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Atopic dermatitis (AD) has substantial negative impact on patients' quality of life. Although considerable advances have been made in understanding the pathogenesis and its treatment, there is still limited transfer of this knowledge into daily management. Aiming to identify unmet needs in clinical management of patients with AD, we used a Delphi consensus process. A set of statements regarding diagnosis, management, prognosis, and treatment was identified by five experts (Steering Committee). Then, the Steering Committee and a second group of four clinicians were involved in a Delphi process. Lastly, agreement was assessed in a larger panel of Italian clinicians. Overall, 37 clinicians participated to the process. 17 statements reached strong agreement and 2 reached weak agreement. In general, the statements reflected the need for accurate and effective diagnostic criteria to support clinical experience, especially in the atypical forms of AD. Moreover, prognostic criteria are needed to predict the duration of adult-onset AD. The identification of biomarkers was considered to be useful for clinical management of AD at all stages of disease. Lastly, greater emphasis should be placed on patient education and development of effective tools that can aid informing patients about their disease and its treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Terra firma‐forme dermatosis (TFFD) is an acquired pigmentation disorder that promptly regresses after applying isopropyl alcohol 70%. The clinical presentation ranges from patches of brownish discoloration to velvety hyperkeratotic plaques. Critical analyses of current data are lacking, so etiologies, pathogenesis, and disease associations are still debated in the literature. A literature search was done in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases to identify the published papers reporting clinical cases of TFFD. Of 102 papers screened, 64 met the including criteria. Overall, the records of 256 patients presenting a mean age of 18.34 years and a female:male ratio of 1:37 were reviewed. The present article aims to provide a key point‐summary regarding the clinical outcome, associated comorbidities, pathogenesis, histopathology, dermoscopy, and therapeutic modalities of TFFD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Terra firma-forme dermatosis is an underreported acquired pigmentation disorder caused by keratinocyte retention that is not mentioned in many textbooks. It is characterized by the onset of asymptomatic hyperpigmented patches or velvety plaques potentially involving any part of the body, including the trunk, extremities, and the skin folds such as neck, axilla, inguinal region, and umbilical folds. It affects both sexes equally and all age groups, although it seems more prevalent in children with a mean age of 10.4 years. The prompt regression after rubbing with an alcohol-soaked gauze is diagnostic and curative. The cause of this affection remains unknown, although less rigorous hygiene or an atopic background is contributory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite of the emerging new systemic and local oncologic treatments (immunotherapy and checkpoint inhibitors, oncolytic viral treatments and injected immunostimulants) the management of skin melanoma metastasis can be still challenging. The main aim of this review was to assess the efficacy and the role of imiquimod in local metastatic melanoma disease. An extensive literature review was performed from September 2000 to March 2020 using PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. Selected articles regarded topical imiquimod, its mode of action as an antitumoral agent and its applications in melanoma metastases treatment. We analyzed a total of 18 published article of clinical cases and small case series and five studies: two retrospective large case series, two Phase I and II clinical trials and one cohort non randomized study. Generally, the treatment is safe and well tolerated. Imiquimod lead to an unstable locoregional control. The use of topical imiquimod for the treatment of MM cutaneous metastases should be considered in selected cases and in palliative settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we report the sonographic features of vaccination granulomas in three children sensitized to aluminum. Although the recognition of the vaccination granuloma relies on the clinical examination, misdiagnosis is frequent, leading to distressful procedures or prolonged antibiotic administration. In all our cases, sonography revealed a teardrop‐shaped echogenic central structure, suggesting the deposition of aluminum crystals along the route of administration with consequent subcutaneous degenerative changes, and a surrounding hypoechoic cap, which reflects the changeable inflammatory reaction and the granuloma formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 3-year-old White male referred to our Pediatric Dermatology Outpatient Service for a vesicular eruption spread to the perioral cavity and the extensor surface of the upper and lower extremities. The article discusses that this is the first report of concomitant nail plate changes in combination with HFMD related rash, whose exact pathogenesis is still to be defined.

