Amylynne Frankel, MD; Carolin Penrose, MD; Jason Emer, MD
Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, New York, New York

Abstract
Cutaneous tuberculosis occurs rarely, despite a high and increasing prevalence of tuberculosis worldwide. Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterrium bovis, and the Bacille Calmette-Guérin vaccine can cause tuberculosis involving the skin. Cutaneous tuberculosis can be acquired exogenously or endogenously and present as a multitude of differing clinical morphologies. Diagnosis of these lesions can be difficult, as they resemble many other dermatological conditions that are often primarily considered. Further, microbiological confirmation is poor, despite scientific advances, such as the more frequent use of polymerase chain reaction. The authors report a case that illustrates the challenges faced by dermatologists when considering a diagnosis of cutaneous tuberculosis. (J Clin Aesthetic Dermatol. 2009;2(10):19–27.) Read the rest of this article »

Jorge Garcia-Zuazaga, MD, MS, Director, Mohs Micrographic Surgery, Department of Dermatology, University Hospitals Westlake Medical Center; Malcolm S. Ke, MD, Division of Dermatology, University of California Los Angeles; Marlene Willen, MD, Chair, Department of Dermatology, MetroHealth Medical, Cleveland, Ohio

Abstract
Cysts are entities encountered frequently in dermatological clinics. Various types of cysts have been described and include trichilemmal cysts, epidermoid cysts, steatocystomas, and the myriad of developmental cysts (branchial cleft cyst, thyroglossal duct cysts, bronchogenic cysts). Moreover, not all lesions that appear clinically as cystic structures are, in fact, cysts. Increased awareness of these mimickers and a systematic approach to the evaluation of these cases is essential. The authors report seven cases, over the course of six years, presenting to their dermatology department, all of which were originally clinically diagnosed as “cysts” and referred to the authors for management. In this article, the authors review seven cyst mimickers and describe important aspects of these diagnoses to increase awareness of the importance of a preoperative biopsy and evaluation. It is important to have a thorough understanding of the wide differential diagnosis of cutaneous nodules and to consider other causes of lesions that appear to be cysts, particularly in the anatomical locations described.  (J Clin Aesthetic Dermatol. 2009;2(10):28–33.) Read the rest of this article »

Susun Bellew, DO, Dermatology Resident (PGY-3), Valley Hospital Medical Center, Las Vegas, Nevada; James Q. Del Rosso, DO, FAOCD, Dermatology Residency Director, Valley Hospital Medical Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, and Dermatology Research Director, Mohave Skin & Cancer Clinics, Las Vegas, Nevada; Grace K. Kim, DO, Dermatology Research Fellow, Mohave Skin & Cancer Clinics, Las Vegas, Nevada

Abstract
The Asian population in the United States is expected to increase in the next 50 years. Concurrently, there is an overall rise in the incidence of melanoma. It is therefore crucial to obtain a better understanding of this deadly skin cancer in this minority population, as little information is currently available and prognosis remains poor. Through a review of the literature, this paper explores melanoma in the Asian population, including the most common subtype encountered, prognosis, theories on pathogenesis, and molecular biology.  (J Clin Aesthetic Dermatol. 2009;2(10):34–36.) Read the rest of this article »

Peter G. Pavlidakey, MD, Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio; Erin E. Brodell, University of Richmond; Associate Professor of Internal Medicine, Northeastern Ohio Universities School of Medicine, Rootstown, Ohio; Stephen E. Helms, MD, Assistant Professor of Dermatology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio

Abstract
Patients who present with a history of “allergy” to local anesthetics are common in clinical practice. Injectable 1% diphenhydramine is a safe, inexpensive, and effective local anesthetic for simple dermatological procedures in patients who report “caine” allergies. Utilizing this agent permits the dermatologist to operate at the time of the initial visit and schedule a referral to the allergist for definitive sensitivity testing at the patient’s convenience. (J Clin Aesthetic Dermatol. 2009;2(10):37–40.) Read the rest of this article »

Lisa Gruson, MD; Thomas Berk, BA
New York University School of Medicine

Abstract
Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome is an autosomal recessive disorder of lysosomal storage characterized by the triad of occulocutaneous albinism, bleeding diathesis, and pulmonary fibrosis. Sarcoidosis is a disease characterized by the development of noncaseating granulomas, most commonly affecting the lungs. The pathophysiology, histological findings, clinical symptoms, and treatment of the pulmonary manifestations of Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome are distinct from those of sarcoidosis. As patients with occulocutaneous and bleeding manifestations of Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome may also develop pulmonary fibrosis, the authors present this case to illustrate that pulmonary symptoms must be carefully evaluated in those with this syndrome because in this case, the patient developed underlying pulmonary sarcoidosis. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first documented case of Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome with concomitant pulmonary sarcoidosis.  (J Clin Aesthetic Dermatol. 2009;2(10):41–44.) Read the rest of this article »

An informational newsletter for pediatricians

Current Perspectives on the Diagnosis and Management of Seborrheic Dermatitis

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Selected presentations from the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants 6th Annual Fall Conference Read the rest of this article »