Journal of cutaneous medicine and surgery
-
Review
A refresher on herpes zoster, current status on vaccination, and the role of the dermatologist.
Herpes zoster (HZ) and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) have a significant impact on quality of life. PHN is often chronic and difficult to treat. Dermatologists have always been involved in making the diagnosis of these conditions and, most recently, teaching the need for early antiviral therapy. ⋯ Dermatologists should embrace zoster vaccination and recommend routine vaccination of immunocompetent individuals > age 60 years, as well as patients of any age who are starting immunosuppressants, including biologics. Given that individuals over age 50 years are at risk for PHN and studies have shown that the vaccine's immunogenicity and safety are maintained in individuals age 50 to 59 years, vaccination in this age group may be considered. Some dermatologists may consider vaccinating their own patients, but most will likely recommend that vaccination be performed by their patients' primary care physicians.
-
Case Reports
Primary cutaneous folliculotropic and lymphohistiocytic anaplastic large cell lymphoma.
Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (PC-ALCL) is a T-cell lymphoma that presents in the skin and consists of CD30+ anaplastic large lymphocytes with abundant cytoplasm and pleomorphic nuclei. In addition to the classic variant, several other histologic patterns of ALCL have been identified, among them the lymphohistiocytic variant. ⋯ This case shows that PC-ALCL may present with different histologic features, including a follicular variant, that may mimic both benign and malignant conditions.
-
Whereas several literature reviews have discussed the role of excipients in drug-related reactions, no article has focused specifically on those found in oral dermatologic medications. ⋯ Although there are documented reactions to excipients in other products in the literature, few reports outline reactions to excipients in oral dermatologic medications. Whether this low frequency is accurate or whether it is due to a lack of reporting remains unknown. If the latter reasoning is correct, dermatologists must be more aware of these possible reactions. This article serves as a reference guide for dermatologists to aid in prescribing medications to individuals with known sensitivities and to assist in working up patients with suspected reactions to inert ingredients.
-
Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) commonly occurs in Fitzpatrick skin types III to VI and can have a considerable impact on quality of life. The majority of cases will improve spontaneously, but this can take months or even years to resolve and in some cases can be permanent. Treatment may be prolonged, lasting 6 to 12 months or longer for adequate restoration of normal pigmentation. ⋯ More randomized controlled clinical studies in large numbers of PIH patients are needed to provide standardized measurable outcomes in this indication.