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Introduction: Spitz nevus is an uncommon, benign melanocytic proliferation that primarily appears on face, trunk or lower extremities of children. This lesion may share clinical and microscopical characteristics with melanoma, making it a diagnostic and management challenge. Case Report: A 13-year old male presented with an asymptomatic chronic dermatosis located on the third left-hand nail. Cutaneous examination revealed a homogeneous dark brown melanonychia which extended up to the cuticle. Upon dermoscopy, longitudinal bands measuring less than 3 mm wide of heterogeneous colors ranging from light to dark brown, and positive Hutchinson’s sign were observed. Discussion/Conclusion: We report the second case of a Spitz nevus ungually localized which strongly resembled an ungual melanoma with a positive Hutchinson’s sign upon dermoscopy. Describing the infrequent presentation and location of the Spitz nevus poses an opportunity to establish diagnostic and management criteria in the near future.

Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare, neutrophil-mediated, auto-inflammatory dermatosis that wound care specialists must be prepared to recognise. This condition has clinical features analogous to infectious processes. There is no specific diagnostic test and the diagnosis is usually obtained from exclusion. Its early recognition and proper management with prompt initiation of immunosuppressive therapy are essential to improve the quality of life and the prognosis of patients.

Purpose of review. Inflammatory tinea is an uncommon group of dermatophyte entities that predominantly cause fungal infection of the skin and hair. This review intends to present all of the available evidence regarding its epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, clinical features, and diagnostic methods as well as treatments recommended for various inflammatory tinea infections. This article provides a review of Majocchi’s granuloma and dermatophytic or Hadida’s disease. Recent findings. The new phylogenetic classification of dermatophytes includes nine genera, and those that affect humans are Trichophyton, Microsporum, Epidermophyton, and Nannizzia. Furthermore, molecular advancements have revealed impaired antifungal immune responses caused by inflammatory tinea, which are detailed in this article. Summary. The common denominator in these pathologies is the presence of impaired immune responses and, consequently, an impaired inflammatory response by the host. It is necessary to be familiar with these immunological characteristics in order to use the appropriate diagnostic methods and to provide adequate treatment.

Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is a rare and aggressive malignancy of the skin and hematopoietic system. There are few pediatric cases reported in the literature. Management of primary cutaneous BPDCN is challenging because, despite an apparently indolent clinical presentation, rapid dissemination with high mortality can occur. We describe a child with isolated cutaneous involvement who had a good response to chemotherapy as first-line treatment of BPDCN.

Pityriasis versicolor (PV) is a superficial mycosis that it can occur at any age, even in newborns. In this review, we will describe epidemiological data, mycological characteristics of yeast, pathogenesis and clinical characteristics of the disease, different diagnostic resources, and the current recommendations for treatment. The typical morphology and topography of PV allow us to make a quick diagnosis, but atypical presentations have been described. Diagnostic tools, such as dermoscopy, can also reveal patterns that allow the evaluation of characteristics of scales and pigment in lesions. The discovery of new species and new mechanisms of interaction with the host has broadened the panorama of aetiological possibilities. Although PV is a common disorder, extensive research is necessary to better understand the pathophysiology of the disease, immunological characteristics of the pathogen-host relationship and resources needed to precisely diagnose the disease, treat the disease, and avoid its chronic and recurrent course.

We present the case of an HIV-positive patient who developed polymorphous lesions in which the evidence in the skin biopsy corresponds to the diagnosis of bacillary angiomatosis, and further tests proved the pathological agent involved in this case is not the usual Bartonella species, B. henselae and B. quintana, but B. elizabethae. As far as we know, this is the first case of bacillary angiomatosis secondary to this etiological agent.

The onycholemmal horn is an exceedingly rare subungual tumor characterized by trichilemmal-like keratinization pattern. The only previous instance of onycholemmal horn dates back to 1983 when Haneke reported a keratotic subungual tumor clinically and histologically comparable to a trichilemmal horn. No other case of this condition has been reported so far. We present the case of a 72-year-old female patient, with a history of a slowly growing tumor originating from the nail bed epithelium of the left thumb. The lesion was surgically removed, and pathological examination was consistent with the diagnosis of an onycholemmal horn. Additionally, this study aims to elucidate the correlation between the onycholemmal and trichilemmal keratinization.

