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Chilblain lupus erythematosus is a rare, chronic variant of cutaneous lupus erythematosus that occurs during cold or damp periods on the hands, fingers, or feet. It is often associated with other forms of cutaneous lupus and about 20% of patients develop systemic lupus erythematosus. Various medications have been put forward, including steroids, mycophenolate mofetil, calcium channel blockers, and hydroxychloroquine, but the symptoms do not remit completely.

Spitzoid neoplasms may represent a difficult diagnosis in the practice of dermatopathology. We evaluated the concordance of the fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) assay, histopathology, and dermoscopy in a group of adults and in a group of children with spitzoid neoplasms. The FISH assay, designed to detect the copy number of the RREB1 (6p25), MYB (6q23), and CCND1 (11q13) genes and of centromere 6 (Cep 6), was performed in a group of children and in a group of adults with a histopathologic diagnosis of spitzoid neoplasms. FISH data were compared with dermoscopy and histopathology. Fifteen spitzoid neoplasms were collected from 13 patients (five children and eight adults): nine lesions were histologically diagnosed as typical Spitz nevi; three lesions were melanomas and three were atypical Spitz nevi. The conventional FISH criteria were concordant with the clinical and histopathologic diagnosis of Spitz nevi in four adults and in three children. FISH criteria of the other neoplasms showed a concordance with the histopathologic diagnosis in three cases. Discordant results were obtained in five cases (two children, three adults). The FISH melanoma assay proved more reliable in spitzoid lesions found in adults than in children. This assay should be interpreted carefully in pediatric patients with Spitz nevi in the context of histological features as melanomas in the pediatric population may show distinct chromosomal aberrations.

The observation of a black-brown pigmentation of the nail is often alarming for the patient and for the clinician, as they are aware that it can be a possible clinical manifestation of melanoma of the nail apparatus. Luckily, however, nail melanoma is a much less frequent cause of brown-black nail color than other melanocytic and nonmelanocytic pigmentations, which include subungual hematoma, exogenous pigmentations, and melanonychia due to benign conditions. A correct clinical history and careful examination help the clinician to distinguish the different conditions and to decide the correct management of melanonychia both in children and in adults.

BACKGROUND: Targeted therapies in melanoma have shown clinical benefit in incrementing the overall survival of metastatic patients. However, cutaneous adverse events have been frequently associated with these drugs. METHODS: We report our experience in the management of patients treated with dabrafenib for metastatic melanoma, focusing on the monitoring of pigmented lesions. Dermatologic evaluation was performed during the first visit, at the start of each treatment and subsequently after every four weeks. Global nevi count, videodermoscopy of suspected lesions, and surgical excisions when necessary were performed at the beginning of the treatment and every fourth week. All other cutaneous adverse events (cAEs) were noted and documented. Eleven patients were included. RESULTS: The most important cAEs included palmo-plantar hyperkeratosis, diffuse xerosis and pigmented lesion changes. Regarding the latter, in 6 patients, especially in the first months of treatment, we observed hyperpigmentation and hyperkeratosis of the nevi, of the pigmented mucosae and, in one patient, hyperkeratotic changes on a cutaneous metastasis. Histopathology of the excised lesions showed one ex novo melanoma occurrence and benign changes to pre-existing nevi. CONCLUSIONS: The awareness of the importance of sequential monitoring of pigmented lesions, with particular attention to the lesions of new onset, is crucial for the best management of these complex patients.

