Specific Dermatoses Research Articles

Pregnancy and skin.

Pregnancy is associated with complex of endocrinological, immunological, metabolic, and vascular changes that may influence the skin and other organs in various ways. Pregnancy is a period in which more than 90% women have significant and complex skin changes that may have great impact on the woman's life. The dermatoses of pregnancy represent a heterogeneous group of skin diseases related to pregnancy and/or the postpartum period. The dermatoses of pregnancy can be classified into the following three groups: Physiologic skin changes in pregnancy, pre-existing dermatoses affected by pregnancy, and specific dermatoses of pregnancy. Though most of these skin dermatoses are benign and resolve in postpartum period, a few can risk fetal life and require antenatal surveillance. Most of the dermatoses of pregnancy can be treated conservatively but a few require intervention in the form of termination of pregnancy. Correct diagnosis is essential for the treatment of these disorders. This article discusses the current knowledge of various skin changes during pregnancy and the evaluation of the patient with pregnancy dermatoses with special emphasis on clinical features, diagnostic tests, maternal and fetal prognosis, therapy, and management.

Dermatoses Específicas da Gravidez

During pregnancy immunological, metabolic, hormonal and vascular changes occur, and can cause specific skin diseases. The specific dermatoses of pregnancy have undergone numerous changes in nomenclature and classification, partly due to advances in the knowledge of the pathogenesis of these skin diseases. Currently the following diseases are considered specific dermatoses of pregnancy: pemphigoid gestations, polymorphic eruption of pregnancy, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and atopic eruption of pregnancy. Timely diagnosis and specific and safe treatment are essential to prevent complications which, although rare, may be associated with significant maternal-fetal comorbidity.

Pemphigoid gestationis (herpes gestationis).

During pregnancy, alterations in the appearance of the skin are common, ranging from normal cutaneous changes to changes that are pathological, recurrent, and specific to pregnancy. Pemphigoid gestationis (PG) is a specific dermatosis, which is a rare, pruritic, polymorphic, inflammatory, subepidermal, bullous dermatosis of pregnancy, and the post partum period. The incidence of PG is roughly estimated to be 1 in 10,000–60,000 deliveries [1, 2]. A definitive diagnosis can be made only with specific immunopathological studies [3].

Dermatoses of pregnancy

Pregnancy is associated with hormonal, metabolic, immunologic, haemodynamic and vascular changes which produce physiological and pathological cutaneous manifestations. Most skin disorders during pregnancy represent physiological changes. The specific dermatoses of pregnancy are disease entities almost exclusively related to the pregnancy or the postpartum period. Some dermatoses characteristically improve or exacerbate during pregnancy. Dermatoses of pregnancy can potentially be a serious risk to the foetus. Although the foetal outcome is almost always favourable, early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential. Use of any medication during pregnancy should be carefully considered, and as few medications as possible should be administered. In this review, the authors discuss the various dermatoses of pregnancy in detail, based on novel classification, aetiology and pathogenesis, diagnostic approach, disease course, prognosis, foetal risk and therapy.

Specific dermatoses of pregnancy and their treatment

The specific dermatoses of pregnancy represent a diverse group of intensely pruritic dermatoses, occurring only in the puerperal state. The relative rarity of these conditions, the often variable clinical appearance, and the lack of definitive diagnostic tests have led to confusion regarding the appropriate diagnosis and management of the specific dermatoses of pregnancy. Herein we review the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of five dermatoses occurring during pregnancy: pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy, atopic eruption of pregnancy, pemphigoid gestationis, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, and pustular psoriasis of pregnancy.

Study on dermatoses and their prevalence in groups of confirmed alcoholic individuals in comparison to a non-alcoholic group of individuals

BACKGROUND The direct relationship between alcoholism and dermatoses has been evaluated in recent researches. However, there are few objective surveys that demonstrate and prove a direct relationship between alcohol and a specific dermatosis. OBJECTIVES to verify the prevalence of dermatoses in alcoholics, analize the dermatological changes found in these patients and their evolution during alcoholic abstinence. Also, to compare the results obtained with a non-alcoholic control group and with the data found in medical literature. METHODS: the dermatologic conditions of 278 alcoholic patients (250 men, 28 women) were studied over a period of 4 years, and compared to those of a control group of 271 non-alcoholic individuals (249 men, 22 women), members of the Military Police Force. The individuals in both groups were between 20 and 60 years old. RESULTS Pellagra, nummular eczema, purpura pigmentosa chronica (also known as pigmented purpuric dermatosis) and psoriasis were more frequent in the group of alcoholics and, apparently, occurred in parallel with alcoholism that seems to play a role in the evolution of these dermatoses. The dermatopathies were more frequent before the age of forty, regardless of factors such as profession, race or gender. CONCLUSION the association of dermatoses and alcoholism was extremely significant according to the statistical data. Alcoholism can be considered a risk factor for pellagra, psoriasis, nummular eczema and purpura pigmentosa chronica dermatoses, which can, as well, be considered alcoholism indicators.

