Treatment of superficial infantile hemangiomas of the eyelid using the 595-nm pulsed dye laser.

Background: Despite the proven effectiveness of the 595-nm pulsed dye laser (PDL) in treating superficial infantile hemangiomas, many physicians are reluctant to treat such lesions involving the eyelid. OBJECTIVE To examine the safety and efficacy of the 595-nm PDL for the treatment of superficial infantile hemangiomas of the eyelid.

Materials & Methods: Records were reviewed for patients with superficial infantile hemangiomas of the eyelid treated with 595-nm PDL.

Fractionated CO2 laser resurfacing: our experience with more than 2000 treatments.

Fractionated carbon dioxide (CO(2)) laser resurfacing combines the concept of fractional photothermolysis with an ablative 10,600-nm wavelength. This technology allows for the effective treatment of rhytides, photodamage, and scars, with shorter recovery periods and a significantly reduced side effect profile as compared to traditional CO(2) laser resurfacing. In this article, the authors review the concept of fractional photothermolysis, the expanding array of indications for use of fractionated CO(2) lasers, and their preferred treatment technique.

Nodular pretibial myxedema.

A 30-year-old man with previously diagnosed and treated Graves disease presented for consultation regarding asymptomatic nodules over his anterior tibias. He was euthyroid at the time of presentation. The nodules arose symmetrically beneath the sites of pressure from his military boots.

Erythrokeratoderma variabilis.

A 51-year-old woman presented with well-demarcated, erythematous patches and hyperkeratotic plaques that were arranged symmetrically on the upper extremities. Her skin lesions first appeared at age 17, and there was a family history of similar skin lesions in nine of her eleven siblings. Physical and emotional stress increased the number and intensity of her skin lesions as did chocolate.

Nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy.

A 75-year-old woman with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis presented with a 2-month history of progressive skin thickening of the lower extremities. A punch biopsy specimen showed plump fibroblasts entrapping collagen bundles and positive staining for CD34 and procollagen. These changes were consistent with a diagnosis of nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy (NFD).

Epidermodysplasia verruciformis.

A 29-year-old woman presented for evaluation of an ulcerated nodule on her right temple in the presence of numerous additional scaly papules, plaques, and seborrheic keratosis-like lesions that were distributed on her forehead, frontal scalp, and temples. Further examination showed pityriasis rosea-like lesions on her neck, back, and arms and verruca plana-like lesions on the dorsa of the hands and forearms. A biopsy specimen of the ulcerated nodule showed a nodular basal-cell carcinoma.

Folliculotropic mycosis fungoides.

A 72-year-old man presented with a 4-year history of asymptomatic erythematous plaques on his face, neck, and scalp. He had no systemic symptoms or lymphadenopathy. Histopathologic examination of a skin biopsy specimen showed a dense, diffuse infiltrate of lymphocytes and plasma cells, with epidermotropism and folliculotropism.

Athletic skin injuries: combating pressure and friction.

Because the skin is the athlete's first line of defense, it is exposed to friction and pressure in nearly every athletic setting. Whether applied acutely or chronically, friction and pressure often cause skin trauma, such as abrasions, chafing, calluses, blisters, talon noir (black heel), and acne mechanica. Sports medicine clinicians, who regularly see skin injuries, can speed healing by making a timely diagnosis, recommending effective treatment, and discussing prevention strategies.