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Background The SafeTy Events in VIsmodEgib study (STEVIE, ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01367665 ), assessed safety and efficacy of vismodegib—a first-in-class Hedgehog pathway inhibitor demonstrating clinical benefit in advanced basal cell carcinoma (BCC)—in a patient population representative of clinical practice. Primary analysis data are presented. Patients and methods Patients with locally advanced or metastatic BCC received oral vismodegib 150 mg/d until progressive disease, unacceptable toxicity, or withdrawal. Primary objective was safety. Efficacy variables were assessed as secondary end-points. Results Evaluable adult patients (N = 1215, 1119 locally advanced; 96 metastatic BCC) from 36 countries were treated; 147 patients (12%) remained on study at time of reporting. Median (range) treatment duration was 8.6 (0–44) months. Most patients (98%) had ≥1 treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE). The incidence of the most common TEAEs was consistent with reports in previous analyses. No association between creatine phosphokinase (CPK) abnormalities and muscle spasm was observed. Serious TEAEs occurred in 289 patients (23.8%). Exposure ≥12 months did not lead to increased incidence or severity of new TEAEs. The majority of the most common TEAEs ongoing at time of treatment discontinuation resolved by 12 months afterwards, regardless of Gorlin syndrome status. Response rates (investigator-assessed) in patients with histologically confirmed measurable baseline disease were 68.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) 65.7–71.3) in patients with locally advanced BCC and 36.9% (95% CI 26.6–48.1) in patients with metastatic BCC. Conclusions The primary analysis of STEVIE demonstrates that vismodegib is tolerable in typical patients in clinical practice; safety profile is consistent with that in previous reports. Long-term exposure was not associated with worsening severity/frequency of TEAEs. Investigator-assessed response rates showed high rate of tumour control. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01367665 .

Abstract Context: Cutaneous toxicity is a frequent side effect of new anticancer targeted therapies. Skin reactions can severely impact the patient's physical, psychological and social well-being and may sometimes lead to discontinuations either treatment dose reductions. Objective: This study evaluates the impact of cutaneous adverse drug reactions (cADR) of the new therapies bortezomib and lenalidomide and presents a review of their skin side effects. Materials and method: Type, frequency, severity, time of onset and management of cADR were collected and the medical records of all multiple myeloma patients receiving bortezomib or lenalidomide in the Hematology and Medical Oncology Institute of the University of Bologna, were analyzed. Results: A total of 17 cADR occurred in 10 patients of 17 (58.8% of patients) treated with bortezomib: 5 rashes, 3 events of pruriginous rash, 1 purpuric rash, 2 records of mouth swelling, 1 stomatitis-mucositis, 3 cases of edema in the lower limbs, 1 patient referred pruritus and another telogen effluvium. Eight skin manifestations were due to lenalidomide in 7 patients of 25 treated (28%): 2 pruriginous rashes, 3 cases of edema, 2 records of pruritus, 1 case of stomatitis-mucositis. Three adverse events linked to bortezomib and 4 to lenalidomide forced to a complete withdrawal of the drug, while 3 reactions due to bortezomib mandated a dose reduction. Dermatological evaluation was performed only in 2 patients treated with bortezomib and 1 with lenalidomide. Discussion: Evaluations of cADR due to bortezomib and lenalidomide were performed. There are no other reports focused on skin events in patients treated with the triple regimen velcade (bortezomib)-thalidomide-dexamethasone (VTD) up to date. Our study suggests that cutaneous toxicities, when researched by Dermatologists, are a side effect even more frequent than the reported data. Limitations: As it is a single institute and retrospective study, ongoing cADR were rarely evaluated by dermatologists; thus, it is possible that cutaneous reactions (especially mild) may have been under reported by Hematologists and Oncologists in clinical records. Conclusions: Even with the development of new drugs for cancer treatment, "old" cutaneous side effects may still be present, compromising patients' quality of life. Physicians prescribing bortezomib and lenalidomide should monitor their patients for the spectrum of cADR, and they should involve dermatologists in consultations and management of these events. A multidisciplinar approach is necessary to oncologic patient in order to provide a tailored supportive clinical care.

Summary Background Subungual squamous cell carcinoma (SSCC) is the most common malignancy of the nail unit. Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is a microscopically controlled surgical technique that has a high cure rate for skin cancers despite allowing narrow surgical margins. Objective To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of MMS in the treatment of SSCC, and in particular its ability to reduce the number of digital amputations. Methods Fifteen patients diagnosed with SSCC were treated with MMS as the first-line surgical approach, and were followed up for between 2 and 5 years. Results SSCC was completely excised in 13 patients, while two patients required amputation of the distal phalanx. For tumours with predominantly exophytic growth, clinical and radiological findings were found not to be reliable indicators of bone invasion. No recurrences were detected on follow-up. Conclusion Our results show that MMS provides a high cure rate for SSCC and reduces the number of amputations needed. MMS should become the first-line surgical approach for SSCC.

