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Condyloma acuminatum relatively rarely involves the urethra, and when it does it is usually only in the most distal portion of the urethra. A number of treatments have been described for urethral condylomas. These treatments are extensive and variable, comprising laser treatment, electrosurgery, cryotherapy, and topical application of cytotoxic agents such as 80% trichloroacetic acid, 5-fluorouracil cream (5-FU), podophyllin, podophyllotoxin, and imiquimod. Laser is still considered to be therapy of choice for treatment of intrauretral condylomata. We present the case of a 25-year-old male patient with meatal intraurethral warts who was successfully treated with 5-FU, after many unsuccessful treatment attempts with laser treatment, electrosurgery, cryotherapy, imiquimod, and 80% trichloroacetic acid.

The prevalence of psoriasis is 2% of the world's population (1). Inverse psoriasis is characterized by the development of erythematous shiny plaques at intertriginous areas of the body. The prevalence of only anogenital involvement appears to be low, but involvement of the anogenital area together with other areas is found in up to 45% of patients with psoriasis (2). A 21-year-old female student with a 3-month history of mild psoriasis (erythematosquamous plaque on the elbows and nail pitting on the nails of the hand) was referred to our Department. One month earlier, suddenly appearance of erythematous, smooth, clearly demarcated plaques was observed on the labia majora, the mons pubis, the perineal and perianal region together with a brownish hyperkeratotic papule on the pubic region (Figure 1, a-b). The patient underwent excisional biopsy at the Department of Surgery, and the pathohistological finding was unavailable to us. The elbows were treated with corticosteroid-keratolytic preparation, whereas the anogenital lesions were treated with moderately potent topical corticosteroids. In addition to anogenital erythema, on clinical examination we noticed an erythematosquamous plaque on the site of excision with a hyperkeratotic verrucous papule on the edge of the lesion (the Koebner phenomenon on the site of skin injury). In the pubic region, we noticed two hyperkeratotic papules and a few verrucous papules on labia majora. Localized dermatophyte or candida infection were excluded with a KOH test and scrapings culture. Serology for syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis were negative. Cervical Pap smear was normal. Biopsy of erythematosus lesion from the mons pubis was conclusive for psoriasis, and of the keratotic papule with the genital wart with positive HPV 6 and 11. The patient's older sister had chronic plaque psoriasis. We employed physically ablative methods like liquid nitrogen cryosurgery, electrocauterization, and curettage, applied topical agents like 0.5% podophyllotoxin solution, 20% podophyllin, and 80% trichloroacetic acid, and treated the psoriatic lesions with a short course of moderate-potency corticosteroids and tacrolimus ointment. All therapeutic attempts were ineffective for curing both diseases. Our patient either had psoriasis with sparse genital warts or exacerbation of multiple anogenital warts (Figure 2, a-b). Anogenital psoriasis is a skin disease that causes great discomfort. The disease-related quality of life is significantly reduced, especially regarding sexual behavior. Therapy for either anogenital psoriasis or genital warts is not entirely satisfactory. Many topical agents suitable for use on the psoriatic lesions on the body, such as coal tar, anthralin, vitamin D derivatives or retinoids, may be too irritating in the anogenital region. The most useful therapy for treatment of anogenital psoriasis are moderately potent topical corticosteroids and topical tacrolimus or pimecrolimus (1). However, corticosteroid-induced atrophy is possible in intertriginous sites. The Koebner phenomenon isomorphic response is the appearance of new skin lesions on areas of cutaneous injury in otherwise healthy skin (3). About 25% of patients with psoriasis have elicitation of psoriatic lesions by injury to the skin (4). Other than in patients with psoriasis, the Koebner phenomenon can be found in other skin diseases like vitiligo, lichen planus, lichen nitidus, pityriasis rubra pilaris, flat warts, and keratosis follicularis (Darier disease) (5). According to Eyre at al., about 67% patients with psoriasis (4) present with clearing of psoriatic lesions following skin injury (positive "reverse" Koebner reaction) (4). There is no single treatment for genital warts that is 100% effective, and different types of treatment are very often combined. Accepted methods of treatment involve chemical and physical destruction or removal (6). Since psoriasis koebnerizes, any destructive technique may exacerbate the psoriasis. Coexistence of anogenital psoriasis and HPV presents a huge therapeutic problem because a therapy for psoriasis such as corticosteroids can provoke appearance and/or reappearance of HPV infection, while some therapies for anogenital warts, like cryotherapy, curettage, laser ablation, electrosurgery, or surgery can provoke the appearance and/or reappearance of psoriatic infection due to the Koebner phenomenon.

