Cutis
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Although rosacea is one of the most common conditions treated by dermatologists, it also is one of the most misunderstood. It is a chronic disorder affecting the central parts of the face and is characterized by frequent flushing; persistent erythema (ie, lasting for at least 3 months); telangiectasia; and interspersed episodes of inflammation with swelling, papules, and pustules. Understanding the clinical variants and disease course of rosacea is important to differentiate this entity from other conditions that can mimic rosacea. Herein we present several mimickers of rosacea that physicians should consider when diagnosing this condition.
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Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is an acute sterile pustular eruption most commonly induced by medications. We present a case of AGEP with erythroderma following use of midodrine in a 58-year-old man. Although antibiotics are most commonly implicated in AGEP, we emphasize that nonantibiotic agents also may cause AGEP, which often manifests after a longer time interval compared to antibiotic-associated AGEP.
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Psoriasis is a chronic debilitating disease in which dermatologists take a frontline role in improving the quality of life of affected patients. Although recent years have seen the advent of numerous new medications for the treatment of psoriasis, there still is considerable room for improvement in our treatment of this condition. ⋯ The upcoming systemic agents for the treatment of psoriasis are presented in this article, encompassing novel biologics and small-molecule medicines (eg, IL-17 receptor blockers, Janus kinase [Jak] inhibitors). The underlying mechanisms and currently available data for each drug will be discussed to impart a working knowledge of these new treatment options to dermatology residents, as these drugs may soon be added to our armamentarium for treating psoriasis.
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Review Case Reports
Dermatologic complications from levamisole-contaminated cocaine: a case report and review of the literature.
Levamisole is a veterinary anthelmintic drug with immunomodulatory properties in humans. It has become increasingly common as a contaminant in cocaine and is now detected in the majority of cocaine seized in the United States. ⋯ We report the case of a 54-year-old man who presented with the clinical findings of levamisole-contaminated cocaine use and review the literature regarding cutaneous reactions associated with levamisole. Our case highlights this important public health issue and represents a clinical course that is unusually severe.