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Reflectance confocal microscopy examination showed a honeycombed pattern of keratinocytes, visible as large cells with hyper-reflective contours in the epidermal level (d), and linear vessel and multiple roundish inflammatory cells in upper dermis (e). Potassium hydroxide examination showed dermatophytes (g) supporting the diagnosis of Majocchi's granuloma (MG). RCM can allow one to confirm the diagnosis of dermatophytosis during the dermatological consultation.[7] For example, in tinea incognito it detects the presence, in the stratum corneum, of highly refractive linear and branched structures corresponding to hyphae.[8]. [Extracted from the article]

Confluent and reticulated papillomatosis (CRP) of Gougerot and Carteaud was first typified in 1927. With the help of electron microscopy, it has been elucidated that CRP arises due to aberrant keratinization. However, till date, there is no clear consensus on the etiologic trigger for CRP. Prevailing postulates include a bacterial trigger by Dietzia papillomatosis (type strain N 1280T), an exaggerated cutaneous response to Malassezia furfur, an endocrine basis stemming from insulin resistance, ultraviolet light-induced epidermal change, amyloid deposition, and a loss-of-function mutation in keratin 16. CRP typically presents as asymptomatic hyperpigmented papules and plaques with peripheral reticulation over the nape, axillae, upper chest, and upper back, occasionally with extension superior to the forehead and inferior to the pubic region. Dermoscopy may be used in the evaluation of CRP, but its diagnosis is made on clinical grounds given its nonspecific histopathological findings. Although successful treatment with topical keratolytics, retinoids, or antifungals has been reported, antibiotics, such as minocycline, at anti-inflammatory doses have emerged as a preferred therapeutic option. In this article, we review the diagnostic considerations in CRP and its therapeutic options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Confluent and reticulated papillomatosis (CRP) is an uncommon, progressive, distinctive dermatosis. It is characterized by persistent brown, scaly macules, papules, patches and plaques. It appears as tinea versicolor or acanthosis nigricans resulting in delay in the diagnosis. Hence a diagnostic tool which could help to diagnose this condition is dermoscopy. We reported a 24 year old male with skin lesions on upper back, neck and shoulders. Dermoscopic examination demonstrated fissures and ridges. Whitish structures were present on the ridges which are surrounded by grayish globules. These globules were lined by brown lines at the periphery. Fissures were brown in color. Global appearance was 'crocodile skin-like' pattern. Ridges and furrows in dermoscopy of CRP correspond to rete ridges in the histology. Whitish structures were there around follicular ostia which represent hyperkeratosis and acanthosis of follicular epidermis. Authors also observed sparse hairs in the involved area and V-sign under dermoscopy. Hence, pathogenesis of CRP probably revolves around hair follicles. CRP demonstrates specific dermoscopic patterns which correlate well with histopathologic changes. Therefore, authors propose that these patterns would aide in the diagnosis of CRP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lightening skin tone is an ancient and well-documented practice, and remains common practice among many cultures. Whitening agents such as corticosteroids, tretinoin and hydroquinone are medically applied to effectively lighten the skin tone of hyperpigmented lesions. However, when these agents are used cosmetically, they are associated with a variety of side-effect. Alternative agents, such as arbutin and its derivatives kojic acid and nicotinamide have been subsequently developed for cosmetic purposes. Unfortunately, some cosmetics contain whitening agents that are banned for use in cosmetic products. This article provides an overview of the mode of action and potential side-effects of cosmetic legal and illegal whitening agents, and the pattern of use of these types of products. Finally, an EU analysis of the health problems due to the presence of illegal products on the market is summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Confetti-like leukoderma and exogenous ochronosis are two of the rarest side effects of a long-term use of hydroquinone (HQ). HQ is the first choice of topical bleaching agents used in the treatment of melasma. Confetti-like leukoderma is characterized as mottled depigmented spots, whereas exogenous ochronosis presents as gray-brown or blue-black hyperpigmentation. Both disorders are especially found in the area where HQ is applied. We report two cases of women with these two rare pigment disorders, who had a history of using HQ for more than 8 years. The dermoscopic examinations show dark-brown globular-like structures on a diffuse fine brown reticular patterns background, multiple