Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) affects many organ systems, and skin findings are often the most immediately visible. Treating systemic sclerosis remains an immense clinical challenge. Sapadin and Fleischmajer critically analyze the conventional as well as the new therapeutic approaches to this condition that are directed toward improving circulation, preventing the synthesis and release of harmful cytokines, and inhibiting or reducing fibrosis.
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Amyopathic Dermatomyositis: A Review by the Italian Group of Immunodermatology
Dermatomyositis is a relatively rare connective tissue disease that often presents with characteristic dermatologic findings. In the absence of inflammatory myopathy, patients are considered to have amyopathic dermatomyositis. In this retrospective analysis of 13 such patients, the clinical features and serum immunologic findings support an overall favorable prognosis.
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Concordance Between Telepathologic Diagnosis and Conventional Histopathologic Diagnosis: A Multiobserver, Store-and-Forward Study on 20 Skin Specimens
Telepathology may be defined as the practice of pathology at a distance. This is most often accomplished by visualizing an electronically transmitted digital image on a monitor instead of viewing the specimen directly through a microscope. In this study using 20 skin biopsy specimens, Piccolo et al demonstrate concordance between diagnoses made after conventional glass slide evaluation and those rendered after evaluation of digital images.
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Efficacy of Itraconazole in the Prophylactic Treatment of Pityriasis (Tinea) Versicolor
Tinea versicolor may be successfully treated with a variety of topical or systemic medications; however, recurrence rates are unfortunately quite high. Faergemann et al demonstrate that prophylactic therapy with 400 mg of itraconazole once monthly is an effective and safe maintenance or prophylactic regimen to prevent these recurrences.
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The Combined Continuous-Wave/Pulsed Carbon Dioxide Laser for Treatment of Pyogenic Granuloma
Pyogenic granuloma is a common, benign vascular tumor. Various treatment methods have been described, including excision, curettage, cryotherapy, chemical and electrical cauterization, and a variety of laser techniques. In this prospective study, Raulin et al demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the combined use of the continuous-wave and pulsed carbon dioxide lasers for treating pyogenic granuloma.
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Melanocytic Proliferations Associated With Lichen Sclerosus
Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis that may cause intractable itching and destructive scarring. The classic lesions of LS have a white, depigmented, or vitiligolike appearance, although pigmentation is present on rare occasions. Melanocytic nevi may be superimposed on lesions of LS, and melanoma may even arise in the background of LS. Carlson et al describe the key histologic features that can be used to confidently separate LS melanocytic nevi from malignant melanoma.
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