Granuloma annulare in a zoster scar of a patient with multiple myeloma.

Granuloma annulare (GA) is a common benign inflammatory skin disorder with an unknown pathogenesis. Granuloma annulare occurring in prior sites of herpes zoster (HZ) infection is rarely reported; however, it is the most common granulomatous reaction described at these sites. We report a case of localized GA on scars of prior HZ infection in a patient with multiple myeloma who had received an autologous peripheral stem cell transplant (PSCT).

Vitamins and photoaging: do scientific data support their use?

With the rise of the cosmeceutical industry, numerous formulations have surfaced with claims of reducing the clinical manifestations of photoaging. Many of these products capitalize on the positive connection the public makes with vitamins, especially with respect to their antioxidant capabilities. An impressive amount of basic science and clinical research has been conducted in both an attempt to discover novel strategies for preventing detrimental sun damage and to validate the addition of vitamins to skin care products.

Erythema multiforme during anti-tumor necrosis factor treatment for plaque psoriasis.

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) inhibitors constitute a class of biologic treatments utilized in the management of psoriasis. We report a case of a patient treated for chronic plaque psoriasis with the anti-TNF-alpha monoclonal antibody adalimumab, who developed erythema multiforme (EM). The patient had previously developed EM on two occasions while taking the TNF-alpha inhibitor etanercept.

Photodynamic therapy for the treatment of cutaneous neoplasia, inflammatory disorders, and photoaging.

Background: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has demonstrated high efficacy, minimal side effects, and improved cosmetic outcome when used for the treatment of actinic keratoses (AK), basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma, and photoaging.

Methods: To review the literature on the use of PDT in dermatologic surgery using MEDLINE.

Results: Published clinical studies using PDT in the treatment of AKs yield overall efficacy rates ranging from 50% to 71% with one treatment to as high as 88% to 90% with two or more treatments.

Erythroderma in a patient taking acitretin for plaque psoriasis.

Acitretin is a second generation retinoid used in the treatment of psoriasis. It has shown particular efficacy in the treatment of pustular or erythrodermic psoriasis. A case of a patient who was being treated for plaque psoriasis with acitretin, who subsequently developed erythrodermic psoriasis is reported.

A profile of chronic mental and physical conditions among African-American and Latino children in urban public housing.

Objective: This study provides a profile of chronic mental and physical conditions among African-American and Latino children in urban public housing communities in Los Angeles, California.

Methods: The study focused on 187 African-American and Latino households with children, 65% of a random sample of 287 households in three urban public housing communities.

Results: The findings suggest that minority children residing in public housing are one of the more severely health-compromised groups among under-served communities.