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Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus is a chronic inflammatory,invalidating disorder mainly involving the anogenital skin. Extragenital lesions are uncommon, occurring asmultiple, oval, porcelain-white macules, or papules. Whenpresent, they are mostly observed on the superior trunk, axillae, buttocks, and extremities, following Blaschko lines.

Purpose Neoplastic wounds may develop as a result of primary tumor growth in the skin, due to metastasis, or due to skin invasion by tumors emerging from deeper levels. Malignant wounds may present as a crater-like ulcer, or as raised nodules with a cauliflower-like appearance. They are associated with malodor, necrosis, pain, bleeding, and secondary infection. The aim of our study is to better characterize fungating wounds and their management. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the database of the Wound Care Unit of the University of Bologna in order to identify individuals affected by neoplastic wound, between January 2019 and February 2021. Results We identified 9 females and 2 males with a mean age of 63 years; all were referred by the Oncology Unit. Management differed depending on the characteristics of the patients and the ulcers. Complete healing of the wound, following the parallel complete remission of the lymphoproliferative neoplasia, was observed in one individual. Among the others, one died because of breast cancer, while cutaneous lesions in 2 individuals deteriorated after 1 year of follow-up. Remission/relapse of the ulcer following the treatment course administered for the lymphoma were observed in one patient. Conclusions Treatment of malignant fungating wounds is challenging. Considering the neoplastic nature of the wounds, complete healing or improvement cannot be expected with the application of classically prescribed dressing for wounds. A mostly palliative treatment, focusing on maintaining the patient’s quality of life, is a reasonable choice.

Background: Basal cell carcinoma can simulate melanoma and specific dermoscopic criteria have not yet been defined in a large cohort. Objective: To identify dermoscopic “trump” characteristics for differential diagnosis, identify cluster groups and assess the clinical impact of this study's findings. Methods: Retrospective, multicentric comparative study of atypical, non-facial basal cell carcinoma (≥1seven-point checklist criteria) and melanoma (with at least one BCC criteria) at dermoscopy. Observed dermoscopic features were used to develop a proposed score. Lesion clusters were defined with hierarchical analysis. Clinical impact was assessed with a blinded reader study following this study's results. Results: A total of 146 basal cell carcinoma and 76melanoma were included. Atypical vascular pattern was common to most lesions (74.5%). Twelve trump features were included in the proposed score (sensitivity 94.1% and specificity 79.5%). Cluster analysis identified 3 basal cell carcinoma and 3melanoma clusters. Findings improved overall diagnostic accuracy and confidence (26.8% and 13.8%, respectively; p&nbsp

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) can sometimes affect the eyelids and in particular the eyelid margin, where it can often be misdiagnosed, mimicking other benign, more common diseases. Dermoscopy may provide additional diagnostic criteria for an earlier diagnosis of eyelid margin BCC, although the dermoscopic features of BCC affecting this anatomical site have seldom been reported. We highlight the peculiar presence of linear vessels perpendicular to the eyelid margin in BCCs of the eyelid margin. Our article represents the first report of these dermoscopic findings in a series of BCCs of the eyelid margin.

Background Fibrosing alopecia in a pattern distribution and cicatricial pattern hair loss are poorly recognized diffuse variants of lichen planopilaris (LPP). Objectives The medical features of 40 patients affected by a diffuse hair thinning associated with a long-lasting history of pruritus and erythema of the scalp and a histopathologic diagnosis of LPP were reviewed. Methods Clinical data, results of trichoscopy and histopathology, response to treatment, and follow-up were analyzed. Results There were 18 patients diagnosed with fibrosing alopecia in pattern distribution and 2 patients with cicatricial pattern hair loss. A new variant of diffuse LPP, named “lichen planopilaris diffuse pattern,” was described in 20 individuals. Limitations Low number of cases due to rarity of the diseases. Conclusion In patients complaining of a long-lasting history of scalp erythema, itching/dysesthesia, and diffuse hair thinning, it is advisable to consider diffuse variants of LPP.

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

To our knowledge, there are currently no previous reports that describe this peculiar presentation of AA. Despite its apparently benign clinical features, this variant has a poor outcome. Scalp biopsy is mandatory for a proper diagnosis, and to start an appropriate amd proltherapy as soon as possible.

Skin biopsy is an important procedure for a correct diagnosis of varying skin conditions, from inflammatory to neoplastic diseases. Nevertheless, some authors still consider this procedure a high risk in patients affected by leg ulcers (LUs) and prefer reserving it for selected cases [1].