Background Pain is a frequent symptom in cancer patients. The aim of our study was to evaluate the presence of pain in histopathologically-diagnosed hypertrophic actinic keratosis (AK) or cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Methods An observational study evaluating pain presence and intensity in skin cancer was performed, including patients affected either by SCC or by hypertrophic AK. Pain intensity was assessed using the 11-point Numeric Rating Scale, ranging from 0 (absence of pain) to 10 (most intense pain). Both spontaneous pain and pressure-related pain intensity, due to local digital pressure, were evaluated. Results In patients with SCC, spontaneous pain was present in 57.5% of the cases, while pressure-related pain was revealed in 80.0% of the cases. In hypertrophic AK patients, spontaneous pain was detected only in 15.0% of the cases, while pressure-related pain was present in 25.0% of the cases. A statistically significant difference between the 2 groups was found in the evaluation of spontaneous and pressure-related pain values, these values being significantly higher in the SCC group. No significant correlations between the degree of inflammation, the histotype or invasiveness of SCCs, and the intensity of pain were found. Conclusions The recognition of pain as a symptom, more frequently associated with SCC, might prove useful in the clinical practice. Further research is needed, in order to better understand and characterize pain associated with different skin neoplasms.

Pyogenic granuloma (PG) is a benign vascular proliferation that may affect the nails. Treatment is surgical, associated to or preceded by topical therapy. Based on previous studies showing that b-blockers increase the regression of PGs,4 we verified the effectiveness of topical 1% propranolol (1% cream in occlusion) cream on periungual and subungual PGs of hand and feet in 10 patients.

BACKGROUND: Several options for the treatment of ingrowing toenails are available, ranging from simple conservative approaches to extensive surgical procedures. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate in a long-term follow-up (36 months) the efficacy of chemical matricectomy with phenol for the treatment of ingrowing toenails. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A total of 197 phenol ablations were performed in 139 patients with stage 2 and 3 disease. Each patient was examined weekly until full wound healing was achieved and was followed for 36 months to assess the long-term efficacy of the treatment. The healing period after surgery ranged from 2 to 4 weeks; few postoperative complications were seen. RESULTS: Only three recurrences were observed (after 2, 4, and 11 months). Short-term results were excellent. No severe complications occurred during the 36-month follow-up period. Cosmetic results were remarkable. The success rate was 98.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Phenol cauterization is an excellent surgical method for the treatment of ingrowing toenails, being simple and associated with low morbidity and a high success rate, even over the long term (36 months).

Background/purpose: If the occlusion time of a closed chamber evaporimeter on the skin is too long, saturation might occur. We previously compared an open chamber and a closed chamber device on healthy volunteers. Comparable data on stripped skin with higher evaporation rates are not available. This study compares the sensitivity and correlation of open and closed chamber devices in a tape-stripping human model. The amount of tape removed SC was also quantified with a protein assay method. Methods: Ten healthy volunteers (six male and four female; seven Caucasians and three Asian; mean age 38±16) were enrolled. In a randomized manner, one forearm was measured by an open chamber device and the opposite by a closed chamber device. After recording baseline measurements, 20 strippings were taken on each test site with tape disks. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was measured at the end of 10 and 20 tape strippings at each test site. Stratum corneum (SC) aggregates in the strips was assayed. Results: The mean values obtained from two devices were similar after 10 trips and 20 strips. There was no statistically significant difference. The closed chamber device showed a slightly higher (but not significant) inter-individual coefficient of variation. SC aggregates in the strips were similar and without a statistically significant difference. Conclusion: The study suggests that both devices might yield similar TEWL values on stripped human skin in vivo.