Congenital fibrous hamartoma of the tip of the tongue, a peculiar and novel entity, consists of one or two asymptomatic pearly or yellowish nodules, not exceeding 0.5 cm in maximum diameter, at the tip of the tongue, ventrally or dorsally. Unlike other localizations, congenital fibrous hamartoma of the tip of the tongue is not associated with cleft lip or palate, or with feeding problems. Surgical excision should be avoided, reserved only for dubious cases, since the lesions are benign and stable over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Narrowband‐ultraviolet B (NB‐UVB) is widely used for the treatment of several dermatological diseases. A cutaneous carcinogenic effect has been hypothesized, but not proved. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the data of patients treated with NB‐UVB between January 1998 and December 2013 at the Dermatology Unit of our University Hospital, to evaluate the cutaneous carcinogenic risk of NB‐UVB. Results: In all, 375 patients were included, each receiving a mean follow‐up of 6.9 years. Vitiligo and psoriasis were the most common diseases. In total, 19 non‐melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) were diagnosed in eight patients, after a mean latency of 5.2 years after the first radiation. No malignant melanoma (MM) was observed. The incidence rates of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) were 620.2/100 ̇000 p/y and 116.3/100 ̇000 p/y. NMSCs were more frequent in patients affected by psoriasis (P = .0232), with older age at the first radiation (mean = 68.8 years, P = .0001). Conclusion: Despite the small number of patients and limited follow‐up, our data suggest that NB‐UVB may trigger cutaneous carcinogenesis, mainly in patients at risk for NMSCs, increasing their personal risk for single and multiple neoplasms, usually superficial BCCs. MM risk does not seem to be enhanced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Erythema palmare hereditarium ( EPH), also known as Lane's disease, is a rare, benign condition presenting as persistent erythema involving the palms. EPH can appear at birth or later in life and usually in at least two members of the same family, although a sporadic case has been reported. Methods We report five cases of EPH and offer a review of the current literature. The first and second cases are twin boys presenting with erythema mainly on the thenar and hypothenar eminences and on the phalanges that appeared 8 months after birth. The third case is a girl with congenital palmar erythema and two other capillary malformations. The fourth case is a 58-year-old woman with palmar erythema that appeared after pregnancy. Her 32-year-old daughter had presented with the same palm redness since birth. Results A review of the literature shows that women are affected almost three times more than men. Dermoscopic evaluation showed red structureless areas with arborizing vessels, mainly running parallel along follicular openings. Conclusion EPH should be considered in all patients presenting with palmar erythema, especially in familial long-lasting forms. It can be congenital or acquired, but the pathogenetic mechanism is unclear. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first dermatoscopic study of EPH and the largest case series reported in the literature, involving two families and one sporadic case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyogenic granuloma (PG) is a relatively common benign vascular proliferation of the skin and mucous membranes, whose pathogenesis is not fully understood, thought it has been associated with trauma, pregnancy, and immunosuppression. Partial regression after 10 weeks of therapy (C, D) and complete healing after 16 weeks (E, F) gl Because of the location of PG, the patient was very anxious about the aesthetic result of a surgical treatments, so the topical timolol therapy was proposed. Despite its benign nature, PG can significantly impact on patients' quality of life, for this reason a proper and efficacious therapy is recommended. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction: This mono-center randomized, controlled, double-blind study evaluates the safety and efficacy of MD2011001 cream versus placebo, in mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis (AD). MD2011001 is a nonsteroidal topical cream containing vitamin E, epigallocatechin gallate and grape seed procyanidins. Methods: Patients with AD (corresponding to an IGA score of 2 or 3), involving the face, the perioral/periocular area and/or the neck, were enrolled. Patients were randomized 1:1 ratio to receive MD2011001 or placebo before the start of the study (D0), then evaluated after 7 days, and after 28 days. The study was approved by the Local Independent Ethics Committee and conducted according to the Declaration of Helsinki and local regulations. The statistical tests used were the Wilcoxon test and the Mann–Whitney U-test. Results: Forty-four patients (29F and 15M) were enrolled. The IGA values showed a statistically significant reduction during the treatment period obtaining a favorable safety profile and local tolerance for both the products. The reduction in the surface area affected by AD was significantly faster with MD2011001. Discussion: This study focuses on very sensitive areas known to be particularly susceptible to local complications. Conclusions: These results suggest the usefulness of an emollient treatment for mild/moderate AD. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Management of patients affected by mastocytoma ( MS) includes avoiding triggering factors of mast cell degranulation, and administration of symptomatic treatment. We evaluated topical steroid treatment efficiency on the clinical course of MS in a group of patients, comparing the results with another untreated group.We retrospectively evaluated clinical data of 176 patients under 15 years of age, affected by MS and referred to our Dermatological Pediatric Service from 1996 to 2010. Ninety-one of 176 children were treated with topical steroids. Follow-up was possible in 130 of 176 patients and lasted for 56.3 months on average. We compared 62 treated and 68 untreated patients. There was not statistic difference between the two groups: (i) in the number of healed or partially improved cases; and (ii) in the time of partial regression, although it is quicker with therapy. The time of healing is 16.4 months (on average) with treatment, and 34.7 months (on average, p = 0.001) without any treatment. The resolution of MS is independent of therapy administration, but the time of healing is statistically faster using the local steroids. An appropriate treatment with them is effective and safe, considering the long time needed for spontaneous resolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vascular findings have rarely been described in the setting of lichen sclerosus. Enlarged vessels within the atrophic plaques have been observed on the free margins of the labia minora and clitoral hood. The enlarged vessels completely remit upon treatment of lichen sclerosus with an ultra‐potent corticosteroid ointment in the acute phase. During maintenance therapy with calcineurin inhibitors, there was no recurrence of the enlarged vessels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We performed a retrospective study covering a 10-year period (January 1997-January 2007) on children referred to our unit or followed up for Becker's nevus (BN). The aim of this study was to better define the characteristics of BN in childhood, when this hypermelanosis is more frequent than the limited number of studies might suggest. Our data show that BN in children has predilection sites similar to those in adults, but hypertrichosis is rarer. Sun exposure does not appear to play an etiopathogenetic role. The higher incidence in men reported in adult case studies was not found in children. During and after puberty, androgenic stimulation is known to play a pathogenetic role in BN, especially in men, but our cases were mostly younger than 6 years old. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is often the prelude to allergic diseases. The aim of this study was 1) to evaluate if an integrated management regime could bring about a change in the evolution of the disease in comparison to the results of a previous study; 2) to determine whether the refinement of allergic investigations allowed to identify more promptly the risk factors of evolution into respiratory allergic diseases. Methods: The study included 176 children affected by AD and previously evaluated between 1993 and 2002 at the age of 9-16 months, who underwent a telephonic interview by means of a semi-structured, pre-formed questionnaire after a mean follow-up time of 8 years. According to the SCORAD, at first evaluation children had mild AD in 23% of cases, moderate in 62%, severe in 15%. Results: AD disappeared in 92 cases (52%), asthma appeared in 30 (17%) and rhinoconjunctivitis in 48 (27%). The factors significantly related to the appearance of asthma were: sensitization to food allergens with sIgE > 2 KU/L (cow's milk and hen's egg; P < 0.05); to inhalant allergens with sIgE > 0.35 KU/L (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that inhalant sensitization was positively related to the occurrence of asthma (OR = 4.219). While AD showed similar rates of disappearance to those of our previous study, the incidence of asthma was reduced, at the same follow-up time, from 29% to 15% (P = 0.002), and the incidence of rhinoconjunctivitis from 35% to 24% (P = 0.02). Conclusion: Comparing the results with those of the previous study, integrated management of AD does not seem to influence its natural course. Nevertheless, the decrease in the percentage of children evolving towards respiratory allergic disease stresses the importance of early diagnosis and improvement management carried out by specialist centers. The presence of allergic sensitization at one year of age might predict the development of respiratory allergy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Erosive pustular