Videoconferencing Dysmorphia: The Impact on Self-perception and Desire for Cosmetic Procedures.

Objective: The authors sought to examine the association between the increased use of videoconferencing and image-enhancing software filters during the COVID-19 pandemic and the corresponding rise in interest in cosmetic procedures. We aimed to discern if heightened exposure to one's digital self-image correlates with a greater inclination toward cosmetic interventions.

Methods: In this cross-sectional questionnaire survey study, adult participants living in the United States were recruited on Amazon's Mechanical Turk platform.

Gender Representation in Authorship of Academic Dermatology Publications During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-Sectional Study.

Analyses of women dermatology literature authorship from 2018 to 2022 reveal a slight increase in total female authors, female first authors, and female senior authors with no substantial immediate impact of COVID-19 on current trends, encouraging future examination of long-term effects and ongoing promotion of systemic initiatives to support gender equity.

Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic On Patient Social Media Use and Acceptance of Cosmetic Procedures.

Objective: We sought to explore facets of social media usage and the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the acceptance of cosmetic procedures.

Methods: At an outpatient dermatology clinic from October 2019 to June 2022, 175 subjects who were English and Spanish speaking and aged 18 years or older were recruited. Participants completed a questionnaire including demographic information, social media usage, perceptions of cosmetic procedures, and desire to have a cosmetic procedure.

Consumer Preferences of Topical Vitamin C Products: A Comparative Study.

Hyperpigmentation disorders greatly impact the quality of life of many patients. Vitamin C and ascorbic acid derivatives are commonly used as topical agents to reduce the effect of facial dyschromia. The market for vitamin C topicals has greatly increased, but with little oversight, resulting in a wide variety of products with regard to purity and efficacy.

Exogenous Ochronosis: Characterizing a Rare Disorder in Skin of Color.

Exogenous ochronosis is a rare dyschromia that primarily impacts those with skin of color. It is characterized by blue-black pigmentation and is associated with the long-term application of skin-lightening creams containing hydroquinone. Commonly confused with other dyschromias, the use of skin lightening topicals can cause paradoxical skin darkening in patients with known exogenous ochronosis.

Pityriasis Lichenoides et Varioliformis Acuta as a Complication of COVID-19 Infection.

Pityriasis lichenoides is an acute and/or chronic skin disease associated with recurrent erythematous papules that self-resolve. While its etiology is unknown, preceding viral infection may play a role. We present an atypical case of a 40-year-old woman with pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta as a complication of a COVID-19 infection.

Tinted Sunscreens: Consumer Preferences Based on Light, Medium, and Dark Skin Tones.

Visible light (VL) has been shown to increase tyrosinase activity and induce immediate erythema in light-skinned individuals and long-lasting pigmentation in dark-skinned individuals. Tinted sunscreens (TSs) formulated with iron oxides (IOs) and/or pigmentary titanium dioxide (PTD) provide functional and cosmetic benefits and are a safe, effective, and convenient way to protect against both UV and high-energy VL. We conducted an analysis of over-the-counter TSs with the objective of investigating the factors that influence consumer preference when choosing TS depending on underlying skin tone.

Part I: Cutaneous manifestations of cardiovascular disease.

In this part 1 of a 2-part continuing medical education series, we review the epidemiology and pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease, its association with cutaneous symptoms, and the diagnosis and evaluation of cutaneous features of cardiovascular syndromes, including infective endocarditis, acute rheumatic fever, Kawasaki disease, cholesterol embolization syndrome, lipid disorders, cardiac amyloidosis, and cardiac myxomas. As the incidence and prevalence of cardiovascular diseases increase, dermatologists play an essential role in recognizing the cutaneous manifestations of cardiovascular diseases in order to appropriately connect patients with follow-up care.

Part II: Cutaneous manifestations of peripheral vascular disease.

