Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases Commons^™

Chronic Cutaneous Chromoblastomycosis: A Rare Case, Nanda Earlia, Mimi Maulida, Risna Handriani, Reno Keumalazia Kamarlis, Aldilla Pradistha

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Chromoblastomycosis (CBM) is a rare, chronic granulomatous and suppurative skin infection classified as a subcutaneous mycosis. CBM has a poor prognosis with a low cure rate and a high recurrence rate. The lack of scientific data regarding the diagnosis and treatment of CBM also presents a challenge for clinicians in treating this disease. Appropriate therapy can increase the cure rate and prevent disease recurrence.

Case Illustration: A 66-year-old woman presented with swelling in her left arm since the last 18 years due to wood-related injuries. There were multiple well-defined hyperkeratotic verrucous plaques, papules, and nodules, measuring 6-10 …

Agapanthus Allergic Contact Dermatitis: A Case Report, Yasuhiro Horiuchi

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Agapanthus (Lily of the Nile) is a genus in the flowering plant family Amaryllidaceae. Contact dermatitis caused by flowering plants is common, but there are no reports of contact dermatitis caused by this plant, Agapanthus.

Case Illustration: An 82-year-old Japanese man had cultivated Agapanthus in his home garden. After breaking the stem of the leaf while wearing shorts, he noticed erythematous rashes on the thighs. The patch test of the leaf stem sap “as is” showed mildly positive, with erythematous papules.

Discussion: The patch test confirmed the allergic contact dermatitis of Agapanthus with leaf stem sap. There are many …

Facial Skin Rejuvenation With Poly-L-Lactic Acid (Plla): Four Case Studies, Stanley Setiawan, Theressia Handayani, Stefani Luziani

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Facial aging is characterized by the decline and loss of skin structure. Poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) is a biopolymer and biodegradable injection material that functions as a collagen stimulator. This active ingredient works by stimulating the formation of skin collagen after interacting with the PLLA crystal component. The expected final result is an increase in the skin volume with the thickening and increased density of the skin layers due to collagen remodeling. At present, data on the application of PLLA for facial photorejuvenation remains limited.

Case Illustration: Four patients aged 22-49 years old, with different severity of aging, underwent PLLA …

Dermoscopic And Histopathologic Findings In Diagnosing Postpartum Pemphigoid Gestationis, Rudi Chandra, Irma Damayanti Roesyanto-Mahadi

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Pemphigoid gestationis (PG) is an uncommon autoimmune vesiculobullous skin disorder associated with pregnancy, that occurs during mid-to-late pregnancy and immediate postpartum period. The diagnosis of PG is based on histopathology and direct immunofluorescence. Dermoscopy is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that provides a connection between macroscopic clinical dermatology and microscopic dermatopathology.

Case Illustration: We reported a case of a 22-year-old primigravida woman with postpartum PG. This PG case was diagnosed clinically, dermoscopically, and histopathologically.

Discussion: Since PG is thought to be a variation of the bullous pemphigoid (BP), the two resemble each other clinically and immunologically. The well-defined structures with …

Immunomodulators In Leprosy: A Narrative Review, Kesya Kimberly, Siti Aisha Nabila Ferina, Prima Kartika Esti

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. Current therapeutic regimen, like the multidrug therapy (MDT), are effective in treating most cases, but new cases continue to emerge in Indonesia every year. While multidrug therapy alone is adequate for treating leprosy, there is a need for adjuvant treatment options to boost the host’s immune system to prevent the worsening of leprosy and reduce the activation of M. leprae, such as immunomodulators.

Discussion: Immunomodulators are drugs that can stimulate the body’s natural and adaptive defense mechanisms, acting as either immunosuppressants or immunostimulants. To understand …

The Effects Of Vitamin D On Chronic Wounds, Mufqi Handaru Priyanto, Eliza Miranda, Shannaz Nadia Yusharyahya, Lili Legiawati, Endi Novianto, Kusmarinah Bramono, Roro Inge Ade Krisanti

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Wounds that fail to proceed through the normal healing process are referred to as chronic wounds, also known as ulcers. Chronic wounds have immeasurable biological, psychological, social, and economic effects, bringing tremendous challenges for patients, doctors, healthcare providers, and healthcare systems.

