Follicular occlusion disorders in Down syndrome patients

Disorders involving follicular occlusion, such as hidradenitis suppurativa, folliculitis, acneiform eruptions, and pilonidal cysts, have shown an increased prevalence in the Down syndrome (DS) population, but there are limited published data examining this association. We conducted a retrospective chart review of 243 DS patients presenting to a pediatric dermatology clinic to further examine the prevalence of disorders of follicular occlusion in DS patients. Our study showed high rates of disorders of follicular occlusion in DS patients, with prevalent disorders including folliculitis (21.0%), keratosis pilaris (17.3%), acne vulgaris (11.1%), hidradenitis suppurativa (7.0%), and furunculosis (4.5%), and overall prevalence of 44.9%. These findings add to a limited but growing body of evidence that documents an increased rate of disorders of follicular occlusion in pediatric DS patients.

A barrier to care: Distance traveled affects adherence to treatment and follow-up plans for patients with infantile hemangioma

A chart review was performed of all patients diagnosed with infantile hemangioma in the pediatric dermatology clinic to determine whether distance traveled by the patient affected adherence to follow-up and treatment plans. An increase in distance was associated with an increase in likelihood of nonadherence to treatment or follow-up plans. Compared to patients who lived within 10 miles of a pediatric dermatologist, families who lived farther away were less likely to adhere to treatment plans. Families who traveled over 20 miles to clinic were 7.38 times more likely to be nonadherent to the treatment plan than those who traveled 0-10 miles.

The triad of pruritus, xanthomas, and cholestasis: Two cases and a brief review of the literature

When encountered in children, xanthomas are most commonly associated with a group of disorders known as familial hyperlipidemias. Aside from cosmetic concerns, these xanthomas are typically asymptomatic, but when generalized pruritus is a prominent associated symptom, clinicians should consider a different set of diagnoses that includes cholestasis of the liver. In this article we present two illustrative cases of children with cholestatic disease, pruritus, and xanthomas and discuss other disorders that may include this triad.

Abnormal wound healing related to high-dose systemic corticosteroid therapy in a patient with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome benign hypermobility Type

The adverse impact of chronic corticosteroid therapy on wound healing has been well characterized, as has abnormal wound healing known to occur in the classic type of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). In contrast, abnormal wound healing is absent in cases of EDS benign hypermobility type (EDS-BHT). We present the case of a patient with EDS-BHT with no history of abnormal wound healing who developed large nonhealing ulcers to sites of minor trauma after initiating therapy with high-dose systemic corticosteroids for dermatomyositis. This case provides a dramatic illustration of the effects of chronic systemic corticosteroids on skin fragility and wound healing in a patient with an underlying genetic defect of the connective tissue.

Sun-related behaviors among individuals previously diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer

Compared to the general population, the risk of developing non-melanoma skin cancer is considerably higher among individuals with a previous history of this condition. Protection from ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the primary evidence-based approach for minimizing this risk. This review was aimed to assess the prevalence of sun-safe behaviors in non-melanoma skin cancer survivors. Searches were conducted in six electronic databases including PubMed, Psyclnfo, CINAHL, EMBASE, ERIC and Science Direct. A narrative approach was adopted to synthesize the data. The findings demonstrated that respondents do not protect themselves optimally from UV radiation exposure. Low levels of perceived skin cancer risk, a lack of knowledge about effective sun protection strategies and the inconvenience associated with sun-safe behaviors appear to explain this finding. A note of caution is required here, as there is a potential for publication bias. Moreover, the results of this study cannot be generalized to all non-melanoma skin cancer patients. Skin cancer survivors must be educated about their increased risk of future skin cancers. Behavioral interventions must be developed to increase the adoption of skin protective behaviors in this high-risk population group.

Gaucher Disease Type 2 Presenting with Collodion Membrane and Blueberry Muffin Lesions

Collodion membrane is most closely associated with forms of autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis, but the differential diagnosis includes many other less common etiologies. Herein we present a case of Gaucher disease (GD) type 2 in a neonate presenting with collodion membrane in addition to blueberry muffin lesions. The clinical presentation and etiology of GD and the differential diagnoses for collodion membrane and blueberry muffin lesions are briefly reviewed.

Skin cancer prevention practices among malignant melanoma survivors: a systematic review

PURPOSE

This systematic review was conducted to evaluate and summarize the existing literature on prevalence of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure, sun protection, and screening behaviors among individuals diagnosed with malignant melanoma (MM).

METHODS

The search was performed in PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ScienceDirect, EMBASE, and ERIC from inception of each database through July 2014. Studies were included if (1) individuals diagnosed with MM were the primary sample, (2) measured UVR exposure, primary and secondary preventive behaviors, (3) original research communication that constitutes an entire set of empirical data, (4) observational design, and (5) English peer-reviewed. Studies were excluded if (1) all of the inclusion criteria were not met and (2) duplicates, conference abstracts, editorials, news, letters to the editor, comments, reviews, feature articles, white papers, and guidelines.

RESULTS

The search resulted in 255 articles that were screened for relevance; however, only 15 articles met all of the inclusion criteria. Most of the studies were cross-sectional (n = 10), used self-administered surveys (n = 8), and were conducted in North America (n = 10). The sample sizes ranged considerably, but were mostly Caucasian (n = 6) and included a higher proportion of women (n = 8). Evidence demonstrated that individuals with MM still engaged in sunbathing, indoor tanning, and reported sunburns. Moreover, survivors reported inadequate levels of both sun protection and skin self-examinations.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings highlight the need for intensifying intervention strategies to reduce the risk of new primary MMs in this group. Future research should increase in rigor and include more diverse populations and regions.

Tuberous Sclerosis Complex: An Update for Dermatologists

Tuberous sclerosis complex is an autosomal dominant disorder that often manifests early in life with cutaneous features, and it is important that dermatologists who care for children remain up to date on its diagnosis and management. This article provides an update regarding the most recent guidelines for diagnosis published by the International Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Consensus Conference, which took place in 2012, and provides a brief literature review of the most recent developments in the treatment of skin findings.

A case of a generalized lichenoid tattoo reaction

Cutaneous reactions to tattoos have been increasing in conjunction with the rise in popularity of tattoos. While localized lichenoid reactions to tattoo inks are fairly common, generalized lichenoid reactions are relatively rare. Herein the authors present a case of a generalized lichenoid reaction to a tattoo containing only black ink. They also present a brief discussion of tattoo reactions and treatment options.

The curette prep: a modification of the traditional scabies preparation

An accurate diagnosis of scabies is critical for proper treatment of this common infestation. In our clinic, we have developed a modification of the traditional method of performing a scabies preparation, called the curette prep, that substitutes a disposable curette for a scalpel blade when obtaining skin scrapings for examination. The major advantages of this technique are greater acceptability and safety for pediatric patients.