Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases Commons^™

Adhesion Of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria To Thermoplastic Materials Used In Fabricating Medical Devices: Patient Consequences, Dev V. Mehta

Poster Presentations

Burn injury patients wear supportive orthoses made by heat-forming sheets of thermoplastic material (Figs. 1 & 2). Bacteria cause severe soft tissue infections in patients wearing contaminated orthoses. Thermoplastic medical devices can develop biofilms that include antibiotic-resistant (AR) bacteria, which significantly reduces the number of available treatment options. A biofilm is a community of microorganisms that share resources allowing them to exist in a nutrient-limited environment. Biofilm microbes secrete extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) that attaches them firmly to a substrate surface while protecting them from harmful substances, including antibiotics. Bacteria living within biofilms on inanimate surfaces can survive for extended …

Broad Laboratory Testing Does Not Show Utility For Telogen Effluvium: A Retrospective Analysis Of 22-Million Laboratory Results Using Trinetx, Zachary J.K. Neubauer, Shari R. Lipner

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

No abstract provided.

Healing Times Of Mohs Defects Using Cellular, Acellular, And Matrix-Like Products Compared With Secondary Intention In A Single Patient, Benjamin R. Cooper, Anthony Concilla, Kathleen Ward, Taha Rasul, Arianne E. Chavez

South Atlantic Division GME Research Days 2026

No abstract provided.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis To Medihoney Gel After Mastectomy: Role Of Alkyl Glucoside Sensitization In Chronic Wounds, Madison M. Taylor, Jordan L. Jafarnia, Austin Black, Kelly C. Nelson, Megan N. Rogge

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Excision Followed By Standing Cone Deformity Repair Is Tissue Conservative, Henry Lim, Christian Scheufele, Marshall Hall, Stephen Weis, Dustin Wilkes

North Texas GME Research Forum 2026

Introduction Elliptical excisions are the most common method to treat benign and malignant tumors in dermatologic surgery. This standardized design is traditionally 3 to 4.5 times longer than the excisional width to prevent unsightly protrusions of skin after primary closure, known as “standing cone,” “Burow’s triangles” or “dog ear” deformities. This results in a scar significantly longer than the original tumor that may be less easily concealed.

Objective To compare the final repair length of a tissue conservative method to remove skin tumors and close resultant defects against predicted repair length of traditional elliptical excision.

Methods Eighteen cases are presented …

A Fishy Situation: Hand Infection Due To Mycobacterium Marinum Mistaken For Giant Cell Tumor, Alynna Knaub, Dylan Baker, Jennifer Hanrahan

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Mycobacterium marinum is an acid-fast bacterium (AFB) associated with exposure to water and aquatic species. When inoculated, infection can result in nodular cutaneous lesions. In the absence of detailed history or culture data, these nodular skin lesions can be mistaken for noninfectious orthopedic conditions. We present a case of M. marinum mistaken for a giant cell tumor. This case illustrates the overlap in these conditions, as well as the utility of QuantiFERON Gold testing to provide supportive evidence for the diagnosis of Mycobacterium marinum.

Successful Management Of Generalized Pustular Psoriasis With Cyclosporine In Hiv-Infected Patient, Rasinta Ayudya Deltania, Anggun Putri Yuniaswan

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) can be associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, making its management more challenging and complex. This case report aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of cyclosporine in HIV-associated GPP.

