Lichen Planus Archives - Dermatology Advisor

Molluscum contagiosum occurs in approximately 5% to 18% of HIV-infected people, but is becoming rare in areas of the world with good access to highly effective antiretroviral therapies (HAART).16 It is caused by an infection of the epidermal keratinocytes by the molluscum contagiosum virus, a double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the Poxviridae family.16,17 Patients present with small (≤5 mm in diameter), raised lesions that are usually white, pink, or flesh colored with a dimple or pit in the center.17 The lesions are typically smooth, firm, and pearly appearing, and can affect any area of the body, although they are rarely found on the palms or soles. They may occur as solitary lesions or in groups and typically resolve within 6 to 12 months without any scarring.17 Genital lesions may take longer to resolve, and healing times up to 4 years have been reported.16,17 Photo Credit: Medical Images RM/AL LAMME.

Infections

European Guideline Offers Recommendations on the Diagnosis, Management of Genital Molluscum Contagiosum

By

Brandon May

November 19, 2020

Evidence-based recommendations on the diagnosis and treatment of molluscum contagiosum and its prevention are detailed.

Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic, inflammatory, papulosquamous, autoimmune disease that is estimated to occur in <1% of the general population.1 It appears to be more common in individuals with HCV, with 1 study reporting a 4.80 times higher prevalence in this population.4 LP can affect the skin, scalp, genitals, oral cavity and other mucus membranes, and nails. Its etiology is not well understood, but genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors are thought to play a role. An immune mechanism directed by activated CD81 T cells against basal keratinocytes has been suggested to play a major role in the pathophysiology of the disease, with cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ, and interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 thought to contribute in the setting of HCV infection.1 Cutaneous LP is a self-limited disease that usually resolves within 6 to 12 months and mainly affects adults. Photo Credit: ISM/CID.

General Dermatology

Lichen Planus Pigmentosus Linked to Alopecias, Lichenoid Infiltrate Around Facial Hair Follicles

By

Colby Stong

November 6, 2020

Novel insights into lichen planus pigmentosus associated with cicatricial alopecia are provided.

African American black woman female patient with White doctor

General Dermatology

Expert Roundtable: Racial Disparities in Dermatology Care

By

Tori Rodriguez, MA, LPC, AHC

November 5, 2020

A roundtable discussion by experts in issues facing patients with skin of color reveals interesting insights.

General Dermatology

Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia in Women Linked to Autoimmune Disease, Thyroid Abnormalities

By

Colby Stong

August 7, 2020

Women with frontal fibrosing alopecia were found to have a higher prevalence of autoimmune disease, thyroid hormone abnormalities, and estrogen deficiency compared with the general population.

General Dermatology

Depression Raises Risk for Developing Autoimmune Skin Disease

By

Laurel Ranger

June 17, 2020

Insufficiency of T-regulatory cells, which maintain immune system equilibrium and inhibit proinflammatory cell responses, may be a factor in the pathogenesis of MDD.

General Dermatology

Treating Nail Lichen Planus During the COVID-19 Pandemic

By

Emily Pond

June 8, 2020

Guidelines for the treatment of nail lichen planus in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic are provided.

A doctor filling out a prescription form

General Dermatology

Off-Label Prescribing in Dermatology

By

Tori Rodriguez, MA, LPC, AHC

February 28, 2020

The off-label use of treatments is especially prevalent in dermatology as the need for effective therapies outpaces the approval process. Experts discuss the most commonly employed treatments, the ethical implications of off-label use, and the need for patient education.

General Dermatology

The Association Between Skin Diseases and Metabolic Syndrome

By

Sheila Jacobs

July 31, 2018

Investigators examine the association between various skin conditions and metabolic syndrome.