Clinics in dermatology
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The emergence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) worldwide pandemic has been associated with a new constellation of cutaneous features in children. Among the unusual dermatologic presentations are the so-called COVID toes, inflammatory nodules of the feet and toes, sometimes involving the hands and fingers. These lesions mimic acral pernio, the synonym being chilblains. ⋯ It appears that the chilblain-like lesions related to the period of the COVID-19 pandemic may reflect a brisk immune response portending a good prognosis and perhaps some form of innate immunity. The possible need to screen for coagulopathy is unclear, but this has been suggested in one report. Until we fully understand the pattern of immune response to COVID-19, questions may persist as to how disease manifestations are linked to SARS-CoV-2 exposures.
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Clinics in dermatology · Nov 2020
ReviewParaviral eruptions in the era of COVID-19: Do some skin manifestations point to a natural resistance to SARS-CoV-2?
Paraviral eruptions, such as the papular-purpuric gloves and socks syndrome or eruptive pseudoangiomatosis, share the following features that distinguish them from a classic viral eruption: they are highly recognizable; the eruption usually lasts a few weeks; many different viruses and sometimes other agents can trigger them; on microscopic examination, there is no specific cytopathogenic viral effect. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can induce both a classic viral eruption and a paraviral eruption, the meaning of which in terms of pathophysiology and prognosis is very different. Some patients infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have a papulovesicular eruption involving mainly the trunk. ⋯ In the case of paraviral chilblains, I hypothesize that it is the innate immune system that rejects SARS-CoV-2. Chilblains are also observed in rare monogenic disorders called type 1 interferonopathies, where antiviral innate imunity is abormally activated. This would explain why these individuals do not develop specific antibodies, because they are probably naturally resistant to SARS-CoV-2 infection via their innate immuen system.
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Clinics in dermatology · May 2020
ReviewWellness, burnout, and the dermatologist: Fundamentals for practice longevity.
Physician wellness is a critical component of any effective health care system, as physicians serve essential roles as diagnosticians, surgeons, and leaders in medical care. Physician burnout, defined as a combination of the presence of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a diminished sense of personal accomplishment, is an increasingly recognized problem in the US health care system, as rates of burnout among physicians are on the rise, now exceeding 50%. To date, few studies have examined the impact of burnout on dermatologists specifically, but existing studies evaluating physicians collectively have shed light on the problem that exists in our specialty. This review focuses on the causes of physician dissatisfaction and burnout and provides an overview on interventions to mitigate them while emphasizing wellness; where applicable, special emphasis is placed on dermatologists.
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Dermatitis artefacta, also known as factitial dermatitis, is a condition whereby self-induced skin damage is the means used to satisfy a conscious or unconscious desire to assume the sick role. It is particularly common in women and in those with an underlying psychiatric diagnosis or external stress. ⋯ Treatment can be challenging, and management should adopt a multidisciplinary team approach composed of dermatologists and mental health professionals. We present a literature review of dermatitis artefacta, highlighted by a case report of a patient with bilateral ulcerations to the legs, which after thorough investigation represented dermatitis artefacta.
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Clinics in dermatology · Nov 2017
Review Comparative StudyAn age-based approach to dermatologic surgery: Kids are not just little people.
Surgical dermatologic procedures in children pose unique challenges that differ from those in adults. Child and parental anxiety, along with procedural anxiety in adults, necessitate different approaches. Special considerations are reviewed in the application of topical anesthesia and administration of local anesthesia in children as opposed to adults, and the use and safety of general anesthesia in children is highlighted. In addition, management of postprocedural analgesia differs in children, largely due to concern for safety of opioids in children.