Case illustration: A 31-year-old male with a six-year history of HIV on antiretroviral therapy presented with rapidly spreading erythematous plaques with scaling and patches, along with “lakes of pus”, involving 50% of the body surface area (BSA). He reported oral burning, dysgeusia, and odynophagia; tongue Gram stain showed budding yeast and pseudohyphae. The patient was diagnosed with GPP and oral candidiasis in the setting …

Treating Atopic Dermatitis: Oral Jak1 Inhibitor Vs. Monoclonal Antibody, Abby Craft, Nicolle Holgate

Physician Assistant Capstones, 2020-current

Objective: To compare symptom management of atopic dermatitis between injectable monoclonal antibodies and an oral Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) inhibitor. Design: Literature review. Methods: Searches were done in PubMed and CINAHL using the following terms: abrocitinib, Cibinqo, dupilumab, Dupixent, and atopic dermatitis. Filters included: randomized controlled trials, clinical trials, and scholarly journal. Results: Three studies met all criteria including Bieber et al, Reich et al, and Huang et al. Conclusion: Oral JAK1 inhibitor abrocitinib has been shown to have similar efficacy in symptom management of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis compared to monoclonal antibody dupilumab and should be considered when prescribing treatment.

Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio As A Marker Of Skin Disease Activity In Older Children With Juvenile Dermatomyositis, Shreya Swaminathan, Nidhi Naik, Susan Shenoi, Sarah Vandenbergen, Jessica L. Turnier, Zilan Zheng, Jessica Neely, James S. Andrews, Christian Lood

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

BACKGROUND: Neutrophils contribute to the pathogenesis of many autoimmune diseases. While the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is associated with disease activity in adult dermatomyositis, its clinical utility in juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) is unknown.

METHODS: Demographic, medication use, autoantibody profile, disease activity markers, and laboratory data from 97 JDM patients was collected using retrospective chart review. Patients were age-stratified (0–9 vs. 9–21 years of age), as white blood cell count stabilizes at 9 years. The relationships between NLR with JDM disease activity measures were analyzed using spearman’s correlation.

RESULTS: Patients were primarily white (56.7%) and female (71.1%). Older children had …

Increased Risk Of Renal Disease In Patients With Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Retrospective Cohort Study Utilizing Trinetx, Tyler Hernandez, Christopher Haas

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Oral Tranexamic Acid Use For Melasma Is Not Associated With Thromboembolism: Findings From A Multicenter Propensity Score–Matched Electronic Health Record Cohort, Tyler Hernandez, Kayla Penny, Nicholas Culotta

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Synthetic Electrospun Fiber Matrix In The Management Of Acute Wounds Following Excision Of Hidradenitis Suppurativa Lesions: A Prospective Pilot Study, Michael Madueke, Frank Lau

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Hurley Stage II or III hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) may necessitate surgical excision of diseased skin and subcutaneous fat for symptom control and disease management. These excisions result in open wounds in topographically challenging regions and typically cannot be primarily closed. This study evaluates the use of a synthetic electrospun fiber matrix (SEFM) as a post-resection regeneration template to accelerate re-granulation and improve subsequent skin graft incorporation. This prospective pilot study enrolled Hurley Stage II or III patients undergoing surgical resection of HS lesions. SEFM was applied to the resulting wounds in conjunction with negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). Patients were …

Determining Risk Factors And Rate Of Surgery After Collagenase Injections For Dupuytren Contracture, Ryan C. Cha, Juliet S. Chung, Sina Ramtin, Asif M. Ilyas

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Faculty Papers

Purpose: Collagenase injections are a nonsurgical treatment for Dupuytren contracture, but their long-term effectiveness in preventing surgery remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the rate of surgical intervention following collagenase treatment and identify whether specific risk factors increase the likelihood of future surgical correction. Methods: This retrospective cohort study utilized the TriNetX US Collaborative network to identify patients diagnosed with Dupuytren contracture between January 2007 and September 2024. Patients initially treated with collagenase injections were identified using relevant current procedural terminology codes. Procedure-specific current procedural terminology codes were then used to determine which patients underwent a subsequent fasciectomy or …

Cryptococcoid Sweet Syndrome Or Halogenoderma? Highlighting The Crucial Need For Serum Iodine Testing, Jacob R. Kilgore, Jonathan M. Joseph, Addie Walker, William Snider, Nicholas Culotta, Carson Bogatto, Aaron Coulon

