Varicella-zoster virus transfer to skin by T Cells and modulation of viral replication by epidermal cell interferon-alpha.

Primary infection with varicella-zoster virus (VZV) causes the characteristic syndrome of varicella, or chickenpox. Experiments in severe combined immunodeficiency mice with human skin grafts (SCIDhu mice) indicate that VZV infection of T cells can mediate transfer of infectious virus to skin. VZV-infected T cells reached epithelial sites of replication within 24 h after entering the circulation.

Sweet's syndrome masquerading as facial cellulitis.

Sweet's syndrome, or acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis, is a cutaneous condition that typically occurs as tender red plaques or nodules. However, atypical presentations may occur and, in our case, Sweet's syndrome masqueraded as facial cellulitis and soft tissue infections of the extremities in a sporotrichoid pattern. Despite treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics, the cutaneous lesions progressed.

Rapidly growing mycobacterial infections after pedicures.

Background: Rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) can cause a variety of cutaneous and systemic diseases. The causative organisms are typically Mycobacterium fortuitum or Mycobacterium chelonae (also known as Mycobacterium abscessus). Primary cutaneous lesions may develop after a variable latent period, from weeks to several months, and usually result from direct inoculation after trauma, from injections, or during surgery via contaminated medical instruments.

Flagellate hyperpigmentation following intralesional bleomycin treatment of verruca plantaris.

Background: Flagellate hyperpigmentation is a well-documented complication of systemic bleomycin sulfate therapy when using doses of 100 U or more as an antineoplastic agent. Two cases occurred after using systemic doses from 15 to 30 U injected intravenously or intrapleurally; however, it has not been described as a complication following intralesional treatment of verruca plantaris.

Observations: We report a case of flagellate hyperpigmentation after intralesional injection of 14 U of bleomycin for verrucae plantaris and review the literature associated with this cutaneous complication.

Treatment of pseudofolliculitis barbae in skin types IV, V, and VI with a long-pulsed neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet laser.

Background: Pseudofolliculitis barbae affects a large number of individuals with coarse curly hair, and present treatment options are suboptimal.

Objective: We evaluated the safety and efficacy of a long-pulsed neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser in the treatment of pseudofolliculitis barbae.

Methods: This was a two-phase observational study conducted at a military tertiary medical facility.