In a prospective study in Acta-Dermato-Venereologica, more than 1,000 patients with plantar warts were treated with either local hyperthermia at 44 degrees Celsius or cryotherapy. At the three-month follow-up, complete response was achieved in 50.9% of the hyperthermia group and 54.3% of the cryotherapy group. The recurrence rate at six months was 0.8% in the hyperthermia group and 12% in the cryotherapy group. Pain scores were significantly lower for local hyperthermia than for the cryotherapy group. The authors concluded that while the two treatments have comparable efficacy, local hyperthermia may offer reduced pain and lower rates of recurrence.
Remedies for warts abound, but high-quality studies are lacking. Read more inDermWorld.
DermWorld Insights and Inquiries: Eruptive pseudoangiomatosis is real
The term “pseudo” (defined as false, fake, or unreal) is used liberally in dermatology, much to the chagrin of students of the discipline and non-dermatologists. There are dozens of examples (pseudofolliculitis barbae, pseudo-Kaposi sarcoma, pseudolymphoma, etc. — how many can you think of?) that require knowledge of the original condition before affixing the prefix. The diagnostic appellation, because of its similarity to the comparative disorder, may imply falsity to the patient; however, their condition is very real, no matter what it mimics. This commentary focuses on the rare, but increasingly reported, eruptive pseudoangiomatosis (EP).
In 1969, Cherry et al described “acute hemangioma-like lesions” in four children aged eight to 11 months; ECHO 25 virus was isolated in two patients and ECHO 32 was recovered from the other two. “The hemangioma-like lesions in all four children were similar in appearance and in their sparseness of distribution. The basic lesion was a small erythematous papule with a central pinpoint vascular supply. Pressure on this central vessel caused blanching of the whole papule. Surrounding the papule was a halo which was relatively avascular when compared with the uninvolved skin.” The authors hypothesized that these lesions could be due to a direct viral effect or “they could be a secondary occurrence following an antigen union at the vascular site.” Keep reading!
Intralesional methotrexate vs. triamcinolone acetonide for nail matrix psoriasis
A study published in Clinical and Experimental Dermatology compared the treatment and maintenance response in 12 patients with biopsy-proven nail matrix psoriasis. They underwent intralesional injections of methotrexate 25 mg/mL or triamcinolone acetonide (TA) 10 mg/mL every six weeks for 24 weeks. The results showed an improvement of the nail psoriasis in all patients at the end of four sessions. At the six-month follow up, the results were maintained for the methotrexate group but not for the TA group. While both treatment options appear to be effective for nail matrix psoriasis, patients treated with methotrexate experienced fewer adverse events and more stability at follow-up.
According to a recent Medscape physician compensation report, more than two dozen specialties experienced an increase in income in 2021. Still, 21% of physicians saw their income decline from the previous year, which was largely attributed to factors related to the pandemic.
Pay increases by specialty ranged from 13% for otolaryngology to 1% for critical care, with dermatology compensation up by 11%. Since 2015, physician compensation has increased by 29% overall — 33% for primary care physicians and 30% for specialists. While compensation has increased, the gender and racial and ethnic gaps persist. Notably, dermatologists top the list as being satisfied with their choice of specialty. Of the dermatologists surveyed, 99% reported that they would choose dermatology again.
Looking to make a little extra cash? Find out what physicians can do in addition to clinical services in DermWorld.
During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, gonorrhea and syphilis cases reached record highs, according to data published by the CDC. Last month, Congress slashed funding to sexual health clinics that provide free or low-cost testing for sexually transmitted diseases (STD), education, and contraception, Politicoreported.
Gonorrhea cases increased 10% in 2020, syphilis infections rose 7%, and congenital syphilis increased 15% from 2019 and 254% from 2016. Preliminary data from the CDC indicate that the situation worsened in 2021, with higher rates of syphilis and congenital syphilis than in 2020. In addition, the report found that 53% of all reported STD cases were among people between the ages of 15 and 24.
After a resurgence of syphilis, dermatologists find themselves as syphilologists once again. Read more in DermWorld.
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