Unusual presentation of Kaposi sarcoma in an HIV-negative woman.

Kaposi sarcoma typically presents as violaceous macules and papules in immunocompromised, specifically HIV-positive, patients. Its distinct clinical features often facilitate rapid diagnosis. In this article, we report a case of Kaposi sarcoma presenting as a concerning yet nondescript lesion in an HIV-negative woman.

Management of Primary Small-Vessel Vasculitis.

Small-vessel vasculitides (SVV) are a group of disorders that occur due to primarily systemic inflammation or as sequelae of an infection, malignancy, or other rheumatic disease. Arising in any organ including the skin, the clinical features of SVV encompass a variety of manifestations. A comprehensive diagnostic assessment should be performed as management protocols widely differ.

Management of Ichthyosis: A Brief Review.

The ichthyoses, also termed the disorders of keratinization, are a heterogenous group of skin diseases in which a distinctive horny layer arises secondary to excessive transepidermal water loss. Although occasionally acquired, the majority of ichthyoses are inherited and can be pinpointed to characteristic genetic mutations. Management depends on disease severity and includes topical agents and lifestyle modifications with or without oral retinoids.

Brief Update on Dermatologic Uses of Methotrexate.

Methotrexate (MTX), an agent originally intended for anti-neoplastic use, has been successfully employed in the treatment of a variety of dermatologic conditions. In addition to its multiple clinical indications, variable dosing and modes of administration make it a viable option for patients of all ages and most comorbidities. MTX is a folate analog that antagonizes dihydrofolate reductase, thus inhibiting thymidylate synthesis and, ultimately, the production of pyrimidine.

Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Small T Antigen Induces DNA Damage Response.

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive neuroendocrine cancer of the skin with high rates of metastasis and mortality. Besides well-established factors including genetic mutations and UV-induced DNA damage in Merkel cell carcinogenesis, the recent discovery of the Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) has shed light on the viral etiology of MCC. In the current study, we provide novel evidence that MCPyV small T (sT) antigen induces the DNA damage response (DDR) pathway.

Shingrix for Herpes Zoster: A Review.

Herpes zoster (HZ), also known as shingles, results from reactivation of the latent varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which commonly causes chickenpox in childhood. Greater than 90% of adults are infected with this virus, putting them at risk for reactivation. HZ presents as a painful, vesicular rash distributed in a unilateral and dermatomal pattern along dorsal root or cranial nerve ganglia.

Topical Diacerein Ointment for Epidermolysis Bullosa Simplex: A Review.

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a group of rare mucocutaneous fragility disorders often presenting in infancy and early childhood with painful blistering of the skin and mucous membranes. The severity of EB blister burden varies by disease subtype. Studies have shown that patients with generalized severe epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS), a variant characterized by extreme fragility, develop blisters in the setting of overproduced, mutated K14 protein, a component of the intermediate filament integral in keratinocyte stability, and constitutive activation of interleukin (IL)-1 , a pro-inflammatory cytokine that promotes the hyperproliferation of keratinocytes.

Zonisamide for Cluster Headache Prophylaxis: A Case Series.

Objective: There is very little literature surrounding the prophylactic use of zonisamide in cluster headaches. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of zonisamide for prophylaxis of cluster headache in patients with chronic or episodic cluster headache.

Background: Both chronic and episodic cluster headaches are debilitating disorders which are often refractory to multiple prophylactic medication regimens.

Glycopyrronium Tosylate (Qbrexza) for Hyperhidrosis.

Hyperhidrosis is a condition characterized by excessive sweat production beyond which is physiologically necessary for thermal regulation. Affecting over 4.8% of the United States population, studies have shown that severe primary hyperhidrosis interferes with daily activities and can be considered intolerable, negatively impacting a patient’s quality of life.