Background: Eccrine poroma (EP) is a benign adnexal neoplasm that can be pigmented in 17% of cases. Four histopathological variants of EP exist. Dermoscopically, EP can mimic many other skin neoplasms. Objectives: To provide a dermoscopic–histopathological correlation of EP, classifying the clinical and dermoscopic features of EPs on the basis of their histopathological subtype, in an attempt to better characterize these entities. Patients and Methods: A single-center retrospective study was conducted. Clinical data were collected; patients were classified on the basis of the 4 histopathological variants of EPs. Dermoscopic images were reviewed. A dermoscopic–histopathological correlation was performed, and the results were compared with literature data. Results: Twenty-six lesions were included, both pigmented and nonpigmented. Three of the 4 histopathological variants were identified. Different dermoscopic features were observed for each distinct histopathological subtype of EP. The lesions mimicked different types of other skin neoplasms, in particular: nonpigmented hidroacanthoma simplex resembled nonmelanoma skin cancer; pigmented hidroacanthoma simplex appeared like a seborrheic keratosis or a solar lentigo; EPs sensu stricto presented as pink nodules if nonpigmented and were similar to seborrheic keratosis if pigmented; dermal duct tumors appeared as pigmented nodular lesions. Conclusions: Distinct dermoscopic features appeared to be recurrent in each histopathological variant. Dermoscopy can provide important clues for the diagnosis of EP; the final diagnosis is allowed by histopathology. To achieve a correct diagnosis of EP, because of its clinical and dermoscopic variability, surgical excision is recommended.

Idiopathic granulomatous vulvitis and subsequent oral granulomatosis: a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge

Erosive lichen planus: beyond the nails.

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Plaque-like myofibroblastic tumor is a rare and benign pediatric soft tissue tumor. It presents as a slowly growing plaque reaching several centimeters in diameter, made up of multiple nodules. The clinical and histological features of this benign entity are similar to other fibrohistiocytic or myofibroblastic tumors occurring in childhood, so the diagnosis can be difficult. The correlation between clinical data, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry is necessary for the correct diagnosis.

Background: Alopecia areata is a nonscarring hair loss that usually causes round patches of baldness, but alopecia areata incognita (AAI) and diffuse alopecia areata (DAA) can cause a diffuse and acute pattern of hair loss. Objective: To analyze the clinical, trichoscopic, histological, and therapeutic features of AAI and DAA. Methods: The study was designed to include data of patients with histological diagnosis of AAI and DAA enrolled in our Hair Disease Outpatient Consultations. Results: DAA had a greater involvement of the parietal and anterior-temporal regions, while AAI manifested itself mainly in the occipital-parietal regions. The most frequent pattern was empty yellow dots, yellow dots with vellus hairs, and small hair in regrowth, but the presence of pigtail hair was found almost exclusively in those with AAI. In cases of DDA, the finding of dystrophic hair and black dots was more frequent. The most frequent trichoscopic sign in both diseases was the presence of empty yellow dots, which, however, were described in a higher percentage in cases of DAA. The diseases have a benign course and are responsive to topical steroid therapy. Conclusions: Trichoscopy is very important for the differential diagnosis between the 2 diseases and to select the best site for biopsy. In the presence of diffuse hair thinning, these entities must be considered.

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A 26-year-old Caucasian woman presented with a rapid appearance of a lesion on her right buttock. At the time of our consultation, we observed a pinkish nodular lesion, 0.7 cm in diameter (figure 1A). Dermoscopic images revealed dotted vessels and white lines over a homogenous pinkish background, as well as a diffused, not homogenous, brownish hue (figure 1B).Histological examination revealed a broad, but well demarcated, compound proliferation of spindle and epithelioid melanocytes. Within the [...]

Ipilimumab is an immunomodulatory antibody directed against cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4), which is administered to patients with advanced melanoma, with a proven positive effect on overall survival. The cutaneous adverse effects (AEs) of ipilimumab are relatively frequent, although described as usually mild and rarely life threatening. To describe a three-year experience of a single institute in detecting and managing cutaneous AEs. A cohort of patients (n = 41) treated with ipilimumab (3 mg/kg/three weeks) for metastatic melanoma, from 2013 to 2016, was investigated for adverse cutaneous events. On dermatological evaluation, 34.1% of the patients in our series developed cutaneous AEs: rash (7.3%; n = 3), folliculitis (7.3%; n = 3), mucositis (2.4%; n = 1), rosacea (2.4%; n = 1), eczema (2.4%; n = 1), acneiform eruption (2.4%; n = 1), syringometaplasia mucinosa (2.4%; n = 1), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (2.4%; n = 1), and vitiligo (4.9%; n = 2). These were all Grade 1 and 2 AEs, except for the case of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (Grade 4). On a patient-reported scale, 4.9% (n = 2) and 9.8% (n = 4) of the patients complained of severe xerosis and pruritus, respectively. Ipilimumab was relatively well tolerated in our series, mainly causing mild cutaneous AEs, which, in our experience, responded satisfactorily to conventional therapies. Only in one case was the treatment discontinued, due to Grade 4 side effects.

