Social determinants of racial and ethnic disparities in cutaneous melanoma outcomes.

Background: This article sought to elucidate how aspects of poverty and culture may contribute to race- and ethnicity-based disparities in cutaneous melanoma outcomes.

Methods: We identified published studies addressing the social determinants of melanoma. Selected review articles included US-based studies comprised of patients representing adults, children, and adolescents.

Racial differences in the use of extracorporeal photopheresis for mycosis fungoides.

Background: Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is an effective treatment option for mycosis fungoides (MF) and associated with few systemic side effects.

Objective: We sought to investigate whether there were differences in rates of ECP use between African-American and Caucasian patients with stage III/IV MF.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of all patients treated for MF at the Johns Hopkins Hospital main campus outpatient clinic between 1999 and 2011.

Racial differences in mycosis fungoides: a retrospective study with a focus on eosinophilia.

Background: Mycosis fungoides (MF) is often associated with eosinophilia and portends a poorer prognosis. MF is more common in blacks and follows a more aggressive course compared with whites.

Objective: We further elucidate racial differences between blacks and whites with MF, focusing on blood eosinophilia.

Age, race, sex, stage, and incidence of cutaneous lymphoma.

Unlabelled: The T- and B-cell cutaneous lymphomas (CLs) are relatively rare, and information regarding clinical presentation and differences among racial groups might be helpful in determining the best course of clinical care. Data from nearly 5000 patients with CL from the SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program) registry were evaluated. Nonwhite racial groups present with mycosis fungoides (MF) at an earlier age compared with white, and African American (AA) have increased risk of presenting with higher T-stage compared with white patients.

Treatment of mycosis fungoides with total skin electron beam: response and relapse by ethnicity and sex.

Objective: To determine whether clinical response to total skin electron beam (TSEB) and relapse after TSEB differs by ethnicity and sex.

Methods: Retrospective chart review of 77 patients with mycosis fungoides (MF), treated with TSEB in 2002 to 2008 at Yale University School of Medicine, Departments of Dermatology and Therapeutic Radiology.

Results: Women had better odds of response to TSEB than men (OR=6.

Primary cutaneous aspergillosis in an immunocompetent patient: successful treatment with oral voriconazole.

We report a case of primary cutaneous aspergillosis in an immunocompetent child that responded rapidly to oral voriconazole therapy. Voriconazole may be considered as a treatment option for pediatric patients with primary cutaneous aspergillosis.

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in skin of color.

Over the past three decades, there has been a marked increase in the incidence of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), with significant differences in the rates of CTCL by race and ethnicity. The overall incidence of CTCL has been shown to be higher among blacks than among whites and other racial groups. In addition, CTCL is thought to follow a more aggressive course in black patients.

A case of disseminate and recurrent infundibulofolliculitis responsive to treatment with topical steroids.

Disseminate and recurrent infundibulofolliculitis (DRIF) is an uncommon pruritic follicular eruption of unknown etiology that is predominantly seen in black men. This condition tends to affect the trunk and upper extremities and is usually unresponsive to local and systemic treatment. Recently, several investigators have reported successful treatment with isotretinoin.

Malignancy and cancer treatment-related hair and nail changes.

The hair and nails are complex cutaneous adnexal structures influenced by the patient's physiologic state. Systemic diseases may affect either or both. Remote internal malignancies may induce skin changes that are neither genetically related nor part of a tumor syndrome.

Persistent erythema multiforme and CMV infection.

Persistent erythema multiforme is a rare disorder with only 23 known cases reported in the literature. Persistent erythema multiforme has been reported in association with Epstein-Barr virus, herpes virus, hepatitis C virus, influenza, inflammatory bowel disease, and a variety of neoplasms. To our knowledge, this case is the first case of persistent erythema multiforme reported in association with cytomegalovirus infection.