dermatitis of the scalp (EPDS) typically affects elderly people with scarring alopecia. Videodermoscopy (VD) of the scalp has never been assessed in the diagnosis of EPDS. To evaluate the trichoscopy features of EPDS, we carried out a retrospective analysis of VD images obtained in the scalp of ten patients who affected by EPDS and were compared with those obtained from a series of thirty patients who affected by other type of scarring alopecia. The most specific VD feature was thus represented by evident hair bulb in the scarring scalp, observed in all patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From March 9, 2020, our outpatient service was temporarily suspended and replaced by phone call to patients, asking if they had discontinued therapy and/or had suffered from any COVID-19 related symptoms since February. On the contrary, the prompt discontinuation of immunomodulant/immunosuppressant therapies and rituximab is mandatory in cases of moderate-severe respiratory symptoms or contact history with COVID-19 patients, until swab-confirmed negativity for COVID-19 and complete remission of respiratory symptoms. Dear Editor, There are different opinions about the management of ongoing immunosuppressant/immunomodulant therapies during the COVID-19 outbreak ([[1], [3]]). [Extracted from the article]

A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled clinical study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of MAS063DP in 60 paediatric patients affected by atopic dermatitis (AD), aged between 2 and 17 years. Using the Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA) score for AD, patients with a score of 2 (mild) or 3 (moderate) were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomly selected to receive MAS063DP (20 patients), MAS060 (20 patients, a similar formulation with lower key ingredients’ concentration and no preservatives) or vehicle (20 patients).The study consisted in a treatment period of 43 days, with clinical evaluations at baseline (day 1), days 8, 15, 22, 29 and 43, at which time the treatment was stopped. MAS063DP showed nearly 80% improvement in IGA score at day 22, compared with 16.6% and 26.3% with the MAS060 and vehicle respectively. A statistically significant difference was found by comparing MAS063DP with MAS060 (p < 0.0001); a similar result was evidenced comparing MAS063DP and vehicle (p = 0.001). By contrast, no significant difference was found between MAS060 and vehicle. A statistically significant difference was sustained until the end of the study. MAS063DP may therefore be considered as one of the available regimens effective in the treatment of mild-to-moderate AD in children and adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report here a new case of neutrophilic figurate erythema of infancy in a 1-year and 9-month-old white boy. Neutrophilic figurate erythema of infancy is a rare inflammatory dermatosis which is part of the figurate inflammatory dermatoses of infancy and is considered a variant of annular erythema of infancy. The disease is clinically characterized by annular erythematous lesions, sometimes with a polycyclic configuration, and histologically by a dermal neutrophilic infiltration with leukocytoclasia. Differential diagnosis mainly includes clear-cut severe diseases with a well-known etiology, such as neonatal lupus erythematosus and its variant erythema gyratum atrophicans transiens neonatale, erythema chronicum migrans and erythema marginatum rheumaticum, and diseases of unknown origin and with less clear limits, such as erythema annulare centrifugum and its variant familial annular erythema. Anamnesis, laboratory findings, clinical features, and histology allow the correct diagnosis and therefore, having excluded severe diseases, parents should be reassured as neutrophilic figurate erythema of infancy, as the annular erythema of infancy, is a benign disease, in most cases unassociated with other conditions and usually self-limiting over a few months, even though a chronic course may rarely occur. Our case was characterized by a chronic persistent course and by a complete resolution of the lesions only during febrile episodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a 6-year-old boy with a diffuse acute pustular eruption which appeared after an erysipela. On the basis of the history and clinical features we made a diagnosis of pustulosis acuta generalisata. An 8-day antibiotic course with amoxicillin and clavulanic acid was instituted. After 1 week the erysipela and the pustular eruption had healed and no relapse of the rash occurred in the following month. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To analyze the clinical features, response to treatment, and follow-up of lichen striatus and any associated symptoms or disease, we designed a retrospective study involving 115 affected children at the Pediatric Dermatology Unit of the Department of Dermatology of the University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy. Between January 1989 and January 2000 we diagnosed lichen striatus in 37 boys and 78 girls (mean age 4 years 5 months). We studied their family history and the season of onset, morphology, distribution, extent, duration, histopathology, and treatment of their lichen striatus. We found that family history was negative in all our patients except for two pairs of siblings. The majority of children had the disease in the cold seasons; precipitating factors were found in only five cases. The most frequently involved sites were the limbs, with no substantial difference between upper and lower limb involvement. When lichen striatus was located on the trunk and face, it always followed Blaschko lines; in seven children the bands on the limbs appeared to be along the axial lines of Sherrington. In 70 cases, lichen striatus was associated with atopy. The mean duration of the disease was 6 months and relapses were observed in five children, and in one instance the disease had a prolonged course. Only a few case study series of lichen striatus in children have been reported and ours is the largest to date. The etiology of lichen striatus remains unknown in the majority of our patients. The confirmed association with atopy observed in our patients may be a predisposing factor. It has generally been accepted that lichen striatus follows the lines of Blaschko, and this distribution is a sign of both a topographic and a pathogenetic concept. In patients where lichen striatus is along axial lines, a locus minoris resistentiae, we suppose that this distribution may only be an illusory phenomenon in instances in which the trigger factor prefers this route, consisting of several successive Blaschko lines, but appearing as a single band. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this study was to evaluate the frequency and role of Staphylococcus aureus infection in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). In 81 children, ages 2 months to 9 years, affected with moderate to severe AD, 308 samples from the cutaneous lesions were obtained and analyzed. S. aureus was isolated in 52 children (64.2%). Five of these were also colonized by Streptococcus pyogenes and one by Candida albicans. In 61 patients, total IgE serum level and specific IgE were tested to evaluate their allergic status: in 43 children a diagnosis of extrinsic AD was made, while 18 were affected by intrinsic AD. A higher presence of the bacterium was observed in allergic (71%) versus nonallergic children (49%). Our data demonstrate the importance of S. aureus in the clinical manifestation of AD and, in particular, its role in worsening the eczematous lesions of the face, neck, and perineum in children less than 1 year of age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to verify whether there is a relationship between Gianotti-Crosti syndrome and an allergic background in children. Twenty-nine children affected by Gianotti-Crosti syndrome were first screened for a large panel of microbiological examinations, including serological and cultural tests for viruses and bacteria. A causative agent was identified in only 10 cases (34.4%). In five cases a diagnosis of Epstein -- Barr virus infection was made on the basis of significant titres of anti-Epstein-Barr virus antibodies (IgM) associated with constitutional symptoms (fever, pharyngitis -- tonsillitis). Our data concur with several clinical studies demonstrating that Epstein-Barr virus is now the most common viral agent associated with Gianotti-Crosti syndrome. For allergic evaluation, a group of 59 age- and sex-matched children investigated for recurrent infections were used as controls. The presence of atopic dermatitis (24.1%) in those with Gianotti-Crosti syndrome was significantly higher (p<0.005) than in the control group (6.8%). In addition, a more common family history for atopy was 51.7% vs. 31% (p<0.027) and the percentage of patients with total IgE greater than +2 SD for age higher than in controls (27.6% vs. 13.7%), as was the percentage of specific IgE present (31% vs. 17.2%). These results indicate that atopy is significantly associated with Gianotti-Crosti syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines women patients affected by an infantile perianal protrusion located on the middle anterior to the anus. History of constipation among patients; Existence of anal fissures in three patients; Occurrence of histopathologic signs of lichen sclerosus et atrophicus.

Investigates changes in skin prick tests for food and inhalant allergens in children with atopic dermatitis (AD) followed up for at least four years. Natural history of AD; Risk factors for AD; Immunoglobulin E serum levels in patients with AD.

Examines a pediatric case of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. Clinical manifestations; Results of diagnostic examinations; Description of the disorder; Therapeutic options.

Presents an unusual psoriasiform acral dermatitis in children. Characteristics of the dermatitis; Pathologic features of the subacute spongiotic dermatitis; Fluctuation on the improvement of patients after therapy.

