Randomized double-blind trial of prophylactic oral minocycline and topical tazarotene for cetuximab-associated acne-like eruption.

Purpose: To evaluate the ability of either oral minocycline, topical tazarotene or both, to reduce or prevent cetuximab-related acneiform rash when administered starting on day 1 of cetuximab therapy.

Patients And Methods: Metastatic colorectal cancer patients preparing to initiate cetuximab were randomly assigned to receive daily oral minocycline or placebo, and to receive topical tazarotene application to either left or right side of the face. Both therapies were administered for 8 weeks.

In vivo reflectance confocal microscopy imaging of melanocytic skin lesions: consensus terminology glossary and illustrative images.

Background: Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) has been used for over 10 years for in vivo skin imaging. However, to date no standard RCM terminology has been published.

Objective: To establish a glossary of terms for RCM evaluation of melanocytic lesions.

In vivo reflectance confocal microscopy of mycosis fungoides: A preliminary study.

Background: Mycosis fungoides (MF) is a diagnostic challenge, frequently needing multiple and sequential biopsies to establish the diagnosis.

Objective: Our aim was to evaluate lesions suggestive of MF using in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) and to correlate confocal features with histopathologic findings.

Methods: A total of 8 lesions from 7 patients either with a history of biopsy-proven MF or with lesions clinically suggestive of MF were imaged with RCM followed by a skin punch biopsy.

Differences between polarized light dermoscopy and immersion contact dermoscopy for the evaluation of skin lesions.

Objective: To evaluate dermoscopic features and patterns of skin lesions by using conventional and polarized light dermoscopy (PD).

Design: Observational study.

Setting: Dermatology clinic at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

Correlation of dermoscopic structures of melanocytic lesions to reflectance confocal microscopy.

Objective: To determine the utility of reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) in the in vivo evaluation of dermoscopic structures of melanocytic lesions.

Design: For each described dermoscopic feature, we evaluated by RCM at least 2 melanocytic lesions. A digital camera connected to the confocal computer enabled direct analysis of the dermoscopic structures.

Conventional and polarized dermoscopy features of dermatofibroma.

Objective: To evaluate dermoscopic features and patterns of dermatofibromas using conventional and polarized light dermoscopy.

Design: Dermatofibromas were imaged using conventional nonpolarized contact dermoscopy (NPD), polarized contact dermoscopy (PCD), and polarized noncontact dermoscopy, followed by evaluation and comparison of dermoscopic features of the lesions.

Setting: Dermatology clinic specializing in pigmented lesions.

Nonmelanocytic lesions defying the two-step dermoscopy algorithm.

The first step of the two-step algorithm of dermoscopy aims at differentiating melanocytic from nonmelanocytic pigmented lesions, using a stepwise evaluation for the presence of specific dermoscopic criteria. The purpose of this article is to heighten awareness of clinicians to nonmelanocytic lesions that defy the two-step algorithm, thus simulating melanocytic lesions dermoscopically. Seborrheic keratosis, solar lentigo, dermatofibroma, and supernumerary accessory nipple may present with network-like structures.

Dermatologic side effects associated with the epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors.

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors are associated with unique and dramatic dermatologic side effects. Cetuximab, erlotinib, and gefitinib have been approved for patients with colorectal and non-small cell lung cancer refractory or intolerant to chemotherapy. Our aim was to describe key clinical features of common dermatologic adverse reactions among EGFR inhibitors, focusing mainly on skin toxicity, as well as to discuss the pathology, possible causes, and suggested treatments for these reactions.

Cutaneous metastatic breast carcinoma with melanocyte colonization: a clinical and dermoscopic mimic of malignant melanoma.

Background: Melanocyte colonization of breast carcinoma cells may occur in those tumors that breach the epidermal-dermal interface. The resultant melanin deposition in tumor cells rarely leads to clinical pigmentation of the tumor. Typically, selective staining methods are required to detect the pigment.

Level of confidence in diagnosis: clinical examination versus dermoscopy examination.

Background: Confidence is an important factor in decision making and may influence patient care.

Objectives: To evaluate whether short-training-based dermoscopy increases confidence in the diagnosis of skin lesions.

Methods And Materials: After a 1-hour course on dermoscopy, 20 pairs of clinical and dermoscopic images of lesions were presented to 19 dermatology residents with little or no dermoscopy experience.

Asymptomatic neurocutaneous melanocytosis in patients with large congenital melanocytic nevi: a study of cases from an Internet-based registry.

Background: Recent retrospective studies using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to screen for neurocutaneous melanocytosis (NCM) among neurologically asymptomatic children with large congenital melanocytic nevi (LCMN) report high prevalence (23-30%) of asymptomatic NCM. We sought to determine prevalence of asymptomatic NCM, and current application of MRI as a screening tool.

Methods: Patients with LCMN from an Internet-based registry answered a questionnaire regarding NCM status.

A randomized double-blind controlled trial comparing extra virgin coconut oil with mineral oil as a moisturizer for mild to moderate xerosis.

Background: Xerosis is a common skin condition (1) characterized by dry, rough, scaly, and itchy skin, (2) associated with a defect in skin barrier function, and (3) treated with moisturizers. People in the tropics have effectively used coconut oil as a traditional moisturizer for centuries. Recently, the oil also has been shown to have skin antiseptic effects.