Introduction Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED) is a genetic condition typified by alterations in skin structures including sweat glands, hair, nails, and teeth. Hair findings in HED have been poorly characterized in larger series. Objective To characterize scalp and hair findings of patients with HED clinically and with trichoscopy and light microscopy. Methods A cross-sectional study in 21 pediatric HED patients was performed using available clinical and scalp dermatoscopic images, as well as pulled-hair samples for clinical evaluation, trichoscopic, and light microscopic analyses. Results Seventeen out of 21 patients (81%) were men. Twenty patients had straight hair. Sixteen patients had decreased hair density, 6 of whom had hair loss mainly in the temporal and occipital regions. Fourteen patients had hair whorls. On trichoscopy, we observed: single-hair follicular units (n = 19, 90%), scalp hyperpigmentation (n = 13, 62%), variable diameter of the hair shafts (n = 12, 57%), perifollicular scales (n = 8, 38%), scalp erythema (n = 8, 38%), and short curly pigtail hairs (n = 6, 29%). On light microscopy, findings included: hair shafts with irregular diameter (n = 7, 33%), heterogeneous hair color (n = 6, 29%), trichoptilosis (n = 2, 10%), and pili torti (n = 1, 5%). Conclusions In this series, hair findings in HED were similar to those described in previous studies. However, we describe two new clinical and two trichoscopic findings: decreased hair density mainly in the temporal and occipital regions, oblique upwards occipital hair follicles orientation, angled hairs, and short curly pigtail hairs. These heterogeneous findings may reflect the multiple factors and signaling pathways that can be affected in these syndromes.

Introduction: Onychomycosis is a frequent chronic nail infection, with a worldwide prevalence of 5.5% making it the most common nail disease, and its incidence increases with age. Clinically, it causes discoloration and thickening of the nail plate and may be accompanied by onycholysis. However, little is known of the subclinical infection. Methods: We studied adult male and female outpatients auto-referred as healthy and that had healthy appearing toenails. Nail distal clippings were obtained from the right first toenail. This sample was stained with PAS and observed by an expert dermatopathologist searching for fungal structures. Results: A total of 32 samples were included: 8 from men (25%) and 24 from women (75%), with ages ranging from 27 to 66 years (mean age of 43 years). Twenty-four patients did not present any histopathological finding suggestive of infection (75%), while 7 patients had a single finding (spores or hyphae) (21.8%), and 1 patient had both findings (3.12%). Discussion/Conclusion: We found 4 patients with yeasts, 3 with hyphae, and 1 patient with a combined infection with both yeasts and hyphae (3.1%). These add up to 25% of the clinically apparent healthy nails. Our results show that we still have much to learn from the initial stages of onychomycosis and that our population probably has higher incidence of this nail disease, so we must be alert to subtle nail changes. As our participants signed an informed consent, we will contact those that resulted positive for follow up consultations.

Griscelli syndrome type 2 (GS2) features silvery-grey hair, bronzed skin and immunodeficiency.1 The only curative treatment for GS2 is haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) which corrects the immune and haematologic defects with persistence of oculocutaneous abnormalities.

Introduction Craniosynostosis and clavicular hypoplasia, delayed closure of the fontanelle, cranial defects, anal and genitourinary abnormalities, and skin (CDAGS), is an infrequent autosomal recessive entity with only 10 cases reported; no associated gene has been identified so far. Case Report The proband is a 2-year-old Mexican female with brachycephaly, cleft palate, anal malformation with rectovestibular fistula, and clinodactyly of the third toe overlapping the second. At 4 months of age, she developed a disseminated dermatosis with erythematous scaly nummular plaques, elevated keratotic sharp borders with thin to broad flaking, hematic crusts, and keratotic surface in others. The lesions were slightly pruritic and began at the lower limbs with posterior dissemination to the upper limbs, head, and trunk; palms and soles were unaffected. A skin biopsy showed hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis, acanthosis, and perivascular inflammatory infiltration in the upper reticular dermis among other alterations. She also presented mild bilateral neurosensory hypoacusia and enamel dysplasia. Her karyotype was normal. Treatment with topical hydrating creams partially improved the skin lesions at their center, while the sharply keratotic borders remained, giving a clinical resemblance to porokeratosis. Discussion The patient suffers from CDAGS syndrome but has normal development, and feet abnormality was described in only one other patient. The treatment with topical hydrating creams improved the skin lesions at their center, while porokeratotic characteristics persisted. CDAGS remains a diagnostic challenge; a comparison with previously reported cases is discussed. The timely detection of the syndrome will allow early treatment that may improve the condition of the patients.