Acne vulgaris is a common chronic skin disorder of the pilosebaceous unit with a wide range of clinical presentations, which depend on the age of onset of acne, sex, family history of acne, and genetic factors, especially the genes affecting keratinization and desquamation. This retrospective study investigated pediatric acne using the patients' past medical history, with patients aged from newborns to 15 years of age. Acne were further stratified by 5 parameters: sex, age, family history, acne type, and localization. Our main aim was to investigate the possible association between selected parameters and the presence or absence of family history of acne. We did not find statistically significant correlation between sex, age of onset, and positive family history of acne. Furthermore, we did not find any association between age of onset and family history according to family members (mother/father/brother or sister). However, we found statistically significant correlation between sex and type of acne. This retrospective analysis of pediatric acne in Croatia did not reveal statistically significant correlation between positive family history and sex, age of onset, and clinical type of acne. In analyzing the correlation between family history and localization of acne, however, we found that the number of patients with acne localized on both the face and trunk and positive family history was statistically significant higher than expected.

Herpes zoster (HZ) is an acute, cutaneous viral infection caused by the reactivation of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) (1). It is a frequent medical condition with an incidence rate of 2-3 cases per 1000 person/years in the general population and 7-10 cases per 1000 person/years after the age of 50 (1,2). Risk factors and triggers for reactivation of HZV have not yet been determined precisely, but are likely to include malignancies, immune deficiencies, solid organ and bone marrow transplant recipients, autoimmune diseases, psychological conditions, emotional stress, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, and other patients receiving immunosuppressive therapies (1,3). A 24-year-old IV drug user presented with grouped clusters of vesicles and erosions on an erythematous, edematous base distributed on the left side of the penile shaft and the left infraumbilical region (Figure 1, a and b), with regional lymphadenopathy. He had prodromal symptoms of pain, dysesthesia and burning a few days prior to the appearance of the skin lesion. The patient reported unprotected sexual contacts a few months before the eruptions. The unilateral distribution was highly suggestive of herpes zoster. A Tzanck smear was performed by obtaining scrapings from the base of a fresh vesicular lesion after it had been unroofed; it showed the characteristic presence of multinucleated giant cells that suggested herpes infection. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of vesicular fluid yielded positive results for VZV. A 7-day course of acyclovir (800 mg 5 times a day) was initiated. The patient reported marked improvement on the second day of antiviral therapy. The course was uncomplicated, and the lesions healed without postherpetic neuralgia. Serologic tests for syphilis (VDRL/RPR and TPHA) and hepatitis C and B serologic tests were negative, but HIV test (enzyme immunoassays (EIA) for HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies were positive, which was later confirmed with Western blot (WB) tests. Because of the positive HIV test, the patient was referred to the Clinic for Infectious Diseases for further treatment. Herpes zoster is painful vesicular skin eruption with unilateral dermatomal involvement, usually with a severe impact on the quality of life in affected patients (1). The risk for developing HZ during a lifetime in patients exposed to VZV infection is 10-30% (4). However, the risk is higher in immunocompromised patients, particularly in cancer patients and HIV-positive patients (1,5,6). HZ is seen approximately 7 times more frequent in patients with HIV infection (5). Reactivated VZV infection may occur at any stage of HIV infection and may be the first clinical evidence of HIV infection. The development of HZ in immunocompromised individuals can be explain by decline in cell-mediated immunity and CD4 count (6). HZ predominantly affects the thoracic region, followed by the head, cervical, and lumbar regions (1). Sacral dermatomes are involved in only up to 2% of cases (1). HZ involving the penis is rarely reported, with only few case reports in the literature (3,7-9). Birch et al. compared VZV and herpes simplex virus (HSV) in specimens obtained from the genital lesions of adults presenting with presumed genital herpes infection (10). They found VZV in nearly 3% of virus-positive genital specimens, which demonstrates that this virus needs to be considered in the differential diagnosis of genital herpetic lesions (10) and that it is possible that genital HZ infection is underdiagnosed. Tzanck smear is a rapid and inexpensive method, but it cannot differentiate VZV from HSV. Genital HZ could be mistaken for zosteriform HSV infection, so a PCR test should be performed to confirm the underlying diagnosis (1). Genital forms of HZ are rare and sometimes clinically difficult to diagnose, especially when the typical zosteriform distribution is lacking; PCR testing is therefore suggested. HZ is considered a possible HIV indicator; an HIV test should therefore be performed. According to our knowledge and literature search, this is the first case report of penile HZ in an HIV-positive patient.

