International journal of dermatology
-
Historical Article
Origin of the Zika virus revealed: a historical journey across the world.
Zika virus (ZIKV) is an arbovirus within the Flaviviridae family, the recent spread of which has promoted public concern. ⋯ Although there was no evidence of the circulation of ZIKV in the Western hemisphere prior to 2014, the global spread of Stegomyia aegypti and increases in urban populations and international travel have fostered its evolution. Adherence to current guidelines for the prevention of ZIKV transmission is especially relevant in regions experiencing ongoing outbreaks. Concern for microcephaly in newborns warrants further investigation into the potential long-term effects of ZIKV infection, especially in relation to reproductive health and mother-fetus transmission.
-
Observational Study
Observational retrospective study evaluating the effects of oral isotretinoin in keloids and hypertrophic scars.
Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by non-inflammatory and inflammatory lesions that can cause scarring. Oral isotretinoin is the current recommended treatment for moderate and severe cases; however, there are reports of possible influences on the healing process of the skin, leading to an increase in the risk for hypertrophic scars and keloids. This hypothesis, although unproven, represents a contraindication to the treatment of acne scars during the 6-12 months after the cessation of isotretinoin. ⋯ These findings may indicate that the occurrence of hypertrophic scars or keloids in patients using oral isotretinoin is an undesirable event arising from an individual response and may be related to inflammatory acne evolution.
-
A conventional skin punch biopsy instrument has a circular hollow blade, which can be used to make a full circular incision to evacuate subcutaneous abnormalities such as lipomas. Here, we present a modified punch instrument, in which the cutting element has a C-shape to form a pivotal skin fragment (miniflap) to access subcutaneous tissues. ⋯ The C-punch incision gives access to subcutaneous abnormalities, while keeping a connecting neck to the surrounding skin, which allows for efficient resealing of the skin surface. Therefore, there is less potential for subsequent scarring.