Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases Commons^™

Atypical Presentation Of Eruptive Syringomas On The Forearms Of A 19-Year-Old Patient, Margo Waters, Sami Osman, Jacob Hostetter, Joy Mosser-Goldfarb

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

A Case-Control Comparison Of Alopecia Areata And Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Mohammad Fardos, Amritpal Kooner, Rawle A. Sekhon, Beniamin Zeka, Aditya Dutt, Richard Miller

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Adult-Onset Iga Vasculitis And Nephropathy In Alcoholic Cirrhosis: A Case Report And Brief Review, Brett Thomas, Summer Wong, Walaa Abualhuda, Siddhi Patodia, Elaine Bruno, David Esguerra, Richard Miller

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Inked And Infected: A Case That Highlights The Emerging Concern Of Tattoo-Associated Mycobacterium Abscessus, Tory Starzyk, Neena Edupuganti

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Skinrisk Ai, Spencer Simms

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

SkinRisk AI is an exploration of the opportunities for implementing machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) in the medical technology field, specifically in the early detection of skin cancer. This project presents the design, development, and evaluation of a mobile application that allows users to capture images of skin lesions and receive a machine learning assisted risk assessment. The system combines a convolutional neural network (CNN) for image analysis with an intuitive mobile app built using Flutter, FastAPI, and Supabase to deliver real time screening.

Motivated by the rising skin cancer rates and importance of early detection, SkinRisk AI …

The Quality-Of-Life Benefits And Risk Of Isotretinoin (Accutane) In Acne Treatment: A Systematic Review, Noelia Valencia Zuniga

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Acne vulgaris is a prevalent dermatological condition, particularly affecting adolescents and young adults. While often treated as a cosmetic issue, acne can significantly impair a patient's mental health and overall quality of life (QoL). Isotretinoin, commonly known as Accutane, is widely regarded as the most effective treatment for severe and persistent acne. However, its use is controversial due to a range of potential side effects, including psychiatric symptoms, teratogenicity, and other systemic complications. To better understand the risk-benefit profile of isotretinoin in acne treatment, we conducted a systematic review, focusing on the QoL benefits and risks associated with its use. …

High-Throughput Drug Screening For Disease-Modifying Arthritis Therapy, Janapriya Vijayakumar

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Current therapy for arthritis predominantly focuses on the symptoms rather than the underlying causes of disease progression. Thus, it is necessary to identify novel drugs which target the underlying molecular basis of such diseases. Using high-throughput cell-based drug screening, we screened 458 different compounds, narrowed down from 811 starting compounds from the NIH Mechanistic Set. We selected drugs from the Mechanistic Set following Lipinski's Rule of 5 to ensure optimal pharmacokinetic properties. The study used modified primary human chondrocytes (IIAM-PRG4Luc), which secrete a lubricin promoter-driven luciferase reporter. We use this luciferase expression as a proxy to measure lubricin, a compound …

Investigation Of Lubricin-Stimulating Fda-Approved Compounds For A Disease-Modifying Osteoarthritic Drug, Swathi S. Menon

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease that affects many people worldwide. Current methods of treatment are palliative, and no treatment exists to fully reverse or cure OA once it begins to progress. The discovery of a disease-modifying osteoarthritic drug (DMOAD) would increase the quality of life for millions and reduce the need for invasive procedures. Screening FDA-approved drugs ensures more promise due to their known safety profile and potential for faster translation to the clinic. The goal of this project was to conduct dose-response assays with FDA-approved drugs that have been shown to stimulate lubricin production in cells that mimic …

Inpatient Dermatology Vignettes: Seborrheic Dermatitis, Garrett Furth, Henry Lim, Marshall Hall, Christian Scheufele, Michael Carletti, Stephen Weis