Discussion: This condition is associated with a variety of comorbidities and complex etiologies. The global incidence of chronic wounds is expected to increase with longer life expectancy. Thus, a holistic approach is necessary, such as proper wound management, proper control of comorbidities, and provision of adequate nutrition, including vitamin D supplementation. Vitamin D is an essential pro-hormone for …

Low Plasma Melatonin Levels Negatively Correlate With Melasma Severity, I Gusti Ayu Agung Praharsini, Corry Khathreen, Nyoman Suryawati, I Gusti Ayu Agung Elis Indira, I Gusti Ayu Sattwika Pramita

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Chronic exposure to ultraviolet light plays a role in the pathogenesis of melasma. Exposure to excessive sunlight leads to the formation of free radicals. As a result, the body responds by forming antioxidants such as melatonin, which is activated through the melatoninergic antioxidative system to fight oxidative stress. The relationship between melatonin and melasma is yet to be elucidated. This study aims to determine the correlation between melatonin and the severity of melasma.

Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study involved 50 melasma subjects and 10 non-melasma subjects who met the inclusion criteria and were aged between 21-50 years at Prof. …

Administration Of Vitamin D3 Topical In Increasing Serum Vitamin D Level: A Literature Review, He Yeon Asva Nafaisa, Fajar Waskito, Ronny Martien, Retno Danarti

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Vitamin D is an essential fat-soluble vitamin that is required daily by the body. Deficiency in vitamin D is experienced by most of the world's population. Vitamin D plays a role in maintaining the skin barrier by regulating keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation, promoting filaggrin formation, and intraepidermal lipids.

Discussion: The vital role of vitamin D, non-compliance with supplement consumption, and poor nutritional status of adult patients and the elderly with deficiency and insufficiency of vitamin D encourage studies regarding vitamin D delivery via the transdermal route. The lipophilicity of vitamin D allows it to penetrate through the skin barrier. …

Hairy Tongue Associated With The Use Of Baricitinib Therapy For Ophiasis Pattern Alopecia Areata, Anthony Gaspari

Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology Faculty Papers

We report a case of hairy tongue that developed in a young Caucasian
/="/">woman during systemic baricitinib therapy for severe alopecia areata.
/="/">Because she experienced good clinical regrowth of her hair during
/="/">treatment, she did not want to interrupt therapy. We recommended she
/="/">use a toothbrush to debride her tongue on a daily basis, which was
/="/">successful. Hairy tongue most commonly occurs in elderly, debilitated
/="/">males with poor oral hygiene. It is thought to occur because of overgrowth
/="/">of chromogenic bacteria and/or yeast on the tongue. This unusual side
/="/">effect during baricitinib …

Characterization Of Disease Burden, Treatment And Comorbidities In A Large, Real-World Cohort Of Patients With Atopic Dermatitis: The Corevitas Atopic Dermatitis Registry, Jonathan I Silverberg, Angel Cronin, Eric A Jones, Swapna S Dave, Robert R Mclean, Jeffrey Greenberg, Bruce Strober, Thomas Bieber, Melinda Gooderham, Amy S Paller, Eric L Simpson

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

No abstract provided.

A Large Pilar Sheath Acanthoma Of The Cheek Successfully Treated With Surgical Excision, Yelena Dokic, Maria S Bloomquist, Hafeez Diwan, Omid Jalali, Jennifer S Ranario

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

This case report describes an atypically large pilar sheath acanthoma (PSA) presenting on a patient's cheek. Due to the bothersome nature of the lesion, the patient underwent surgical excision, with subsequent histopathological analysis confirming the diagnosis of an unusually large PSA. In addition to a definitive diagnosis, surgical excision provided symptomatic relief for the patient.

Bacillary Angiomatosis In A Patient With Hiv And Disseminated Mycobacterium Avium Complex Infection, Ibeth P Caceres, Angelique Ruml, Rubi Montejano, Omid Jalali, Theodore Rosen

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Bartonella is a genus of arthropod-borne bacterial pathogens that typically cause persistent infections of erythrocytes and endothelial cells in mammalian hosts. The species that primarily infect humans are Bartonella henselae and Bartonella quintana. Depending on immune status, the clinical presentation of B. henselae may differ, manifesting as cat-scratch disease in immunocompetent individuals or bacillary angiomatosis (BA) and peliosis in immunocompromised patients. The cutaneous manifestations of BA are typically characterized by occasionally painful, angiomatous papules and nodules, often with a chronic, persistent course. Herein, we present a case of biopsy-confirmed B. henselae infection in a 32-year-old HIV-positive female with acquired immunodeficiency …

