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Summary: There is a paucity of data concerning the usefulness of trichoscopy in patients with erythroderma. The aim of the study was to compare the trichoscopic features in erythroderma of various aetiologies. In total, 49 patients with a determined cause of erythroderma [including atopic dermatitis (AD), mycosis fungoides (MF), allergic contact eczema (ACE), psoriasis (Pso), Sézary syndrome (SS), drug reaction, pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP), dermatomyositis (DM), actinic reticuloid (AR), crusted scabies (CS) and pemphigus foliaceus (PF)] were included in the study. Dotted vessels were present in patients with AD, PRP, MF, SS and Pso, and absent in DM, CS and PF (χ², P < 0.02). Spermatozoon‐like vessels were observed only in MF and SS (P = 0.001). Whitish–pinkish structureless areas were described in all patients with DM, AR and CS (P < 0.03). The type of vessel and the presence of whitish–pinkish structureless areas under trichoscopy may indicate the cause of erythroderma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The diagnosis of a patient with erythroderma may be difficult and sometimes pose a challenge for both dermatologist and pathologist. The role of dermoscopy in this area seems to be poorly investigated. There are only a few reports, with limited number of patients, describing dermoscopic features in erythroderma of various origins. To the best of our knowledge, none of the previous studies had included trichoscopic examination. Objectives: Analysis of dermoscopic and trichoscopic patterns in series of patients with erythroderma. Methods: We retrospectively analysed 28 adult patients who presented with erythroderma between May 2016 and August 2020. Demographic data, disease course and duration, previous treatment, as well as dermoscopic and trichoscopic features were analysed. Results: There were 9 patients (32.1%) with the diagnosis of mycosis fungoides, 8 patients (28.5%) with atopic dermatitis, 3 patients (10.5%) with Sézary syndrome and 3 patients (10.5%) with pityriasis rubra pilaris. The others were diagnosed with allergic eczema (n = 1; 3.6%), dermatomyositis sine myositis (n = 1; 3.6%), psoriasis (n = 1; 3.6%), actinic reticuloid (n = 1; 3.6%) and crusted scabies (n = 1; 3.6%). Characteristic dermoscopic/trichoscopic patterns have been observed in erythroderma due to crusted scabies, psoriasis, dermatomyositis sine myositis, Sézary syndrome and pityriasis rubra pilaris. Differentiation of mycosis fungoides and long‐standing atopic dermatitis based on dermoscopy is difficult, as the overlap of vessel morphology, background colour and scale colour exists. Similarly, differentiation between AD and AE based on dermoscopy/trichoscopy seems to be impossible, and clinical background is crucial. Conclusion: Dermoscopy and trichoscopy seem to provide additional clues in the assessment of erythrodermic patient. Depending on the underlying cause, trichoscopy or dermoscopy may be more useful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: The molecular pathogenesis of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is still not precisely described and is the subject of ongoing studies. The role of signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs) in human epithelial carcinogenesis has been poorly investigated, but in the era of studies on inhibitors targeting STAT proteins this topic seems worth exploring. Increased expression of STAT3 in human nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) has been confirmed in a few studies, but to our knowledge, expression of STAT5A, STAT5B and STAT6 in BCC has not been previously evaluated. Aim: To measure expression of STAT3, STAT5A, STAT5B and STAT6 expression in different histopathological subtypes of human BCC and its correlation with selected clinical variables. Methods: Immunohistochemistry was used to assess 60 BCC tumour specimens [20 superficial (s)BCCs, 20 nodular (n)BCCs and 20 infiltrative (i)BCCs] and to compare with specimens of healthy skin. There was no significant difference in age or sex between the three groups of patients with BCC. As many tumours showed heterogeneity of staining, the H‐score system was applied to calculate the intensity of immunoexpression. Results: Expression of STAT3, STAT5A, STAT5B and STAT6 was observed in all histopathological subtypes of BCC, and was stronger than the expression within the adjacent epidermis and also stronger than the expression within the epidermis in the healthy control group. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in mean H‐scores calculated for sBCCs, nBCCs and iBCCs. There were no statistically significant associations between STAT3, STAT5A, STAT5B and STAT6 expression and patient sex/age, and tumour size/site. Conclusion: Our results confirm a possible role of STATs in the pathogenesis of BCC and should encourage future investigations on the possible therapeutic implications of this finding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) is a chronic primary cutaneous CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorder of unknown aetiology which accounts for approximately 12% of cutaneous lymphomas. A 78-year-old man diagnosed with LyP ten years before presented with cicatricial and erythematous scalp lesions associated with focal alopecia. White lines as well as the presence of confluent yellow-pinkish structureless areas associated with the loss of hair follicles have not been previously described in LyP lesions.[[5]]. [Extracted from the article]

Linked article: This article is commented on by G. Dabas et al., pp. e33–e55 in this issue. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.15152 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 26-year-old female who was diagnosed with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) because of intravenous drug abuse. Also discusses the diagnosis of cryptococcosis with central nervous system and skin involvement after antiretroviral therapy (ART), and the recommendation for fluconazole.