Examines the sensitization to thimerosal in atopic children. Description of thimerosal; Aspects of atopic dermatitis; Appearance of cutaneous lesions of nummular eczema on the trunk, limbs and face.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of inflammatory phenomena and elastic fiber phagocytosis in mid-dermal elastolysis. The pathological and ultrastructural features of 5 Caucasian female patients (ranging from 26 to 40 years) with acquired diffuse asymptomatic areas of skin wrinkling have been reviewed. The clinical features of all cases were characteristic of this condition and only in one patient were characteristic of this condition and only in one patient were erythematous urticaria-like, non pruriginous patches also observed. In 4 cases a history of prolonged sun bathing was present and in 3 cases there was a short history of oral contraception. The pathological study confirmed the typical absence of elastic fibers in the midreticular dermis. In two cases elastic fibers were still detectable in the periadnexal dermis. Hematoxylin and eosin sections showed a mild perivascular infiltrate in two cases, while in three patients histiocytes were scattered among collagen bundles. Multinucleated giant cells containing fragmented elastic fibers were detectable in one patient. Ultrastructural analysis revealed large mononuclear cells with phagocytic aspects toward elastic fibers in all cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Median raphe cysts (MRCs) of the male genitalia are benign and usually asymptomatic; therefore, they are rarely diagnosed or treated in children. Median raphe cysts (MRCs) are uncommon benign lesions of the male genitalia that develop from the median raphe. Close follow-up of multiple and large paediatric MRCs is desirable; we recommend surgical excision as the first-choice treatment for complicated lesions, even in younger patients. [Extracted from the article]

Lichen sclerosus (LS) shows a predilection for the genital area and occurs mostly in postmenopausal women and in prepubertal girls. We conducted a retrospective review of 15 young girls whit genital LS with onset before the menarcheal age and treated with topical clobetasol propionate 0.05%. The mean duration of follow-up was 4.7 years with relapses in nine patients after approximately 1 year from the first clearing. At the end of the study we observed that (i) potent topical steroids are safe and effective in childhood, (ii) an early aggressive treatment gives the best therapeutic response, (iii) one follow-up visit a year is required to monitor for relapsing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adverse events with anti-epidermal growth factor receptor therapy mainly involve the skin. The most common cutaneous adverse event is an acneiform eruption, which occurs in more than 50% of cases. The aim of this paper is to report the case of rosaceiform eruption induced by erlotinib in an 81-year-old-man and to discuss the pathogenetic role of Demodex folliculorum mites, found in the present patient, using skin scraping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor concerning the induction of acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis by pentoxifylline is presented.

A letter to the editor is presented concerning a case of facial eruption of viral warts with a predominantly digitate aspect in a 12-year-old boy treated with topical tacrolimus ointment for atopic dermatitis.

In a review of all cases of porokeratosis histologically diagnosed in our Department during the period 1991-98 we found that 12 patients (22%) were in their seventh to ninth decade. In all 12 (2 males and 10 females) the age of onset of the disease varied between 58 and 89 years (mean age 68.6 years). The clinical picture was similar in all the patients, with the number of lesions varying from a few to 20-50 annular plaques 10-15 mm in diameter, localized mainly on the lower limbs. We suggest that our patients had a very mild form of disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis confined to the extremities with an unusually late onset. This peculiar variety of late-onset disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis may represent a type of immunosuppression-induced porokeratosis where the pathologic clone for porokeratosis is present but remains latent until the amount of sun exposure, together with the physiological age-related lowering of immunocompetence, bring about its proliferation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postcast hypertrichosis is a common transient occurrence in orthopedic patients and generally resolves within a few months. Until now, two cases of localized hypertrichosis occurring on more than one pre-existing psoriatic lesions are reported in the literature. We describe the case of a patient who simultaneously developed a single psoriatic plaque and overlying localized hypertrichosis after plaster application. This concurrence is exceptional and may be explained by the expression of several growth factors and cytokines influencing both the hair cycle and the psoriatic inflammatory working. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports a case of asymptomatic abdominal nodule diagnosed in a five-year old boy. Proliferation of the lesion in the reticular dermis and subcutaneous septae; Presence of collagen fibers between spindle cells; Absence of atypia and mitoses.

Examines the nevus comedonicus syndrome (NCS). Description of NCS; Association of the nevus with noncutaneous abnormalities; Performance of a complete skeletal radiograph.

