Arthropathy in dermatology: A comprehensive review

Dermatology and rheumatology are two specialties that deal with significant overlap. In this context, it is important that the dermatologists acquaint themselves with conditions presenting with arthropathy. As the first step, it is essential to know whether the origin of musculoskeletal symptom is articular or extra-articular; inflammatory or noninflammatory; acute or chronic; oligo- or poly-articular. This will help in narrowing down the differential diagnoses as well as in better correlation with the cutaneous symptoms. In this review, we discuss the skin and articular manifestations of common inflammatory and noninflammatory arthropathies including rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthropathies, connective tissue disorders, vasculitis, crystal arthropathies, infective arthritis, arthritis associated with degenerative, endocrine and metabolic conditions, etc. We have also added a section on the common cutaneous features associated with the treatment of rheumatologic diseases. A basic understanding of the joint pathologies and associated skin changes will help a long way in the better management of these conditions

Tofacitinib in the treatment of refractory eczemas – a case series

Janus Kinase inhibitors have been shown to be effective in the treatment of various dermatoses such as alopecia areata, psoriasis, vitiligo and atopic dermatitis. The Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway is a common junction for the signaling of several dermatologically significant cytokines and the inhibition of this pathway by JAK inhibitors may be broadly useful in the treatment of various other dermatological disorders. A case series is presented of twelve patients (M:6, F:6) with a mean age 47.1 years, presenting with various eczematous dermatoses (histopathology showing spongiotic dermatitis) who had failed to respond to conventional therapy. These patients were prescribed tofacitinib. All 12 patients improved and 10 patients had improvement to clear or almost clear (physician global assessment score 0/1) after 1 month of therapy. No hematological or biochemical abnormalities were noted during the treatment period. Infections were the most common adverse events observed. Conventional treatment options like systemic steroids and steroid sparing agents are the cornerstone in the treatment of chronic eczematous disorders, however, in patients who do not respond to conventional agents, tofacitinib may represent a viable treatment option

Imatinib-induced extensive hyperpigmentation in a case of chronic myeloid leukemia

Imatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is well known to cause hypopigmentation because of its inhibitory effect on melanocytes. Herewith we report a case of chronic myeloid leukemia who developed extensive hyperpigmentation following imatinib therapy

Ichthyosis congenita, harlequin type: A case report and a brief review of literature

Harlequin ichthyosis (HI) is the most severe type of congenital ichthyosis, and it is extremely rare. It is inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion. Although previously thought to be lethal, recently there have been increased reports of prolonged survival, following improved supportive care and judicious use of systemic retinoids. We report a new case of HI in an infant born of a consanguineous marraige who succumbed on the 5th day of birth despite intensive supportive care, a short review of literature regarding the condition is also presented