Incidence of new and changed nevi and melanomas detected using baseline images and dermoscopy in patients at high risk for melanoma.

Objective: To determine the incidence of new, changed, and regressed nevi and melanomas in a cohort of patients at high risk for melanoma using baseline total body photography and dermatoscopy.

Design: Cohort study of patients at high risk for melanoma who underwent baseline cutaneous photography between January 1, 1992, and December 31, 1997, and had at least 1 follow-up visit by December 31, 1998.

Setting: Private practice rooms of 1 dermatologist in conjunction with a public hospital-based, multidisciplinary melanoma clinic in Victoria, Australia.

Weathering of hair in trichoteiromania.

A 74-year-old woman presented with an 18-month history of broken vertex scalp hairs as a consequence of chronic rubbing. Light microscopy of the 1-2 cm hairs demonstrated distal brush-like splitting. Education and behavioural therapy were instituted.

Idiopathic calciphylaxis.

A 68-year-old woman presented with a painful necrotic ulcer on her right calf and necrotic breakdown of a left below-knee amputation stump as a result of calciphylaxis. No cause could be identified and corrected. Treatment comprised wound care, substituting low molecular weight heparin for warfarin, hyperbaric oxygenation and etidronate disodium, none of which were helpful and major limb amputations were considered the best option for this patient.