In the last three decades cutaneous melanoma has been widely investigated as a steroid hormone-sensitive cancer. Following this hypothesis, many epidemiological studies have investigated the relationship between estrogens and melanoma. No evidence to date has supported this association due to the great complexity of genetic, external and environmental factors underlying the development of this cancer. Molecular mechanisms through which estrogen and their receptor exert a role in melanoma genesis are still under investigation with new studies increasingly focusing on the discovery of new molecular targets for therapeutic treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study which investigated the prevalence of psoriasis in melanoma patients who are undergoing clinical follow up from June 2004 to June 2014, at the University of Bologna's Melanoma Center. The study found that psoriasis in patients with a positive history for melanoma is significantly uncommon. Study authors also discussed the role of IFN-gamma in melanocytes proliferations.

The article presents case study of a 55-year-old man who was an HIV positive patient with severe psoriasis. It mentions that apremilast should be considered a viable therapeutic option as well, not only due to its oral administration route but also on account of its specific upstream regulation of the immune system, inhibiting phosphodiesterase4 and acting more on immunobalancing than on immunosuppression.

Insights into the real-world treatment paradigm and long-term burden of atopic dermatitis (AD) are needed to inform clinical and health policy decisions. The prospective, observational EUROSTAD study enrolled adults with moderate-to-severe AD starting or switching systemic therapy (51 sites in 10 European countries). We report the baseline characteristics, treatment patterns, and outcomes of these patients using descriptive statistics. A 12-month enrollment period of EUROSTAD was completed and 308 patients were enrolled: average age 37 years, AD duration 25 years, 43% were female. Most patients reported use of systemic therapy (93%) and ≥1 atopic comorbidity (82%). Mean [standard deviation] disease severity/burden measures were high: Investigator's Global Assessment (3.1 [0.8]), Eczema Area and Severity Index (16.2 [10.9]), Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale (5.5 [2.5]), sleep impairment Visual Analog Scale (49.8 [31.6]) scores, and time lost from work (4.1 [13.7] days/year) or usual activities (16.8 [38.7] days/year). Most patients showed borderline or clinical levels of anxiety (59%) and/or depression (63%) using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Adults with moderate-to-severe AD starting/switching systemic treatment enrolled in EUROSTAD have a high burden of longstanding disease despite continuous use of topical drugs, emollients, and systemic therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: Head and neck dermatitis (HND) is a clinical variant of atopic dermatitis (AD), presenting in adolescence or adulthood and characterized by involvement of the head, neck, and superior part of the trunk. The role of Malassezia spp has been advocated in the pathogenesis of HND, and antifungal agents represent the treatment of choice. Methods: A retrospective single‐center study was performed to define the clinical features and treatment response of HND among adolescent and adult patients. Results: Thirty‐one patients were identified, 17 with "adolescent‐onset" and 14 with "adult‐onset" HND. Adolescent‐onset HND positively correlated with a past history of AD and presented with exclusive head and neck involvement (P <.05). Adult‐onset HND was associated with concomitant widespread atopic eczema, involving the flexural areas of the upper and lower limbs, trunk, nipples, or hands (P <.05). A positive response to itraconazole in combination with topical treatments was observed in both groups. Conclusions: This study delineates two HND clinical phenotypes: adolescent vs adult onset. Different characteristics were observed in terms of relationship to AD and eczema localization. A history of AD in childhood and presentation with exclusive involvement of head and neck regions was observed predominantly in the adolescent‐onset form, while adult‐onset HND often occurred in association with diffuse dermatitis and a past history of AD was less frequent than in the adolescent group. The study is limited by the single‐center retrospective nature, which may lead to diagnostic and selection biases, and the small cohort of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nail tumors often pose a significant challenge for the clinician, as they are burdened by a high delay in diagnosis and paucity of clinical signs in the early stage. In most cases, the onset of pain or nail plate dystrophy leads to imaging investigations such as plain radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasonography (US) when surgery is pending. Material and Methods: A 2‐year monocentric study evaluated the histologically confirmed cases of subungual glomus tumor (GT) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with a pre‐surgical US assessment, and reviewed their sonography features. A total of 7 digital GTs and 6 SCCs of the nail were