Two Cases Of Pigmented Basal Cell Carcinoma In African American Patients, Angelique Ruml, Joan K Fernandez, Ibeth Caceres, Nisha Ramani, Ida Orengo, Theodore Rosen

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common cutaneous malignancy, comprising approximately 80% of non-melanoma skin cancers. There are numerous subtypes, including pigmented basal cell carcinoma (pBCC), a rare clinical and histological variant. Skin cancers in African American patients, although rare, still do occur. BCC is an uncommon neoplasm in this population, but when it does occur, pigmentation is present in more than 50% of tumors compared with only 5% to 6% of BCCs in Caucasians. This report presents two cases of histologically verified pBCC in African American patients from dermatology clinics at the Veterans Affairs Hospital located in the …

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 …

Cva In Patient With Systemic Sclerosis On Aspirin Therapy: A Case Report, Rahyan Mahmud, Bianna Koutsenko, Kenneth Goich, Usaid Hasan

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Introduction

Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by microvascular damage and multiorgan fibrosis. These patients have a higher risk of cerebrovascular events, but it is difficult to develop strategies for prevention due to limited understanding of underlying pathophysiology.

Case Presentation

A 76-year-old female with a history of systemic sclerosis presented to the emergency department with acute onset slurred speech, facial droop, and left arm pain with a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Stroke Scale of 1. She was outside the thrombolytic window. Other history includes hypertension and hyperlipidemia; both were well controlled. MRI confirmed right frontal lobe ischemic stroke …

Janus Kinase (Jak) Inhibitors: A New Frontier In The Treatment Of Vitiligo, Catherine F. Alapatt, Amanda Greenspan, Mohammad Fardos

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Up to 70 million people worldwide suffer from vitiligo, an autoimmune disease characterized by the destruction of melanin. Current treatment options vary in efficacy. The disease manifests clinically as white circular macules of depigmentation seen primarily on the face and appendages.1 The pathophysiology of vitiligo is multifactorial and still being studied. One proposed mechanism behind the pathophysiology of vitiligo involves the upregulation of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) with downstream effects on JAK/STAT pathways resulting in CXCL10 transcription.1,2 Here we discuss Ruxolitinib, a topical JAK inhibitor, that recently passed its clinical trial phase, and Ritlecitinib, an oral JAK inhibitor which is currently …

Updates To Acne Vulgaris Treatment: A Review Of A Topical Androgen Receptor Inhibitor, Catherine F. Alapatt, Klaudia Matanaj

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Acne Vulgaris is an inflammatory skin disorder that is common among adolescents and young adults. Acne is defined as a chronic inflammatory dermatosis which consists of open comedones (blackheads), closed comedones (whiteheads) and inflammatory lesions.1 There are many ways to combat acne, one of which is to stop the effects of androgens on androgen receptors. Here we will review Clascoterone, a medication approved for the treatment of acne. Clascoterone is the first topical medication to target the hormonal pathogenesis of acne. It was approved by the FDA in 2020 and is effective in treatment of acne vulgaris in patients 12 …

Waiting For A Cure: Factors Influencing Melanoma Treatment Delays, Lisa Huang, David Rubin, Lothar Vidal, Jordan Riser, Christopher Jones, Samantha Hiester

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Melanoma, with a five-year survival rate of 94% in early-stage diagnosis, drops significantly when diagnosed at later stages, making identifying barriers to timely treatment crucial. This literature review examines factors influencing melanoma treatment wait times and their impact on patient outcomes. Elderly, male, and Medicare patients, along with those with higher Breslow thickness and severe melanoma stages, experienced longer wait times. Patients receiving intervention within 30 days had better survival rates. Lack of knowledge and misconceptions about melanoma contribute to delayed care, particularly in communities with lower incidence rates. Black patients faced longer waits from diagnosis to surgery, indicating disparities. …

Sunscreen Cost And Its Effect On Skin Cancer In Low-Income Communities: A Systemic Review, John Sauer