Background: Syphilitic alopecia (SA) is mainly described in single case reports, and there are only a few epidemiological studies. Objective: To investigate the clinical and dermoscopic features of SA in patients with secondary syphilis and to record its actual prevalence. Methods: All patients with a diagnosis of secondary syphilis were clinically and trichoscopically evaluated in search of hair and scalp alterations. Results: Five of 12 patients (41.6%) diagnosed with secondary syphilis had SA. The ‘moth-eaten' pattern was detected in 4 patients (80% of cases): 1 had ‘essential' SA, whereas 3 patients had ‘symptomatic' SA. The ‘diffuse' SA pattern was found in 1 patient. Trichoscopy of the ‘moth-eaten' areas showed that alopecia is mainly due to a reduction in the number of terminal hairs. One patient with secondary syphilis showed trichodynia that regressed completely after antibiotic therapy. Limitations: The small number of patients included and the fact that none of our patients accepted to be biopsied in an affected area. Conclusion: Since SA appears to be present much more frequently than reported in the literature, when secondary syphilis is suspected, the patient should be examined for the presence of signs compatible with SA and the scalp should be examined by dermoscopy.

BACKGROUND: Melanocytic naevi located in special sites, such as the vulvar mucosa might present peculiar clinical and dermatoscopic features. OBJECTIVES: We describe a management proposal of a genital naevus associated with inflammatory disorders that aims to facilitate the clinical and pathologic diagnosis. METHODS: Videodermoscopy of a genital naevus associated with lichen sclerosus of an 8-year-old girl, was carried out before and 2 months after treatment with topical steroids. An excisional biopsy and immunohistochemical studies with HMB-45, MART -1 and molecular studies with p 16 staining were performed. RESULTS: The features of the melanocytic lesion associated with lichen sclerosus were troublesome on the basis of clinical and videodermoscopic evaluation. Histopathologic and immunohistochemical examination performed after topical treatment, showed a compound melanocytic naevus with an underlying inflammation consistent with lichen sclerosus. CONCLUSIONS: The evaluation of genital naevi should take into account the presence of inflammatory disorders, not uncommon in such location. Treatment of the latter and short follow-up of the patients, can avoid over-diagnosis of malignancies and extensive surgical procedures. Background Melanocytic naevi located in special sites, such as the vulvar mucosa might present peculiar clinical and dermatoscopic features. Objectives We describe a management proposal of a genital naevus associated with inflammatory disorders that aims to facilitate the clinical and pathologic diagnosis. Methods Videodermoscopy of a genital naevus associated with lichen sclerosus of an 8-year-old girl, was carried out before and 2 months after treatment with topical steroids. An excisional biopsy and immunohistochemical studies with HMB-45, MART -1 and molecular studies with p 16 staining were performed. Results The features of the melanocytic lesion associated with lichen sclerosus were troublesome on the basis of clinical and videodermoscopic evaluation. Histopathologic and immunohistochemical examination performed after topical treatment, showed a compound melanocytic naevus with an underlying inflammation consistent with lichen sclerosus. Conclusions The evaluation of genital naevi should take into account the presence of inflammatory disorders, not uncommon in such location. Treatment of the latter and short follow-up of the patients, can avoid over-diagnosis of malignancies and extensive surgical procedures.

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We describe the occurrence of a giant squamous cell carcinoma in a patient receiving vemurafenib for the treatment of late melanoma mestastases. Although the development of keratoacanthomas and squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) has been described during vemurafenib therapy, most of the reported cases are treated with surgical excision. In the present case, SCC regressed after drug withdrawal. We describe the occurrence of a giant squamous cell carcinoma in a patient receiving vemurafenib for the treatment of late melanoma mestastases. Although the development of keratoacanthomas and squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) has been described during vemurafenib therapy, most of the reported cases are treated with surgical excision. In the present case, SCC regressed after drug withdrawal.

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Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most frequent malignant skin tumor observed in Caucasian adults, especially males, occurs mainly in sun-exposed areas of the body. BCC in the periungual tissues, such as proximal nail fold, nail matrix, nail bed and hyponychium, is rarely reported . We report a patient with two synchronous BCC of the periungual tissue localized in the IV and V fingernail, effectively treated with Mohs micrographic surgery.