A 7-day-old girl, born at term and otherwise healthy, was referred with multiple congenital skin lesions on her right arm. Physical examination showed multiple vascular slightly reticulate patches with deep purple rim and a blue-to-greyish atrophic centre on the right forearm (figure 1). Figure 1 Vascular slightly reticulate patches with deep purple rim and …

Vascular leg ulcers remain a challenge for the modern health care, and a systematic pathological study on this kind of lesions has not been reported so far. A total of 293 consecutive white patients with chronic leg ulcers (present for a minimum of 6 months and up to several years) referred to the Wound Care Unit (Dermatology, University of Bologna) between March 2008 and June 2011. Thirty-four patients affected by other than vascular ulcers, neoplastic or inflammatory conditions, were excluded. The remaining 259 patients affected by vascular leg ulcers were enrolled in this study. Assessment of the patients general health, skin biopsy, and vascular Doppler of the lower limbs were performed to determine the etiology and to formulate an appropriate management plan, whereas 2 punch biopsies of 3 mm were performed on the border and on the bed of each ulcer. Doppler evaluation showed the presence of vascular hemodynamic impairment in 259 patients. Of these, 181 (69.9%) patients were affected by venous insufficiency, 58 (22.4%) by venous and arterial insufficiency, and 20 (7.7%) by arterial insufficiency. Histopathologic features revealed significant differences, thus, reflecting the clinicopathologic correlation with the underlying hemodynamic impairments. In conclusion, histopathologic and hemodynamic data correlation could provide the basis for future analysis of leg ulcers pathogenesis and may improve treatment protocols. We should underline that this observational study represents a single-institute experience and that larger series are needed to confirm our observations.

A 9-year-old child was referred to our paediatric dermatology unit for a temporary walking impairment because of painful lesions on the soles of both his feet. The lesions had erupted the day before, after prolonged walking with rubber boots. Physical examination showed multiple, reddish to purple, non-confluent, painful nodules on the soles of both feet (figure 1). The child was in general good condition, without fever. The laboratory tests performed (complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, serum reactive protein, antinuclear antibody) were within normal limits. Histological examination showed a dense neutrophilic infiltrate around and within the eccrine cells. The diagnosis of palmoplantar eccrine hidradenitis (PEH) was made.1 PEH is an uncommon condition described for the first time in 1988 by Metzker and Brodsky.2 PEH is a self-limited disease characterised by erythematous violaceous papules and nodules of abrupt onset on the soles of otherwise healthy children. It may rarely involve the palms. The nodules usually appear after intense physical activity and are so painful that they lead to a walking impairment.3 The pathogenesis of PEH remains obscure; physical activity and hyperhidrosis may play a role by occluding the ducts of eccrine glands and activating the inflammatory response.4 It is important to recognise this condition to avoid unnecessary therapy with antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drugs. PEH has a self-limiting course and abstention from physical activity and bed rest alone are the best treatment, leading to a complete regression of the lesions in about a week.5 Erythema nodosum and traumatic plantar urticaria are the main differential diagnoses.

Pruritic papular eruption (PPE) is a skin disease characterized by the eruption of itching papules on the extremities, face, and trunk; it is quite frequent in HIV-positive patients especially during the advanced immunosuppressive stage. PPE usually improves or heals when antiretroviral therapy restores the immune system function, but in some cases, it can take several months, and a symptomatic treatment for PPE is required. Systemic antihistamines, topical steroids, topical tacrolimus, itraconazole, pentoxyphilline, and ultraviolet B phototherapy have been proposed in cases of persisting PPE, but an elective treatment has not yet been found. We describe the case of a black patient affected by PPE, nonimproving with antiretroviral treatment, and resistant to topical steroids and oral antihistamines; a satisfactory and speedy result was achieved with narrow-band ultraviolet B phototherapy.