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common inflammatory disorder characterized by greasy scale, itching, and erythema. It commonly affects areas of the skin that have high sebum production or are sebaceous gland-rich, including the scalp, face, sternum, axilla, groin, and other skin folds. Seborrheic dermatitis can present in infants, adolescents, and adults, and is more common in men. The etiology is not fully understood, but contributing factors include presence of the yeast genus Malassezia, androgen levels, immunosuppression, family history, and stress or lack of sleep. Interestingly, those with neurological and psychiatric conditions, including Parkinsons Disease, spinal cord injury, epilepsy, and tardive dyskinesia, …

Perceived Risk Of Skin Cancer: Influence Of Family History, Age, Ethnicity, And Fitzpatrick Type, Henry Lim, Reem Ayoub, Rafael Do Valle, Kristina Kafle, Dana Olsen, Ysabelle Martinez, Christina Guo, Marshall Hall, Christian Scheufele, Michael Carletti, Stephen Weis

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Background: Skin cancer in the United States accounts for approximately 50% of new early cancer diagnoses. Despite this, many individuals underestimate their personal risk, leading to lower engagement in preventative behaviors. Several factors may influence an individual’s perceived risk, including family history, age, race, ethnicity, skin type, and gender. While some individuals recognize their increased susceptibility based on personal, familial, and cultural experiences, others may have a lower perceived risk due to misconceptions or limited awareness. This study examines how these demographic factors influence individuals' perceived risk of skin cancer. Methods: This study analyzed data from 333 individuals aged 19 …

Follicular Occlusion Syndrome: Diagnosis, Management, And Emerging Insights, Henry Lim, Reem Ayoub, Rafael Do Valle, Marshall Hall, Michael Carletti, Stephen Weis

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Follicular Occlusion Syndromes (FOS) are rare chronic relapsing skin disorders characterized by abnormal follicular hyperkeratinization, plugging, and inflammation. FOS are more commonly discussed as a ‘triad’ or ‘tetrad’ based on the patient’s clinical presentation. The triad includes hidradenitis suppurativa, acne conglobata, and dissecting cellulitis of the scalp. The tetrad in addition to the triad includes a history of pilonidal cysts. These disorders have a considerably negative effect on quality of life due to chronic pain, psychological distress, and body image concerns. Delayed or misdiagnosis can exacerbate patient outcomes, heightening the importance of timely identification and multidisciplinary treatment. We present two …

Body Dysmorphic Disorder Presenting As Alopecia Anxiety: A Case Report, Henry Lim, Paige Loux, Arianne Felicitas, Marshall Hall, Christian Scheufele, Garrett Furth, Michael Carletti, Stephen Weis

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Background: Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) involves a preoccupation with a nonexistent or insignificant physical defect that causes clinically significant distress and impacts a patient's daily functioning. We present a case of a patient with body dysmorphia that manifested as anxiety about hair loss. Case Information: A 48-year-old otherwise healthy female presented to the dermatology clinic with the chief complaint of 8 months of hair loss. She had been seen previously by 2 other dermatologists. She brought 28 pages of paperwork to her first appointment detailing previous work-up, including four separate skin punch biopsies consistent with androgenetic, non-cicatricial (non-scarring) alopecia. Other …

Skin Color Cannot Be Confined To Six Categories: Comparing The Fitzpatrick Scale And Colorimetric Measures, Henry Lim, Kristina Kafle, Reem Ayoub, Dana Olsen, Ysabelle Martinez, Rafael Do Valle, Christina Guo, Marshall Hall, Christian Scheufele, Michael Carletti, Stephen E. Weis

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Purpose The Fitzpatrick Scale (FS), originally developed to dose photochemotherapy in Caucasian skin, has become widely adopted for skin color categorization. It originally included types I-IV, with types V-VI added later for darker skin. The FS was designed for UV radiation reactivity assessment. However, it is increasingly used as a proxy for objective skin color classification, despite being based on a subjective questionnaire. Individual Typology Angle (ITA), a validated colorimetric measurement, presents a potential alternative. Previous studies examining these classification systems have been limited by small sample sizes and uneven distribution across skin tones with subjects predominantly having lighter skin …