[No abstract available]

Vascular leg ulcers remain a challenge for the modern health care, and a systematic pathological study on this kind of lesions has not been reported so far. A total of 293 consecutive white patients with chronic leg ulcers (present for a minimum of 6 months and up to several years) referred to the Wound Care Unit (Dermatology, University of Bologna) between March 2008 and June 2011. Thirty-four patients affected by other than vascular ulcers, neoplastic or inflammatory conditions, were excluded. The remaining 259 patients affected by vascular leg ulcers were enrolled in this study. Assessment of the patients general health, skin biopsy, and vascular Doppler of the lower limbs were performed to determine the etiology and to formulate an appropriate management plan, whereas 2 punch biopsies of 3 mm were performed on the border and on the bed of each ulcer. Doppler evaluation showed the presence of vascular hemodynamic impairment in 259 patients. Of these, 181 (69.9%) patients were affected by venous insufficiency, 58 (22.4%) by venous and arterial insufficiency, and 20 (7.7%) by arterial insufficiency. Histopathologic features revealed significant differences, thus, reflecting the clinicopathologic correlation with the underlying hemodynamic impairments. In conclusion, histopathologic and hemodynamic data correlation could provide the basis for future analysis of leg ulcers pathogenesis and may improve treatment protocols. We should underline that this observational study represents a single-institute experience and that larger series are needed to confirm our observations.

A 63 year old Caucasian man was referred to our unit for a troublesome nail dystrophy on the 3rd digit of the right hand. The patient placed the inception of onychodystrophy at around 10 months prior to consultation. The physical examination revealed a grayish longitudinal band of the lateral side of the nail (3 mm in width) with splitting of the distal margin. Dermoscopy of the band showed lack of homogeneity in pigmentation, with interrupted lines with different colors and blurred lateral borders. Irregularly-shaped brown to black spots were present in a random pattern in the length of the band.

Erlotinib is a targeted anticancer therapy with selective inhibitory activity for tyrosine kinase of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Different skin reactions have been described linked to these drugs. There are no other reports about erlotinib-induced leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LV) in the erlotinib-bevacizumab regimen for bone metastasis, from a relapsed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in liver-transplanted patients. In our patient a dose reduction and then the suspension of erlotinib was required. After a 2 week withdrawal, the drug was re-challenged at a lower dose. The patient continued it without any skin recurrence, and resulted progression free for 16 months. Thus, we underline the possibility to avoid a permanent withdrawal of erlotinib and to rechallenge with it without any cutaneous toxicity, particularly in patients benefiting from this drug. Moreover, the median overall survival from the initial treatment of bone relapsed patients after liver transplant for HCC is found to be less than 5 months, while our patient died 5 years later. This longer survival encourages further investigations to assess also whether LV, even if rare, might be used as a marker of antitumor efficacy of EGFR inhibitors.