guttate depigmented macules, and prominent telangiectasias which are characteristics for melasma, ochronosis, and confetti-like leukoderma. Both patients were advised to stop HQ and treated with sunscreen, 0.05% retinoic acid cream, 2% kojic acid cream, and 20%-35% glycolic acid chemical peel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Majocchi's granuloma (MG) is a rare, well-recognized, deep skin infection caused by dermatophyte, which can be seen in immunosuppressed as well as immunocompetent individuals. It is primarily caused by dermatophytes, most commonly Trichophyton rubrum; however, occasionally other Trichophyton sp., Trichosporon sp., Aspergillus sp., and Phoma sp. are involved. Diagnosis is based on clinical, mycological, and histological characteristics. This review focuses on clinical characteristics of MG and diagnosis and therapeutic options of MG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exogenous ochronosis (EO) is a cutaneous disorder characterized by blue‑black pigmentation resulting as a complication of long‑term application of skin‑lightening creams containing hydroquinone but may also occur due to topical contact with phenol or resorcinol in dark‑skinned individuals. It can also occur following the use of systemic antimalarials such as quinine. EO is clinically and histologically similar to its endogenous counterpart viz., alkaptonuria, which, however, exhibits systemic effects and is an inherited disorder. Dermoscopy and in vivo skin reflectance confocal microscopy are noninvasive in vivo diagnostic tools. It is very difficult to treat EO, a cosmetically disfiguring and troubling disorder with disappointing treatment options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Majocchi's granuloma (MG) is a rare deep skin dermatophyte infection that can occur either in immunocompetent or in immunocompromised individuals. Oral itraconazole or terbinafine is considered to be the first choice of treatment. We report an immunocompetent man with deep nodular form of MG, the form which is generally found in immunosuppressed individuals. Previous treatment with either oral itraconazole or terbinafine yielded no apparent improvement. After a series of examination, the man was diagnosed as having Trichophyton rubrum-induced MG mixed with bacterial infection as evidenced by growth of Klebsiella pneumoniae in tissue bacterial culture. The patient was treated with a combination of cefoselis and levofloxacin for bacterial clearance followed by voriconazole treatment. After approximately 4 months of voriconazole treatment, the lesions completely resolved. Alternative medicine (voriconazole) can be considered in case of refractory infections during MG treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Melasma is a common acquired cause of facial hyperpigmentation with no definitive therapy. Tranexamic acid, a plasmin inhibitor, has demonstrated depigmenting properties and combining this oral drug with other modalities of treatment has shown promising results. Objectives: To compare the efficacy of a combination of oral tranexamic acid and fluocinolone-based triple combination cream with that of fluocinolone-based triple combination cream alone in melasma among Indian patients. Materials and Methods: 40 patients of melasma of either sex attending to dermatology OPD were enrolled in this study. Participants were randomly divided into two groups with 20 patients in each group. Group A patients were asked to apply the cream only and Group B patients received oral tranexamic acid 250 mg twice daily and applied a triple combination cream containing fluocinolone acetonide 0.01%, tretinoin 0.05%, and hydroquinone 2% once daily for 8 weeks. Response was evaluated using melasma area severity index (MASI) at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks. Results: 40 ts completed the study. The MASI scores at baseline, 4 weeks and 8 weeks in group A were 15.425 + 1.09, 11.075 + 9.167 and 6.995 + 6.056 respectively and in group B 18.243 + 1.05, 6.135 + 4.94 and 2.19 + 3.38. Intergroup comparison showed a faster reduction in pigmentation in Group B as compared to Group A and the results were statistically significant at 4 weeks (P value 0.014) and 8 weeks (P value 0.000). The efficacy was maintained throughout the 6-month follow-up period. Conclusion: Addition of oral tranexamic acid to fluocinolone-based triple combination cream results in a faster and sustained improvement in the treatment of melasma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Colloid milium is a rare cutaneous deposition disorder characterized by translucent papules developing on sun-exposed regions such as the face, neck and dorsal aspects of the hands and back. Exogenous ochronosis is caused by the accumulation of homogentisic acid resulting from long-term application of certain topical agents. Histology is characterized by yellow-brown pigment deposits in the papillary dermis. Prolonged use of hydroquinone may result in the development