A comparison of dermoscopic features among lentigo senilis/initial seborrheic keratosis, seborrheic keratosis, lentigo maligna and lentigo maligna melanoma on the face

Clinical differentiation of facial lentigo senilis/initial seborrheic keratosis (LS/ISK), seborrheic keratosis (SK), lentigo maligna, (LM), and lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM) can be difficult. Dermoscopy improves the diagnoses in pigmented skin lesions (PSLs), but it is not helpful for the sun-exposed face because of the flat rete ridges without network-derived features. Therefore, development of new diagnostic criteria for this particular localization is a current issue of dermatology. In this retrospective study, dermoscopic slides of facial pigmented skin lesions of 66 patients referred to two clinics in Turkey were evaluated. Our aim was to determine the reliability of dermoscopy in the differentiation of these entities. The facial PSLs of 66 patients (34 males and 32 females) (median age: 58.2) were photographed with a Dermaphot (Heine, Hersching, Germany) over a five year period from November of 1995 to May of 2000. All of the dermoscopic slides were analysed according to 27 dermoscopic criteria developed by Schiffner et al. This data set contained 22 histologically proven malignant (14 LM, 8 early LMM) and 44 benign (18 SK, 26 LS/ISK) PSLs. In general, asymmetric pigmented follicular openings, dark streaks, slate-gray streaks, dark globules, slate-gray globules, dark dots, dark rhomboidal structures, light brown rhomboidal structures, dark homogeneous areas and dark pseudonetworks were statistically significant for malignant growth. On the other hand, milia-like cysts, pseudo-follicular openings, cerebriform structures, light brown globules, light brown dots, light brown homogeneous areas, yellow opaque homogeneous areas, and light brown pseudonetworks were statistically significant for benign growth. This research emphasizes that dermoscopic features on the face differ from criteria used in other locations of the body. Analysis of the data suggests that dermoscopy can be used in the differentiation of LS/ISK, SK, LM and LMM from each other

Effects of topical petrolatum and salicylic acid upon skin photoreaction to UVA

Various agents which can be used in combination can also interfere with phototherapy. In this study, the effects of topical petrolatum and 20% salicylic acid in petrolatum upon skin photoreaction to UVA were investigated, in an in vivo test. Minimal phototoxic dose (MPD) test was performed on 31 volunteers and the test was repeated with thin (0.1 cc/25 cm(2)) petrolatum, thick (0.3 cc/25 cm(2)) petrolatum, thin 20% salicylic acid in petrolatum, thick 20% salicylic acid in petrolatum and sunscreen. The effect of each agent on MPD was investigated. MPD was increased with thin and thick applications of all agents. Also, MPD was increased with 20% salicylic acid in petrolatum when compared with pure petrolatum, in the same thickness. The application of petrolatum and salicylic acid in petrolatum just before PUVA therapy is not recommended because of their blocking effects

Evidence for Borrelia burgdorferi in morphea and lichen sclerosus

Background Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb) infection has been implicated in the development of morphea and lichen sclerosus; however, conflicting results have been reported with different investigational methods from different regions. We looked for evidence of Bb in patients with morphea and lichen sclerosus by polymerase chain reaction (PGR) analysis of of skin biopsy samples

Effects of some emollients on the transmission of ultraviolet

Background/purpose: Various topical agents which can be used in combination with phototherapy may have blocking or enhancing effects. In this in vivo study, the effects of topical petrolatum, basis cream, glycerine and olive oil on the transmission of ultraviolet B (UVB) were investigated