An Unusual Case Of Indolent Systemic Mastocytosis: Diagnostic Insights In The Absence Of Classic Systemic Symptoms, Henry Lim, Jonah Gutierrez, Rafael Do Valle, Reem Ayoub, Marshall Hall, Christian Scheufele, Garrett Furth, Michael Carletti, Stephen Weis

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Introduction: Mastocytosis is a disorder characterized by an abnormal clonal accumulation and subsequent activation of mast cells within one or more organs. It is generally classified as either cutaneous, with or without systemic involvement, or systemic without cutaneous disease based on major and minor criterion. Indolent systemic mastocytosis (ISM) is a subclass of systemic mastocytosis with generally good prognosis. While the etiology of ISM is not completely understood, those who are affected typically have the KIT D816V mast cell receptor mutation. Given that ISM is mast cell mediated, patients predominantly present with a wide range of symptoms related to mast …

A Case Of Neutrophilic Dermatosis Of The Dorsal Hands With Post-Traumatic Onset, Marshall Hall, Kristina Kafle, Henry Lim, Christian Scheufele, Garrett Furth, Michael Carletti, Stephen Weis

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Background Sweet Syndrome is an acute, febrile neutrophilic dermatosis that is characterized by painful red lesions, fever, and neutrophilia with histological findings of dermal neutrophilic infiltrate. Neutrophilic Dermatosis of the Dorsal Hands is a localized variant of Sweet Syndrome. Neutrophilic Dermatosis of the Dorsal Hands presents with focused lesions on the dorsal hands, most commonly between the index finger and thumb, typically with fewer systemic manifestations. This condition presents significant diagnostic challenges as it can mimic infectious processes, potentially leading to delayed appropriate treatment. Case Information A 64-year-old male presented to the emergency department with wounds on the bilateral hands. …

Investigating The Relationship Between Skin Color, Ethnicity, And The Fitzpatrick Skin Scale, Henry Lim, Dana Olsen, Reem Ayoub, Maria Francesca Ysabelle Martinez, Rafael Do Valle, Kristina Kafle, Christina Guo, Marshall Hall, Christian Scheufele, Michael Carletti, Stephen Weis

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Introduction: The Fitzpatrick skin scale has long been used as a proxy for skin tone categorization. However, its initial creation was to classify reactivity of white skin to ultraviolet A radiation. A reported one-third of dermatologists conflate the Fitzpatrick skin scale for race and ethnicity. Approximately half of the dermatologists also reported utilizing the Fitzpatrick scale to describe skin color. The goal of this study was to compare the Fitzpatrick scale to skin color and ethnicity in a larger, cohort including the full spectrum of skin tones. Methods: Subjects completed a standardized questionnaire. The questionnaire encompassed subjective classification methods: self-reported …

A Case Of Biopsy-Proven Atopic Dermatitis Perpetuated By Psychosomatic Factors, Henry Lim, Jamie Y. Choe, Marshall Hall, Arianne Felicitas, Christian Scheufele, Garrett Furth, Michael Carletti, Stephen Weis

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Introduction: Psychodermatology is an interdisciplinary branch of psychosomatic medicine that addresses interactions between the psyche and skin. Stress is often a key exacerbating factor and highlights the bidirectional relationship between psychological factors and skin disorders. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic skin condition affecting pediatric and adult populations with an estimated global prevalence of approximately 2.6%, or approximately 204 million people. AD classically presents with a red, scaly, pruritic rash. Here, we present a case of biopsy-proven AD induced by stress-associated behaviors related to patient-identified obsessive-compulsive habits. Case Presentation: A 61-year-old female presented for persistent itching and white discoloration in …

Clinical Evaluation And Management Of Terra Firma-Forme Dermatosis: Insights From Two Diverse Cases, Henry Lim, Rafael Do Valle, Reem Ayoub, Marshall Hall, Michael Carletti, Stephen Weis