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Lichen Planopilaris With Pili Torti And Ectodermal Dysplasia: A Hair Curling Case Report, Collins Langley, Elena Plakotaris, Nicole E. Rogers

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Introduction: Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is a well-known cicatricial alopecia with a frontal fibrosing variant. LPP has a prevalence rate of 13.4 per 100,000 persons. It is understood that LPP favors the female populations. What is not commonly known is that LPP can be preceded by other signs and symptoms such as pili torti. Case Report: We present a case report of a 70-year-old female whose initial flare of LPP was preceded by a flare of pili torti. This patient's case is also complicated by her history of ectodermal dysplasia. She experienced progressive itching, shedding, and mid-scalp hair loss along with …

Disseminated Diaper Dermatitis With Concomitant Body Rash: A Case Report., Catherine F Alapatt, Eileen Condren, Tanya Kadrmas-Iannuzzi

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

Diaper dermatitis is a rash typically localized to the genital area and may have various etiologies, including irritant and allergic contact dermatitis. In most cases, it resolves on its own with minimal to no medical intervention, and when treatment is necessary, it usually responds promptly. Here, we present a prolonged case of diaper dermatitis accompanied by a nearly full-body rash that was resistant to initial treatment with steroids, antibiotics, and antifungals.

Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate Adjunct For Acetabular Labral Tear Repair: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Seth Spicer, Hanna Brancaccio, Ashley Sundin, Jamie Bono, John Desrochers, Brandon Goodwin, Nicholas Averell, Seungkyu Park, Alexandra Goodwin, William Diciurcio, Richard Jermyn

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to determine the effect of bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) on long-term patient outcomes when used as an adjuvant to acetabular repair of the labrum.

METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were completed following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Included in the analysis were controlled studies which assessed functional outcomes via the International Hip Outcome Tool-33 (iHOT-33) 12 or 24 months after acetabular repair with BMAC adjunct. Four studies totaling 315 participants were analysed.

RESULTS: Pooled effect sizes for iHOT-33 scores were not significantly different between control and treatment groups at 12 (p = …

A Clinical Review Of Suicide Risks In Dermatology, Rahib K. Islam, Victoria T. Tong, Shari R. Lipner

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Patients with visible skin diseases, including acne, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis, face heightened risks of psychological distress, depression, and suicidal ideation, often exacerbated by social stigma and reduced quality of life. This review explores the intersection between dermatology and suicide, highlighting the psychosocial impact of visible skin conditions and the controversies surrounding treatment-related risks, including isotretinoin and biologic exposure. Current evidence suggests that while isotretinoin has been historically linked to mood changes, robust studies do not support a direct association with suicide. Incorporating mental health screenings into dermatological practice is essential for early identification and management of at-risk patients. By …

Photodynamic Therapy Vs. 5-Fluorouracil For Field-Directed Treatment Of Actinic Keratosis: A Comparative Literature Review, Bhumik Patel

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

BACKGROUND: Actinic keratosis (AK) is a common precancerous skin condition arising from chronic UV exposure and often involves field cancerization, where visible lesions coexist with subclinical damage. Effective field-directed treatments are critical for preventing progression to squamous cell carcinoma.

HYPOTHESIS: Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) may offer superior efficacy, cosmetic outcomes, and patient adherence compared to topical 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), despite its higher cost and clinical setting requirement.

METHODS: This literature review analyzed peer-reviewed studies from 2015–2025 comparing PDT and 5-FU for field-directed AK treatment. Outcomes assessed included lesion clearance, recurrence, tolerability, adherence, cost, and patient satisfaction.

