Human hair follicle dermal sheath and papilla cells support keratinocyte growth in monolayer coculture.

Traditional skin grafting techniques are effective but limited methods of skin replacement. Autologous transplantation of rapidly cultured keratinocytes is successful for epidermal regeneration, but the current gold-standard technique requires mouse fibroblast feeders and serum-rich media, with serum-free systems and dermal fibroblast (DF) feeders performing relatively poorly. Here, we investigated the capacity of human hair follicle dermal cells to act as alternative supports for keratinocyte growth.

Generation and characterization of multipotent stem cells from established dermal cultures.

Human multipotent skin derived precursor cells (SKPs) are traditionally sourced from dissociated dermal tissues; therefore, donor availability may become limiting. Here we demonstrate that both normal and diseased adult human dermal fibroblasts (DF) pre-cultured in conventional monolayers are capable of forming SKPs (termed m-SKPs). Moreover, we show that these m-SKPs can be passaged and that cryopreservation of original fibroblast monolayer cultures does not reduce m-SKP yield; however, extensive monolayer passaging does.

Wound complications following diagnostic skin biopsies in dermatology inpatients.

Objectives: To prospectively determine the wound complication rate for dermatology inpatients undergoing diagnostic skin biopsies during their admission and to determine significant host and procedural risk factors.

Design: Prospective assessment, by a single observer, of 100 postdiagnostic skin biopsy wounds in dermatology inpatients. The following data were recorded for each patient: age and sex, presence of comorbidities, smoking status, dermatologic diagnosis, use of immunosuppressive or antibiotic therapy, place of biopsy (whether in the operation theater or in the ward), grade of physician performing biopsy, biopsy site on the body, type of biopsy (whether elliptical incision, punch, shave, or curettage), and wound closure technique.

Plasticity of rodent and human hair follicle dermal cells: implications for cell therapy and tissue engineering.

The dermal components of the hair follicle exhibit a number of stem cell properties, including regenerative potential, roles in wound healing and the ability to produce a functional dermis. Here we examine the stem cell phenomenon of plasticity, focusing on recent observations of in vitro plasticity of dermal papilla and sheath cells, including previously unpublished data of neuronal-like differentiation. We then briefly address the implications of the stem cell potential of hair follicle dermal cells for the field of tissue engineering.

Skin excision and osteophyte removal is not required in the surgical treatment of digital myxoid cysts.

Background: Digital myxoid cysts (DMCs) are ganglia of the adjacent distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) caused by leakage of fluid from the joint into the surrounding tissues. The connection between the DIPJ and the cyst can be identified by the injection of methylene blue into the DIPJ. However, the injection of methylene blue into the DIPJ is difficult and time-consuming.

Neonatal giant congenital nevi with proliferative nodules: a clinicopathologic study and literature review of neonatal melanoma.

Background: Review of the literature reveals that congenital malignant melanoma is an exceptionally rare occurrence and has a generally poor prognosis when it does occur. However, benign proliferative melanocytic lesions are known to occur within giant congenital nevi (GCN). This entity is not well recognized and can be confused clinically and histologically with malignant change.

General practitioners with a special interest in dermatology--the dermatologist's perspective.

The NHS plan promises the creation of general practitioners with a specialist interest (GPSIs) who will be able to provide an alternative referral resource for primary care. At present, only the specialties of orthopaedics, ophthalmology, ENT and dermatology, which have the longest waiting times for outpatient appointments, have been earmarked for GPSIs. The British Association of Dermatologists has examined, investigated and piloted several such schemes for dermatology provision.