Direct immunofluorescence demystified: Essential insights and recent advances for dermatologists.

Direct immunofluorescence (DIF) is widely used in dermatopathology for the diagnosis of autoimmune blistering diseases (AIBDs), cutaneous vasculitis, and connective tissue disorders. Although it is easy and useful to perform, it needs technical expertise and experience for proper interpretation. The yield of DIF depends on multiple factors including the adequacy, transportation, storage, processing, and interpretation of the biopsy specimen.

Acquired reactive perforating collagenosis, a rare entity at uncommon site.

Acquired reactive perforating collagenosis (ARPC), rare disorder characterized by transepidermal elimination (TEE) of collagen fibers, is seen in adult diabetics. Genetic predisposition, familial aggregation, trauma, bites and scratching are implicated. Diabetics develop microvascular diseases leading to intense pruritus causing repeated micro trauma leading to necrosis of connective tissue of dermis, causing TEE.

Lymphangiomas: Rare presentations in oral cavity and scrotum in pediatric age group.

The incidence of lymphangioma is 1.2 to 2.8/1000 newborns.

Vitiligo in Children: A Birds Eye View.

Vitiligo in children is a distinct subset of vitiligo and differs from adult vitiligo. Characteristic features include family history of autoimmune or endocrine disease, higher incidence of segmental vitiligo, development of early or premature graying, increased incidence of autoantibodies and poor response to topical PUVA. The exact prevalence of vitiligo in children varies between 0.

"Childhood Vitiligo".

Vitiligo in children is a distinct subset of vitiligo and differs from adult vitiligo. Characteristic features include family history of autoimmune or endocrine disease, higher incidence of segmental vitiligo , development of early or premature graying, increased incidence of autoantibodies and poor response to topical PUVA. The exact prevalence of vitiligo in children varies between 0.

An approach to acanthosis nigricans.

Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is characterized by dark, coarse and thickened skin with a velvety texture, being symmetrically distributed on the neck, the axillae, antecubital and popliteal fossae, and groin folds, histopathologically characterized by papillomatosis and hyperkeratosis of the skin. A high prevalence of AN has been observed recently. Different varieties of AN include benign, obesity associated, syndromic, malignant, acral, unilateral, medication-induced and mixed AN.

Current trends in congenital syphilis.

In many parts of the world particularly sub-Saharan Africa, congenital syphilis is a significant public health problem. Though it is rare in most affluent countries there has been a slight resurgence recently in several European countries. The diagnosis of suspected cases and management of congenital syphilis may be confusing and the potential for severe disability is high when cases are missed.

Systemic sclerosis: current concepts in pathogenesis and therapeutic aspects of dermatological manifestations.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic, multisystem connective tissue disease with protean clinical manifestations. Recent advances in understanding the pathogenic mechanisms have led to development of target-oriented and vasomodulatory drugs which play a pivotal role in treating various dermatological manifestations. An exhaustive literature search was done using Medline, Embase, and Cochrane library to review the recent concepts regarding pathogenesis and evidence-based treatment of salient dermatological manifestations.

Keratoacanthoma centrifugum marginatum at an unusual site.

Keratoacanthoma (KA) is a rapidly evolving tumor, composed of keratinizing squamous cells originating in pilosebaceous follicles and resolving spontaneously if left untreated. It is relatively uncommon in dark-skinned and occurs in middle aged individuals. Males are three times more affected than females.

Blastomycosis-like pyoderma.

A 9-year-old female, presented with recurrent bilaterally symmetrically distributed flesh colored vegetative plaques, papules and nodules on trunk and upper and lower extremities since 15 days. Investigations revealed anemia, hypoproteinemia, decreased albumin and positive D-xylose test. Pus swab and biopsy for culture sensitivity showed Enterococci species.