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

This research examines the pivotal connection between sunscreen affordability and its impact on skin cancer prevalence, especially in low-income communities. Despite universal dermatological recommendations for daily sunscreen use, stringent criteria contribute to elevated prices, averaging around $10 for a 6 oz unit. This financial strain is compounded for families adhering to recommended application rates, leading to significant economic burdens. Outdoor laborers, less likely to follow guidelines, face heightened risks. Government programs' excluding sunscreen costs further exacerbate challenges for low-income communities, contributing to increased skin cancer incidence. This review aims to establish a correlation between sunscreen cost and skin cancer rates, …

“Lupus, Marijuana, And Takotsubo: A Perfect Storm”: An Unusual Presentation Of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy, Matthew Orap, Parth Patel, Haitham Dib

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a type of myocardial injury that is marked with left ventricular contraction dysfunction. Various regions of the left ventricular wall may exhibit hypokinetic or hypercontractile activity. There is no exact mechanism elucidated for Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, but it is often associated with a triggering stressful event that leads to a catecholamine surge. We describe a 38-year-old female who presented with typical Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, likely in the setting of worsening systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) exacerbations and excessive cannabis use. The patient described her pain as a tight burning sensation that started on her right side and traveled to the …

A Literature Review Of Current Treatments For The Hypermobility Subtype Of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, John Gericke, Mary Zsolway, Chelsea Reyes, Pooja Patel, Saad Ahmed, Julia Hwang, Venkateswar Venkataraman

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare pharmacologic intervention, neurocognitive therapy, physical therapy, and orthotics in treating the hypermobility subtype of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and determine which has the most positive effect on symptoms.

Introduction: Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is an inheritable connective tissue disorder which results from a genetic mutation that alters the body’s ability to produce collagen. The most common subtype of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is hEDS, which leads to hypermobility and hyperextensibility and can cause frequent joint dislocations.

Methods: A review of literature was performed to compare each treatment based on reported results. The types of studies reviewed …

Antihypertensive Medications And Risk Of Melanoma And Keratinocyte Carcinomas: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Olivia G Cohen, Matthew Taylor, Cassandra Mohr, Kevin T Nead, Candice L Hinkston, Sharon H Giordano, Sinead M Langan, David J Margolis, Mackenzie R Wehner

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Some antihypertensive medications are photosensitizing. The implications for skin cancer risk remain unclear because results from prior studies are inconsistent and as new evidence is published. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the association between antihypertensives and common skin cancers (cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma) and to evaluate dose-response relationships. Forty-four articles met inclusion criteria, and 42 could be meta analyzed. Increased risks were seen for basal cell carcinoma with calcium channel blockers (relative risk [RR] = 1.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.11-1.22), diuretics (RR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.03-1.10), and …

The Case For Using Composition Tomography To Evaluate Perirectal Necrotizing Fasciitis: Is It Really Necessary?, Tyler Bayliss, David Denning

Marshall Journal of Medicine

Clinical reviews of Fournier’s Gangrene state that diagnostic protocol includes interpreting CT, MRI, or Ultrasound imaging along with clinical symptoms and lab findings. We think that the use of imaging techniques as a diagnostic tool is no longer needed as Fournier’s Gangrene is specific enough of a disease that clinicians can diagnose using labs and physical examination alone.

Cases of perirectal necrotizing soft tissue infection recorded at St. Marys Medical Center were reviewed. Results of physical exams and imaging were compared along with measurements of severity upon admittance and length of stay. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we investigated if …

Actinic Granuloma Complicated By Secondary Syphilis: A Case Report, Kevin H. Nguyen, Christopher M. Wong, Ethan Q. Nguyen

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Introduction

Actinic granuloma (AG) is a rare skin eruption thought to result from a sun-induced inflammatory response attracting giant cells, which are large, multinucleated, and inflammatory, to form granulomas and degrade surrounding elastic material. Clinically, lesions begin on sun-exposed skin as pink papules and nodules that coalesce into demarcated annular plaques with a hypopigmented center. Histologically, actinic elastosis surrounds the outer annulus ring, with histiocytes and giant cells within the raised border, and the innermost central zone is filled with minimal to absent elastic fibers.

Case Presentation

We present a middle-aged female with a pruritic eruption of diffuse erythematous macules …

Management Of Keloid-Associated Pruritus With Topical Crisaborole 2% Ointment: A Case Report, Daniel A. Nguyen, Elizabeth Thai Ms, Stephen E. Weis

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Introduction

The pathophysiology of keloid formation is poorly understood, and current treatments, including intralesional corticosteroids, cryotherapy, and surgery, are often associated with high resistance to treatment and recurrence. The multifactorial pathogenesis of keloid formation suggests that aberrant inflammatory cytokine signaling associated with keratinocyte dysregulation may contribute to keloid-associated pruritus.