The skin landscape in diabetes mellitus. Focus on dermocosmetic management

BackgroundSome relationships are established between diabetes mellitus (DM) and a series of cutaneous disorders. Specific dermatoses are markers for undiagnosed DM. Other disorders represent supervening complications in an already treated DM patient.ObjectiveTo review the information about dermocosmetic care products and their appropriate use in the management and prevention of dermatoses related to DM.MethodThe peer-reviewed literature and empiric findings are covered. Owing to the limited clinical evidence available for the use of dermocosmetics, a review of the routine practices and common therapies in DM-related dermatoses was conducted.ResultsSome DM-related dermatoses (acanthosis nigricans, pigmented purpuric dermatosis) are markers of macrovascular complications. The same disorders and some others (xerosis, Dupuytren’s disease) have been found to be more frequently associated with microangiopathy. Other skin diseases (alopecia areata, vitiligo) were found to be markers of autoimmunity, particularly in type 1 DM. Unsurprisingly, using dermocosmetics and appropriate skin care has shown objective improvements of some DM-related dermatoses, such effects improve the quality of life. The most common skin manifestations of DM fall along continuum between “dry skin,” xerosis, and acquired ichthyosis, occurring predominately on the shins and feet. Dermocosmetic products improve the feeling of well-being for DM patients.

Postpartum skin conditions: managing melasma gravidarum in cosmetic practice

Melasma gravidarum is just one specific dermatoses related to pregnancy or after ingestion of oral contraceptives that is often misunderstood in practice. Given that it affects 75% of women it is highly likely that aesthetic nurses will come into contact with this at some point in their career. This article looks at the treatment options available from topical agents, chemoexfoliation and laser light therapy with an explanation of contraindications and unpredictable results, which can leave the patient and practitioner frustrated. This article clearly identifies the important role aesthetic nurses play in assessing, implementing, managing and evaluating treatment for their patients with melasma gravidarum. Furthermore, it demonstrates that advances in technology are yet to provide the aesthetic industry with an evidence-based cure.

DERMATOSES EM GRÁVIDAS E PUÉRPERAS OBSERVADAS NUM SERVIÇO DE URGÊNCIA – AVALIAÇÃO DE 86 CASOS

Introdução: Além da morbilidade relacionada às lesões cutâneas e prurido, as dermatoses da gravidez causam preocupação psicológica e algumas formas implicam riscos fetais. Objectivo: Avaliação do tipo, frequência e características clínicas das dermatoses nas grávidas e puérperas que recorreram ao Serviço de Urgência. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo das dermatoses nas grávidas e puérperas observadas por Dermatologia no Serviço de Urgência entre Setembro de 2006 e Setembro de 2010. Resultados: O estudo incluiu 79 grávidas e 7 puérperas, com idade mediana de 33 anos. Foram diagnosticadas dermatoses específicas de gravidez em 42 doentes (48,8%). A forma mais comum foi a erupção polimorfa da gravidez (n=16), seguida por eczema da gravidez (n=12), prurigo da gra- videz (n=8), penfigóide gestacional (n=5) e foliculite pruriginosa da gravidez (n=1). Observamos outras dermatoses em 44 doentes (51,2%), incluindo: pitiríase rósea (n=11), infecções e infestações, eczema desidrótico, dermatite de contacto, lúpus eritematoso e pustulose exantemática aguda. Nas dermatoses com apresentação atípica a biópsia ajudou na caracterização da doença. Em 43 casos analisou-se o estado dos recém-nascidos, com registo de parto pré-termo em 3 casos. Discussão: As dermatoses específicas de gravidez têm maior tendência de ocorrer na segunda parte da gravidez, especialmente durante o terceiro trimestre. Nas grávidas com lesões cutâneas exuberantes ou atípicas, o estudo laboratorial e histológico é imprescindível para o diagnóstico específico, permitindo abordagem terapêutica adequada e avaliação dos riscos fetais.PALAVRAS-CHAVE – Doenças da Pele; Prurido; Complicações da Gravidez.

