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Background: Pyogenic granuloma (PG) is a benign vascular tumor that can be treated by cautery (chemical or thermal), laser, excision, curettage, sclerotherapy, and cryotherapy. Topical timolol is emerging as a non-invasive modality for the treatment of PGs., Methods: We recruited a series of 10 patients with PG, who received treatment with 0.5% timolol maleate ophthalmic solution applied 4 times a day, 2 drops per dose. No other medication, topical or systemic, was given. Pulse rate, blood pressure, and blood glucose were monitored at baseline and weekly thereafter for the duration of treatment. ECG was done at baseline. The efficacy of the treatment was evaluated by considering a complete response, a partial response, and no response., Results: Of 10 patients, four showed complete response within 3-24 days, with no recurrence at 3-month follow-up. Three patients each showed partial or no response. No local or systemic side effects were reported in any of the patients., Conclusions: The response of PGs to β blockers seems to be variable. Although topical timolol has the advantage of minimal adverse events, ease of administration, and better cosmetic outcomes, it's efficacy in PG may not be universal unlike in infantile hemangiomas. Topical timolol may be a treatment option in young children, incapacitated elderly, and over delicate areas like face, nails, and gums where invasive modalities are not desirable., (© 2016 The International Society of Dermatology.)

Angiosarcoma (AS) is a rare malignant tumor of vascular or lymphatic epithelium, typically presenting as a bruise-like patch over the face or scalp in the seventh–ninth decades. Here, we report a case of cutaneous AS (cAS) in a 51-year-old male patient who presented with a cauliflower-like growth in the groin with skin-colored shiny flat-topped satellite papules in the surrounding areas, some of which were umbilicated. Based on examination, the patient was considered retro positive and the following differentials were considered: Buschke–Lowenstein tumor with giant molluscum, Kaposi sarcoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Histopathological examination suggested the diagnosis as AS, which was confirmed by immunohistochemistry that was positive for CD31 and CD34. The report highlights the unusual site and clinical presentation of cAS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skin is a dynamic interface between the external environment and internal organs. It has high turnover that allows the renewal of dead skin cells, thus maintaining a healthy skin homeostasis. Mitochondria fulfills all the energy needs for these cells. In addition, mitochondria are an active source of free radicals that have been determined as crucially important in skin health and disease. The common notion of limited role of mitochondria as merely the cellular powerhouse has drastically changed. Several extracellular stressors have proved to induce impairment in the dynamic properties of mitochondria such as fusion and fission, which further leads to an activation of selective autophagic response known as mitophagy. Altered mitochondrial dynamics have been lately associated with skin photodamage and cutaneous manifestations of several diseased states, thereby suggesting it to be an effective therapeutic target. This review summarizes the molecular mechanisms involved with impaired mitochondrial dynamics and its potential role in skin health and disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Lepra reaction in histoid leprosy (HL) is rare; there are few reports of type 2 lepra reaction in HL. We report a 42-year-old woman with HL in type 1 lepra reaction after 10 weeks of multibacillary multi-drug therapy (MBMDT). Case report A 42-year-old woman presented with asymptomatic multiple papules, plaques, and nodules over the face, trunk, and extremities and no history of prior treatment with anti-leprosy drugs. A biopsy of a skin nodule on the forearm revealed spindle-shaped, nonvacuolated histiocytes in a whorled pattern with abundant acid-fast bacilli (AFB). The patient was diagnosed with HL and started on MBMDT. Ten weeks later, she developed pruritic, painful, erythematous, and edematous papules, plaques, and nodules over the face, trunk, and extremities, without constitutional symptoms. Histopathology revealed an atrophic epidermis, preserved grenz zone, and papillary dermal edema. Elongated AFB were visible on Fite's stain. The MBMDT was continued, along with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs and antihistamines, but pruritus, pain, erythema, and edema persisted, and new skin lesions appeared. The patient was started on prednisolone at 0.75 mg/kg body weight/day. Prednisolone resulted in symptomatic relief and the healing of ulcerated papules within four weeks. Treatment was tapered and stopped after 20 weeks. Conclusions Histoid leprosy is considered a variant of lepromatous leprosy, which rarely involves a lepra reaction. Pruritus and ulceration of skin lesions as manifestations of type 1 lepra reaction in HL have not been reported previously. These symptoms manifested after 10 weeks of MBMDT and responded well to oral prednisolone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A wide prevalence of socio‑religious and cultural practices in the Asian subcontinent often leads to multitude of skin diseases which may be missed by the dermatologists because of a lack of awareness. ‘Henna’ use causes IgE‑mediated hypersensitivity reactions and contact dermatitis. ‘Kumkum' application can result in pigmented contact dermatitis and lichen planus pigmentosus. Sticker ‘bindis' and ‘alta’ induce contact leukoderma. Irritant and allergic contact dermatitis occurs after playing with ‘Holi' colors. Threading and drawstring dermatitis lead to koebnerization of pre‑existing dermatoses, infections and even squamous cell carcinoma of skin. Mild irritant reactions and contact sensitization occur secondary to balm and hair oil use. ‘Mudichood' represents the comedogenic effect of hair oils combined with occlusion and humidity. Aromatherapy oils can cause contact dermatitis and photosensitive reactions. Heavy metal and steroid toxicity along with severe cutaneous adverse effects like erythroderma can occur as a consequent to the use of alternative medicines. Squamous cell carcinoma due to chronic heat exposure from the heating device “kangri” is seen in Kashmiris. Prayer nodules in Muslims and traction alopecia in Sikhs illustrate how religious practices can negatively affect the skin. With increasing globalization and migration, the practice of indigenous customs and traditions is no longer limited to regional territories, making it imperative for the dermatologists to be acquainted with the cutaneous side effects they can cause. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented on the effectiveness of isotretinoin drug for treatment of keratosis follicularis spinulosa decalvans skin disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acrodermatitis enteropathica is an autosomal recessive inherited disorder of zinc absorption. Acquired cases are reported occasionally in patients with eating disorders or Crohn's disease. We report a 24-year-old housewife with acquired isolated severe zinc deficiency with no other comorbidities to highlight the rare occurrence of isolated nutritional zinc deficiency in an otherwise normal patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]