Foreign modelling agent reactions (FMAR) are the result of the injection of unapproved high-viscosity fluids with the purpose of cosmetic body modelling. Its consequences lead to ulceration, disfigurement and even death, and it has reached epidemic proportions in several regions of the world. We describe a series of patients treated for FMARs in a specialised wound care centre and a thorough review of the literature. A retrospective chart review was performed from January 1999 to September 2015 of patients who had been injected with non-medical foreign agents and who developed cutaneous ulceration needing treatment at the dermatology wound care centre. This study involved 23 patients whose ages ranged from 22 to 67 years with higher proportion of women and homosexual men. The most commonly injected sites were the buttocks (38·5%), legs (18%), thighs (15·4%) and breasts (11·8%). Mineral oil (39%) and other unknown substances (30·4%) were the most commonly injected. The latency period ranged from 1 week to 17 years. Complications included several skin changes such as sclerosis and ulceration as well as systemic complications. FMAR is a severe syndrome that may lead to deadly complications, and is still very common in Latin America.

espanolIntroduccion: Las discrasias linfoides epiteliotropicas de celulas T son un grupo de dermatosis inflamatorias poco frecuentes que pueden progresar a linfomas cutaneos. El tratamiento con radiacion ultravioleta ha sido descrito como seguro y eficaz. Objetivo: Describir la respuesta al tratamiento, sus efectos secundarios y complicaciones. Metodo: Se administro radiacion ultravioleta A con psoralenos (PUVA) a dos pacientes y radiacion ultravioleta B de banda estrecha (NB-UVB) a nueve pacien- tes, con diferentes discrasias. Resultados: Conformaron la serie siete mujeres y cuatro hombres, con edades de 5 a 30 anos y con fototipos III y IV, con diagnostico de discrasia linfoide epiteliotropica hipopigmentada, pitiriasis liquenoide cronica, pa- rapsoriasis hipopigmentada y purpura pigmentada. Dos recibieron PUVA y nueve recibieron NB-UVB. Ocho alcanzaron res- puesta completa y tres respuesta parcial con 10 a 119 sesiones de tratamiento. Ningun paciente presento reactivacion de la enfermedad despues de 34 a 247 sesiones, y ninguno en tratamiento o seguimiento evoluciono a linfoma cutaneo. Los efectos secundarios fueron xerosis y prurito. Conclusion: El tratamiento de las discrasias linfoides con radiacion ultravioleta es eficaz y seguro, con efectos secundarios leves y con respuestas exitosas en la mayoria de los pacientes, en tiempo y numero de sesiones variables. EnglishIntroduction: T-cell lymphoid dyscrasia is a group of different, infrequent, epitheliotropic inflammatory dermatosis that prece- de cutaneous T-cell lymphomas. Treatment with ultraviolet radiation is safe and efficacious. Objective: To describe responses to treatment, secondary effects and complications. Method: Eleven patients with different T-cell lymphoid dyscrasias were treated. Two received psoralens plus ultraviolet A radiation (PUVA) and nine narrow band ultraviolet B radiation (NB-UVB). Results: Seven women and four men from 5 to 30 years-old and phototypes III and IV were included. They had hypopigmen- ted epitheliotropic lymphoid dyscrasia, chronic pityriasis lichenoides, hypopigmented parapsoriasis and pigmented purpuric dermatoses. Two received PUVA and 9 NB-UVB. Eight achieved complete response and three partial response with 10 to 119 sessions. Any patient presented neither relapse nor progression to cutaneous T-cell lymphoma during treatment or in the follow up period after 34 to 247 sessions. Secondary effects were xerosis and mild pruritus. Conclusions: The majority of patients with T-cell lymphoid dyscrasias can be successfully and safely treated with minimal secondary effects after a variable number of sessions and periods of time with ultraviolet radiation.

