Standardized methods for photography in procedural dermatology using simple equipment.

Photography is an important tool in dermatology. Reproducing the settings of before photos after interventions allows more accurate evaluation of treatment outcomes. In this article, we describe standardized methods and tips to obtain photographs, both for clinical practice and research procedural dermatology, using common equipment.

Postauricular skin: an excellent donor site for split-thickness skin grafts for the head, neck, and upper chest.

Background: Postauricular skin is one of the potential donor sites for split-thickness skin grafts (STSGs).

Objective: To objectively quantify how postauricular donor sites heal after STSG harvesting.

Materials And Methods: A cohort of 39 Mohs micrographic surgery patients repaired with STSGs (total 41 surgical defects) was established.

Impact of long-wavelength UVA and visible light on melanocompetent skin.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of visible light on the immediate pigmentation and delayed tanning of melanocompetent skin; the results were compared with those induced by long-wavelength UVA (UVA1). Two electromagnetic radiation sources were used to irradiate the lower back of 20 volunteers with skin types IV-VI: UVA1 (340-400 nm) and visible light (400-700 nm). Pigmentation was assessed by visual examination, digital photography with a cross-polarized filter, and diffused reflectance spectroscopy at 7 time points over a 2-week period.

Prospective controlled clinical and histopathologic study of hidradenitis suppurativa treated with the long-pulsed neodymium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet laser.

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disease involving the intertriginous areas.

Objective: We sought to conduct clinical and histopathologic evaluation of the efficacy of long-pulsed neodymium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet laser treatment for HS.

Methods: We conducted a prospective, randomized, right-left within-patient controlled trial for HS (n = 22).

Quality of life assessment and disease experience of patient members of a web-based hydroa vacciniforme support group.

Background/purpose: Hydroa vacciniforme (HV) is a rare photodermatosis that primarily affects children. It is characterized by photodistributed vesicles that heal with scarring. The purposes of this study are to perform the initial investigation into the effect of HV on quality of life (QoL) and gain insight into disease diagnosis and management.

Incidence of nonmelanoma skin cancer in a cohort of patients with vitiligo.

Background: Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) incidence in patients with vitiligo has not been studied.

Objective: We sought to quantify the incidence of NMSC in patients with vitiligo.

Methods: A cohort of 477 patients with vitiligo and no history of NMSC seen in an outpatient academic center between January 2001 and December 2006 was established.

Current sunscreen issues: 2007 Food and Drug Administration sunscreen labelling recommendations and combination sunscreen/insect repellent products.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates sunscreens as over-the-counter drugs. This article describes sunscreen actives available in the United States, new developments available elsewhere, and the amendment to the FDA 1999 sunscreen monograph, released on August 27, 2007, which proposes a new grading system for ultraviolet B protection, a cap of the sunburn protection factor to 50+, and a 4-star grading of ultraviolet A protection. In addition, current data on combination sunscreen and insect repellent products are discussed.

Effects of visible light on the skin.

Electromagnetic radiation has vast and diverse effects on human skin. Although photobiologic studies of sunlight date back to Sir Isaac Newton in 1671, most available studies focus on the UV radiation part of the spectrum. The effects of visible light and infrared radiation have not been, until recently, clearly elucidated.

Treatment of Venous Ulcers.

Underlying the pathogenesis of venous ulceration is venous hypertension. Therefore, the use of multilayered compression therapy is the gold standard in the treatment of a venous ulcer. As treatment progresses, an important determinant of response is wound assessment, which should be performed on initial visit and subsequently thereafter.

Inguinal, or Hexsel's hyperhidrosis.

Inguinal Hyperhidrosis (IH) is a focal and primary form of hyperhidrosis in which the individual has intense sweating in the inguinal region. It usually appears in adolescence, not later than the age of 25, in the most cases, and continues into adulthood. With a sample of 26 patients we described Inguinal Hyperhidrosis (IH).

Liquid injectable silicone: history, mechanism of action, indications, technique, and complications.

Medical grade liquid injectable silicone can be used for soft tissue augmentation to correct and replace lost volumes of the subcutaneous tissue. It is potentially a permanent tissue augmentation agent and is the most effective filler for certain indications. This article presents the history, mechanism of action, indications and contraindications, technique, and the possible complications of silicone and their treatment.