BACKGROUND: Chronic leg ulcers are one of the most common medical conditions and are a substantial source of morbidity. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence of skin cancer mimicking leg ulcers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This observational study included all patients with a clinical diagnosis of chronic leg ulcers (CLU) admitted to the Wound Care Unit, Division of Dermatology, University of Bologna, between March 2008 and February 2011. Patients' general health was assessed, and skin biopsy and vascular Doppler of the lower limbs were performed. RESULTS: Two hundred fifty-seven patients ages 45 to 98 with CLU were included. Skin biopsies were performed in all patients. Pathologic results showed that 10 patients had ulcerative lesions of neoplastic origin. Surgical excision was performed in all patients with neoplasms. After at least 1 year of follow-up, no recurrences were observed. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight the important role of systematic biopsies in diagnosing ulcerated tumors of the lower legs and indicate a high prevalence of large ulcerated basal cell carcinomas. Background Chronic leg ulcers are one of the most common medical conditions and are a substantial source of morbidity. Objectives To investigate the prevalence of skin cancer mimicking leg ulcers. Patients and Methods This observational study included all patients with a clinical diagnosis of chronic leg ulcers (CLU) admitted to the Wound Care Unit, Division of Dermatology, University of Bologna, between March 2008 and February 2011. Patients' general health was assessed, and skin biopsy and vascular Doppler of the lower limbs were performed. Results Two hundred fifty-seven patients ages 45 to 98 with CLU were included. Skin biopsies were performed in all patients. Pathologic results showed that 10 patients had ulcerative lesions of neoplastic origin. Surgical excision was performed in all patients with neoplasms. After at least 1 year of follow-up, no recurrences were observed. Discussion and Conclusion Our findings highlight the important role of systematic biopsies in diagnosing ulcerated tumors of the lower legs and indicate a high prevalence of large ulcerated basal cell carcinomas. © 2013 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Cutaneous melanoma incidence has been increasing during the last few years, and diet has been suggested as one of the lifestyle factors responsible for this increase. Since antioxidant nutrients such as ascorbic acid might prevent skin carcinogenesis, we investigated the risk of cutaneous melanoma related to vitamin C intake in a population-based case-control study in Northern Italy based on 380 melanoma patients and 719 matched controls, to whom we administered a semiquantitative food-frequency questionnaire. After adjusting for potential confounders, odds ratio of melanoma were 0.86 (95 % confidence interval 0.65 - 1.15) and 0.59 (95 % confidence interval 0.37 - 0.94) in the intermediate and highest categories of vitamin C dietary intake respectively, compared with the bottom one. The association between vitamin C and decreased risk persisted after adjustment for some potential confounders. In age- and gender-stratified analyses, this association was seen in young females (< 60 years old), and was found to be enhanced in subjects with phototypes II and III. These results suggest a possible protective activity of vitamin C intake against cutaneous melanoma in specific subgroups of this population of Northern Italy.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common variety of non-melanoma skin cancer. Treatment modalities include cryotherapy, topical imiquimod 5% cream, photodynamic therapy, electrodessication and curettage, classic surgical excision, Mohs surgery, and radiotherapy. Surgical treatments are regarded as the most effective, but, in some cases, may produce poor cosmetic outcomes. Delineating tumor margins as much as possible is important in order to limit broad surgical excisions. Preoperative curettage is a surgical technique proposed to delineate BCC margins. Reported data on curettage utility are controversial. Some authors report that curettage better delineates the tumor, decreasing relapsing rates, whereas others consider it as a nonspecific procedure that may damage the surrounding healthy tissue and falsely increase the final defect size. We studied the pathologic features of curetted material and the main surgical specimens of 55 BCC treated with preoperative curettage. According to BCC subtype, preoperative curettage may lead to a complete or almost complete tumor removal. Preoperative curettage might be helpful in delineating BCC margins, especially in nodular and superficial BCC. No evidence of unspecific removal of tumor's surrounding healthy tissue was observed in our specimens.

Nail Apparatus Melanoma (NAM) is rare, particularly in Caucasians. Understanding its pathogenesis and collecting epidemiologic data may be difficult due to its location and the exiguity of the case series of this cancer. Cutaneous melanoma has been thought related to UV radiation, and NAM is considered an acral variant of melanoma, even if the nail presents a specific anatomy. Little is reported about pathogenesis, except reports suggesting traumatic injuries as a causal factor. UV exposure is debated in nail melanoma because of its structure. The nail is, in fact, a unique structure with sun-exposed and non exposed melanocytes. NAM arises from the nail melanocytes, located in the nail matrix, which is the germinative part of the nail and composed of a proximal and distal portion. The proximal nail matrix lays under the proximal nail fold that covers it and is non-sun exposed, while the distant nail matrix, clinically visible as the lunula, is sun-exposed, though lying underneath the nail plate. According to these anatomical data, NAM is a distinct melanoma type, and studies need to classify it as acral melanoma or as a particular type of melanoma with its own pathogenesis and prognostic criteria. This study investigates potential risk factors of NAM, emphasizing (i) trauma and (ii) UV exposure among our NAM patients.

ejd.2012.1803 Auteur(s) : Emi Dika emi.dika3@unibo.it, Pier Alessandro Fanti, Alma Ismaili, Cosimo Misciali, Sabrina Vaccari, Annalisa Patrizi Department of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics and Nephrology, Division of Dermatology University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 1 CAP 40138, Bologna, Italy Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the lips is rare and those involving only the vermilion mucosal surface are even rarer [1]. The first published data regarding BCC on the vermilion of the lip appeared in the middle [...]