Case Presentation

In this paper, we report 2 cases of keloid-associated pruritus that were successfully treated with topical crisaborole 2% ointment, a phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor. Both patients had previously undergone multiple unsuccessful treatments before being treated with crisaborole 2% ointment. In both cases, the patients experienced complete relief of pruritus …

Presentations Of Cutaneous Disease In Various Skin Pigmentations: Porokeratosis, Henry Lim, Christopher M. Wong, Christian J. Scheufele, Daniel A. Nguyen, Michael Carletti, Stephen E. Weis

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Porokeratosis was first described in 1893. It is a relatively rare disorder with over 9 subtypes. Lesions are clinically characterized as well-demarcated, erythematous papules (raised, <1 cm) or plaques (raised, >1 cm), with an atrophic center, and raised scaly border. Porokeratosis is an important diagnosis to identify because it may undergo malignant transformation and mimics many commonly encountered diagnoses. These commonly mimicked diagnoses include squamous cell carcinoma, tinea corporis, nummular dermatitis, and psoriasis vulgaris, to name a few. The clinical images in this review focus on identifying porokeratosis along the full spectrum of skin tones.

Presentations Of Cutaneous Disease In Various Skin Pigmentations: Chronic Atopic Dermatitis, Cecilia Nguyen, Jordan Thompson, Daniel A. Nguyen, Christopher M. Wong, Christian J. Scheufele, Michael Carletti, Stephen E. Weis

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder classically affecting flexural areas of the body. It is present in children and adults, including those with darker skin pigmentation. Chronic lesions are hyperpigmented plaques that are dry, cracked, and/or scaly often with lichenification. Differential diagnoses include psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, ichthyosis, and pityriasis rosea. This article will showcase clinical images with varying presentations of chronic atopic dermatitis in a range of age groups and skin colors according to the Fitzpatrick scale.

Presentations Of Cutaneous Disease In Various Skin Pigmentations: Seborrheic Dermatitis, Christian J. Scheufele, Christopher M. Wong, Daniel A. Nguyen Do, Pharmd, Michael Carletti, Stephen E. Weis

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common dermatologic disease affecting patients of all ages, ethnicities, and skin pigmentations. The rash often affects the scalp, ears, and central face. The underlying skin pigmentation of the individual may affect how this disease presents. We present several cases of seborrheic dermatitis in individuals of varying ages, genders, and skin pigmentations.

Sildenafil Versus Placebo For Early Pulmonary Vascular Disease In Scleroderma (Sepvadis): Protocol For A Randomized Controlled Trial, Matthew R. Lammi, Monica Mukherjee, Lesley Ann Saketkoo, Kyle Carey, Laura Hummers, Steven Hsu, Amita Krishnan, Marie Sandi, Ami A. Shah, Stefan L. Zimmerman, Paul M. Hassoun, Steven C. Mathai

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a leading cause of death in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). An important component of SSc patient management is early detection and treatment of PH. Recently the threshold for the diagnosis of PH has been lowered to a mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) threshold of > 20 mmHg on right heart catheterization (RHC). However, it is unknown if PH-specific therapy is beneficial in SSc patients with mildly elevated pressure (SSc-MEP, mPAP 21-24 mmHg). METHODS: The SEPVADIS trial is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial of sildenafil in SSc-MEP patients with a target enrollment of 30 …

Inter-Institutional Analysis Of Skin Of Color Representation In Dermatological Lecture Content At Md And Do Medical Schools, Oluwafunke Oluwatosin Ogunremi, Blake Fredericksen, John Komas, Sana Ismail, Siri Knutsen-Larson Md, Valeriy Kozmenko Md, Afia Albin Do

Aesculapius Journal (Health Sciences & Medicine)

The purpose of this study was to analyze the lecture materials provided in medical schools through a diversity lens. Skin pathologies manifest distinctively on various shades of skin and physicians must be equipped with the proper knowledge to identify and diagnose these conditions accurately and promptly. For most medical students, images in prominent textbooks and lecture slides are their first encounter with disease presentations. Therefore, it is important to analyze the diversity of skin tones in the content that is being delivered. Specifically, the use of images featuring darker skin tones compared to those depicting lighter skin tones. This study …