of the pigmented form of colloid milium, sometimes in association with ochronosis. Case report: A 53-year-old man presented with a 3-year history of multiple slow spreading pigmented papules on the dorsa of his hands, nose and ears. The patient had a long history of exposure to sun and fertilizers with no history of using hydroquinone bleaching creams. A later biopsy revealed the diagnosis of pigmented colloid milium associated with exogenous ochronosis. Conclusion: UV light damage and long contact with fertilizers may have a role in the development of pigmented colloid milium associated with exogenous ochronosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exogenous ochronosis (EO) can be an unintended psychologically troubling condition for patients who are already being treated for longer-term hyperpigmentation disorders such as melasma. Early diagnosis is key in order that the offending agent can be stopped to prevent further disfiguring discoloration. EO can be diagnosed in the right clinical setting with the aid of dermatoscopy, which can assist in early diagnosis and may negate the need for a biopsy. Laser modalities using Q-switched lasers of longer wavelengths and combination laser dermabrasion treatments have shown the most significant results with minimal adverse events. However, further large-scale studies are needed to determine optimal treatment modalities. Although considered uncommon, the incidence of EO will likely continue to increase with the growth of immigrant populations and the use of skin-lightening agents above the FDA's recommended over-the-counter concentrations, without the guidance of a dermatologist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Various treatments are currently available for melasma. However, results are often disappointing. Objectives 1 To assess the efficacy and safety of combinations of hydroquinone, glycolic acid, and hyaluronic acid in the treatment of melasma after topical application. 2 To evaluate the dermoscopy as a tool in diagnosis and follow-up of melasma treatment. Patients and Methods One hundred patients with mild, moderate-to-severe melasma were divided into five groups. Group I (twenty patients were treated with cream formula containing 4% hydroquinone), group II (twenty patients were treated with cream formula containing 4% hydroquinone + 10% glycolic acid), group III (twenty patients were treated with cream formula containing 4% hydroquinone + 0.01% hyaluronic acid), group IV (twenty patients were treated with cream formula containing 4% hydroquinone + 10% glycolic acid + 0.01% hyaluronic acid), and group V (twenty patients were treated with placebo cream). All patients were subjected to dermoscopic examination and digital photographs before and after treatment. The response and side effects were evaluated. Results Groups I, III, and IV showed highly significant changes in modified Melasma Area and Severity Index ( mMASI) score after using the treatment. Group II showed significant change in mMASI score after using the treatment. The side effects were more reported in group II, followed by group IV, followed by group I, followed by group III. There was highly significant difference between the dermoscopic color findings before and after treatment. Vascularization was another dermoscopic finding. Conclusion A cream formula containing 4% hydroquinone + 10% glycolic acid + 0.01% hyaluronic acid was very effective in treatment of melasma with tolerable side effects. Dermoscope is a valuable noninvasive tool in the diagnosis and follow-up of melasma treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Confluent and reticulate papillomatosis of Gougerot and Carteaud (CRP) is a rare dermatological condition, which has not been reported widely in Asian populations. Aim: To characterize the clinicopathological and diagnostic features of CRP in a South-East Asian population. Methods: The medical records of 29 patients accorded the diagnosis of CRP at the National Skin Centre, Singapore, from 1990 to 2011, were analyzed. Results: The male to female ratio was 2.6:1. Eight patients were Indians. The mean age at the onset of skin eruptions was 29.1 years (range 16-55 years), while the mean duration was 19.9 months (range 0.5-120 months). CRP itself was the most common preliminary diagnosis. Fungal smears were negative in all 22 instances. All 29 patients had received a trial of antifungal therapy before being seen at our center. Antifungal therapy was repeated in three subjects, and the response was uniformly poor. Conversely, the treatment response with tetracyclines was excellent, yielding more than a 50 % response in all 14 patients. Four patients suffered recurrence of CRP. According to the diagnostic criteria set forth by Davis et al., 25/29 patients (86.2 %) and 19/29 patients (65.6 %) fulfilled at least three and four criteria, respectively. Conclusion: A predilection for male gender and Indian ethnicity were noted in our study. The diagnosis of CRP was often made clinically, and