Cutis
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Acne vulgaris is one of the most common disorders encountered by dermatologists in the clinical setting. Although it is well recognized that the back and chest may be affected in many patients, little data exist regarding the prevalence, grading, and treatment of truncal acne vulgaris. Results of clinical studies suggest that as with facial acne vulgaris, combination therapy is optimal. This article discusses clinical challenges related to the management of truncal acne vulgaris, a system for rating disease severity, and recommendations regarding the use of topical and systemic therapies.
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We report a case of superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) caused by squamous cell lung carcinoma in a 49-year-old man. He presented with severe edema of the face and upper half of the body with numerous dilated and tortuous cutaneous veins. ⋯ After balloon angioplasty of the left subclavian vein to the SVC, dermatologic findings markedly disappeared. Bronchoscopy and biopsy results revealed underlying squamous cell lung carcinoma.
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Folliculitis is a common complaint and its etiology may be related to a variety of factors. We examine a case involving a 57-year-old white man presenting with scalp erythema and folliculitis secondary to Demodex mite infestation. We discuss the pathophysiology of Demodex folliculitis, as well as the epidemiology, clinical manifestation, diagnosis, and treatment of this infection.
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Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is a disorder caused by deficient activity of a liver enzyme that leads to the accumulation of photoactive metabolites in the skin. The initial clinical presentation commonly includes mechanical fragility of the skin and blisters in sun-exposed areas. ⋯ Although these unique skin changes have been reported in the literature, information regarding nonhealing ulcers of extraordinary size is lacking. We report a unique cutaneous manifestation of PCT that is not well documented: unusually large, nonhealing ulcers in the setting of sclerodermatous skin changes and scarring alopecia.