Background Hypopigmented dermatoses, more evident in dark-skinned people, are a frequent cause of consultation. Their etiology includes a wide range of dermatoses, from benign to malignant diseases. The clinical presentation appears very similar between them, making the correct diagnoses and management a challenge. Methodology Clinical records and histopathological biopsies were identified and compared in patients of the "Dr. Manuel Gea Gonzalez" General Hospital throughout a 16-year period with the presumptive diagnosis of hypopigmented epitheliotropic T-cell dyscrasia (HTCD) or hypopigmented mycosis fungoides (HMF). Immunostaining analysis was performed in each specimen, the panel of antibodies used was: CD3, CD4, CD7, CD8, CD20, and CD62L. Results Thirty cases of 81 patients found in the registries were included in this study. The main age group was formed by children younger than 15 years old. The main clinical differences between both entities were gender, presence of plaques, and neck lesions. The most significant histopathological parameters used to differentiate both diagnoses were: severity of lymphocytic infiltration, the extent of epidermotropism, folliculotropism, presence of Pautrier's microabscesses, lymphocytes with cerebriform nuclei, and dermal fibroplasia. No immunohistochemical differences were found between them. Conclusion The clinical distinction between HTCD and HMF continues to be a challenge, therefore an extensive clinicopathological correlation must be performed. AbCD7 and AbCD62L were not useful to differentiate both dermatoses. This paper suggests that HTCD and HMF should be considered as the beginning and the end of the same clinical spectrum.

Background: Onychomycosis is one of the most common nail diseases and constitutes up to 50% of all nail conditions. It is a chronic fungal nail infection common in the HIV-infected population. Few studies have found fungal organisms in the nail without clinical evidence, and thus, termed subclinical onychomycosis. Objectives: We analyzed the nails of the HIV population in our hospital, searching for subclinical onychomycosis. Method: A distal nail clipping was stained with PAS and observed by a trained dermatopathologist. Results: All of our samples (n = 48) turned out to be negative for fungal structures. Conclusions: The epidemiology of onychomycosis is changing, treatment options are much better now, and diagnosis and infection detection are being done earlier. Therefore, we will continue to further study this disease in other patient populations so that we can compare our results and see whether the incidence of onychomycosis in the HIV population is now similar to that in those without HIV infection of the same age.

Introduction: There are no reports of the density of hair follicles in the scalp of Mexican mestizo population, necessitating the determination of normal references values for this population compared with other ethnic groups. Objective: To determine the average hair follicle count on the scalp in Mexican mestizo population. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 scalp samples (25 men and 25 women) from Mexican mestizo individuals aged between 19 and 60 years, with no clinical evidence of hair disease, obtained by biopsy punch at General Hospital “Dr. Manuel Gea González” were collected over 2 years. The total follicular density, vellus and terminal hair follicles, and the percentage in anagen and catagen-telogen phase were measured. χ2 was used as the basic statistical test. Results: The mean number of total hair follicles in our Mexican mestizo population was 23.2 ± 4.2, which is lower compared with Thais, Iranians, and Caucasians. However, the ratio of terminal and vellus hair follicles was higher than in Thais, Caucasians, and African-Americans. The percentage of terminal hairs in anagen phase was lower than in the other populations, and higher in telogen, without exceeding 15%, established as the normal reference value. There was an association between sex and terminal hairs in telogen phase (p < 0.05). The average follicular density per mm2 was slightly higher compared with African-Americans and Asians. Women had more terminal hairs than men. Conclusions: The density of total follicles is lower in the Mexican mestizo population compared with Iranians, Thais, and Caucasians. However, the greater number of terminal hairs compared to vellus hairs gives the appearance of greater overall volume. The results of this study can be used as a reference for diseases of the scalp in the Mexican population.