investigations were mainly ancillary. The treatment response was poor with antifungal agents but excellent with tetracyclines. The diagnostic criteria proposed by Davis et al. were found to be useful in our cohort of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Numerous therapeutic options have been tried in the management of melasma. Aims and Objectives: This prospective randomized study was planned to assess the efficacy of low potency triple combination (TC) cream (TC‑hydroquinone 2%/tretinoin 0.05%/fluocinolone 0.01%) versus glycolic acid (GA) peels/azelaic acid (AA) 20% cream (GA/AA) combination in melasma. Materials and Methods: Forty patients with melasma were recruited into this study and randomized into two groups. Group A consisting 20 patients received TC cream once a day for night time application for 3 months. Group B comprising of 20 patients received GA/ AA 20% cream combination for 3 months. The disease severity was monitored with digital photography, melasma area and severity index (MASI) score, which was calculated at baseline, 6 weeks and 12 weeks, and visual analog scale (VAS) score, which was calculated at baseline and 12 weeks. Results: Of 40 patients, 38 were completed the study. A significant reduction in MASI and VAS was recorded after 6 weeks and 12 weeks of treatment in both groups A and B (P = 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in the mean MASI scores between the two groups at baseline, 6 weeks and 12 weeks. Similarly, there was no difference in the mean VAS scores between the two groups at baseline and 12 weeks. Four patients in group A and 3 in group B experienced adverse effects such as irritation, dryness, and photosensitivity. Conclusion: Both low potency TC cream and GA/AA 20% cream combination are effective in treating melasma among Indian patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cutis verticis gyrata is a rare skin condition characterized by convoluted folds and furrows formed from thickened skin resembling a cerebriform pattern. The condition is usually but not exclusively limited to the scalp. It may present in either primary form with or without any associations or in secondary forms with a wide variety of causes. Cerebriform intradermal nevus is one such rare cause of this unusual condition. We present a case of cerebriform intradermal nevus involving scalp and the upper half of left cheek which had both cerebriform appearances as well as the smooth surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on several appearances that could be observed in a clinical dermatology which could help in clinical diagnosis of skin diseases. Topics discussed include asbestos-like thick scales that is present in pityriasis amiantacea tine amiantacea, beefy red appearance that could mean vitamin B12 deficiency, and genital wart that presents a cauliflower-like fleshy growth.

Man is always obsessed with fair skin since ages. Beauty, it is said, is skin deep. Not so anymore for consumers especially in India who demand from their beauty products more than just a superficial whitening of their skin tone for a short duration. Hydroquinone is the ?rst choice of topical bleaching agents used in treatment of melasma. It is widely prescribed by physicians and often used by patients without prescription. The principal adverse effects of its chronic use are confetti-like depigmentation and exogenous ochronosis. Exogenous ochronosis is an infrequent dermatosis characterized as a dark blue hyperpigmentation localized where the causing agent was applied. It may be caused by the use of systemic medications such as antimalarials and by the use of topical substances such as phenol, resorcinol, benzene, hydroquinone, which is a phenolic compound with depigmenting action. The pathophysiology of this process is not well clear up to this moment, and the therapeutic measures are not satisfactory either. We hereby, reporting a case of 29 years old female who had been using hydroquinone continuously for six years for fairer complexion and ended up with a night mare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation / Turkiye Fiziksel Tip ve Rehabilitasyon Dergisi is the property of Turkish Society of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A letter to the editor is presented regarding a 16-year-old girl with tiny hyperpigmented spots and was diagnosed with LEOPARD syndrome (LS), along with electrocardiographic (ECG) changes suggesting Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome.

The author discusses the importance of manuscript revision in the publication process to improve the paper's quality and suitability for publication and mentions several tips to revise to manuscript. Topics discussed include the types of revisions such as major, minor, and optimal, tips which include answering the question completely, politely, and with evidence, and the characteristics of the author to have a successful manuscript revision such as acceptance of criticism and perseverance.

