Faculty Bibliography

27-year-old woman presented with multiple growths on her face and upper body, which she has had for several years. She also reported that her mother and maternal grandmother have similar lesions and that her mother has been diagnosed with Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome. Histopathologic features of one papule demonstrated basaloid cells emanating from a dilated follicular infundibula surrounded by a well-circumscribed fibromucinous stroma. Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome is an autosomal-dominant-inherited condition characterized by fibrofolliculomas, trichodiscomas, and acrochordons. It is associated with renal tumors, spontaneous pneumothoraces, and possibly intestinal polyps. Treatment includes evaluation for associated renal, lung, and intestinal findings as well as cosmetic removal of skin lesions

A 51-year-old woman presented with weakness in her arms and legs and an eruption on the dorsal aspects of the hands, upper back, and face. Histopathologic features showed vacuolar alteration of the basal layer, a thick basement membrane, and deposits of connective-tissue mucin in the papillary dermis and the upper reticular dermis. Dermatomyositis is an idiopathic disease that is characterized by specific cutaneous manifestations and myopathy, which may be associated with occult malignancy. Treatment options include corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive agents such as methotrexate, cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil, and azathioprine

Berloque dermatitis is a type of photocontact dermatitis. It occurs after perfumed products containing bergamot (or a psoralen) are applied to the skin followed by exposure to sunlight. Striking linear patterns of hyperpigmentation are characteristic, corresponding to local application of the scented product. In the acute phase, erythema and even blistering can be seen. We report a case of berloque dermatitis in a 9-year-old girl that was initially reported as child abuse. To our knowledge, this is the first report of berloque dermatitis mimicking child abuse. Questioning to elicit a history of perfume application coupled with sunlight exposure should help to prevent this misdiagnosis in children

Cantharidin, a vesicant produced by beetles in the order Coleoptera, has a long history in both folk and traditional medicine. In dermatology, topical cantharidin has long been used to treat warts and molluscum. In 1962, cantharidin lost Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval owing to the failure of its manufacturers to submit data attesting to cantharidin's efficacy. However, it is expected that the FDA will soon include cantharidin on its 'Bulk Substances List,' which would permit physicians or pharmacists to compound cantharidin to be used in the office for individual patients. A comprehensive discussion of the origins, folk uses, current FDA status, current dermatologic uses, and effects of cantharidin poisoning has been compiled herein. No cases of systemic intoxication or scarring have been reported with the proper use of cantharidin by a physician. Cantharidin is a safe and valuable medication and should be readded to the dermatologic therapeutic armamentarium