Subungual melanoma represents 20% of all melanomas in Hispanic population. Here, we report the outcome of 15 patients with in situ subungual melanoma treated with resection of the nail unit with a 5-mm margin without amputation, followed up for 55.93 ± 43.08 months. The most common complications included inclusion cysts and nail spicules. We found no evidence of local or distant recurrences at the last visit of our follow up. Functional outcome was good, with only one patient reporting persistent mild pain. These results support functional, non-amputative surgical management of in situ subungual melanomas.

Myopericytoma is a soft-tissue tumor of perivascular cells (pericytes). It is slow-growing, usually asymptomatic, and generally benign, although a malignant variant has been described. The etiology is unknown, but it has been associated with local trauma. The most common location is on the distal extremities. Histologically, it is characterized by a well-circumscribed, non-encapsulated proliferation of spindle shaped cells similar to myofibroblasts with oval nuclei and eosinophilic cytoplasm, arranged in perivascular concentric rings. There are few mitoses and no necrosis is reported. The immunohistochemical analysis is positive for smooth muscle actin and negative or weakly positive for desmin. A low Ki-67 proliferation index is typical. Treatment is surgical excision with free margins. Recurrences after adequate excision are uncommon. We describe a 48-year-old woman with a myopericytoma in an unusual location (next to the inner corner of her left eye) who was treated with surgical excision; there has been no recurrence after 5 years of follow up.

Transient reactive aquagenic pseudokeratoderma is characterized by transient whitish and translucent papules after water exposure in palms and soles. We report 5 additional cases and their histopathologic features. Patient 5 showed a topography that had not been reported before; this demonstrates that it is not an exclusive condition of palms and soles. Patient 2 presents very subtle clinical findings, making difficult the diagnosis. And the other 3 patients have a typical presentation. Transient reactive aquagenic pseudokeratoderma has heterogeneous clinical features; in some cases, histopathologic findings, although subtle, help to confirm the diagnosis.

Background Progressive hemifacial atrophy or Parry–Romberg Syndrome (PRS) is a rare, acquired, progressive dysplasia of subcutaneous tissue and bone characterized by unilateral facial involvement. Its etiology is unknown, but theories about its pathogenesis include infectious, degenerative, autoimmune, and traumatic causes among others. The causal relationship of PRS and linear morphea en coup de sabre (LMCS) with Borrelia burgdorferi infection remains controversial. Our goal was to serologically determine anti-B. burgdorferi antibodies in patients diagnosed with PRS and LMCS to establish a possible association as a causative agent. Methods We conducted a serology study with patients belonging to a group of 21 individuals diagnosed with PRS, six with LMCS, and 21 matched controls. Anti-Borrelia IgG antibodies were determined by ELISA. A descriptive statistical analysis and Fischer's exact test were done. Results In serological tests, only two cases had borderline values and were further analyzed by Western blot with non-confirmatory results. For both the PRS and LMCS group, the association test was not significant, suggesting a lack of association between PRS or LMCS and the presence of anti-Borrelia antibodies. Conclusion In Mexico there are no previous studies on Borrelia infection and its relationship between PRS or LMCS. Our result showed a lack of association of either clinical entities with anti-Borrelia-antibodies. Former reports of this association may suggest coincidental findings without causal relationship.

The porokeratoses are characterized by the formation of cornoid lamellae. Porokeratosis ptychotropica (PP), is a rare form first described by Lucker, where the dyskeratotic skin changes are mainly located around the gluteal cleft or genital area (1, 2). A 56-year-old man presented with mildly pruritic symmetrical hyperkeratotic brown plaques with subtle fine scaling, and smaller satellite plaques, affecting both buttocks, and partially the intergluteal cleft. (Figure 1 a) The plaque began a year before on the right buttock, and a second plaque followed on the left. Treatment with emollients, antifungals, and topical steroids was unsuccessful. He was otherwise healthy. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Fungal leuconychia defines the clinical manifestations of white changes in onychomycosis. This uncommon clinical aspect is mostly seen, although not exclusively, in immunosuppressed patients. The principal isolated organism is Trichophyton spp. but the entity can also be caused by non-dermatophyte moulds. The mechanism of infection is unclear; it could be acquired through the proximal nail fold, or, as more recently proposed, may be secondary to lymphatic or vascular dissemination. To analyse the clinical, mycological and histopathological features of fungal leuconychia, we included 10 patients with the clinical diagnosis of fungal leuconychia. Direct examination of culture and nail plate biopsy were performed. Nine patients had confirmed fungal leuconychia. Four had a positive culture and all had positive haematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) stains for fungal elements with varying degrees of nail plate invasion. Seven of our patients were immunosuppressed and the isolated aetiological agents are the same as previously reported. The direct examination is reliable, fast and inexpensive to establish the diagnosis. The correlation of onychomycosis with histology, stained with H&E and PAS was 100%. We think that the site of nail plate invasion provides more information to support the theory that the infection reaches the ungual apparatus through systemic dissemination.