The two most common entities among generally rare but under-diagnosed autoinflammatory bone disorders are chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO) and synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome. Due to their similarities, many authors consider CRMO to be a subtype of SAPHO syndrome. The aim of this study was to compare clinical, laboratory, and imaging features and outcomes of patients with CRMO and SAPHO. The analysis of the data from 6 children with CRMO (four girls and two boys, age 3.5-14 years) and of 6 children (6 boys, age 13.5-17.5 years) with SAPHO syndrome was performed. The initiating symptoms in all patients with CRMO were bone pain with multifocal bone lesions. There were no skin manifestations. Five out of six patients achieved control with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids, while one patient required disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). The initiating symptom in five patients with SAPHO syndrome were severe acne, while in one patient acne occurred two years after the disease onset. Two patients typically developed inflamed sternoclavicular joints and sternum, while the others showed changes affecting other skeletal regions. Three patients achieved control with NSAIDs and corticosteroids, the others required DMARDs and TNFα inhibitors. In comparison with patients with CRMO, patients with SAPHO suffered more frequent and longer lasting exacerbations. In conclusion, CRMO and SAPHO syndrome have an array of common characteristics, but also a number of differences. Nevertheless, further investigation into the etiopathogenesis is required to establish a definite relationship between CRMO and SAPHO.

Microsporum (M.) canis is the most common fungus to cause tinea capitis in Europe, especially in the Mediterranean region and South and Central Europe. Fungal scalp infections caused by M. canis tend to be non-inflammatory. Recently, a growing number of cases of tinea capitis characterized by inflammatory infection caused by M. canis and M. gypseum have been registered. We present a case of highly inflammatory tinea capitis, also known as kerion celsi, caused by M. canis in a 6-year-old-patient. Scalp infections due to M. canis are a growing problem in dermatological practice. Changes in epidemiology, etiology, and clinical patterns of fungal infections due to M. canis are significant. Greater awareness of this problem is needed in order to establish proper diagnosis and successful treatment strategy for these patients.

Tinea incognita is a dermatophytic infection that is difficult to diagnose, usually modified by inappropriate topical or systemic corticosteroid therapy. We report an extensive case of tinea incognita caused by the zoophilic dermatophyte Trichophyton mentagrophytes (var. granulosa) in a 49-year-old female patient with CREST (Calcinosis; Raynaud phenomenon; Esophageal involvement; Sclerodactyly; Teleangiectasia) syndrome. Immunocompromised patients, as well as patients with keratinization disorders, seem to be especially susceptible to dermatophytic infections with atypical clinical presentation that is sometimes bizarre and difficult to recognize. Therefore, close monitoring and mycological skin examination is recommended in order to avoid misdiagnosis and to give the patient the best chance of recovery.

Mycoplasma genitalium is considered the smallest self-replicating cell. It was first isolated in 1981, from 2 of 13 men with urethritis. Mycoplasma genitalium causes urethritis, cervicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease. Because of difficulties in cultivation, the diagnosis is based exclusively on PCR methodology. The recommended therapy for Mycoplasma genitalium infections is azithromycin or doxycycline. Development of macrolide resistance was shown to correlate with treatment failure.