collected. Results: GT and SCC are easily distinguishable on US. Compared to SCC, GT was positively associated with an ovoid shape, well‐defined borders, bone cup‐scalloping without cortical erosion, and a rich intralesional vascular pattern (P < 0.05). Vice versa, SCC was significantly correlated with irregular shape, ill‐circumscribed margins, an infiltrative growth pattern with peripheral hypoechoic foci, posterior acoustic shadow, cortical erosion, and a highly vascular multipolar peripheral pattern (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The rapid assessment of GT and SCC sonographic features may contribute to reduce diagnostic delay, expedite management, and decrease the risk of surgical relapse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common variety of non‐melanoma skin cancer and its incidence is increasing worldwide. The centrofacial sites (area H) are considered a high‐risk factor for BCC local recurrence. Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is a technique that allows intraoperative microscopic control of the surgical margins and is a good treatment option when tissue conservation is required for esthetic or functional reasons or for high‐risk lesions. The present study aimed to evaluate the recurrence rate of head and neck high‐risk BCCs comparing MMS vs conventional surgical excision. Clinical data of patients diagnosed from September 2014 to March 2017, referring to the Dermatology Unit of the Policlinico Sant'Orsola‐Malpighi, University of Bologna, were retrospectively evaluated (285 treated with MMS and 378 treated with traditional surgery). Of the 285 patients treated with MMS, 9 experienced a recurrence (3.1%). Of the 378 patients treated with traditional surgery, 53 relapsed (14%), 13 of whom presented residual tumor on the deep or lateral margins of the main surgical specimen. Our study confirms the trend reported in the literature that MMS represents the best treatment option for high‐risk BCCs arising in the head and neck region or presenting as a recurrence (P <.00001). Many more MMS centers and more trained dermatologists are needed worldwide in order to deal with the increasing number of BCC diagnosed every year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The hair whorl denotes the spiral disposition of hairs around an axis, which is determined by the follicle growing direction. Atypical variants of scalp hair patterns, identified by abnormally placed or multiple whorls, have been associated with early brain developmental disorders and several dysmorphic syndromes. Materials and Methods: A 6-month case-control, prospective monocentric study included an overall number of 557 children. A logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between localization, the number of scalp hair whorls, and their association with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Results: NF1 positively correlates with a frontal localization, whereas a negative association was found with a parietal whorl pattern (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Evaluation of scalp whorls gains importance in the neonatal settings and may contribute to suspect the early diagnosis of NF1, as the related National Institutes of Health diagnostic criteria cannot be usually observed at an early age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the prevention of erlotinib-induced folliculitis in patients affected by non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Topics discussed include use of antibiotic doxycycline for the treatment of infections caused by bacteria and protozoa; monotherapy for advanced NSCLC in patients such as oral epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and tyrosine kinase inhibitor erlotinib; and side effects such as skin toxicity, xerosis and hair growth.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus on the classification, grading, and the treatment of nail squamous cell carcinoma (NSCC). OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to propose a possible classification of NSCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS : Nail squamous cell carcinoma referred from January 2006 till December 2014 was included. On the basis of the clinical presentation, patients with NSCC were divided in 2 groups. Group A tumors presented as nodular or ulcerated masses of the nail bed, whereas Group B tumors presented as hyperkeratotic bands. In these 2 groups, differences in proportions (sex, histopathologic grading, and treatment performed) were evaluated with the chi-square test. RESULTS : Forty-one NSCCs were included. The groups of NSCC differed regarding: (1) the age of the patients, (2) histopathology, and (3) surgical approach. CONCLUSION: Nail squamous cell carcinomas may originate from 2 different epithelia, presenting a diverse clinical behavior. The correct identification and diagnosis of each subgroup of NSCC could be helpful in standardizing management of this tumor. Future studies considering human papillomavirus subtyping and including a major number of tumors should be performed to confirm or reject the authors' hypothesis. Limitations: This is a retrospective study, presenting the data and the experience of a single institute. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]