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Terra Firma-Forme Dermatosis (TFFD), also known as Duncan’s dirty dermatosis is a benign, asymptomatic dermatologic condition characterized by well-demarcated brown patches to hyperkeratotic papules or plaques. It most commonly affects the neck, trunk, and face but can appear on other body regions. A key diagnostic feature is that these lesions persist despite routine washing with soap and water but can be removed by forcibly wiping the affected area with 70% isopropyl alcohol, revealing normal underlying skin. The exact etiology of TFFD remains unknown, though it is thought to involve abnormal keratinization or delayed desquamation. This condition is often underdiagnosed or …

Development And Validation Of An Accurate And Precise Skin Color Scale, Henry Lim, Christina Guo, Reem Ayoub, Rafael Do Valle, Kristina Kafle, Ysabelle Martinez, Dana Olsen, Marshall Hall, Christian Scheufele, Michael Carletti, Stephen Weis

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Introduction: Utilization of the Fitzpatrick scale to describe skin color does not adequately account for variations in pigmentation that are reflective of skin color characteristics of persons from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. This study aims to create a better way to describe skin color. Methods: We developed an 11-point color scale. This Skin Color Scale (SCS) was reproduced onto a physical card that could be placed onto a research participant’s inner arms for independent scale interpretation. Participants and two investigators selected the best matching scale interpretation value for each arm. Self-acquired and investigator assessed Fitzpatrick scores were taken. These …

The Potential Of Vitamin D As An Adjunct Therapy For Eczema, Kimberly Hill

Graduate Research Projects

No abstract provided.

Assessing Sun Protection Policies In Texas School Districts Located In Counties With The Lowest And Highest Melanoma Risk: Content Analysis And Cross-Sectional Study, Nabeel Ahmad, Brooke Bartley, Stephanie Zhang, Madison M Taylor, Karl Schrader, Kehe Zhang, Hung Quoc Doan, Cici Bauer, Kelly C Nelson, Jennifer Cofer

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Introduction

School policy can encourage sun safe habits, such as wearing hats and applying sunscreen. However, sun safety policies (SSP) have not been formally assessed for Texas independent school districts (ISDs), particularly in counties with the highest melanoma incidence relative risk (RR). This study aims to assess the presence, strength, and intent of SSPs across Texas ISDs located in counties with the highest and lowest melanoma incidence. We also identify factors correlated with stronger SSP.

Methods

Eleven components of SSPs from 102 ISDs were evaluated in this cross-sectional study by examining school district websites, official documents, social media, media appearances, …

Incontinentia Pigmenti Diagnosed In Newborn Nursery, Virginia Ramsey Aldrich, Andrea Heuser

South Atlantic Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Skin Carotenoid Levels And Dermatologic Diseases, Taylor Schwarz, Sidney Smith, Eric Shaw, Adam Ginensky, Nikki Dixon, Patricia Mercado

South Atlantic Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Diagnosis Of Hibernoma: A Case Report Of A Benign Adipose Tumor With Radiological And Histopathological Features, Pavan Patel, Himani Patel, Patrick Mullinix

South Atlantic Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Atypical Pityriasis Rosea – A Case Report, Benjamin H. Bridges, Madeline Pham, Meghan Rosenquist

South Atlantic Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Ludwig’S Angina And A Complicated Course Of Streptococcus Constellatus Management, Kyle Distler, Awad Hammad, Elizabeth Ryder, Shradha Pokharel

South Atlantic Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Porokeratosis Ptychotropica: Diagnostic Insights Into A Rare Dermatosis, Layal Antoury, Sadia Salim, Karthik Krishnamurthy

South Atlantic Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Don’T Sweat It: A Case Of Solid Cystic Hidradenoma, Anthony Concilla, Michelle Militello, Angelia Stepien, Juan Rosario-Collazo

South Atlantic Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

The Critical Role Of Early Diagnosis, Multidisciplinary Management, And Social Determinants In Eczema Herpeticum: A Case Study Of A 24-Year-Old Man, Benjamin R. Cooper, Taha Rasul, Christian Castro-Ruiz, Karthik Krishnamurthy

South Atlantic Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Dermoscopic Features Of Sebaceous Adenoma, Abigail M. Lowe, Michelle Militello, Karthik Krishnamurthy, Sarah Ferrer-Bruker

South Atlantic Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.