Dermatology News

Eczema in childhood or adulthood generally was not associated with short stature; however, a small percentage of children between the ages of 10 and 11 with eczema and insufficient sleep experienced a negative effect on growth, according to study results.

A 17-year-old male presented to pediatric dermatology for scaly pink plaques on the right hand and both feet. The plaques have been present for 2 years. The patient reports that the rash is pruritic, particularly after he exercises. His brother has a similar rash on his feet only. They do not have any pets. Prior treatment of the rash has included over-the-counter terbinafine cream (Lamisil, Novartis Consumer Health) and topical corticosteroids without improvement. The patient is otherwise healthy without a known history of eczema or dry skin. He denies joint pains and a family history of psoriasis. He is right-handed.

A 14 ½ -year-old female is referred to the infectious diseases clinic by her dermatologist for evaluation of a positive purified protein derivative skin test.

An 18-year-old male presents to pediatric dermatology with curvilinear scars on the legs. He reports having had several small, round areas of redness and scale on his right thigh about 6 months ago. The patient believed this to be a ringworm infection. As he and his family travel frequently to Mexico, he purchased — without a prescription — a medicated lotion called “Derma-Med,” touted for its antifungal properties. The patient applied the lotion twice a day to his legs for about 5 months and notes that “it did not do anything but make the itch better.” Additionally, he developed “scars all over his legs a few weeks ago.” He and his family are convinced these scars are the result of a recent cold he had. Of note, the patient had his last major growth spurt about 2 years ago. He is proud of having never done “anything athletic,” and he enjoys playing video games all day.

Sublingual immunotherapy with a standardized house dust mite extract was more effective in treating children with atopic dermatitis and house dust mite sensitization compared with standard treatment, according to recent study results.

Emollient therapy from birth was an effective method of preventing atopic dermatitis in infants, according to recent study results.

Vitamin D supplementation was effective in treating winter-related atopic dermatitis in Mongolian children who were at high risk for vitamin D deficiency when compared with placebo in a recent study.

A 15-year-old boy presents to your office with “swelling” of multiple fingers. He first noticed enlargement of some fingers approximately 1 year before his appointment. He denies pain or functional limitation. He has seen three other doctors to discuss the changes on his hands. His hobbies include practicing martial arts, which includes sessions with a punching bag; he denies playing an instrument or doing any manual labor.

Water-damaged homes were significantly associated with children with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, according to recent study results.

Pediatric dermatology curriculums for primary care providers should encompass information on the diagnosis and treatment of common conditions, as well as on evaluation and proper referral of rare and serious diseases, according to study findings.