosecond alexandrite laser may also serve as a successful treatment modality. Herein, we present a side-by-side comparison of a picosecond 755-nm alexandrite laser and a Q-switched 1064-nm neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser in the treatment of argyria. Our results reveal an equivalent success of the picosecond alexandrite when compared to the more commonly employed Q-switched Nd:YAG, suggesting that the picosecond 755-nm alexandrite laser is equally effective in the treatment of argyria.