Acral melanoma is the most frequent subtype in the Asian and Mexican mestizo populations. Dermoscopy is a noninvasive diagnostic technique that helps the differential diagnosis of pigmented skin lesions on acral volar skin. We, herein, present a case of acral congenital melanocytic nevus with a parallel ridge dermoscopic pattern. Since the parallel ridge pattern in a melanocytic lesion of the acral skin is classically ascribed to melanoma, the present case can be definitely labeled as "atypical" and worth of being elucidated in its histopathological correlates.

Summary Human histoplasmosis is caused by the dimorphic fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. This infection can run asymptomatic or be life-threatening, depending fundamentally on the host's immune status. Immunocompromised patients can present disseminated disease to the skin, making the biopsy an accessible approach. The current diagnosis gold standard is fungal culture which takes several days or weeks to grow and must be handled in a biosafe laboratory which is avoided if we use the technique here described. We propose the use of molecular biology for diagnosis confirmation, considering it can shorten diagnosis lapse, has good specificity and sensitivity and reduces the risk of infection for the medical and laboratory personnel. Seven paraffin-embedded skin biopsy samples were included from patients with confirmed HIV and histoplasmosis diagnosis. Total DNA was isolated and molecular typing of H. capsulatum var. capsulatum. All samples were positive. This is a safe and accurate method for skin histoplasmosis diagnosis.

Infundibulocystic basal cell carcinoma is a rare variant. It was first described in 1987 and proposed as a new basal cell carcinoma (BCC) subtype by Ackerman and Walsh in 1990. Dermoscopy is a noninvasive diagnostic technique that allows prompt identification of many types of BCC. However, dermoscopic findings for the infundibulocystic variant have not been reported. In our patient the dermoscopic findings were maple leaf-like areas in the periphery of the tumor, multiple scattered blue-gray dots and globules, short, fine telangiectasia and chrysalis or white-shiny streaks. All these structures had an underlying anatomopathological correlation. Conclusion: According to our case report, dermoscopy findings may aid to clearly diagnose this unusual BCC variant with proper histopathological correlation.

Background: Most patients with oral mucosal melanoma have had a mucosal hyper pigmented area for months or even years before the diagnosis, it is important to consider the differential diagnosis of mucosal melanoma, which in many cases is a difficult diagnosis and because of the aggressive biological behavior of mucosal melanoma it is important to do a quick diagnosis. Main observation: A 40-year-old Mexican male patient, presented with a lesion on the lower right half of the lip covering almost the entire vermillion border, 1 mm below the white roll. The lesion was a 1.5 x 4 cm pigmented macule with asymmetric and irregular borders and colors. Dermoscopy showed a multi component pattern. An incision biopsy was performed under the impression of mucosal melanoma. The pathologic report described a Clark I vermillion edge mucosal melanoma in situ. Conclusions: This case had confounding clinical signs that could have misguided the clinician. But dermoscopy proved to be useful when suspecting a malignant lesion, which prompted a biopsy and a correct diagnosis. ( J Dermatol Case Rep. 2012; 6(1): 1-4)

