Update on the Pathogenesis of Keloid Formation.

Keloids are abnormal skin growths occurring in a significant portion of the global population. Despite their pervasiveness, the underlying pathophysiology of this scarring process is yet to be fully understood. In this review article, we delve into the current literature on the pathophysiological mechanisms of keloids.

The show must go on: Dermatologic procedural education in the era of COVID-19.

COVID-19 procedural restrictions and concerns from both practitioners and patients have led to a decrease in cosmetic procedures performed. Reduced clinic space, the necessity of distancing between people, and patient preference for a smaller care team may restrict trainees from observing, assisting with, or performing procedures. Thus, trainees may be limited in their ability to learn, practice, and meet the required number of cases to achieve competence, subsequently necessitating a sustained demand for alternative methods of learning.

Use of Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing to Identify Activating Hot Spot Mutations in Cherry Angiomas.

Importance: Shared gene variants in benign-malignant process pairs, such as BRAF mutations common to benign nevi and melanoma, are associated with differing phenotypic manifestations. Study of gene mechanisms underlying cherry angioma may uncover previously unknown disease relationships.

Objective: To identify somatic mutations present in cherry angioma specimens by using targeted next-generation sequencing.

Acquired bilateral nevus of Ota-like macules (Hori nevus): etiologic and therapeutic considerations.

Background: Acquired bilateral nevus of Ota-like macules (ABNOM), also known as Hori nevus, is one of the most commonly acquired dermal facial melanocytoses among people with dark skin, especially Asian women.

Objective: The goals of this article were to review published work on ABNOM; address controversies about pathogenesis and therapeutic approach; and inspire further study.

Methods: Articles in the literature related to the description of ABNOM were extracted and summarized.

Clinical evaluation of a 1,450-nm diode laser as adjunctive treatment for refractory facial acne vulgaris.

Background: Despite aggressive multitreatment medical acne regimens, many patients demonstrate modest benefit. The 1,450-nm diode laser has been shown to improve acne in a study setting.

Objective: Herein we evaluate the use of this laser as an adjunctive tool in the management of refractory facial acne vulgaris.

Combined use of intense pulsed light and Q-switched ruby laser for complex dyspigmentation among Asian patients.

Background: Dyspigmentation is a common cosmetic concern among Asians. Many individuals exhibit mixed pigmentary entities including melasma, flat/small seborrheic keratoses, ephelides, solar lentigines and acquired bilateral nevus-of-Ota-like macules (ABNOM). We term this phenomenon complex dyspigmentation (CD) and suggest that a combination strategy may be more efficacious than any singular modality.

Long-pulsed neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser treatment for port-wine stains.

Objective: Laser treatment of port-wine stain (PWS) might be improved using a deeply penetrating wavelength.

Methods: PWSs in 17 patients were treated 3 times with a 595-nm pulsed dye laser (PDL) and a 1064-nm neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser. Fluences of 1.

Dermatoses from ticks.

Ticks are ectoparasites that cause dermatologic disease directly by their bite and indirectly as vectors of bacterial, rickettsial, protozoal, and viral diseases. In North America, where ticks are the leading cause of vector-borne infection, dermatologists should recognize several tick species. Basic tick biology and identification will be reviewed.