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Erythema ab igne is a reticulated, erythematous or hyperpigmented dermatosis that results from chronic and repeated exposure to low levels of infrared radiation. Multiple heat sources have been reported to cause this condition, which include heated reclining chairs, heating pads, hot water bottles, car heaters, electric space heaters, and, more recently, laptop computers. Treatment consists of withdrawing the inciting heat source. Although erythema ab igne carries a good prognosis, it is not necessarily a self-limited diagnosis as patients are at long-term risk of developing subsequent cutaneous malignant conditions, which include squamous cell and merkel-cell carcinomas.

A 58-year-old man presented for evaluation and treatment of non-tender, non-pruritic, annular patches on the right temple and frontal aspect of the scalp that reddened with exercise. A biopsy specimen showed a purpuric dermatitis with features of lymphocytic vasculitis; a diagnosis of exercise-induced progressive pigmentary purpura was made. Whereas progressive pigmentary purpura is purported to be caused by exercise, other similar appearing entities are associated with exercise, namely exercise-induced vasculitis (EIV). EIV may be considered as an acute microcirculatory deficiency and thermoregulation decompensation that occurs after episodes of exhaustive major muscular activity or after unusual or excessive exercise. The combination of age greater than 50 years, heat, and prolonged exercise are the most potent contributing factors. This is the first report of exercise-induced progressive pigmentary purpura.

A 59-year-old man presented for evaluation and excision of non-tender, fleshy nodules that were arranged in a dermatomal distribution from the left side of the chest to the left axilla. A biopsy specimen of a nodule was consistent with a neurofibroma. Owing to the lack of other cutaneous findings, the lack of a family history of neurofibromatosis, and the dermatomal distribution of the neurofibromas, this patient met the criteria for a diagnosis of segmental neurofibromatosis (SNF) according to Riccardi's definition of SNF and classification of neurofibromatosis. Because the patient has no complications of neurofibromatosis 1 no medical treatment is required.

The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters

JA Stein was supported by the Irwin I. Lubowe Fellowship in Dermatology

Carcinoid tumors are derived from neuroendocrine cells, and are most frequently found in the gastrointestinal tract and bronchopulmonary system. Cutaneous involvement of carcinoid tumors is relatively rare, with isolated case reports in the literature. We detail a patient with stage IV pulmonary atypical carcinoid tumor with skin metastasis. This case is unusual because the patient did not have any erythema or induration of the scalp, only a complaint of pain. On biopsy, the tumor cells had cytologic features of a carcinoid tumor, but were arranged as infiltrating cords, small aggregates and single units, rather than the organoid or trabecular pattern seen in the primary tumor. Further, along with neuroendocrine markers, the tumor cells had the staining pattern of cytokeratin 7+/cytokeratin 20-/thyroid transcription factor-1+, supporting a carcinoid tumor of lung origin. Thus, this case of skin metastasis from an atypical pulmonary carcinoid tumor illustrates a unique clinical and histologic presentation

A 24-year-old woman presented with hypopigmented papules of the abdomen that had been present for four years without a family history of similar cutaneous findings or associated medical problems. Histopathologic features confirmed the diagnosis of a connective-tissue nevus that was composed of collagen. Eruptive collagenomas are a rare form of acquired collagenomas, which are characterized by the sudden appearance of asymptomatic papules and nodules on the lower trunk and extremities; the lesions are composed of haphazardly arranged collagen fibers. The pathogenesis is unknown, lesions are persistent, and therapeutic options have not been reported

We describe a 73-year-old woman with a long-standing history of annular, hyperkeratotic papules that began on the palms and soles and gradually spread to her trunk, extremities, and face. The clinical presentation and biopsy findings were consistent with PPPD, which is a rare subtype of porokeratosis that begins on the palms and soles and gradually spreads to the trunk and extremities. Owing to the risk of malignant degeneration in porokeratosis, patients should be closely monitored with total body skin examinations. There is no definitive treatment for PPPD. Oral retinoids are sometimes helpful although relapses are common after discontinuation of therapy

Pemphigoid gestationis is a rare autoimmune blistering disease of pregnancy. It is characterized by pruritic, urticarial plaques with the development of tense vesicles and bullae within the lesions. Pemphigoid gestationis has been associated with premature delivery, small-for-gestational-age infants. Recurrences with subsequent pregnancies are often more severe. Oral glucocorticoids are the mainstay of therapy. Differentiation of pemphigoid gestationis from pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy is essential because management and outcomes differ. In instances in which clinical diagnosis is difficult, direct immunofluorescence tests, immunoblots, or ELISA studies of anti-basement-membrane zone antibodies are useful in establishing the diagnosis