RESULTS: PDT demonstrated high clearance rates …

Facial Follicular Porokeratosis Simulating Discoid Lupus Erythematosus In An African American Woman, Pritika Singh, Layna Mager, Jeffrey Y. Liu, Jason B. Lee, Sylvia Hsu

Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa Is Associated With An Increased Risk Of Adverse Cardiac Events And All-Cause Mortality, Thomas Z. Rohan, Ramsay Hafer, Teresa Duong, Rishob Dasgupta, Sherry Yang

Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology Faculty Papers

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) has been previously associated with greater rates of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) compared to the general population. This study aims to better elucidate the association between HS, MACEs, and other cardiovascular diseases. Methods: We utilized TriNetX, a global database of electronic health records, to conduct a retrospective cohort study. HS patients were matched on demographic and cardiovascular disease risk factors to both healthy and psoriasis groups as controls. Results: After adjusting for cardiovascular disease risk factors, HS patients had a relative risk (RR) (95% CI) of 2.06 (1.83-2.32) for myocardial infarction, 1.62 …

A Guide To Diagnosis And Management Of Hypertrichosis, Rahib K. Islam, Victoria T. Tong, Shari R. Lipner

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Hypertrichosis is a phenotype characterized by excessive hair growth in areas not typically prone to dense hair coverage. It may be congenital or acquired, and has significant clinical and psychosocial implications, often leading to psychological distress and social stigmatization. Diagnostic approaches emphasize the importance of thorough clinical evaluation and differentiation from hirsutism. Treatment options include topical and systemic treatments, as well as mechanical methods and laser therapies. Special considerations are given to pediatric patients regarding the psychosocial aspects of the phenotype. This review aims to provide physicians and researchers with a thorough understanding of hypertrichosis to facilitate better diagnosis, treatment, …

Investigating The Production Challenges Of The P100.1 Phage Endolysin, Jonah O. Frago

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Acne vulgaris is one of the most common skin diseases globally. One key aspect of acne pathogenesis is the disturbance of healthy strain diversity of the skin bacterium Cutibacterium acnes. Many acne treatments are antimicrobial; however, these treatments are generally nonspecific and carry a variety of side effects in addition to contributing to rising antibiotic resistance. Lytic bacteriophages (or phages) are viruses that infect and kill bacteria. Their lytic lifestyle is facilitated by enzymes called endolysins. Phages have been studied as an alternative to traditional antimicrobials in acne treatment and have shown reduced C. acnes load in acne lesions and …

Educational Case: Bullous Pemphigoid, Ryan C. Saal, Alice A. Roberts, Richard M. Conran

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

The following fictional case is intended as a learning tool within the Pathology Competencies for Medical Education (PCME), a set of national standards for teaching pathology. These are divided into three basic competencies: Disease Mechanisms and Processes, Organ System Pathology, and Diagnostic Medicine and Therapeutic Pathology. For additional information, and a full list of learning objectives for all three competencies, see https://www.academicpathologyjournal.org/pcme.1

A Clinician’S Guide To Pediatric And Adolescent Alopecia Areata Treatments, Heli A. Patel, Rishab R. Revankar, Jenna E. Koblinski, Benjamin Ungar, Emma Guttman-Yassky, Jamie B. Mackelfresh, Dirk Elston, Peter Lio

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

Background: Available treatment options for pediatric alopecia areata are limited and may even exacerbate the physical and psychosocial burden. Objective: This article aimed to provide a treatment classification system and counseling recommendations. Recommendations: Topical corticosteroids are appropriate for initial treatment due to their ease of use and safety. Topical minoxidil and dithranol are often used as adjunctive treatments based on mixed data. Intralesional corticosteroids are effective for localized disease, but injections may be challenging in children. Contact immunotherapy, systemic corticosteroids, and immunosuppressive agents such as topical and oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, dupilumab, and low-dose methotrexate demonstrate varying effectiveness, adverse …

Cutaneous Adverse Effects From Diabetes Devices In Pediatric Patients With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Systematic Review, Alicia Podwojniak, Joseph Flemming, Isabella J Tan, Hira Ghani, Zachary Neubauer, Anne Jones

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

BACKGROUND: Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and continuous subcutaneous insulin infusions (CSIIs) are the current standard treatment devices for type 1 diabetes (T1D) management. With a high prevalence of T1D beginning in pediatrics and carrying into adulthood, insufficient glycemic control leads to poor patient outcomes. Dermatologic complications such as contact dermatitis, lipodystrophies, and inflammatory lesions are among those associated with CGM and CSII, which reduce glycemic control and patient compliance.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aims to explore the current literature surrounding dermatologic complications of CGM and CSII as well as the impact on patient outcomes.