In this Part 2 of a 2-part continuing medical education series, we review the epidemiology of peripheral vascular disease, its association with cutaneous symptoms, and the diagnosis and evaluation of cutaneous features of vascular disorders. As peripheral vascular disease becomes more prevalent globally, it is essential for dermatologists to become competent at accurately recognizing and diagnosing cutaneous manifestations and directing individuals to receive appropriate care and treatment.

Skin-Lightening Products: Consumer Preferences and Costs.

Disorders of skin hyperpigmentation have an appreciable impact on quality of life, carrying social and cultural importance that influences widespread consumer demand for cosmetic lightening products. We sought to investigate product factors that may influence consumer preference when choosing an over-the-counter cream for skin-lightening purposes. The keyword "lightening cream" was searched in the "Beauty and Personal Care category" of online retailer Amazon.

Impact of Direct-to-Consumer Advertising of Cosmetic Procedures on Consumers.

Background: Direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising is a prominent type of health care communication.

Objective: This study aims to determine the impact of DTC advertisements on consumer opinion.

Methods: A total of 203 participants were recruited from dermatology clinics at an urban academic center.

Trends in Use of Prescription Skin Lightening Creams.

The desire for an even skin tone pervades all cultures and regions of the world. Uniform skin color is considered a sign of beauty and youth. Pigmentation abnormalities can arise idiopathically with genetic predetermination, with injury and environmental exposures, and with advancing age, and can, therefore, be distressing to patients, leading them to seek a variety of treatments with professional assistance.

Impact of Social Media on Skin Cancer Prevention.

Despite the increasing prevalence of social media usage in health care contexts, its impact on skin cancer prevention and awareness has not been largely investigated. We conducted a review of literature on this topic with the objective of summarizing and analyzing the role of social media in skin cancer and sun damage awareness and to identify the uses, benefits, and limitations of different social media platforms on skin cancer prevention. In today's technological society, it is critical to understand and study the best form of communication.

A Case of an Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor Mimicking Appendicitis.

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMTs) are rare tumors that have been described only in a few cases in the literature. IMTs are mesenchymal neoplasms that typically affect children and young adults. The most common anatomical locations are the abdominopelvic region, lung, and retroperitoneum, but any site may be involved.

A Case of Laryngeal Tuberculosis Mimicking Lymphoma.

The incidence of laryngeal tuberculosis has steadily increased due to rising prevalence of HIV infection, immunosuppressive diseases and treatments, and the emergence of multidrug-resistant organisms and atypical mycobacteria. We report on a woman with a unique presentation of laryngeal tuberculosis mimicking lymphoma to remind clinicians that the diagnosis of laryngeal tuberculosis merits awareness and that delay in diagnosis poses a serious threat to the patient due to delayed treatment and further complications.

Risk Factors for and Time to Recurrence of Symptomatic Malignant Pleural Effusion in Patients With Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer with EGFR or ALK Mutations.

Background: The main goal of management in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is palliation. Patients with MPE and actionable mutations, because their disease is expected to respond quickly and markedly to targeted therapy, are less likely than those without actionable mutations to receive definitive MPE management. Whether such management is indicated in these patients is unclear.

Invasive Thymoma with Right Upper Lobe Endobronchial Lesion and Autoimmune Enteropathy.

Thymomas are slow-growing neoplasia arising from the epithelial cells of the thymus that usually present with respiratory symptoms, superior vena cava syndrome, or parathymic syndromes. Approximately 30% of thymomas develop myasthenia gravis. An additional 5% of patients with thymomas have other systemic syndromes, including rheumatoid arthritis, thyroiditis, red cell aplasia, systemic lupus erythematosus, and Cushing syndrome.

Leptomeningeal Enhancement due to Neurosarcoidosis Mimicking Malignancy.

The present report describes the case of a 56-year-old African American man experiencing progressive disequilibrium, lower extremity weakness, difficulty walking, and hearing loss. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed leptomeningeal enhancement. Initial differential diagnosis was broad, including malignant, infectious, and inflammatory etiologies.