Specific dermatosis of pregnancy

Specific dermatosis of pregnancy

Erythema Elevatum Diutinum in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infected Patient

Erythema elevatum diutinum (EED) is emerging as a specific HIV-associated dermatosis which can be easily misdiagnosed as Kaposi's sarcoma or bacillary angiomatosis. Until now, no case of HIV-associated EED had been reported in Korea. We report a case of EED in a 49-year-old man with HIV infection. The patient was diagnosed with HIVinfection and treated with a combination of anti-retroviral agents and dapsone. Two years after the start of treatment the lesion had regressed.

Vulvar pathology: Selected topics

Skin of the vulva differs from the other sites from the different bacterial and friction features. Dermatologic diseases of vulvar skin and mucosa can be divided in two groups. The first includes dermatoses similar extravulvar sites, and second includes dermatoses affected predominantly vulvar region. Specific dermatoses of vulva are contact dermatitis, seborrhoic dermatitis, lichen planus, lichen sclerosus. Infectios deseases of vulva can be transmited by direct contact. Recognition of typical microscopic findings can helped for dignosis of scabies, herpes virus, molluscum contagiosum diseases of vulva. Human papilloma viruses (HPV) are epithelitrophic viruses and cause premalgnant and malignant transformation of epithelial cells.According criteria like viral associated changes,clinical paramethars, microscopic features there are two pathways in carcinogenesissquamous cell carcinoma HPVrelated pathway associated with Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia/VIN of the classic type, and the non- HPV related with VIN of the differentiated (simlex) type frequently associated with lichen sclerosus and/or vulvar hyperplasia. Invasive squamous carcinoma is the most common carcinoma of vulva. Prognostic factors like stage, extracapsular nodal spread,infiltrative margins, vascular invasion, degree of differentiation, status of adjacent skin, stromal response, p53 overexpression are necessary for report. High tumor grade, capillary lymphatics invasion, biger tumor size and depth invasion deserve imunohistochemical analysis lymph nodes for metastatic cells of carcinoma. Extramammary Pagets desease is rare neoplasm. Paget desease can be primary cutaneus vulvar disease,or associated with noncutaneous carcinoma gastrointenstinal origin or bladder carcinoma. Immunohistochemical analysis is very helpful to determine primary origin.

Lésions cutanées atypiques des membres inférieurs sur insuffisance veineuse chronique : à propos d’un cas de mycosis fongoïde granulomateux

In vascular medicine, venous insufficiency, ocre dermatitis, stasis dermatitis, or lipodermatosclerosis (level C4 in CEAP) may lead to skin lesions involving the lower limbs. Generally, symptoms resolve with etiologic treatment using medical compression, varicosis treatment, or dermocorticoids. However, some skin lesions progress, suggesting another diagnosis, including a specific dermatosis. The diagnosis is based on clinical, biological, radiological and histological criteria. Referral to a dermatologist may be necessary to determine the appropriate etiological treatment.

Specific Pregnancy Dermatoses in 1430 females from Northern India

The specific dermatoses of pregnancy represent a heterogenous group of ill-defined pruritic skin diseases, unique to pregnancy and post partum period. The aim of our study was epidemiological and clinical evaluation of various specific dermatoses of pregnancy. All patients visiting our antenatal clinic were screened for various pruritic skin conditions and those with specific pregnancy dermatoses were identified and evaluated. Out of 1430 patients screened, nearly 5% (70 cases) patients had specific dermatoses of pregnancy. Intra hepatic cholestasis was the commonest specific pregnancy dermatoses. Specific dermatoses of pregnancy can be diagnosed primarily on the basis of clinical features. All of these, except intra hepatic cholestasis, do not have any effect on normal course of pregnancy.

Recent developments in the specific dermatoses of pregnancy

During pregnancy, the mother undergoes changes to sustain and enable normal growth and development of the fetus. Common physiological changes include linea nigra, fibroepithelial polyps, striae, spider angioma, palmar erythema and pruritis gravidarum. However, there are some changes that are purely pathological, and these are termed the pregnancy-specific dermatoses (PSDs). The PSDs occur during pregnancy or in the immediate postpartum period. They do not include the various benign conditions or pre-existing dermatoses and tumours that may present or worsen with pregnancy. They do include a number of distinct and identifiable conditions: atopic eruption of pregnancy (AEP), polymorphic eruption of pregnancy (PEP), intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) and pemphigoid gestationis (PG). These are a heterogeneous group of skin conditions characterized by pruritis and inflammatory changes. In addition, pruritis gravidarum is sometimes considered pathophysiological and thus part of this group, rather than a physiological process. Each of these conditions has a distinct, but not fully understood, pathogenesis. The mechanisms leading to PSD may be a reflection on the hormonal and immunological changes associated with pregnancy. AEP and PEP are benign conditions, and although they can cause distress to the mother, they are otherwise minor. However, ICP and PG are more serious conditions, and both carry the potential for serious risks to both the mother and the fetus. Thus, the pathophysiology of these latter two conditions is considered in more detail in the following article.