METHODS: A systematic review of the …

Deoxycholic Acid Injections As A Nonsurgical Treatment For Lipomas In Adiposis Dolorosa (Dercum Disease), Zvi Schwartz, Kayla Brockmeyer, Neda Nikbakht

Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology Faculty Papers

Adiposis dolorosa (Dercum disease) is a rare condition characterized by diffuse and recurring painful lipomas on the trunk and extremities. Patients are typically middle-aged females with an elevated BMI presenting with chronic pain. Physical examination reveals soft subcutaneous nodules and masses, tender to palpation. The associated pain significantly impacts quality of life and requires therapeutic intervention. The most common treatment option is surgical excision. Alternative options should be considered for patients with numerous lipomas where surgical management is not practical or is not desired. Deoxycholic acid injections are a viable alternative non-surgical technique. We present a case of a 55-year-old …

Acne And The Cutaneous Microbiome: A Systematic Review Of Mechanisms And Implications For Treatments, Alicia Podwojniak, Isabella J Tan, John Sauer, Zachary Neubauer, Hanna Rothenberg, Hira Ghani, Aarushi K Parikh, Bernard Cohen

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

Acne vulgaris is a pervasive skin disease characterized by inflammation of sebaceous units surrounding hair follicles. It results from the complex interplay between skin physiology and the intricate cutaneous microbiome. Current acne treatments, while effective, have major limitations, prompting a shift towards microbiome-based therapeutic approaches. This study aims to determine the relationship between acne and the cutaneous microbiome, assess the effects of current treatments on the cutaneous microbiome and explore the implications for developing new therapies. A systematic review was performed using PubMed and SCOPUS databases within the last 10 years. Methodological quality was assessed independently by two authors. The …

A Comparison Of The Safety And Efficacy Of Tapinarof And Roflumilast Topical Therapies In The Management Of Mild-To-Moderate Plaque Psoriasis, Hira Ghani, Alicia Podwojniak, Isabella J Tan, Aarushi K Parikh, Bianca Sanabria, Babar Rao

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

INTRODUCTION: Psoriasis is an immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease. First-line topical treatments include steroids, calcineurin inhibitors, vitamin D analogs, and anthralin. Recently, novel topical therapeutics like tapinarof and roflumilast have emerged with unique anti-inflammatory mechanisms and promising efficacy profiles.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This review utilized PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science databases to identify recent studies on tapinarof and roflumilast. Criteria focused on efficacy, safety profiles, and therapeutic roles in psoriasis treatment.

RESULTS: Four primary literature articles were identified for tapinarof and five for roflumilast. Both drugs demonstrated strong efficacy with minimal adverse events in treating mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis. Tapinarof showed …

A Systematic Review On Belimumab’S Effectiveness, Improved Health Outcomes And Quality Of Life In Patients With Lupus Syndromes, Emily Meale, Alexandra Fontaine

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Autoimmune diseases are prevalent disorders that many individuals within the United States suffer from. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a common autoimmune disease that has a high incidence in women of child-bearing age. Management for lupus depends on the anatomical location SLE manifests, the severity of disease, and the tolerance that one has for certain adverse effects. Glucocorticoids are commonly used to manage lupus. Currently, long term glucocorticoid usage is associated with devastating adverse effects, so current treatment options aim to mitigate corticosteroids use to improve quality of life while maintaining favorable health outcomes. New management for SLE include biologics …