The possibility of an inverse association between vitamin D and risk of cancer and, in particular, of cutaneous malignant melanoma has been suggested, but results of epidemiologic studies are still conflicting. We examined the relation between dietary vitamin D intake and melanoma risk through a population-based case-control study (380 cases, 719 controls) in a northern region of Italy, a country with an average vitamin D intake lower than that in northern Europe or the United States. We assessed average daily intake of vitamin D from foodstuffs using the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. In this population, levels of vitamin D intake were considerably lower than those observed in recent U.S. studies. We found an inverse relation between dietary vitamin D and melanoma risk in the sample as a whole, in both crude and adjusted analyses. In sex- and age-specific analyses, this association appeared to be stronger among males and among older subjects. These findings suggest that, at the relatively low levels of intake observed in this sample, an inverse relation between dietary vitamin D and risk of cutaneous malignant melanoma may exist.

Malignant melanoma (MM) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The MM-related incidence and mortality have been increasing at an alarming rate over at least the past four decades. Malignant melanoma has been thought to be related mainly to exposure to the sun or UV radiation. A review of the scientific literature reveals many significant correlations between chemical exposure in the workplace and the occurrence of malignant melanoma, particularly in cutaneous areas that have never been exposed to sunlight. Discrepant findings are reported by independent studies concluding that MM is causally related to employment-related chemical exposures and to investigators with industry affiliations. More studies are needed to define a correlation of chemical exposure as a co-factor on the pathogenesis in some melanoma patients. We propose further investigation by dermatologists working in Melanoma Centers, using a simple questionnaire on chemical exposure among patients, that have previously been diagnosed and are followed up for melanoma comparing with appropriate matched controls. Collecting the data and results from the questionnaire will help us understand the initiation events in melanoma and prevention health issues.

A 72-year-old woman was referred to us because of the occurrence of painful toenail lesions, which had been present for 1 month. The patient had been on gefitinib (Iressa®, AstraZeneca Pharmaceutic...

Lo scleromixedema rappresenta una variante clinica severa della rara mucinosi papulosa, conosciuta anche come lichen mixedematoso. Nella maggior parte dei pazienti si osservano sia le manifestazioni cutanee che una compromissione a livello sistemico. Nonostante che in letteratura siano riportate diverse opzioni terapeutiche per tale patologia, a oggi nessun trattamento si è rivelato del tutto soddisfacente. Presentiamo un caso di scleromixedema generalizzato con gammopatia monoclonale, non associato a coinvolgimento sistemico, che ha risposto con successo al trattamento orale con talidomide.

Psoriasis is a chronic relapsing disease characterized by variable clinical features. Several factors may exacerbate its manifestations, or even trigger the disease, such as traumatic injury to the skin, physical and psychological stress, cold weather, excessive alcohol intake, and drugs such as lithium and β-blockers. We describe the most common features of psoriasis and the exogenous factors that may induce, trigger or exacerbate the disease. © 2007 S. Karger AG.

Purpose: Crotamiton is a topical drug used in the treatment of scabies and pruritus. We determined its percutaneous absorption following single and multiple dosing in normal skin. Methods: We used in vivo measurement of percutaneous absorption of [14C] crotamiton in a multidose regimen by measuring urinary excretion and liquid scintillation counting in three groups of four healthy volunteers. The Feldmann urinary excretion method was utilized to ascertain percutaneous absorption. Our results showed that tape stripping does not increase percutaneous absorption of crotamiton; upon repeated application.

We describe a generalized psorisiform eruption inducted by Imiquimod , a chemioterapic utilised fro the treatment of non melanoma skin cancer.

