A single centre melanoma thickness trend (1985-2009) in relation to skin areas accessible and non-accessible to self-inspection.

Background/objectives: Melanoma has become a major public health problem worldwide and its incidence in individuals of Caucasian origin continues to rise. The objective was to determine historical changes in thickness, melanoma proportions and anatomical site of presentation over a 25-year period in our Department.

Methods: This was a historical retrospective study (January 1985 to December 2009).

Objective follow-up of atypical melanocytic skin lesions: a retrospective study.

Various authors have suggested that information from longitudinal observation (follow-up) of dynamic changes in atypical melanocytic pigmented skin lesions (MPSL) could enable identification of early malignant melanoma escaping initial observation due to an absence of specific clinical and dermoscopic features. The aim of our retrospective study was to determine the existence of numerical variables regarding changes in MPSL that could be useful to differentiate early melanomas and atypical nevi. The study was carried out in two Italian dermatology Centres.

Evaluation of cutaneous melanoma thickness by digital dermoscopy analysis: a retrospective study.

Digital dermoscopy analysis (DDA) exploits computerized analysis of digital images and offers the possibility of parametric analysis of morphological aspects of pigmented skin lesions by means of integration with dedicated software. We conducted a study by DDA in 141 melanomas, with the aim assessing whether the numerical variables extrapolated by univariate logistic analysis could be used in a system of multivariate analysis to predict melanoma thickness before surgery. Melanoma images were evaluated for 49 DDA parameters.

Role of bromelain in the treatment of patients with pityriasis lichenoides chronica.

Objectives: Pityriasis lichenoides chronica (PLC) is a skin disease of unknown etiology. Uncertainty about the etiopathogenesis of this skin disease is the reason for the unpredictable and non optimal efficacy of therapies available for its treatment. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of bromelain, a crude aqueous extract of the stems and immature fruit of pineapple, in the treatment of PLC.

Venous ulcers of the lower limbs due to congenital thalidomide-related valve defect.

A 44-year-old woman with fetal thalidomide syndrome and congenital pseudoainhum of the left big toe had a 5-year history of painful nonhealing ulcers in the left malleolar region. Venous Doppler ultrasonography showed hypoagenesis of the valve flaps of the deep and superficial venous circuit. To our knowledge, this is the first description of congenital pseudoainhum associated with fetal thalidomide syndrome.

A case of idiopathic granulomatous cheilitis and vulvitis.

A 36-year-old woman presented with chronic recurring dermatitis of the vulva, perineum, and lips. The genital lesions had a 3-year history and were associated with slight pruritus and occasional pain. The lesions of the upper lip had a history of 6 months.

Melanocytic skin lesions and pregnancy: digital dermoscopy analysis.

Background: Very few studies have tried to clarify how pregnancy influences the morphology of pigmented skin lesions (PSL). Our purpose was to objectively determine, by digital dermoscopy analysis (DDA), any dermoscopic changes of acquired melanocitic nevi during pregnancy and after 1 year from delivery.

Methods: Thirty-five healthy pregnant women and 35 age-matched female controls were enrolled in the study.

Subcutaneous panniculitis lymphoma: erythema nodosum-like.

We report the case of a patient who presented with painful nodular subcutaneous lesions on the lower limbs and episodes of high temperature (> 39.5 degrees C). Histologic examination and immunohistochemical study of a biopsy specimen from a nodular lesion were consistent with the diagnosis of subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma, a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Baseline factors influencing decisions on digital follow-up of melanocytic lesions in daily practice: an Italian multicenter survey.

Background: Guidelines for optimized use of digital follow-up of melanocytic lesions are not yet available, and little is known about inclusion criteria adopted in clinical practice.

Objective: Our purpose was to describe the frequency of digital follow-up adoption in melanoma screening, the characteristics of patients and lesions selected, and the predictors of duration of the intervals of digital follow-up.

Methods: Baseline characteristics of patients and lesions selected for digital follow-up in 12 Italian pigmented lesion clinics were examined.

Prevalence of skin allograft discards as a result of serological and molecular microbiological screening in a regional skin bank in Italy.

Background: Postmortem skin is widely used in the treatment of patients with severe burns. Skin specimens must be screened for transmissible agents including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) virus, human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV), cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Treponema pallidum.

Methods: Four hundred and sixty-one cadaveric donors underwent serological and molecular microbiological (polymerase chain reaction, PCR) screening at Siena Skin Bank between 2000 and 2004.

Acroangiodermatitis (pseudo-Kaposi sarcoma) associated with verrucous hyperplasia induced by suction-socket lower limb prosthesis.

Increasing use of suction-socket lower limb prostheses has been associated with an increased frequency of dermatological manifestations, linked to the fact that the skin of the amputation stump must adapt to an entirely new environment. In particular, verrucous hyperplasia and rare cases of acroangiodermatitis (pseudo-Kaposi sarcoma) have been described. We report a case of amputation stump dermatitis, clinically resembling verrucous hyperplasia, but with predominant histological aspects of acroangiodermatitis in a patient with a suction-socket lower limb prosthesis.

Congenital subcutaneous granuloma annulare.

Granuloma annulare is a palisading granulomatous skin disease which may be generalized, localized, perforating, or subcutaneous. Subcutaneous granuloma annulare is self-limiting, affecting infants and children, with typical postnatal onset. Here we report a patient with congenital clinical manifestations.

Autologous epidermal cultures and narrow-band ultraviolet B in the surgical treatment of vitiligo.

Background: Vitiligo is an acquired skin disorder with a great social impact. It can be successfully treated with autologous epidermal grafting.

Objective: To evaluate the possibility of treating vitiligo by autologous grafting of epidermal cells and narrow-band ultraviolet B (UVB).