Atopic Dermatitis in Pregnancy: Current Status and Challenges

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common pregnancy dermatosis. This evidence-based review article provides an evaluation of AD in gestation. Our literature search revealed 4 epidemiologic studies on AD in pregnancy, and a total of 55 articles that provide the basis for this review. The limitations of epidemiologic studies included herein are critically reviewed. The management of AD in gestation is reviewed with an emphasis on drug safety. Further studies are required to determine whether it is the intrinsic ("nonallergic" or "atopiform dermatitis") and/or extrinsic (IgE-associated) AD that is affected by pregnancy, and to establish the postpartum prognosis of "new atopic dermatitis" (AD presenting for the first time in pregnancy). A revision of the diagnostic criteria will allow a more accurate confirmation of the prevalence of AD, and especially "new atopic dermatitis," in pregnancy as well as differentiation of AD from specific dermatoses of pregnancy, such as prurigo and pruritic folliculitis. Addressing the above issues and unraveling the etiopathogenesis of AD in pregnancy will help clarify a suggested overlap with the above specific dermatoses.

Physiologic changes and dermatoses of pregnancy

Like all organ systems, the skin undergoes significant changes during pregnancy. The majority of physiologic skin conditions related to gestation resolve after childbirth. However, they may cause significant concern or cosmetic distress or be mistaken for one of the specific dermatoses of pregnancy. Dermatoses unique to pregnancy are rare but important to recognize because they may be intensely pruritic or painful to the mother, and they may pose significant risks to the patient, her fetus, or both. Clinicians familiar with the cutaneous manifestations of pregnancy can most effectively treat and counsel patients, guide expectations, and avoid unnecessary diagnostic tests and therapies. This review summarizes physiologic skin changes in the gravid patient and the specific dermatoses of pregnancy.

Polymorphic eruption of pregnancy with palmoplantar involvement that developed after delivery

Polymorphic eruption of pregnancy is the most common specific dermatosis of pregnancy. It usually develops in the third trimester and rapidly resolves in the first weeks postpartum. Intensely pruritic urticarial papules and plaques initially occur on the abdomen and/or proximal thighs, particularly within or adjacent to striae distensae with periumbilical sparing, and usually tend to spread to affect the peripheral limbs, buttocks, chest and back. The face, palmoplantar regions and mucosal surfaces are generally spared. Here, we report a case of polymorphic eruption of pregnancy associated with palmoplantar involvement that developed in the postpartum period.

Dermatoses of Pregnancy - Clues to Diagnosis, Fetal Risk and Therapy

The specific dermatoses of pregnancy represent a heterogeneous group of pruritic skin diseases that have been recently reclassified and include pemphigoid (herpes) gestationis, polymorphic eruption of pregnancy (syn. pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy), intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, and atopic eruption of pregnancy. They are associated with severe pruritus that should never be neglected in pregnancy but always lead to an exact work-up of the patient. Clinical characteristics, in particular timing of onset, morphology and localization of skin lesions are crucial for diagnosis which, in case of pemphigoid gestationis and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, will be confirmed by specific immunofluorescence and laboratory findings. While polymorphic and atopic eruptions of pregnancy are distressing only to the mother because of pruritus, pemphigoid gestationis may be associated with prematurity and small-for-date babies and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy poses an increased risk for fetal distress, prematurity, and stillbirth. Corticosteroids and antihistamines control pemphigoid gestationis, polymorphic and atopic eruptions of pregnancy; intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, in contrast, should be treated with ursodeoxycholic acid. This review will focus on the new classification of pregnancy dermatoses, discuss them in detail, and present a practical algorithm to facilitate the management of the pregnant patient with skin lesions.

Specific dermatoses of pregnancy: advances and controversies

Specific dermatoses of pregnancy include herpes (pemphigoid) gestationis, polymorphic eruption of pregnancy (also known as pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy), prurigo of pregnancy and pruritic folliculitis of pregnancy. This article focuses on what is currently known about the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, etiopathogenesis and management of these disorders. Moreover, it discusses the intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and ‘atopic eruption of pregnancy’, which were recently reclassified as specific dermatoses of pregnancy, as well as debates related to the prevalence and diagnostic criteria of the latter. Finally, it addresses the suggested overlap between ‘atopic eruption of pregnancy’ and specific dermatoses of pregnancy, such as prurigo and pruritic folliculitis.