By midcentury, the U.S.A. will be more ethnically and racially diverse. Skin of colour will soon constitute nearly one-half of the U.S. population, and a full understanding of skin conditions that affect this group is of great importance. Structural and functional differences in the skin, as well as the influence of cultural practices, produce variances in skin disease and presentation based on skin type. In the skin of colour population, dyschromia is a growing concern, and a top chief complaint when patients present to the physician. A thorough understanding of the aetiology and management strategies of facial hyperpigmentation is of importance in caring for those afflicted and also in the development of new therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are 'n' number of names and terminologies in dermatology. The real and unreal names lead to lot of confusion to the residents and practitioners of dermatology. The word 'pseudo' means 'unreal', 'false' or 'fake', and it has deep roots in dermatology providing herculean task to differentiate and understand the real conditions/diseases/signs in dermatology. We have made an attempt to list and describe the pseudo and associated real conditions in dermatology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depigmentation therapy in vitiligo is an option in those with extensive vitiligo who have failed to respond to medical therapy and have obvious cosmetic disfigurement due to intervening patchy pigmented areas. Various aspects of this therapy such as the cost, treatment time, course, permanency of depigmentation, side effects, and the possibility of repigmentation should first be discussed with the patient. At present, there is no ideal depigmenting therapy available, but many agents in the market have been in use for many years. Monobenzyl ether of hydroquinone (MBEH) is the mainstay and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved in USA but takes many months to depigment and is associated with local side effects and risk of repigmentation. Other agents which are also used are 4-methoxy phenol and 88% phenol. Physical therapies for depigmentation include Q-switched ruby and alexandrite lasers and cryotherapy. Second-line agents which can be explored for depigmentation include imatinib mesylate, imiquimod, and diphencyprone. Many possible experimental agents are being explored like various phenol derivatives, melanoma vaccines, interferon gamma, busulfan, etc. A major lacuna still exists in this area and a lot more research is desirable to give satisfactory cosmesis to these patients with extensive vitiligo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study was to determine the concentration of trace elements in serum samples of women who are chronic users of skin-whitening agents as well as the hepatic and renal effects of these agents on these women. The study was conducted among 23 skin-whitening users while 25 women served as the controls. The serum concentrations of Zn, Mn, and Mg were not significantly changed in these women compared with controls ( p > 0.05), but Cu was significantly increased in skin-whitening agent users compared with controls ( p < 0.05). Serum urea and creatinine were significantly increased compared with the controls ( p < 0.05). Moreover, ALT, AST, albumin, total protein, and bilirubin were not significantly changed ( p > 0.05). The significant increase in the levels of renal indices shows that these agents might be nephrotoxic after prolonged usage while increase in copper level with accompanying renal dysfunction may be an indication that copper mediates in oxidative-induced renal dysfunction. However, further study is needed to identify the cause and source of high serum copper as many of the herbal extracts may be rich sources of copper. Moreover, a large population study may be necessary to examine the exact correlation between copper and renal indices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

If vitiligo involves most of the body, it might be easier to depigment the normal remaining skin rather than to attempt repigmentation. We reviewed the literature to date regarding available therapies for depigmenting the normal skin in vitiligo universalis. Our review revealed that the threshold regarding what percentage of body surface area qualifies as depigmentation is variable among practitioners. Monobenzyl ether of hydroquinone (MBEH) is the most widely used depigmenting agent and has few side-effects. Tretinoin in combination with MBEH is able to speed depigmentation of the skin. Monomethylether of hydroquinone has also been used successfully for depigmentation. Eighty-eight per cent phenol is also effective in depigmenting the skin but its application on large areas is toxic for liver and kidney. Different types of lasers are also available to destruct the melanocytes selectively, but this technique can be painful and expensive. Cryotherapy is a cheap depigmenting therapy but, because of scarring risk, it should only be used by experienced dermatologists. No trials have compared the efficacy of the above-mentioned well-established depigmentation agents/techniques. Certain drugs such as imatinib, imiquimod and diphencyprone, which are used to treat other diseases, caused depigmentation as a side-effect. Some depigmentation agents used for branding cattle can also serve as topical depigmentation agents. In conclusion, comparative clinical trials are needed to compare the efficacy of various depigmentation agents/techniques. In particular, topical imatinib, imiquimod and diphencyprone may be considered as potential depigmenting agents, which require further