Epidermolysis bullosa is a group of inherited diseases that are characterized by skin and mucosal fragility and blister formation. A wide variety of extracutaneous manifestations can develop as well as various complications of the disease such as severe anemia, growth retardation, esophageal stenosis, mutilating deformities of hands and feet, glomerulonephritis leading to chronic renal failure, and many others. One of the most important and often occurring complications is the development of cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas that grow and metastasize quickly. The objective of this paper is to give dermatologists a review of major complications encountered in patients with epidermolysis bullosa. Since these complications occur so often and can be considered to be part of the clinical picture, it is mandatory to develop a multidisciplinary well-educated team involved in follow-up and treatment of these patients.

Fungal infections involving the skin, hair and nails represent one of the most common mucocutaneous infections. Significant changes in the epidemiology, etiology and clinical pattern of mycotic infections have been observed during the last years. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the incidence and the etiologic factors of superficial fungal infections in Zagreb area, Croatia, over a 10-year period (1999-2008). A total of 75828 samples obtained from 67 983 patients were analyzed. Dermatomycosis was verified by culture in 17410 (23%) samples obtained from 16086 patients. Female patients were more commonly affected than male (59% vs. 41%). Dermatophytes were responsible for 63% of all superficial fungal infections, followed by yeasts (36%) and molds (1%). Trichophyton (T.) mentagrophytes (both var. interdigitalis and var. granulosa) was the most frequent dermatophyte isolated in 58% of all samples, followed by Microsporum (M). canis (29%) and T. rubrum (10%). The most common clinical forms of dermatomycosis were onychomycosis (41%), tinea corporis (17%) and tinea pedis (12%). Candida spp. was mainly isolated from fingernail debris.

Acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy (AHEI) is a benign form of leukocytoclastic vasculitis that typically affects children between 4 and 24 months of age. The etiology remains unknown. The potential triggers of AHEI include preceding bacterial or viral infections, immunizations and drugs. The onset of AHEI is often dramatic with petechiae, ecchymoses, and annular, nummular or targetoid purpuric lesions usually appearing on the extremities, face, or ears. We report on a case of AHEI that occurred after upper respiratory tract infection.

Psoriasis is a common disease in children and adolescents. Because of the chronic course of the disease, appropriate choice of therapy in particular stage of the disease, so-called rotation therapy, is of paramount importance. This article provides a review of therapeutic options for childhood psoriasis. Local therapy for psoriasis in children consists of corticosteroid preparations, calcipotriol, tars and dithranol, local retinoids, and local immunomodulators. Phototherapy (narrow band UVB, photochemotherapy PUVA baths) is now a part of psoriasis therapy in children. Systemic therapy retinoids (acitretin) methotrexate, cyclosporine is only used in severe forms of the disease such as erythrodermic, pustular and arthritic psoriasis. All these therapeutic options can be used as monotherapy or in various combinations.

The term "tinea incognita" refers to diverse clinical presentation of mycotic infections modified by inappropriate use of topical or systemic corticosteroids. A 67-year-old male patient with a five-year history of generalized erythematous plaques on the trunk and extremities, previously treated with topical corticosteroids, is described. The lesions mainly showed a psoriasiform, some eczematous appearance, few of them showing a clinical picture of folliculitis. The native mycologic specimen was negative. The diagnosis was made on the basis of mycologic culture finding of Trichophyton interdigitale growth. Systemic and topical antimycotic therapy administered for two months resulted in complete regression of skin lesions.

Balanitis circumscripta plasmacellularis or Zoon's balanitis is an idiopathic, benign condition of the genitalia that mostly presents as a solitary, persistent plaque on the glans of primarily uncircumcised, middle-aged to older men. Its etiology and pathogenesis remains speculative. This article provides an overview of the clinical morphology, microscopic features, differential diagnosis and therapy. Particular attention is paid to histopathologic features. Besides, a case is presented of an uncircumcised man with clinical and histologic features of balanitis circumscripta plasmacellularis who was successfully cured by circumcision. The distinction of this lesion from similar lesions is rather important, and a large group of disorders such as premalignant, infective and other inflammatory penile diseases should be definitely taken into consideration on the differential diagnosis. It seems that circumcision might be the current 'gold standard' for treatment of this disorder.