NONE

We reviewed literature data in order to better define clinical features of Spitz nevi (SNi) in children. Lots of interest has been given in the past decade to these neoplasms that due the clinical course and sometime the rapid onset, may often cause worrisome consultations. Dermoscopy has played an important role in the improved diagnostic capability of clinicians, regarding all melanocytic neoplasms and also SNi. The description of specific and typical dermoscopic patterns is largely reviewed as well as the new laboratory diagnostic tools in the field of dermatopathology.

Psoriasis is a common skin disorder that needs a long-term management, not only because, of its prevalence but also because of the profound impact it can have on patients quality of life. Drugs may result in exacerbation of a preexisting psoriasis, in induction of psoriatic lesions on clinically uninvolved skin in patients with psoriasis, or in precipitation of the disease in persons without family history of psoriasis or in predisposed individuals. The knowledge of the drugs that may induce, trigger, or exacerbate the disease is of primary importance in clinical practice. By reviewing the literature, there are many reports on drug-induced psoriasis, but the data are not univocal. We propose, when possible, the use of a probability score from the authors to obtain a better classification and further understanding of drug-induced psoriasis

Mitochondria have been considered for long time as important determinants of cell aging because of their role in the production of reactive oxygen species. In this study we investigated the impact of mitochondrial metabolism and biology as determinants of successful aging in primary cultures of fibroblasts isolated from the skin of long living individuals (LLI) (about 100 years old) compared with those from young (about 27 years old) and old (about 75 years old) subjects. We observed that fibroblasts from LLI displayed significantly lower complex I-driven ATP synthesis and higher production of H2O2 in comparison with old subjects. Despite these changes, bioenergetics of these cells appeared to operate normally. This lack of functional consequences was likely due to a compensatory phenomenon at the level of mitochondria, which displayed a maintained supercomplexes organization and an increased mass. This appears to be due to a decreased mitophagy, induced by hyperfused, elongated mitochondria. The overall data indicate that longevity is characterized by a preserved bioenergetic function likely attained by a successful mitochondria remodeling that can compensate for functional defects through an increase in mass, i.e. a sort of mitochondrial “hypertrophy”.

Pyogenic granuloma is a benign, rapidly growing, acquired vascular tumor, usually presenting as a sessile or polypoid nodule that can often bleed or ulcerate. It is commonly located on the skin of the trunk and the extremities, but it can also originate from the mucous membranes. It may rarely be subcutaneous or intravascular. It typically appears as a red papule or nodule, and it frequently involves the nail, including the nail bed and the periungual tissues. Its etiology and pathogenesis are not completely understood. The condition may be either idiopathic, or it may occur after acute and chronic traumas, during pregnancy, because of inflammatory systemic diseases, or because of the administration of some systemic medications.1 Drug-induced pyogenic granulomas have been frequently reported; the most frequently involved drugs are likely to be retinoids, antiretroviral agents, and antitumoral drugs.1 In particular, among the latter, epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors

PURPOSE: Crotamiton is a topical drug used in the treatment of scabies and pruritus. We determined its percutaneous absorption following single and multiple dosing in normal skin. METHODS: We used in vivo measurement of percutaneous absorption of [14C] crotamiton in a multidose regimen by measuring urinary excretion and liquid scintillation counting in three groups of four healthy volunteers. The Feldmann urinary excretion method was utilized to ascertain percutaneous absorption. Our results showed that tape stripping does not increase percutaneous absorption of crotamiton; upon repeated application.

We reviewed literature data in order to better define clinical features of Spitz nevi in children. Lots of interest has been given in the past decade to these neoplasms that due the clinical course and sometime the rapid onset, may often cause worrisome consultations. Dermoscopy has played an important role in the improved diagnostic capability of clinicians, regarding all melanocytic neoplasms and also spitz nevi. The description of specific and typical dermoscopic patterns is largely reviewed as well as the new laboratory diagnostic tools in the field of dermatopathology.

La chirurgia microscopicamente controllata, dal punto di vista istopatologico si avvale di sezioni al criostato tagliate in modo orizzontale che vengono eseguite nei successivi tempi chirurgici fino alla completa asportazione della neoplasia.