investigation. This review revealed that MBEH is safe and effective depigmenting agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydroquinone has been marketed in skin-lightening products for almost 50 years and remains as the most frequently used whitening constituent in the category. Issues and concerns have been raised regarding its potential dermatological and systemic side effects. These almost led to it being banned from the US market by the FDA in 2006. This article reviews its safety profile. The author also suggests on the duration of its use and advises on regular assessments by medical physicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exogenous ochronosis presents as an acquired asymptomatic hyperpigmentation on photoexposed areas, predominantly over bony prominences, and is caused by the topical application of several skinlightening agents. Observations: We describe a 63-year-old Hispanic woman who developed exogenous ochronosis lesions on her face after using topical bleaching creams containing hydroquinone, 2% to 3%, and oxybenzone, 2%, for several years. Dermoscopy revealed irregular brown-gray globular, annular, and arciform structures that corresponded to focal deposition of ochronotic pigment on the dermis. These deposits correlated with multiple bananashaped nonrefractile structures seen using reflectance confocal microscopy. Histopathologic sections revealed the deposition of a banana-shaped, yellow to brown material in the papillary and middle dermis. Ultrastructural examination revealed an amorphous electron-dense material mostly located in the core of elastic fibers and also in smaller amounts in the interstitium with prominent degenerative changes in the elastic fibers. A good correlation was observed between the results of both noninvasive techniques and the diagnostic histologic features of this condition. Conclusions: We characterized by means of dermoscopy, reflectance confocal microscopy, and electronic microscopy a case of exogenous ochronosis. To our knowledge, this is the first description of reflectance confocal microscopic findings in this condition. Dermoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy are proved to be useful noninvasive techniques for the diagnosis of this pigmentary disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented on dermoscopy in patients with Darier's disease.

Sebaceous carcinoma is an uncommon malign tumor arising from sebaceous glands. Sebaceous carcinoma typically occurs on the eyelid as a slow growing, pink-yellow, painless subcutaneous papule or nodule. Although it is rare, sebaceous carcinoma can also be seen on head, neck, trunk, extremities, breasts, oral mucosa and external genitalia. Sebaceous carcinoma is a locally aggressive tumor, moreover it can metastasize to regional lymph nodes and distant organs. Hereby, we report a 91-year-old Caucasian female with sebaceous carcinoma on the forehead. The extraocular 1,9 cm large sebaceous carcinoma on the forehead was removed surgically with wide local excision under local anesthesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to keep subscribers up-to-date with the latest developments in their field, John Wiley & Sons are providing a current awareness service in each issue of the journal. The bibliography contains newly published material in the field of pharmacoepidemiology and drug safety. Each bibliography is divided into 20 sections: 1 Reviews; 2 General; 3 Anti-infective Agents; 4 Cardiovascular System Agents; 5 CNS Depressive Agents; 6 Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Agents; 7 CNS Agents; 8 Anti-neoplastic Agents; 9 Haematological Agents; 10 Neuroregulator-Blocking Agents; 11 Dermatological Agents; 12 Immunosuppressive Agents; 13 Autonomic Agents; 14 Respiratory System Agents; 15 Neuromuscular Agents; 16 Reproductive System Agents; 17 Gastrointestinal System Agents; 18 Anti-inflammatory Agents - Steroidal; 19 Teratogens/fetal exposure; 20 Others. Within each section, articles are listed in alphabetical order with respect to author. If, in the preceding period, no publications are located relevant to any one of these headings, that section will be omitted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Let ɡ be an untwisted affine Kac–Moody algebra and MJ(?) a Verma-type module for ɡ with J-highest weight λ∈P. We construct quantum Verma-type modules MJq(λ) over the quantum group Uｑ(ɡ), investigate their properties and show that MJq(λ) is a true quantum deformation of MJ(λ) in the sense that the weight structure is preserved under the deformation. We also analyze the submodule structure of quantum Verma-type modules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sebaceous carcinoma is a rare, aggressive cutaneous tumor most commonly involving the head and neck, especially the periorbital area. It has been associated with Muir-Torre syndrome, human papillomavirus infection, and radiotherapy. This case report describes an unusual clinical presentation of a large sebaceous carcinoma on the abdomen of an African-American male patient who was successfully treated with Mohs micrographic surgery. The case is reported due to the unusual location of the lesion on the abdomen and the rare occurrence of this tumor type in an African-American male. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information on a research that found that topical monobenzyl ether of hydroquinone (MBEH) is an effective and safe treatment for depigmentation of extensive vitiligo in the medium term. MBEH is currently the only depigmenting agent given approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in patients with extensive vitiligo.

