Recurrent lymphangitic cellulitis syndrome: A quintessential example of an immunocompromised district.

Recurrent lymphangitic cellulitis syndrome (RLCS) occurs when a disordered lymphatic system renders a leg vulnerable to recurrent infection. The underlying immunologic defect is the result of accidental or iatrogenic penetrating wounds on the medial aspect of the thigh or lower limb overlying the greater saphenous vein, because the primary lymphatic drainage vessels are adjacent to this structure. Cracking/fissuring of the skin associated with chronic fungal infection of the feet ("athlete's foot"), most commonly mixed bacterial/fungal interdigital involvement, provides a portal of entry for opportunistic organisms.

Histopathology of acneiform eruptions in patients treated with epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors.

Background: Epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFRIs) are anticancer agents that have been approved for use in a variety of solid tumors. EGFR-inhibiting agents produce a variety of cutaneous adverse events: most commonly a follicular papulopustular (acneiform) eruption on the face, scalp, chest and upper back.

Objective: The goal of this manuscript is to elucidate the histopathologic findings associated with this most common adverse event.

Primary cutaneous Nocardia brasiliensis infection isolated in an immunosuppressed patient: a case report.

Cutaneous nocardiosis is a rare infection that may manifest as a superficial skin lesion, lymphocutaneous infection, mycetoma, or diffuse cutaneous infection from a disseminated systemic infection. We report a case of a 65-year-old immunocompromised man with persistent primary cutaneous Nocardia brasiliensis infection following a motor vehicle collision. A high degree of suspicion is needed to diagnose Nocardia infection because of its resemblance to other bacterial infections.

Hirsutism: Diagnosis and management.

Background: Hirsutism is defined as excess hair growth in androgen-dependent areas of the body in women.

Objective: This article provides an updated review of hirsutism, focusing on the etiologies, clinical features, approach to diagnostic evaluation, and treatment options.

Methods: The PubMed database was searched for English-language articles published from 1981 to the present, using the terms hirsutism, polycystic ovarian syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, hirsutism diagnosis, and hirsutism treatment.

Hand hygiene in the dermatologist's office: to wash or to rub?

Hand hygiene is a central factor in preventing the spread of disease in the dermatologist's office. The role of hand washing and alcohol-based hand rubs is considered with emphasis on compliance, effectiveness, side effects, and cost. Specific recommendations highlight the importance of using alcohol-based hand rubs as an adjunct to traditional hand-washing methods.

Pathophysiology of chronic urticaria.

Objective: To review the literature on the pathogenesis of chronic urticaria (excluding physical urticaria).

Data Sources: PubMed was searched using the keywords urticaria and either chronic or autoimmune or pathogenesis for articles published from January 1972 to June 2007. All searches were limited to the English language.

Differential diagnosis of chronic urticaria.

Objectives: To review diseases that can present with cutaneous signs and symptoms that mimic those observed in chronic urticaria and to discuss the workup necessary to distinguish these diseases from chronic urticaria.

Data Sources: We performed a PubMed search using the following keywords: urticaria, cryopyrin, Sweet syndrome, subacute cutaneous lupus, urticarial vasculitis, urticaria pigmentosa, angioedema, fixed drug eruption, bullous pemphigoid, and reticular erythematous mucinosis. Appropriate chapters in general dermatology textbooks were also reviewed.

The diagnosis and treatment of human papillomavirus-mediated genital lesions.

Genital warts (condyloma acuminatum, venereal warts) are common highly contagious benign epithelial lesions occurring on the genitals, perianal area, and inguinal folds, and are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Diagnosis is based largely on the clinical appearance of lesions. New home-based treatments, including podofilox and imiquimod, have revolutionized the therapeutic management of genital warts, empowering patients to participate in their own treatment with products that primarily have local side effects.