Anti histamines for urticaria pigmentosa

Mastocytosis is a rare disorder characterized by abnormal accumulations of mast cells in skin, bone marrow, and internal organs such as the liver, spleen and lymph nodes. The most common form of the cutaneous mastocytosis is urticaria pigmentosa characterised by the development of multiple brown macules which urticate on rubbing or scratching(Darier sign). Which antihistamines are most effective to control the symptoms of urticaria pigmentosa. Do the mast cell stabilisers have a role? View images

Topicals for oral lichen planus

Oral lichen planus(OLP) affects approximately 1% to 4% of the population and is seen most commonly in older women. Of the 3 basic clinical morphologies of the disease (reticular, erythematous, and erosive), the last form tends to be more symptomatic and prompts patients to seek treatment. Malignant transformation to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is seen in 0.4% to 5% of patients with OLP, particularly those with erosive and erythematous disease. What is your experience with different topicals available to treat oral lichen planus? View images

PubMed eMedicine Dermatology Online Journal on Oral Lichen Planus

Xanthelasma workup

Xanthelasma or xanthoma palpebrarum are yellow plaques that are usually located on the medial side of the upper eyelids. One half of these lesions have been found to be associated with elevated plasma lipid levels. Histopathological examination shows xanthelasma to be composed of xanthoma cells which are foamy histiocytes laden with intracellular fat deposits of cholesterol primarily within the upper reticular dermis. What lab investigations are advised to further evaluate such cases? View images

PubMed eMedicine Dermatology Online Journal on Xanthelasma

Treatment options for actinic keratoses

Actinic keratoses are usually found on the sun-exposed areas of the face, the ears, the forearms, and the dorsum of the hands in adults with history of chronic sun exposure. There is often a background of solar-damaged skin with telangiectasias, elastosis, and pigmented lentigines. What are the treatment options for actinic keratoses? View Images

Reddish brown plaques

This patient with a prolonged history of generalised erythema and photosensitivity complaining of a burning sensation over the exposed areas on sun exposure, developed an asymptomatic generalized eruption comprised of widely disseminated reddish brown infiltrated papulonodules and plaques. Serum protein analysis revealed a raised level of gamma globulins. Histopathology of the biopsy specimen revealed dense dermal infiltration by foamy histiocytes, lymphocytes and plasma cells. What would be the differential diagnosis? View Images

PubMed eMedicine Dermatology Online Journal on Lepromatous leprosy