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This work reports on the design, development, and characterization of novel magneto-plasmonic elastic liposomes (MPELs) of DPPC:SP80 (85:15) containing Mg0.75Ca0.25Fe2O4 nanoparticles coupled with gold nanorods, for topical application of photothermal therapy (PTT). Both magnetic and plasmonic components were characterized regarding their structural, morphological, magnetic and photothermal properties. The magnetic nanoparticles display a cubic shape and a size (major axis) of 37 ± 3 nm, while the longitudinal and transverse sizes of the nanorods are 46 ± 7 nm and 12 ± 1.6 nm, respectively. A new methodology was employed to couple the magnetic and plasmonic nanostructures, using cysteine as bridge. The potential for photothermia was evaluated for the magnetic nanoparticles, gold nanorods and the coupled magnetic/plasmonic nanoparticles, which demonstrated a maximum temperature variation of 28.9 °C, 33.6 °C and 37.2 °C, respectively, during a 30 min NIR-laser irradiation of 1 mg/mL dispersions. Using fluorescence anisotropy studies, a phase transition temperature (Tm) of 35 °C was estimated for MPELs, which ensures an enhanced fluidity crucial for effective crossing of the skin layers. The photothermal potential of this novel nanostructure corresponds to a specific absorption rate (SAR) of 616.9 W/g and a maximum temperature increase of 33.5 °C. These findings point to the development of thermoelastic nanocarriers with suitable features to act as photothermal hyperthermia agents.

Necrobiotic xanthogranuloma (NXG) is a rare form of inflammatory granulomatous disease of the skin characterized by the presence of pruritic to painful lesions, generally located in the periorbital area, although trunk and proximal extremities may also be involved. We report a case of a 69-year-old male patient with extensive involvement of the trunk, upper and lower extremities, and an associated gamma monoclonal gammopathy. The skin biopsy was consistent with the diagnosis of NXG. Necrobiosis lipoidica and granuloma annulare were the major differential diagnosis in this case. We highlight the importance of searching for clinical and histological features that may differentiate these entities, which is crucial to select an adequate therapeutic and surveillance strategy.

Recognition of facial lentigo maligna (LM) is often difficult, particularly at early stages. Algorithms and multivariate diagnostic models have recently been elaborated on the attempt to improve the diagnostic accuracy. We conducted a cross-sectional and retrospective study to evaluate dermatoscopic criteria aiding in diagnosis of flat pigmented facial lesions (FPFL). We examined 46 FPFL in 42 Caucasian patients and found that 4 of 20 dermatoscopic criteria reached the significance level required for features indicating malignancy namely, hyperpigmented follicular openings, obliterated follicular opening, annular-granular structures, and pigment rhomboids. Concomitant presence of at least 2 or 3 of the 4 mentioned criteria was significantly more frequent in LM than in pigmented actinic keratosis (PAK). However, despite more frequently seen in LM, these features were also displayed in some of the PAK and other FPFL, so we found them not specific for LM. Although dermatoscopy enhances the diagnostic accuracy in evaluating FPFL, histopathology remains the gold standard for correct diagnosis, making evident the need for improvements in early noninvasive diagnosis of LM.

Mid-dermal elastolysis (MDE) is a rare skin disorder clinically characterized by the appearance of diffuse fine wrinkling, most often of the trunk and arms. This entity is distinguished from other elastolytic disorders by its characteristic selective loss of elastic fibers of the mid dermis. The aetiopathogenesis of the disease is still unclear as well as the effective treatment. Half of the cases described in the literature are associated with ultraviolet radiation exposure. Other reported triggering conditions such as urticaria, eczema and granuloma annulare suggests different eliciting inflammatory pathways. The authors describe the case of a 38-year-old woman who developed an urticarial eruption during months which progressed to generalized and severe fine wrinkling.

Ketron-Goodman disease was formerly considered a disseminated type of pagetoid reticulosis. However, according to the new classification consensus, it should be regarded as aggressive epidermotropic CD8 T-cutaneous lymphoma, cutaneous gamma/delta T-lymphoma, or tumor-stage mycosis fungoides, depending on the clinical-histological picture. This case highlights a rare and challenging presentation of Ketron-Goodman disease with an indolent presentation and evolution and good response to a low-grade treatment regimen, not fitting well into the new classification criteria.