Cutaneous metastasis of cervical adenocarcinoma to the vulva.

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers and cause of cancer-related deaths in women worldwide. Cutaneous metastasis of cervical cancer, however, is exceedingly rare. It is generally seen late in the disease course and portends a poor prognosis.

Update on Keloid Management: Clinical and Basic Science Advances.

Background: Keloids are benign, fibroproliferative lesions that represent abnormal healing resulting in excessive fibrosis. They are composed of mainly type III (early) or type I (late) collagen. Some of the symptoms include pruritus, tenderness, and pain.

Laser therapy in black skin.

This article provides a systematic overview of laser, light, and other energy devices for patients of African descent. It also reviews complications in skin of color and some treatment options for these adverse events.

Advances in the treatment of keloids.

Occurring with higher proportions in skin of color, keloid formation is seen in individuals of all races, with the lowest incidence in albinos. Interestingly, prevalence of keloids is correlated to skin pigmentation, with dark-skinned individuals suffering disproportionately. Many factors are taken into consideration when deciding which modalities to use in the treatment of keloids, including size, anatomical site, cause, symptoms, duration of treatment and not least importantly, pigmentation of the patient.

Innovative therapies in the treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars.

Keloids and hypertrophic scars are benign fibrous overgrowths of scar tissue, which results from an abnormal response to trauma. Several therapeutic modalities have been described for the treatment and prevention of these conditions, but the optimal management approach has not yet been defined. This article reviews the most recent, innovative, therapeutic strategies for the management of hypertrophic scars and keloids, including mitomycin-C, tamoxifen citrate, methotrexate, imidazolaquinolines, retinoids, calcineurin inhibitors, phenylakylamine calcium channel blockers, botulinum toxin, vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors, hepatocyte growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, interleukin-10, manosa-6-phosphate, transforming growth factor beta, antihistamines, and prostaglandin E2.

Nonsurgical innovations in the treatment of nonmelanoma skin cancer.

Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the most frequent types of cancer in the United States and represent 75 percent and 20 percent, respectively, of all nonmelanoma skin cancers. Since ultraviolet radiation is implicated in their development, photoprotection is fundamental in their prevention. Additional preventive measures include identifying high-risk individuals for early detection along with using agents, such as retinoids, that are effective in decreasing the risk of premalignant cells further developing into carcinomas.

Phenytoin-associated hypersensitivity syndrome with features of DRESS and TEN/SJS.

Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) are rare and life-threatening conditions that may be precipitated by anticonvulsive agents. We describe a patient with overlapping features of these hypersensitivity syndromes.

Herpes simplex virus and human papillomavirus genital infections: new and investigational therapeutic options.

Human papillomavirus and Herpes simplex virus are the most common genital viral infections encountered in clinical practice worldwide. We reviewed the literature focusing on new and experimental treatment modalities for both conditions, based on to the evidence-based data available. The modalities evaluated include topical agents such as immune response modifiers (imiquimod, resiquimod, and interferon), antivirals (penciclovir, cidofovir, and foscarnet), sinecatechins, microbiocidals (SPL7013 gel, and PRO 2000 gel), along with experimental (oligodeoxynucleotides), immunoprophylactic, and immunotherapeutic vaccines.

A comparative study evaluating the tolerability and efficacy of two topical therapies for the treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars.

Background: Onion extract gel (OE) and 0.5% hydrocortisone, silicone and vitamin E lotion (HSE) are two over-the-counter preparations used to enhance the cosmesis of keloids and hypertrophic scars.

Objective: To determine the tolerability and efficacy of OE versus HSE versus placebo in subjects with keloids and hypertrophic scars.

Ecthyma gangrenosum caused by Escherichia coli bacteremia: a case report and review of the literature.

Ecthyma gangrenosum (EG) is a serious and well-recognized cutaneous condition. Development of EG is most commonly associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa septicemia. Other organisms, such as Escherichia coli, have been identified less often as the cause of EG.

Evaluating the tolerability and efficacy of etanercept compared to triamcinolone acetonide for the intralesional treatment of keloids.

Background: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is a proinflammatory and profibrotic cytokine that inhibits degradation of collagen and glycosaminoglycans. Etanercept, a recombinant TNF-alpha receptor fusion protein, may decrease excessive fibrous tissue in keloids.

Objective: To evaluate the tolerability and efficacy of etanercept as compared to triamcinolone acetonide (TAC) for the treatment of keloids.

Prevention and management of hypertrophic scars and keloids after burns in children.

Hypertrophic scars and keloids are challenging to manage, particularly as sequelae of burns in children in whom the psychologic burden and skin characteristics differ substantially from adults. Prevention of hypertrophic scars and keloids after burns is currently the best strategy in their management to avoid permanent functional and aesthetical alterations. Several actions can be taken to prevent their occurrence, including parental and children education regarding handling sources of fire and flammable materials, among others.

A review of the biologic effects, clinical efficacy, and safety of silicone elastomer sheeting for hypertrophic and keloid scar treatment and management.

Silicone elastomer sheeting is a medical device used to prevent the development of and improve the appearance and feel of hypertrophic and keloid scars. The precise mechanism of action of silicone elastomer sheeting has not been defined, but clinical trials report that this device is safe and effective for the treatment and prevention of hypertrophic and keloid scars if worn over the scar for 12 to 24 hours per day for at least 2 to 3 months. Some of the silicone elastomer sheeting products currently on the market are durable and adhere well to the skin.