Exogenous ochronosis is an infrequent dermatosis characterized by dark blue hyperpigmentation. It may be caused largely by hydroquinone, a fenolic compound which is used in the treatment of melasma and other skin hyperpigmentation. The exact etiopathology is still not understood and the results of various treatments offered are unsatisfactory. We present a case of exogenous ochronosis which resembled melasma but clinicopathologic evaluation led to the correct diagnosis. We also emphasize the need to restrict the indiscriminate use of hydroquinone containing compounds without medical prescription. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porokeratosis are morphologically distinct keratinization disorders, characterized clinically by papules or hyperkeratotic plaques surrounded by a linear raised border. Sometimes the border (the most characteristic change in porokeratosis, and practically the definition of diagnosis) is not easily identifiable. We demonstrated a clinical maneuver that facilitated the visualization of this more typical aspect in frame. A wooden tongue depressor was used to gently scratch one of the lesions. This maneuver revealed a desquamative halo in the hyperkeratotic lesion - better identifying the clinical aspect typical of the porokeratosis. The use of scratching may play a fundamental role in the diagnostic suspicion of porokeratosis and should be applied whenever the clinical history suggests this hypothesis as a differential diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented regarding the cases of a 48-year-old Indian woman and a 42-year-old man diagnosed with dermoscopic criteria following the use of skin lightening agents to treat melasma.

Dowling Degos disease is a rare, reticulate pigmentary disorder with variable phenotypic expression that manifests as hyperpigmented macules and reticulate pigmentary anomaly of the flexures. Many variants of this condition and its overlap with other reticulate pigmentary disorders have been reported in the literature. We present here two cases of DDD with follicular localization, both clinically and histologically. It was associated with ichthyosis vulgaris in one case. Follicular DDD is an uncommon variant of this evolving dermatosis. Our report supports the possible role for disordered follicular keratinisation in its pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Granulomatous cheilitis and granulomatous vulvitis are rare disorders characterized by painless swelling of lips and vulva, respectively. Histopathology of both conditions show non-caseating epithelioid cell granulomas in the dermis. Both disorders have been associated with Crohn's disease rarely. Occurrence of the two conditions in the same patient is extremely infrequent. We hereby report, the association of granulomatous cheilitis with granulomatous vulvitis in a 30-year-old female. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of 2.5-year-old boy suffering from an asymptomatic skin lesion of his left buttock. The boy was diagnosed with tufted angioma (TA) or angioblastoma of Nakagawa. Included in suggested treatment options were compression therapy, surgical removal, cryosurgery and chemotherapy.

Purpose of Review: Post-transplant infections present a formidable challenge to the physician due to their varied presentation. Many of these infections begin by inoculation following skin compromise or disseminate to the skin hematogenously, making cutaneous manifestations of infection an important diagnostic clue in the immunocompromised. Quality research in this field is lacking, and this articles seeks to review the literature and present a guide to physicians in order for them to suspect certain infections by their cutaneous presentation.Recent Findings: The cutaneous presentation of opportunistic infections in transplant patients is extremely varied. However, as more case reports are published, certain patterns specific to individual organisms are emerging. In addition, early recognition is improving outcomes and systemic antibiotic therapy success.Summary: Early and correct recognition of disseminated infection in the immunocompromised host can be aided by close attention to cutaneous findings. This allows early and correct antibiotic therapy and improves outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers the authors' views on the risk of illegal cosmetics on human health in European Union (EU) countries. It mentions that the products are used for bleaching pigmentation spots and lightening skin tone which have forbidden pharmaceutical agents including corticosteroids, hydroquinone and tretinoin. It also notes their lack of medical supervision.

The author discusses the importance of impact factor to indicate the quality of journals developed by Irving H. Sher and Eugene Garfield in 1960. The author states that articles that were published in journals with high impact factor receives more points and positive attention when people search an academic benefits. He mentions several dermatology journals with high impact factors which include "Journal of Investigate Dermatology," "Indian Journal of Dermatology," and "Contact Dermatitits."