Cellular neurothekeomas are relative uncommon benign dermal tumors of uncertain histogenesis. Most commonly they arise as a solitary papule or nodule on the head and neck or upper trunk of young adults with a slight female predominance. There has been only 1 previous report of multiple neurothekeomas. The patient described herein was a 16-year-old otherwise healthy boy who presented with approximately 30 facial papules that arose over the course of 6 months and progressively enlarged. Histologically, all lesions were composed of spindled to epithelioid cells, but varied in the degree of cellularity and dermal sclerosis. Immunohistochemical staining showed that the cells of interest expressed S100A6, vimentin, CD63 (NKI/C3), PGP 9.5, and factor XIIIa and were negative for CD68, glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP), S-100, HMB-45, epithelial membrane antigen, actin, and CD57 consistent with a diagnosis of multiple desmoplastic cellular neurothekeomas.

Pigmented tumors have similar clinical features that overlap and hamper diagnosis. Dermoscopy increases the diagnostic accuracy of doubtful melanocytic lesions and has been used as a noninvasive tool in the detection of pigmented lesions (PLs) like melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and pigmented Bowen's disease (pBD). Our objective was to show the dermoscopic features of 2 cases of pBD and compare with the findings reported in the literature. Two dermoscopic images of biopsy proven pBD were retrospectively analyzed for dermoscopic patterns. Both cases showed brown regular globules, structureless brown and blue pigmentation, glomerular vessels, hypopigmented regression-like areas, and keratosis. These findings were similar to the cases reported previously. The dermoscopic diagnosis of pBD is based on the absence of criteria for a melanocytic lesion in the presence of glomerular vessels, regular brown globules and keratosis. Although pBD is rare, it should be included in the differential diagnosis of PLs, especially melanoma.

Chronic wounds are a major health care problem worldwide. Wound healing is a holistic endeavour that requires an accurate identification of the specific entities interfering with wound healing in a particular patient. We present a case of fixed sporotrichosis as the cause of a chronic ulcer in the knee. Although a culture of Sporothrix schenckii could not be obtained, a positive response to the sporotrichin skin test, a skin biopsy showed a suppurative granuloma and an adequate response to oral administration of potassium iodide confirmed the diagnosis. The identification and correction of the underlying aetiology of any chronic wound is the first and most important step to restore wound healing.

Objective Longitudinal melanonychia (LM) is a common dermatologic problem encountered in everyday practice. Its diagnostic approach is critical as it can be an early sign of nail melanoma. Racial melanonychia is the entity most frequently associated with LM. Because there are no clinical data regarding these associations in a Mexican population, we conducted a prospective study. Methods A total of 68 consecutive patients given the clinical diagnosis of LM were included and a nail biopsy was performed to determine its cause. Results Racial melanonychia was found in 48 cases (68%), 4 cases (5.7%) were associated with benign melanocytic hyperplasia, and 4 cases (5.7%) had a nail apparatus malignancy. Limitations Dermatoscopy and immunohistochemical stains were not used. Incisional transverse nail matrix biopsies were performed when melanonychia affected the middle portion of the nail plate. Conclusion LM is most commonly associated with racial melanonychia in the Mexican population, but in nearly 6% of cases it may be linked with nail apparatus malignancy. To our knowledge, this is the first time a study of this nature was performed in a mestizo Hispanic population.

Introduction A relatively novel application for dermoscopy is its use in the monitoring of topical treatment response for non-melanoma skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most frequent type of skin cancer in humans. Surgical excision is still considered the “gold-standard” of treatment. However, a number of topical therapies are now available for the treatment of different types of basal cell carcinoma. Case Report This case report exemplifies the usefulness of dermoscopy in the monitoring of residual disease after incomplete surgical excision and also in the monitoring of topical treatment response. Imiquimod 5% cream acts as a topical immune response modifier promoting a Th-1 immune response enhancing the removal of neoplastic cells and has proven to reduce deregulated Hedgehog (HH)/GLI signal strength independent of Toll-like receptor signaling, which makes it a valuable adjuvant topical therapy for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma. Conclusion Imiquimod 5% cream is a valuable adjuvant therapy for the treatment of incompletely excised BCC. This case report adds further evidence to the usefulness of dermoscopy in the assessment and monitoring of treatment outcome. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s13555-015-0088-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.